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Baker
While battling to save his family’s ranch, Baker finds himself falling for a man as unrestrained as the Oklahoma winds.
For as long as he can recall, Baker Bastian has been the backbone of Bastian Acres Ranch. He’s carried a heavy load, trying his best to keep his family legacy from being swallowed up by corporate farming while battling a fondness for the bottle, a messy divorce, and a grandmother who’s set on becoming the next Annie Oakley if she could just get a gun that shoots straight. It’s not been an easy road. Now, with his worthless philandering father’s death, the deed to the ranch is to be split four ways with three half-brothers he never wanted to get to know better.
As the ranch is tossed into chaos, Baker is driven to open the gates to strangers, and not just his brothers and their traveling companions. In order to turn a buck, the once proud owner of prime cattle is reduced to calling his farming legacy a guest ranch. The first client to show up is Hanley Welsh, a world-renowned wildlife photographer. Baker should be too busy to notice how rugged Hanley is, or how his eyes crinkle with his easy smile, or how well his jeans fit, but notice he does. Will Baker’s lonely existence end with the arrival of a man who carries the song of the indigo bunting in his heart?
Baker (Bastian Brothers #1) is a first in series grumpy/sunshine M/M contemporary western gay romance with a lonesome cowboy, a globetrotting wildlife photographer, unwanted family arrivals, a not-so-straight shooting octogenarian, and a picture-perfect happy ending.
Content This story has references to past substance abuse.
For as long as he can recall, Baker Bastian has been the backbone of Bastian Acres Ranch. He’s carried a heavy load, trying his best to keep his family legacy from being swallowed up by corporate farming while battling a fondness for the bottle, a messy divorce, and a grandmother who’s set on becoming the next Annie Oakley if she could just get a gun that shoots straight. It’s not been an easy road. Now, with his worthless philandering father’s death, the deed to the ranch is to be split four ways with three half-brothers he never wanted to get to know better.
As the ranch is tossed into chaos, Baker is driven to open the gates to strangers, and not just his brothers and their traveling companions. In order to turn a buck, the once proud owner of prime cattle is reduced to calling his farming legacy a guest ranch. The first client to show up is Hanley Welsh, a world-renowned wildlife photographer. Baker should be too busy to notice how rugged Hanley is, or how his eyes crinkle with his easy smile, or how well his jeans fit, but notice he does. Will Baker’s lonely existence end with the arrival of a man who carries the song of the indigo bunting in his heart?
Baker (Bastian Brothers #1) is a first in series grumpy/sunshine M/M contemporary western gay romance with a lonesome cowboy, a globetrotting wildlife photographer, unwanted family arrivals, a not-so-straight shooting octogenarian, and a picture-perfect happy ending.
Content This story has references to past substance abuse.
221 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 30, 2025
62 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
About the author
V.L. Locey
211 books727 followersV.L. Locey loves worn jeans, Dr. Who, Torchwood, belly laughs, yoga, reading and writing lusty tales, walking, Greek mythology, the New York Rangers, comic books, and coffee. (Not necessarily in that order.)
She shares her life with her husband, her daughter, one dog, two cats, and a flock of assorted domestic fowl.
When not writing lusty tales, she can be found enjoying her day with her menagerie in the rolling hills of Pennsylvania, fresh cup of java in hand.
Sign up for my newsletter here: http://vllocey.com/Newsletter
She shares her life with her husband, her daughter, one dog, two cats, and a flock of assorted domestic fowl.
When not writing lusty tales, she can be found enjoying her day with her menagerie in the rolling hills of Pennsylvania, fresh cup of java in hand.
Sign up for my newsletter here: http://vllocey.com/Newsletter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
July 18, 2025
I had so much fun reading this and I'm pretty sure it's the first book I've read that's set in Oklahoma.
I loved how Baker suddenly has his three brothers in his life and he's trying to figure out what the hell happened to his quiet and peaceful solitude 😂
Hanley was interesting, but we don't really get much of him as the book is all Baker's POV. I did like them together though, and even though their relationship developed quickly, it felt like a natural progression and they fit really well.
The brothers and Bella are all such intriguing characters and I can't wait to get their stories.
The small town ranch setting is always one of my favourite things to read too, and I'm curious to see how things develop with the family now that they're in this rural environment.
*****
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review
I loved how Baker suddenly has his three brothers in his life and he's trying to figure out what the hell happened to his quiet and peaceful solitude 😂
Hanley was interesting, but we don't really get much of him as the book is all Baker's POV. I did like them together though, and even though their relationship developed quickly, it felt like a natural progression and they fit really well.
The brothers and Bella are all such intriguing characters and I can't wait to get their stories.
The small town ranch setting is always one of my favourite things to read too, and I'm curious to see how things develop with the family now that they're in this rural environment.
*****
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review
August 2, 2025
So much leading into future books, so little focus on the main pairing for this novel. At one point I wondered who the author was, the plotting seemed so thin— and I was quite surprised to see it was V.L.Locey! Guess she does better with co-authors??? Definitely won’t be reading any of the future (3+ ) books in this series!
August 18, 2025
DNF @ 87%
I'm not sure I'd catgorize this novel as a romance considering how little actual screentime Hanley got in comparison to Baker and his family. Honestly, the romance felt more like a subplot to Baker and his family rebuilding the ranch. Shit, I felt like Bella being trans got about as much scene time (if not more) as Baker and Hanley getting to know each other.
The individual Bastian brothers + Bella got decent enough characterization to make them semi distinct from each other (though I did still get a bit mixed up considering there were 3 male characters at various scenes).
I wasn't a big fan of all the setups for future books. I get dropping small hints about Dodge/Ollie, Ford/Aiden, and Linc/Bella but my god, save it for an epilogue. Baker/Hanely already barely got any non-sex scenes together, so the author spending so much time talking about romance not between the two MCs of this book was insane.
I DNFed at 87% when Baker and Hanley confessed their feelings for one another when there had been next to zero actual romance between them. Lust and sex =/= feelings or affection in my book, and the three conversations they had hardly constituted enough romantic material for how far in the book it was.
TL;DR: Hardly any romance here because the author seems to want to use this book as a setup for the next ones. I wanted to read a romance, not an extended prologue and setups for a series.
I'm not sure I'd catgorize this novel as a romance considering how little actual screentime Hanley got in comparison to Baker and his family. Honestly, the romance felt more like a subplot to Baker and his family rebuilding the ranch. Shit, I felt like Bella being trans got about as much scene time (if not more) as Baker and Hanley getting to know each other.
The individual Bastian brothers + Bella got decent enough characterization to make them semi distinct from each other (though I did still get a bit mixed up considering there were 3 male characters at various scenes).
I wasn't a big fan of all the setups for future books. I get dropping small hints about Dodge/Ollie, Ford/Aiden, and Linc/Bella but my god, save it for an epilogue. Baker/Hanely already barely got any non-sex scenes together, so the author spending so much time talking about romance not between the two MCs of this book was insane.
I DNFed at 87% when Baker and Hanley confessed their feelings for one another when there had been next to zero actual romance between them. Lust and sex =/= feelings or affection in my book, and the three conversations they had hardly constituted enough romantic material for how far in the book it was.
TL;DR: Hardly any romance here because the author seems to want to use this book as a setup for the next ones. I wanted to read a romance, not an extended prologue and setups for a series.
July 23, 2025
I don't know why I wasn't feeling the blurb, but the book thankfully proved to be as good as what VL usually delivers. The book follows Baker, who gets his three half-brothers landing in his farm after their father dies and leaves them all a fourth of the property, aho have joined him in the mission of trying to bring the farm back to the glory it used to have back in his great grandfather's day, and the economic green.
