What do you think?
Rate this book
Dust and Desire: A Sweet and Spicy Gay Cowboy Romance
A quiet investor. A younger cowboy with fire in his eyes. One summer in Sagebrush that changes everything.
Dustin
I came to Sagebrush to start over.
After a messy divorce and a coming out I should’ve done years ago, I left behind the city, the boardroom, and the version of myself I no longer recognized. I invested in the Baker Ranch, helped build their rodeo arena, and tucked myself away in the far end of the property, hoping peace would follow.
It didn’t.
Everyone around me has someone. And while I smile and play along during town events and holiday dinners, the truth is—I’m tired of being the one who always goes home alone.
Then Alex walks into my life like he owns the place.
He’s cocky, charming, built like trouble, and wears his cowboy hat like it’s a crown. He calls me city boy with a wink that lights me on fire. And when he catches me skinny-dipping in the creek, he doesn’t look away.
Now I’m falling, fast and hard, for a man who makes me feel like I’ve been missing something my whole life.
Alex
I don’t settle. Can’t. I’ve spent my life drifting from one ranch to the next, never staying long enough to get hurt. But Sagebrush feels different.
He feels different.
Dustin Corvus is older, steady, the kind of man who knows how to listen—and how to make me fall apart with just a look. He’s quiet strength wrapped in slow-burning heat, and every time I try to keep my distance, I end up wanting him more.
But if I stay, the past might catch up to me. And if I go, I might break something I never knew I needed.
Dust and Desire is a magnetic, achingly intimate romance between a guarded cowboy who never stays and the quiet man who makes him want to. With scorching heat, heart-deep emotion, and the kind of slow-burn tension that will leave readers breathless, this is a small-town love story you’ll feel in your bones.
Perfect for fans of age gap, opposites attract, found family, and second chances under the wide Texas sky.
Get ready to fall in love with Sagebrush all over again
Dustin
I came to Sagebrush to start over.
After a messy divorce and a coming out I should’ve done years ago, I left behind the city, the boardroom, and the version of myself I no longer recognized. I invested in the Baker Ranch, helped build their rodeo arena, and tucked myself away in the far end of the property, hoping peace would follow.
It didn’t.
Everyone around me has someone. And while I smile and play along during town events and holiday dinners, the truth is—I’m tired of being the one who always goes home alone.
Then Alex walks into my life like he owns the place.
He’s cocky, charming, built like trouble, and wears his cowboy hat like it’s a crown. He calls me city boy with a wink that lights me on fire. And when he catches me skinny-dipping in the creek, he doesn’t look away.
Now I’m falling, fast and hard, for a man who makes me feel like I’ve been missing something my whole life.
Alex
I don’t settle. Can’t. I’ve spent my life drifting from one ranch to the next, never staying long enough to get hurt. But Sagebrush feels different.
He feels different.
Dustin Corvus is older, steady, the kind of man who knows how to listen—and how to make me fall apart with just a look. He’s quiet strength wrapped in slow-burning heat, and every time I try to keep my distance, I end up wanting him more.
But if I stay, the past might catch up to me. And if I go, I might break something I never knew I needed.
Dust and Desire is a magnetic, achingly intimate romance between a guarded cowboy who never stays and the quiet man who makes him want to. With scorching heat, heart-deep emotion, and the kind of slow-burn tension that will leave readers breathless, this is a small-town love story you’ll feel in your bones.
Perfect for fans of age gap, opposites attract, found family, and second chances under the wide Texas sky.
Get ready to fall in love with Sagebrush all over again
258 pages, Paperback
Published August 9, 2025
48 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
About the author
Atreus Rosewood
74 books48 followersAtreus Rosewood is a gay romance author living in Michigan with his two boyfriends, two cats, a spoiled dog, and all the beaches he could ask for. He writes constantly to the detriment of all else and that's just the way he likes it. If you happen to find him wandering a beach and mumbling to himself, iced coffee is how you’ll lure him back to civilization.
Atreus writes under three separate Pen Names:
--Blake R. Wolfe -- Gay Paranormal Romance
--Atreus Rosewood -- Gay Contemporary Romance
--Eoghan R. Cunningham -- LGBTQ+ Fantasy
Atreus writes under three separate Pen Names:
--Blake R. Wolfe -- Gay Paranormal Romance
--Atreus Rosewood -- Gay Contemporary Romance
--Eoghan R. Cunningham -- LGBTQ+ Fantasy
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
October 25, 2025
Alex and Dustin…
Alex was a new hire at the ranch, and Dustin was the loner who showed up with money to invest, and had been living on his section of land for awhile.
We know all of the folks from previous stories and we see how the pairings are working out.
Alex is drawn to Dustin, but Dustin has an ex-wife and hasn’t had any gay experience yet. He’s super nervous about it, but Alex is the perfect fit for him.
We have Dustin’s ex who visits, and then a secret from Alex’s past is a nasty guy.
Our couple was doing so well and we hope the past doesn’t ruin the present.
Their sexy times are exciting and wild, and we are glad for every step of this tale.
ENJOY !
=====
Alex was a new hire at the ranch, and Dustin was the loner who showed up with money to invest, and had been living on his section of land for awhile.
We know all of the folks from previous stories and we see how the pairings are working out.
Alex is drawn to Dustin, but Dustin has an ex-wife and hasn’t had any gay experience yet. He’s super nervous about it, but Alex is the perfect fit for him.
We have Dustin’s ex who visits, and then a secret from Alex’s past is a nasty guy.
Our couple was doing so well and we hope the past doesn’t ruin the present.
Their sexy times are exciting and wild, and we are glad for every step of this tale.
ENJOY !
=====
August 25, 2025
I loved this book, rediscovering the atmosphere of Sagebrush: the Texan heat, the smell of leather, the hooves of horses. If you like cowboys, this series is a must-read.
I had been waiting for Dustin's story ever since he appeared in Wild and Whiskey, the second volume of the Sagebrush series. I loved this character who, after years of resisting, lying to himself, trying to be someone else... He dared to put an end to the lies and leave a fake life behind to discover the raw and honest life of cowboys. He is shy, withdrawn, and doesn't really feel like he belongs.
Alex is very different from Dustin, who is outgoing and perfectly at ease with everyone. And he is exactly what Dustin needed. They each have a past they must face in order to move forward. This story is very much about trust, the ability to trust others and know how to be vulnerable, but also to trust oneself.
I love how the author describes the characters' feelings. You feel the emotions strongly. And the landscapes are dreamy!
I recommend it for lovers of romance and cowboys.
----
J'ai adoré ce livre, retrouver l'ambiance de Sagebrush : la chaleur texane, l'odeur du cuir, les sabots des chevaux. Si on aime les cow-boys cette série est à lire absolument.
J'attendais l'histoire de Dustin, depuis qu'il ait apparu dans Wild and Whiskey le deuxième volume de la série Sagebrush. J'ai adoré ce personnage qui après des années à résister, à se mentir, à tenter d'être quelqu'un d'autre... Il a osé mettre fin au mensonge et quitter une vie factice pour découvrir la vie brute et honnête des cow-boys. Il est timide, renfermé et ne se sentant pas vraiment à sa place.
Alex est très différent de Dustin, extraverti, parfaitement à l'aise avec tout le monde. Et il est exactement celui qu'il fallait à Dustin. Ils ont chacun un passé auxquels ils doivent faire face pour avancer. Dans cette histoire, il est beaucoup question de confiance, de la capacité à faire confiance à l'autre et savoir se montrer vulnérable mais également à se faire confiance.
J'aime comme l'auteur décrit les sentiments des personnages. On