To round up the crew we have Granny, Bella (the transfemme friend of one of the brothers who also came to the ranch), and Harker, a photographer who shows up and makes Baker feel all the feelings he doesn't feel he has time and energy for. And he has baggage of his own to deal with along with a finite photography contract. I was very into it, there's always something happening but not in a way that feels overwhelming or too much. I enjoyed it
To round up the crew we have Granny, Bella (the transfemme friend of one of the brothers who also came to the ranch), and Harker, a photographer who shows up and makes Baker feel all the feelings he doesn't feel he has time and energy for. And he has baggage of his own to deal with along with a finite photography contract. I was very into it, there's always something happening but not in a way that feels overwhelming or too much. I enjoyed it
August 17, 2025
Baker and Hanley…
Baker and Granny have been working together on the cattle farm, but after reading the will, he has half-brothers and more moving in at the farm, what’s next!
Hanley is a photographer who wants to get shots of the farm and local animals.
Baker and Hanley hit it off, so we get their very hot sexcapades and see that their hearts are involved.
The new farm hands are learning and work is getting done, but then the tornado had other ideas.
We wind up with a son, a pretty man named Bella, a photographer away in Canada, and the unique folks that live on the cattle/goat farm, all making it their home.
This tale is fun and meaningful, with more stories for us to read coming.
ENJOY !
======
Baker and Granny have been working together on the cattle farm, but after reading the will, he has half-brothers and more moving in at the farm, what’s next!
Hanley is a photographer who wants to get shots of the farm and local animals.
Baker and Hanley hit it off, so we get their very hot sexcapades and see that their hearts are involved.
The new farm hands are learning and work is getting done, but then the tornado had other ideas.
We wind up with a son, a pretty man named Bella, a photographer away in Canada, and the unique folks that live on the cattle/goat farm, all making it their home.
This tale is fun and meaningful, with more stories for us to read coming.
ENJOY !
======
July 26, 2025
Baker by V.L. Locey is book 1 in the Bastian Brothers series. I really enjoy Locey’s writing and the set-up to this series was great. I loved all the four Bastian brothers (and of course Bella and Granny). Baker is such a grumpy soul that he is balanced nicely by Hanley. The romance almost felt secondary to the series set-up. I’m not upset by that, but I do wish that we would have seen a little more of them together (or at least an epilogue). I’m not sure which brother’s story I’m looking forward to the most because they all intrigue me. I can’t wait for Dodge’s story!
I received an ARC from GRR for my honest review
I received an ARC from GRR for my honest review
July 30, 2025
Baker
By: V.L. Locey
Love! Love! Love!
Oh I knew after reading the authors blurb I was going all in with this series and I was so right. One down 3 brothers on the horizon. While this book definitely has a fast passed love story between Baker and Henley the book is heavily based on found family and perseverance to make something thrive against the odds. Throw in a bubbly flamboyant tag along friend and a no nonsense slightly crazy grandma and a bunch of personality driven farm animals and you get a great story. The authors writing is flawless and the words are so captivating, the plot had so many twists and turns and none that I was expecting, and many shockingly intimate I have become a huge fan of this author. The author writes with so much intensity and emotion pulled from each book it’s felt page after page. Some are quick witted story lines are so perfect and lets you believe you have a front row seat. So being able to read this love story didn’t disappoint. The authors ability to have two separate individuals struggling in their everyday life and try to navigate someone else’s thoughts, needs and desires was intense and gives all the fills.
Authors blurb: While battling to save his family’s ranch, Baker finds himself falling for a man as unrestrained as the Oklahoma winds.
For as long as he can recall, Baker Bastian has been the backbone of Bastian Acres Ranch. He’s carried a heavy load, trying his best to keep his family legacy from being swallowed up by corporate farming while battling a fondness for the bottle, a messy divorce, and a grandmother who’s set on becoming the next Annie Oakley if she could just get a gun that shoots straight. It’s not been an easy road. Now, with his worthless philandering father’s death, the deed to the ranch is to be split four ways with three half-brothers he never wanted to get to know better.
As the ranch is tossed into chaos, Baker is driven to open the gates to strangers, and not just his brothers and their traveling companions. In order to turn a buck, the once proud owner of prime cattle is reduced to calling his farming legacy a guest ranch. The first client to show up is Hanley Welsh, a world-renowned wildlife photographer. Baker should be too busy to notice how rugged Hanley is, or how his eyes crinkle with his easy smile, or how well his jeans fit, but notice he does. Will Baker’s lonely existence end with the arrival of a man who carries the song of the indigo bunting in his heart?
This book has everything I love in a book. Then you add that it's beautifully written and believable. It is easily a five star read. Written in dual POV this story flows so incredibly well that the next thing you know you’re 80% into the book and loving every second of it. The believable way the characters interact is perfect. Run, Hop, Jump or use your (1 click) finger to do whatever you have to do and get this amazing book. It'll break your heart, you'll want to scream with frustration and it'll let you discover that love just might conquer all. The chemistry is steamy and sweet and oh so romantic.
By: V.L. Locey
Love! Love! Love!
Oh I knew after reading the authors blurb I was going all in with this series and I was so right. One down 3 brothers on the horizon. While this book definitely has a fast passed love story between Baker and Henley the book is heavily based on found family and perseverance to make something thrive against the odds. Throw in a bubbly flamboyant tag along friend and a no nonsense slightly crazy grandma and a bunch of personality driven farm animals and you get a great story. The authors writing is flawless and the words are so captivating, the plot had so many twists and turns and none that I was expecting, and many shockingly intimate I have become a huge fan of this author. The author writes with so much intensity and emotion pulled from each book it’s felt page after page. Some are quick witted story lines are so perfect and lets you believe you have a front row seat. So being able to read this love story didn’t disappoint. The authors ability to have two separate individuals struggling in their everyday life and try to navigate someone else’s thoughts, needs and desires was intense and gives all the fills.
Authors blurb: While battling to save his family’s ranch, Baker finds himself falling for a man as unrestrained as the Oklahoma winds.
For as long as he can recall, Baker Bastian has been the backbone of Bastian Acres Ranch. He’s carried a heavy load, trying his best to keep his family legacy from being swallowed up by corporate farming while battling a fondness for the bottle, a messy divorce, and a grandmother who’s set on becoming the next Annie Oakley if she could just get a gun that shoots straight. It’s not been an easy road. Now, with his worthless philandering father’s death, the deed to the ranch is to be split four ways with three half-brothers he never wanted to get to know better.
As the ranch is tossed into chaos, Baker is driven to open the gates to strangers, and not just his brothers and their traveling companions. In order to turn a buck, the once proud owner of prime cattle is reduced to calling his farming legacy a guest ranch. The first client to show up is Hanley Welsh, a world-renowned wildlife photographer. Baker should be too busy to notice how rugged Hanley is, or how his eyes crinkle with his easy smile, or how well his jeans fit, but notice he does. Will Baker’s lonely existence end with the arrival of a man who carries the song of the indigo bunting in his heart?
This book has everything I love in a book. Then you add that it's beautifully written and believable. It is easily a five star read. Written in dual POV this story flows so incredibly well that the next thing you know you’re 80% into the book and loving every second of it. The believable way the characters interact is perfect. Run, Hop, Jump or use your (1 click) finger to do whatever you have to do and get this amazing book. It'll break your heart, you'll want to scream with frustration and it'll let you discover that love just might conquer all. The chemistry is steamy and sweet and oh so romantic.
August 25, 2025
Funny, Uplifting and Heartwarming
What a fun read in a setting that Vicki excels at, small town, struggling ranch, and a whole host of engaging characters. This story is funny, heartwarming and told from Baker’s POV so hugely cynical.
When Baker’s father dies he isn’t much bothered. His father disappeared when Baker was a young boy, leaving him with his depressed mother and a kick a*s granny who thinks she’s Annie Oakley. By the age of ten it was just him and his granny, struggling to keep the family ranch afloat. He didn’t expect much from his father but what he got shattered his isolation and routine. After alcohol addiction and a failed marriage Baker doesn’t do people or socialising so when three brothers he didn’t know about turn up to bury the old man he doesn’t know how to cope in a noisy house full to bursting but granny is in her element and Baker knows better than to upset her. Ford, the youngest brother from NY brings his best friend with him, a beautiful little femme man called Belle, who loves to design and make dresses and she bonds with granny over her sewing machine and sewing room.
Poor cynical Baker tries his hardest to dislike his half brothers knowing he has to accept their invasion into his life as their absent father left the ranch to all four of them. Baker has been alone for so long he finds it very difficult to let go and accept help but on the plus side, two of his brothers bring an injection of cash to the ranch enabling Baker to bring cattle back to the ranch.
Baker’s internal monologues are amusing and I found myself devouring this book with a smile on my face. It’s not all about his new found noisy family though. When a wildlife photographer asks Baker for permission to camp on his land there is instant chemistry and they embark on no strings fun s*x in a tent but of course feelings get involved and Hanley is just what Baker needs to calm his overactive brain and the chaos in his life.
It’s a sweet and steamy romance with a lot of funny and touching moments and I was rooting for Baker to find his HEA.
The brothers and Bella are all such intriguing and entertaining characters as are the Sheriff and the Vet and I can't wait to read their stories.
Well done Vicki, very entertaining and I definitely recommend this book.
What a fun read in a setting that Vicki excels at, small town, struggling ranch, and a whole host of engaging characters. This story is funny, heartwarming and told from Baker’s POV so hugely cynical.
When Baker’s father dies he isn’t much bothered. His father disappeared when Baker was a young boy, leaving him with his depressed mother and a kick a*s granny who thinks she’s Annie Oakley. By the age of ten it was just him and his granny, struggling to keep the family ranch afloat. He didn’t expect much from his father but what he got shattered his isolation and routine. After alcohol addiction and a failed marriage Baker doesn’t do people or socialising so when three brothers he didn’t know about turn up to bury the old man he doesn’t know how to cope in a noisy house full to bursting but granny is in her element and Baker knows better than to upset her. Ford, the youngest brother from NY brings his best friend with him, a beautiful little femme man called Belle, who loves to design and make dresses and she bonds with granny over her sewing machine and sewing room.
Poor cynical Baker tries his hardest to dislike his half brothers knowing he has to accept their invasion into his life as their absent father left the ranch to all four of them. Baker has been alone for so long he finds it very difficult to let go and accept help but on the plus side, two of his brothers bring an injection of cash to the ranch enabling Baker to bring cattle back to the ranch.
Baker’s internal monologues are amusing and I found myself devouring this book with a smile on my face. It’s not all about his new found noisy family though. When a wildlife photographer asks Baker for permission to camp on his land there is instant chemistry and they embark on no strings fun s*x in a tent but of course feelings get involved and Hanley is just what Baker needs to calm his overactive brain and the chaos in his life.
It’s a sweet and steamy romance with a lot of funny and touching moments and I was rooting for Baker to find his HEA.
The brothers and Bella are all such intriguing and entertaining characters as are the Sheriff and the Vet and I can't wait to read their stories.
Well done Vicki, very entertaining and I definitely recommend this book.
July 27, 2025
Closer to 3.5 stars
Baker has had a rough life. Being abandoned by his father at a young age, having a mother with mental health issues that led to him being raised by his Granny (an amazing character), struggling with addiction before getting the help he needed, a failed marriage, struggling with the family ranch and it's failing finances while doing nearly all of it by himself, and finally, finding out he has three half brothers and that they will all inherit equal shares in the family ranch - the one only he and Granny spent decades running and trying to save. Yikes! It's no wonder he tends to be grumpy.
This book gives a little glimpse into the lives of the three brothers and the one brothers friend Bella (another amazing character) while they all try to get to know one another and work together to fix the ranch.
On the day Baker's life is being hugely changed, he meets Hanley, a wildlife photographer, and the man who will create even more changes. They have an instant attraction that leads to many lusty encounters, but it is the way Hanley helps settle the chaos of everything else in Baker's life that calms him. Their interactions lead to a great friendship and feelings of love in a short amount of time, and even though Baker is overly cautious due to abandonment issues, at the end he does trust and love Hanley.
As this book is told from Baker's POV, we don't actually get to know much about Hanley. Also, since their relationship is still very new, the ending felt more life HFN than HEA. Perhaps there will be more of them and the progress of their relationship in the next books of this quartet.
Overall, I did enjoy this book, but not as much as I could have. There were a lot of tense moments that were balanced nicely by moments of laughter and some really interesting characters. I did read an ARC of this book, and it had some inconsistencies that will hopefully be fixed for the final copy.
I received an ARC from GRR, this is my honest opinion.
Baker has had a rough life. Being abandoned by his father at a young age, having a mother with mental health issues that led to him being raised by his Granny (an amazing character), struggling with addiction before getting the help he needed, a failed marriage, struggling with the family ranch and it's failing finances while doing nearly all of it by himself, and finally, finding out he has three half brothers and that they will all inherit equal shares in the family ranch - the one only he and Granny spent decades running and trying to save. Yikes! It's no wonder he tends to be grumpy.
This book gives a little glimpse into the lives of the three brothers and the one brothers friend Bella (another amazing character) while they all try to get to know one another and work together to fix the ranch.
On the day Baker's life is being hugely changed, he meets Hanley, a wildlife photographer, and the man who will create even more changes. They have an instant attraction that leads to many lusty encounters, but it is the way Hanley helps settle the chaos of everything else in Baker's life that calms him. Their interactions lead to a great friendship and feelings of love in a short amount of time, and even though Baker is overly cautious due to abandonment issues, at the end he does trust and love Hanley.
As this book is told from Baker's POV, we don't actually get to know much about Hanley. Also, since their relationship is still very new, the ending felt more life HFN than HEA. Perhaps there will be more of them and the progress of their relationship in the next books of this quartet.
Overall, I did enjoy this book, but not as much as I could have. There were a lot of tense moments that were balanced nicely by moments of laughter and some really interesting characters. I did read an ARC of this book, and it had some inconsistencies that will hopefully be fixed for the final copy.
I received an ARC from GRR, this is my honest opinion.
July 29, 2025
MY OPINION: I’m glad I got to read this book, and there is a lot of foreshadowing for the rest of the books in the series, which is fun to see.
When four half-brothers find themselves together because their terrible father had left their mothers, then left them their family ranch, it becomes an immediate full house and working ranch after years of Baker (Studebaker) had been doing it on his own.
There is a lot of story around the family and animals, which I liked. The goats are amusing, and the way they all love the critters is perfect. Watching them grow and become a family, rather than just people thrown together, makes for an enjoyable story. There is a wide range of queer representation, which also makes for a compelling book.
The romantic aspect of this is more of a hookup-only situation, but feelings still developed. Otherwise, there are a few spice scenes with these two, and that's generally all you get. They have a deep conversation about the future, and then the final scene where they fall in love. No dating or long walks. Everything falls into the chemistry between them and the warm comfort that makes them want to be with each other in a romantic relationship.
For me, this wrapped up a little abruptly. I love you’s falling fast after moments before concerns about Hanley returning to Oklahoma. It was great to see them together, but the romance is not the primary focus; it's simply woven into the overall story. Not that this is bad, but if you are looking for something that is romance-forward, you will find that this is more of an intermingling about running and renewing a ranch.
That being said, I loved the details about the brothers, the ranch, the goats, and the cows. Seeing all the little flirting between the other brothers and their obvious romantic entanglements is great. They all have a story, and learning those stories and seeing the ranch grow was fun for this book, and it will be interesting to see from the other points of view.
When four half-brothers find themselves together because their terrible father had left their mothers, then left them their family ranch, it becomes an immediate full house and working ranch after years of Baker (Studebaker) had been doing it on his own.
There is a lot of story around the family and animals, which I liked. The goats are amusing, and the way they all love the critters is perfect. Watching them grow and become a family, rather than just people thrown together, makes for an enjoyable story. There is a wide range of queer representation, which also makes for a compelling book.
The romantic aspect of this is more of a hookup-only situation, but feelings still developed. Otherwise, there are a few spice scenes with these two, and that's generally all you get. They have a deep conversation about the future, and then the final scene where they fall in love. No dating or long walks. Everything falls into the chemistry between them and the warm comfort that makes them want to be with each other in a romantic relationship.
For me, this wrapped up a little abruptly. I love you’s falling fast after moments before concerns about Hanley returning to Oklahoma. It was great to see them together, but the romance is not the primary focus; it's simply woven into the overall story. Not that this is bad, but if you are looking for something that is romance-forward, you will find that this is more of an intermingling about running and renewing a ranch.
That being said, I loved the details about the brothers, the ranch, the goats, and the cows. Seeing all the little flirting between the other brothers and their obvious romantic entanglements is great. They all have a story, and learning those stories and seeing the ranch grow was fun for this book, and it will be interesting to see from the other points of view.
July 26, 2025
“wiggling your way into my heart”
I loved this cowboy, found family, small town, healing romance. The story had the perfect balance of humor, heartwarming love, real life issues, deep emotions, and spice. Despite the story only having a single POV, all the characters are portrayed as real, relatable three dimensional people who have scars and flaws, but are really just trying to do their best as messy humans. Baker is a grouchy 42 yo divorced sober rancher who has had too much responsibility on his shoulders from the time that he was a small child. He’s lives and works on Sebastian Acres, his family ranch in Oklahoma. When his philandering father, who abandoned him as a kid dies, he finally meets his three half-brothers at the funeral. When his father’s will is read, the ranch is left equally to all four sons and instead of allowing Baker to buy them out, they want to stay and help rebuild the ranch. Hanley is a nature photographer who wanders onto Baker’s land just as his brothers arrive, planning to camp on the land while he takes photographs. There is instant attraction and chemistry between Baker and Hanley but Baker has too much on his plate to be thinking about a relationship. I loved how the growth and deepening of Baker and Hanley’s relationship paralleled the growth and deepening of Baker’s relationship with his brothers. And that growth softened Baker’s character, making him even more likable as the relationships healed him. I was feeling some feels with this one - wounded characters always draw me in. I just wanna reach into the story and hug them to help them heal. This well written story included engaging dialogue, three dimensional characters who grow and a captivating storyline. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the Bastian brothers’ stories. 4.5 stars.
I loved this cowboy, found family, small town, healing romance. The story had the perfect balance of humor, heartwarming love, real life issues, deep emotions, and spice. Despite the story only having a single POV, all the characters are portrayed as real, relatable three dimensional people who have scars and flaws, but are really just trying to do their best as messy humans. Baker is a grouchy 42 yo divorced sober rancher who has had too much responsibility on his shoulders from the time that he was a small child. He’s lives and works on Sebastian Acres, his family ranch in Oklahoma. When his philandering father, who abandoned him as a kid dies, he finally meets his three half-brothers at the funeral. When his father’s will is read, the ranch is left equally to all four sons and instead of allowing Baker to buy them out, they want to stay and help rebuild the ranch. Hanley is a nature photographer who wanders onto Baker’s land just as his brothers arrive, planning to camp on the land while he takes photographs. There is instant attraction and chemistry between Baker and Hanley but Baker has too much on his plate to be thinking about a relationship. I loved how the growth and deepening of Baker and Hanley’s relationship paralleled the growth and deepening of Baker’s relationship with his brothers. And that growth softened Baker’s character, making him even more likable as the relationships healed him. I was feeling some feels with this one - wounded characters always draw me in. I just wanna reach into the story and hug them to help them heal. This well written story included engaging dialogue, three dimensional characters who grow and a captivating storyline. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the Bastian brothers’ stories. 4.5 stars.
July 25, 2025
Baker is the first book in VL Locey's new contemporary cowboy/western MM romance, Bastian Brothers. The premise of this series is that the death of their rancher father brings together four half brothers who barely know each other. Set in rural Oklahoma, we are introduced to the grumpiest cowboy in the state who also happens to have a heart of gold.
As the oldest Bastian brother, Baker, besides being grumpy in general, holds a lot of resentment towards his father and in turn towards his younger half brothers. In many ways, Baker's story is as much about him getting to know his siblings as actual people, as well as him finding love in unexpected places. However, Baker is also a much more complex character than that - he has battled alcoholism and after a divorce - the man is rough around the edges for a very good reason and I loved his growth as a character.
While Baker is a total grump and a hot cowboy, the sunshine of the story is wildlife photographer Hanley Welsh. While Hanley is much more brighter character than Baker, he isn't entirely unfamiliar with darkness. The man isn't naïve, but like Baker has a passion for the ranch, Hanley is passionate about his photography. They may seem like an unlikely couple on the surface, but I felt that there was a yin and yang quality with how they complimented each other as their relationship developed.
It took me a while to figure out what other series this book reminds me of, and I'm pretty sure the vibe of the series is something similar to Olivia Black's Belt Buckle Ranch series, which I really enjoyed when it first came out. Coupled with the fact that I love VL Locey's writing in basically any genre, I really do look forward to reading more from this series, starting with Dodge's story.
As the oldest Bastian brother, Baker, besides being grumpy in general, holds a lot of resentment towards his father and in turn towards his younger half brothers. In many ways, Baker's story is as much about him getting to know his siblings as actual people, as well as him finding love in unexpected places. However, Baker is also a much more complex character than that - he has battled alcoholism and after a divorce - the man is rough around the edges for a very good reason and I loved his growth as a character.
While Baker is a total grump and a hot cowboy, the sunshine of the story is wildlife photographer Hanley Welsh. While Hanley is much more brighter character than Baker, he isn't entirely unfamiliar with darkness. The man isn't naïve, but like Baker has a passion for the ranch, Hanley is passionate about his photography. They may seem like an unlikely couple on the surface, but I felt that there was a yin and yang quality with how they complimented each other as their relationship developed.
It took me a while to figure out what other series this book reminds me of, and I'm pretty sure the vibe of the series is something similar to Olivia Black's Belt Buckle Ranch series, which I really enjoyed when it first came out. Coupled with the fact that I love VL Locey's writing in basically any genre, I really do look forward to reading more from this series, starting with Dodge's story.
August 2, 2025
Sheriff Teasle, fluffy cows, ruh-roh, stupid cricket, one big hickey, overripe avocado, boughten pie, hemorrhoidal inflammation
What a great start to the 'Bastian Boys' series. This book beautifully sets up the upcoming stories of the other Bastian brothers.
First up is Baker (short for Studebaker) who, at 42, discovers he's the eldest half-brother to three other half-brothers. All four Bastian boys have different mothers by the same absent philandering father. Oddly enough, Baker, Dodge, Linc, and Ford are named after car brands.
Baker has been running his late father's family's ranch with his Granny, his mother figure since he was nine years-old. The ranch is cash poor and in disrepair. His three half-brothers come to the ranch for their father's burial and reading of the will. Dear old deadbeat dad left the ranch, in equal parts to each of his sons. Although they live elsewhere, the sons want to relocate to the ranch even if they know nothing about ranching. This is much to Baker's chagrin. How is he to run the ranch with complete strangers?
Hanley Welsh is a world renowned wildlife photographer who is on the Bastian ranch lands to photograph the scenery and wildlife there. Both Baker and Hanley are instantly attracted to each other. One day Baker runs across Hanley's temporary camp. You can guess what happens next.
This book is wildly entertaining and enjoyable. The imagery is spectacularly described and easily imagined. I loved all the characters who are well-developed. Granny is a hoot and Bella Dee is a sweetheart. I think I love them the best. I highly recommend this book!
What a great start to the 'Bastian Boys' series. This book beautifully sets up the upcoming stories of the other Bastian brothers.
First up is Baker (short for Studebaker) who, at 42, discovers he's the eldest half-brother to three other half-brothers. All four Bastian boys have different mothers by the same absent philandering father. Oddly enough, Baker, Dodge, Linc, and Ford are named after car brands.
Baker has been running his late father's family's ranch with his Granny, his mother figure since he was nine years-old. The ranch is cash poor and in disrepair. His three half-brothers come to the ranch for their father's burial and reading of the will. Dear old deadbeat dad left the ranch, in equal parts to each of his sons. Although they live elsewhere, the sons want to relocate to the ranch even if they know nothing about ranching. This is much to Baker's chagrin. How is he to run the ranch with complete strangers?
Hanley Welsh is a world renowned wildlife photographer who is on the Bastian ranch lands to photograph the scenery and wildlife there. Both Baker and Hanley are instantly attracted to each other. One day Baker runs across Hanley's temporary camp. You can guess what happens next.
This book is wildly entertaining and enjoyable. The imagery is spectacularly described and easily imagined. I loved all the characters who are well-developed. Granny is a hoot and Bella Dee is a sweetheart. I think I love them the best. I highly recommend this book!
August 8, 2025
The Bastian brothers are special people, and this book is the first in a series focused on them. Baker is the oldest son of a man who couldn't commit to his women or his sons. Each son has baggage due to this, including grumpy, suspicious, judgy, lovable Baker. This man excels at keeping people at a distance and protecting his heart from more pain. He thinks that he and his grandma would be better off without these citified half-siblings hanging around.
Luckily, his brothers (and one incredible BFF) decide they want to stay when their father's will splits the ranch between the four of them. This, along with traveling wildlife photographer Hanley, begins chipping away at Baker's prickly facade.
Baker's interactions with Hanley are heated and intense, and I really like them together. I feel that this book is more of a family drama with a sexy romance storyline, but I think that's because we are so focused on the changes in Baker and his interactions with his family. We learn more about Hanley's past near the end of the book, but I am hopeful that we will get to see this couple's relationship grow as the series progresses. I want to see the other characters find their own happy endings, but I feel like I need to see how the rancher and the traveling photographer will make things work.
This book is full of people and animals a reader can't help but fall for, and a vivid setting that feels very real. I like this couple and this story so much, and I look forward to the rest of this series.
Luckily, his brothers (and one incredible BFF) decide they want to stay when their father's will splits the ranch between the four of them. This, along with traveling wildlife photographer Hanley, begins chipping away at Baker's prickly facade.
Baker's interactions with Hanley are heated and intense, and I really like them together. I feel that this book is more of a family drama with a sexy romance storyline, but I think that's because we are so focused on the changes in Baker and his interactions with his family. We learn more about Hanley's past near the end of the book, but I am hopeful that we will get to see this couple's relationship grow as the series progresses. I want to see the other characters find their own happy endings, but I feel like I need to see how the rancher and the traveling photographer will make things work.
This book is full of people and animals a reader can't help but fall for, and a vivid setting that feels very real. I like this couple and this story so much, and I look forward to the rest of this series.
July 30, 2025
Studebaker "Baker" Bastian is meeting his brothers Dodge, Lincoln and Ford, for the first time, at his father's funeral. He isn't interested in getting to know them. He wants to pay them off and show them their way out. They aren't going along with his plans and neither is his granny. He meets a photographer and some fun is had.
Hanley Welsh is a wildlife photographer that's found roaming around the land next to the Bastian land. He gets permission to photograph on Bastian land and very quickly he and Baker are spending time together.
The story doesn't revolve around Baker and Hanley as much as it revolves around Baker, his granny and his brothers. I didn't like Baker until the last 5% of the book. His constant insistence on calling them half-brothers got on my nerves and he just never stopped. It was like he was just being hateful to be hateful. Dodge, Lincoln and Ford were all very nice, even when Baker was being a A$$. I liked Ford's friend Bella, that came with him. She was a breath of fresh air. I don't think there was enough time spent with Baker and Hanley to garner a better rating. They went from strangers, to f*ck buddies, to I love yous in less than 3 months and they weren't together that whole 3 months. I didn't feel like they had much chemistry. The only reason I gave it a three ⭐️ was because of the supporting characters. I think the other three books will be infinitely better.
Hanley Welsh is a wildlife photographer that's found roaming around the land next to the Bastian land. He gets permission to photograph on Bastian land and very quickly he and Baker are spending time together.
The story doesn't revolve around Baker and Hanley as much as it revolves around Baker, his granny and his brothers. I didn't like Baker until the last 5% of the book. His constant insistence on calling them half-brothers got on my nerves and he just never stopped. It was like he was just being hateful to be hateful. Dodge, Lincoln and Ford were all very nice, even when Baker was being a A$$. I liked Ford's friend Bella, that came with him. She was a breath of fresh air. I don't think there was enough time spent with Baker and Hanley to garner a better rating. They went from strangers, to f*ck buddies, to I love yous in less than 3 months and they weren't together that whole 3 months. I didn't feel like they had much chemistry. The only reason I gave it a three ⭐️ was because of the supporting characters. I think the other three books will be infinitely better.
August 1, 2025
Baker by V.L. Locey is a heartwarming and often humorous story about found family, unexpected change, and learning to build something new together. After the death of their father, Baker finds himself suddenly co-owning his ranch with three half-brothers he’s never really known. Chaos, clashing personalities, and emotional baggage follow as they all try to find common ground and fix up the farm.
Amid the family drama, Baker meets Henley, a charming wildlife photographer, and their chemistry is instant. While their romance is fast-paced and sweet, the story focuses more on Baker’s evolving relationship with his brothers, his strong-willed and slightly crazy Granny. Granny is pure gold—slightly unhinged but completely lovable—and Bella, the flamboyant, bubbly friend of one brother, lights up every scene she’s in. And don’t even get me started on the animals—each with more personality than most humans!
The plot is packed with twists and laugh-out-loud moments, with just enough emotional depth to ground the story. While the ending feels a little abrupt, it’s clear this is just the beginning of a promising series centered on this "ranch of misfits." If you love stories full of character, warmth, and humor, Baker is a must-read. I can't wait to see where the next book takes us!
Thank you to the author, and GRR for an advance copy of this book for review consideration. I am voluntarily leaving this review which is my honest, unbiased opinion.
Amid the family drama, Baker meets Henley, a charming wildlife photographer, and their chemistry is instant. While their romance is fast-paced and sweet, the story focuses more on Baker’s evolving relationship with his brothers, his strong-willed and slightly crazy Granny. Granny is pure gold—slightly unhinged but completely lovable—and Bella, the flamboyant, bubbly friend of one brother, lights up every scene she’s in. And don’t even get me started on the animals—each with more personality than most humans!
The plot is packed with twists and laugh-out-loud moments, with just enough emotional depth to ground the story. While the ending feels a little abrupt, it’s clear this is just the beginning of a promising series centered on this "ranch of misfits." If you love stories full of character, warmth, and humor, Baker is a must-read. I can't wait to see where the next book takes us!
Thank you to the author, and GRR for an advance copy of this book for review consideration. I am voluntarily leaving this review which is my honest, unbiased opinion.
August 22, 2025
Baker has had it rough. He has been doing all he can to keep his family's ranch out of the red while dealing with an emotionally messy divorce and resulting alcoholism. His dad is the next thing to a dead-beat, and the only person he can count on is Granny - as long as she isn't trying to shoot things. When his reality check bounces he has to swallow his pride and convert his working cattle ranch into a guest ranch. Then his dad passes and splits the land between himself and his three half-brothers that he barely knows. Just when things seem to be at rock bottom, photographer Hanley Welsh appears.
The energy between Hanley and Baker is only matched by banter. Almost complete opposites, they are equal in devotion to their passions. They find common ground it the best things while working through their differences - a wonderful example of what the grumpy/sunshine trope should be. The brothers grow on Baker like a mold, and no one - absolutely no one the amazingness that is Granny.
There is a large amount of set-up for future installments to the series, so the focus isn't always on the main couple. Hopefully, there will be more cameos from them in other books.
Recommended for fans of B.A. Tortuga and Taylor Rylan's Crooked Bend series.
* I received a free eARC through GRR in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own and left without compensation. *
The energy between Hanley and Baker is only matched by banter. Almost complete opposites, they are equal in devotion to their passions. They find common ground it the best things while working through their differences - a wonderful example of what the grumpy/sunshine trope should be. The brothers grow on Baker like a mold, and no one - absolutely no one the amazingness that is Granny.
There is a large amount of set-up for future installments to the series, so the focus isn't always on the main couple. Hopefully, there will be more cameos from them in other books.
Recommended for fans of B.A. Tortuga and Taylor Rylan's Crooked Bend series.
* I received a free eARC through GRR in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own and left without compensation. *
September 29, 2025
I loved the set up for this series, with the brothers meeting for the first time, and coming to grips with their new reality. I loved how they each need to learn to accept each other, especially Bastian who has been struggling to keep the ranch from going under. I’m looking forward to the rest of the series.
I liked how Bastian’s steep learning curve isn’t how to work the land as he knows that already, but to let others help, and accept his new family. Henley is the perfect foil, and partner for Bastian, with his different background and his standing his ground with Bastian. They’re sweet together.
I loved Granny. She’s definitely the glue that ties everything together. I love how she doesn’t take any nonsense, yet is also quick to be there for any of the brothers who need her. Her welcoming of them all, and Bella, into the family is heartwarming. Bella’s wonderful – sweet, yet sharp and capable. The scene at the church, and Granny’s non-nonsense introduction of her family is heartwarming, especially in contrast to some of the more bigoted townsfolk.
I also loved the sibling banter amongst the brothers. I liked the introduction of characters who I suspect will end up being partners going forward, and the hints of the brothers’ pasts. I enjoyed how the author didn’t sugar coat the often reality of the setting, especially when a tornado threatens to destroy everything they’ve worked for.
I liked how Bastian’s steep learning curve isn’t how to work the land as he knows that already, but to let others help, and accept his new family. Henley is the perfect foil, and partner for Bastian, with his different background and his standing his ground with Bastian. They’re sweet together.
I loved Granny. She’s definitely the glue that ties everything together. I love how she doesn’t take any nonsense, yet is also quick to be there for any of the brothers who need her. Her welcoming of them all, and Bella, into the family is heartwarming. Bella’s wonderful – sweet, yet sharp and capable. The scene at the church, and Granny’s non-nonsense introduction of her family is heartwarming, especially in contrast to some of the more bigoted townsfolk.
I also loved the sibling banter amongst the brothers. I liked the introduction of characters who I suspect will end up being partners going forward, and the hints of the brothers’ pasts. I enjoyed how the author didn’t sugar coat the often reality of the setting, especially when a tornado threatens to destroy everything they’ve worked for.
August 2, 2025
Baker is a wonderful start to this new series by VL Locey. Starting with some good old family drama with Baker's recently discovered brothers deciding they want to help save the family ranch instead of following his plan of taking some money from him and then leaving him alone.
What ensues is people getting under each other's feet as they learn to live together and make plans to ensure the ranch's survival for them all, including Granny, who is a real hoot!
Just as unexpected is Hanley, a photographer who is using Bakers land to photograph the local wildlife. If Hanley happens to be a perfect distraction from the chaos of his new normal, who is anyone to say anything about that.
It's not a life Baker ever thought he would become fond of, or people that would come to mean something to him but plans change for us all. It's an entertaining read as they welcome goats and cows to the ranch as well as a 10 year old with more questions that Google gets asked in a day. My only critique is that I didn't really feel the emotional connection develop between the MCs as quickly as they did by the time the "I love you's' were uttered.
I'm looking forward to reading each brother's story, especially the outcome for Bella. Another great read from VL!
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
What ensues is people getting under each other's feet as they learn to live together and make plans to ensure the ranch's survival for them all, including Granny, who is a real hoot!
Just as unexpected is Hanley, a photographer who is using Bakers land to photograph the local wildlife. If Hanley happens to be a perfect distraction from the chaos of his new normal, who is anyone to say anything about that.
It's not a life Baker ever thought he would become fond of, or people that would come to mean something to him but plans change for us all. It's an entertaining read as they welcome goats and cows to the ranch as well as a 10 year old with more questions that Google gets asked in a day. My only critique is that I didn't really feel the emotional connection develop between the MCs as quickly as they did by the time the "I love you's' were uttered.
I'm looking forward to reading each brother's story, especially the outcome for Bella. Another great read from VL!
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
August 3, 2025
There was so much about this situation that was not ideal for Baker, Ford, Dodge or Linc. A dad that was mostly absent dies and leaves the ranch to these four sons who were each abandoned by him with a wish that they will work together to restore it to something better for the mother he also left behind. Baker, who has been holding things together, barely, for years since his mother died is not happy about it. But this was his story and it was the one that brought a lot of different love into his life. Finding family with brothers he had never met although they are all over 30 and share a dad. And then there was Hanley, the photographer who is shooting on his land and who he finds hot - the feeling is mutual - and also worries that Hanley is a wanderer while he is pretty much settled on the land. This is quite a motley crew and getting to know the Bastian family as they figure out to be there for one another as they learn to be family and work together was a good start to this series. Hanley and Baker's romance was lovely as it seemed to be just what Baker needed after all the work he put into living, getting his act together and getting sober and taking care of his gran. I also liked how candid Baker is. He says what he means but he is also a good guy who cares.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 8, 2025
3.75 stars
“Baker” by V.L. Locey is the first book in the ‘Bastian Brothers’ series, and features Studebaker (Baker) Bastian, who is forced into contact with his half-brothers after the death of their philandering father. The challenge to maintain a struggling ranch is complicated by the terms of their father’s will, not to mention his attraction to Hanley, a wandering wildlife photographer. Life has already honed Baker into a determined but lonely man, but these new obstacles may force him to reevaluate who and he needs in his life in order to do more than just survive.
This adult contemporary western gay romance establishes a new series and introduces four intriguing half-brothers in a dysfunctional family. I had trouble warming up to them at first, and I felt the beginning of the story was a bit stilted, but there are definitely fascinating elements and allusions to dark secrets that drew me into the story. I adore the acceptance of Bella , who is unashamed to be who he is, and shake my head at Grandma and her shenanigans in the early morning. I really enjoy this author’s other stories, but I’m not quite as mesmerized with this series yet. I still look forward to finding out more about the other brothers and the men who will capture their hearts.
A copy of this title was provided for review
“Baker” by V.L. Locey is the first book in the ‘Bastian Brothers’ series, and features Studebaker (Baker) Bastian, who is forced into contact with his half-brothers after the death of their philandering father. The challenge to maintain a struggling ranch is complicated by the terms of their father’s will, not to mention his attraction to Hanley, a wandering wildlife photographer. Life has already honed Baker into a determined but lonely man, but these new obstacles may force him to reevaluate who and he needs in his life in order to do more than just survive.
This adult contemporary western gay romance establishes a new series and introduces four intriguing half-brothers in a dysfunctional family. I had trouble warming up to them at first, and I felt the beginning of the story was a bit stilted, but there are definitely fascinating elements and allusions to dark secrets that drew me into the story. I adore the acceptance of Bella , who is unashamed to be who he is, and shake my head at Grandma and her shenanigans in the early morning. I really enjoy this author’s other stories, but I’m not quite as mesmerized with this series yet. I still look forward to finding out more about the other brothers and the men who will capture their hearts.
A copy of this title was provided for review
August 23, 2025
This is the first book in the Bastian Brothers series. Each book will focus on a different couple. This book is all about Baker Bastian and Hanley Welsh. Baker is a bit of a grump but he has good reason to be. He and his grandmother Annie have been trying to keep their homestead, Bastian Acres Ranch afloat. He has been working hard to keep it out of corporate farming clutches while surviving a messy divorce and fighting his fondness for the bottle. Now he finds out this his useless philandering father has left the ranch to him and three half-brothers he has never wanted to know. Desperate to keep the ranch afloat, he now calls his once proud prime cattle ranch, a guest ranch. His unknown family descends upon the ranch at the same time as his first paying customer, Hanley. A world-renowned wildlife photographer who is working on a photo book. This is their story. I liked the chemistry between Bastian and Hanley. It was interesting to meet the rest of Bastian's newfound family. The book is very well written and easy to read. I enjoyed meeting all the fun characters. Even though there are tense moments, there is laughter weaved throughout to balance it out. I received an advanced review copy of this book from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review. I enjoyed this book. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
December 29, 2025
(Stude)Baker Bastian has grown up on his family ranch in Oklahoma, raised by his grandmother after his father abandoned the family and his mother overdosed. For years he drank heavily, but it wasn't until his ex-wife divorced him that he sobered up. His three half-brothers, all from different mothers, have coming to Bastian Ranch to bury their father. But they surprise him when he offers to buy them out of their share of the ranch, and they choose to put down roots and help bring the ranch back to prosperity. Meanwhile, Baker's got a flirtation... then something going on with the brother's first guest, Hanley the world-roaming photographer.
Okay, this was a little sweet and a little clunky at times. First, this is the first in a quartet of books that features each of the Bastian, the other three are Dodge (and Ollie), Linc (and Bella), and Ford (and Aiden). All of the main characters for the series are introduced in this volume. The POV of this is strictly from Baker, so no alternating POVs with each chapter, which can be good, but in this case, we don't really learn much about Hanley or his background until nearly the last chapter. I felt this made him opaque, and hard to like. The writing was a bit purple prose at times, but I suspect that's deliberate with the cowboy and country aesthetic.
Not the greatest, but it was a really quick read. 2.5 stars.
Okay, this was a little sweet and a little clunky at times. First, this is the first in a quartet of books that features each of the Bastian, the other three are Dodge (and Ollie), Linc (and Bella), and Ford (and Aiden). All of the main characters for the series are introduced in this volume. The POV of this is strictly from Baker, so no alternating POVs with each chapter, which can be good, but in this case, we don't really learn much about Hanley or his background until nearly the last chapter. I felt this made him opaque, and hard to like. The writing was a bit purple prose at times, but I suspect that's deliberate with the cowboy and country aesthetic.
Not the greatest, but it was a really quick read. 2.5 stars.
July 22, 2025
Farm woes, family grows, handsome roamer shows!
4-4.5🌟 stars
Based on my positive reaction to this first foray into the Bastian brothers, I'd say this is going to be a great series. Steam in shorter bursts: the way I like it. And a main character who grows through the events in the story, including a marauding twister🌪 and some locals dead set against the decidedly rainbow bent of the Bastian farm.
Baker is the strong silent type and yet, when a passel of new family come to join him and his grandmother on their struggling Oklahoma farm, he grows to appreciate having others to rely on. That building a family bond with his younger half siblings is balanced with the steamy romance that he's got going with a visiting nature photographer. Their raw passion morphs to something more despite Baker's conviction that he doesn't want more, having a failed marriage and problems with drink behind him.
And having four half brothers, all from different mothers, with names like (Stude)Baker, Ford, Dodge and Lincoln: gotta say, they were easy to remember! Best thing, apart from the family farm, that their dad ever gave them, apparently.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
4-4.5🌟 stars
Based on my positive reaction to this first foray into the Bastian brothers, I'd say this is going to be a great series. Steam in shorter bursts: the way I like it. And a main character who grows through the events in the story, including a marauding twister🌪 and some locals dead set against the decidedly rainbow bent of the Bastian farm.
Baker is the strong silent type and yet, when a passel of new family come to join him and his grandmother on their struggling Oklahoma farm, he grows to appreciate having others to rely on. That building a family bond with his younger half siblings is balanced with the steamy romance that he's got going with a visiting nature photographer. Their raw passion morphs to something more despite Baker's conviction that he doesn't want more, having a failed marriage and problems with drink behind him.
And having four half brothers, all from different mothers, with names like (Stude)Baker, Ford, Dodge and Lincoln: gotta say, they were easy to remember! Best thing, apart from the family farm, that their dad ever gave them, apparently.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
August 3, 2025
Gay romance, introduction to characters in series with humor and truth
What I liked most about this book was that the “found family” trope was reworked in an interesting way. It just so happened that these guys were indeed family but unknown to each other until their philandering father died. Baker aka Studebaker Bastian found out that needing somebody was not a weakness. And, when those bodies were DNA-sharing people who were in your business all the time but also there for you when its needed…well, that was a new lesson to be learned. Loved the plot over-all. Beyond the steamy romance between the growly Baker and the happy-go-lucky photographer, Hanley Welsh, we meet the half-brothers whose book’s will be forthcoming: Dodge, Linc and Ford Bastian with Ford’s friend Bella Dee Britta. I cannot wait!
After six-generations, can these guys turn the ranch’s destiny into success? The next book will be about Dodge and Ollie. The author has encapsulated so many situations to develop: transfemme-ism, prejudice, child custody, battling addiction just to name a few. Much is done through internal dialogue with humor and sensitivity. If you like your gay romance with these characteristics, you must read this one. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through Gay Romance Reviews.
What I liked most about this book was that the “found family” trope was reworked in an interesting way. It just so happened that these guys were indeed family but unknown to each other until their philandering father died. Baker aka Studebaker Bastian found out that needing somebody was not a weakness. And, when those bodies were DNA-sharing people who were in your business all the time but also there for you when its needed…well, that was a new lesson to be learned. Loved the plot over-all. Beyond the steamy romance between the growly Baker and the happy-go-lucky photographer, Hanley Welsh, we meet the half-brothers whose book’s will be forthcoming: Dodge, Linc and Ford Bastian with Ford’s friend Bella Dee Britta. I cannot wait!
After six-generations, can these guys turn the ranch’s destiny into success? The next book will be about Dodge and Ollie. The author has encapsulated so many situations to develop: transfemme-ism, prejudice, child custody, battling addiction just to name a few. Much is done through internal dialogue with humor and sensitivity. If you like your gay romance with these characteristics, you must read this one. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through Gay Romance Reviews.
July 27, 2025
I love this one. There is lots of fun in this book but also covers quite some deeper topics.
Poor Baker, a ranch which is falling down, he closed himself off after years of alcohol addiction and a failed marriage.
Trying to keep his head above water, he now has more on his hand - 3 step brothers he didn't know and a will he doesn't want.
I love how Baker is trying his utmost to not like his newfound stepbrothers and the chaos they bring to his life. But it's exactly what he needs to re-start his life. And slowly he starts to feel things he first doesn't want to feel.
Add Hanley, the travelling nature photographer into the mix. What starts as a pure physical things slowly morphes into Baker's frozen feelings thawing and throwing him into more chaos.
These two are great and really need each other. Hanley digs underneath Baker's amour he put on to protect himself.
I really love the three brothers and Bella, the vet, the sheriff and obviously Granny. A ranch of misfits and I can't wait for the next books to see what is in store for them.
My only issue is that the book is purely in Baker's POV, I would have loved to see more of Hanley.
Poor Baker, a ranch which is falling down, he closed himself off after years of alcohol addiction and a failed marriage.
Trying to keep his head above water, he now has more on his hand - 3 step brothers he didn't know and a will he doesn't want.
I love how Baker is trying his utmost to not like his newfound stepbrothers and the chaos they bring to his life. But it's exactly what he needs to re-start his life. And slowly he starts to feel things he first doesn't want to feel.
Add Hanley, the travelling nature photographer into the mix. What starts as a pure physical things slowly morphes into Baker's frozen feelings thawing and throwing him into more chaos.
These two are great and really need each other. Hanley digs underneath Baker's amour he put on to protect himself.
I really love the three brothers and Bella, the vet, the sheriff and obviously Granny. A ranch of misfits and I can't wait for the next books to see what is in store for them.
My only issue is that the book is purely in Baker's POV, I would have loved to see more of Hanley.
July 27, 2025
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Ooof, I’m team Baker and I want to rage on his behalf. He suddenly has three brothers who show up after years of giving his life and blood to keeping the ranch going, and they decide they are going to live there and run it with him. I felt his every emotion as he came to grips with this new reality.
But there’s one new resident who brings a chance to have something that’s just his. Someone who might stick around for him. A travelling photographer, Hanley. Between sexy interludes, they develop something real. Not without risk to their hearts, but worth the chance.
It’s a neat story that starts off a series that brings together half brothers who find a second chance at life, and hopefully love. And maybe a few healing moments too.
Ooof, I’m team Baker and I want to rage on his behalf. He suddenly has three brothers who show up after years of giving his life and blood to keeping the ranch going, and they decide they are going to live there and run it with him. I felt his every emotion as he came to grips with this new reality.
But there’s one new resident who brings a chance to have something that’s just his. Someone who might stick around for him. A travelling photographer, Hanley. Between sexy interludes, they develop something real. Not without risk to their hearts, but worth the chance.
It’s a neat story that starts off a series that brings together half brothers who find a second chance at life, and hopefully love. And maybe a few healing moments too.
August 1, 2025
Baker is very much a “book one in a series” kind of book. There is world-building in the sense of getting to know the main (and future-book) characters, the small town atmosphere, as well as the ranch life. I like that we start with Baker as the oldest of 4 brothers who only share a father. I always love books about brothers and this is going to be a good series for me.
This story is told in single POV through Baker’s eyes. Let me tell you that Locey is very talented at writing characters that are super prickly on the outside, but possess soft hearts without knowing how to express their inner goodness…because they’re too afraid of getting hurt. Baker is absolutely this kind of character.
I wouldn’t call this an overly romantic story, because we are getting to know all the things about the Bastian family and town. But, I didn’t mind not having a lot of romance, because I know that I’m going to be invested in these brothers and the whole picture of their stories together. And on that note, I can’t wait for the next book!
This story is told in single POV through Baker’s eyes. Let me tell you that Locey is very talented at writing characters that are super prickly on the outside, but possess soft hearts without knowing how to express their inner goodness…because they’re too afraid of getting hurt. Baker is absolutely this kind of character.
I wouldn’t call this an overly romantic story, because we are getting to know all the things about the Bastian family and town. But, I didn’t mind not having a lot of romance, because I know that I’m going to be invested in these brothers and the whole picture of their stories together. And on that note, I can’t wait for the next book!
August 1, 2025
Studebaker Bastian was a rather risky and bold choice for VL Locey's first book in the Bastian Brothers series. Mainly because for much of the book, he was pretty darn..... unlikeable. He wanted his brothers...ahem, half brothers, off his land. And his insistence on using the words half-brothers was rather annoying.
Baker did grow on me, but his Granny and half brothers were a bit more interesting. As were the sheriff and town vet, the only other gay men in Bastian Springs, and possible love interests of some of the other brothers. The author did quite a bit of worldbuilding in Baker. It really didn't give a lot of room to develop a relationship between Baker and Hanley. It was a quick jump from lovers to "I love you". Maybe we'll see more in Dodge's book.
The description of Oklahoma was lovely. And it was enjoyable seeing the ranch come to life. I liked the book. Honestly, not my favorite of the author's works. But a pleasantly quick read.
I received an advanced copy of this book through GRR and this is my review.
Baker did grow on me, but his Granny and half brothers were a bit more interesting. As were the sheriff and town vet, the only other gay men in Bastian Springs, and possible love interests of some of the other brothers. The author did quite a bit of worldbuilding in Baker. It really didn't give a lot of room to develop a relationship between Baker and Hanley. It was a quick jump from lovers to "I love you". Maybe we'll see more in Dodge's book.
The description of Oklahoma was lovely. And it was enjoyable seeing the ranch come to life. I liked the book. Honestly, not my favorite of the author's works. But a pleasantly quick read.
I received an advanced copy of this book through GRR and this is my review.
August 2, 2025
4.25 stars!
This is book one of the author’s new Bastian Brothers series and features Baker, the oldest of four all gay, or bi, half brothers born to a no account, tom catting man who abandoned each of the boys as young children as well as their mothers to move on to greener pastures. After his passing, the boys, who had no idea the others existed, came together for the service and stayed together to form an unlikely group, much to Baker’s frustration.
The book, in addition to Baker’s romance with Hanley, a traveling photographer, set up the romances for the remaining Bastian boys which I’m already looking forward to reading. In addition to all of the steam, which was super steamy, it also had plenty of humor (Granny’s daily, early morning target practice was one of my favorites) and I really enjoyed it but I admit to being a little disappointed at the ending, I was really expecting more. It’s still an awesome read though and one I think other readers will enjoy. 100% recommended. 4.25 stars!
I received a copy of this book for free but am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is book one of the author’s new Bastian Brothers series and features Baker, the oldest of four all gay, or bi, half brothers born to a no account, tom catting man who abandoned each of the boys as young children as well as their mothers to move on to greener pastures. After his passing, the boys, who had no idea the others existed, came together for the service and stayed together to form an unlikely group, much to Baker’s frustration.
The book, in addition to Baker’s romance with Hanley, a traveling photographer, set up the romances for the remaining Bastian boys which I’m already looking forward to reading. In addition to all of the steam, which was super steamy, it also had plenty of humor (Granny’s daily, early morning target practice was one of my favorites) and I really enjoyed it but I admit to being a little disappointed at the ending, I was really expecting more. It’s still an awesome read though and one I think other readers will enjoy. 100% recommended. 4.25 stars!
I received a copy of this book for free but am voluntarily leaving a review.
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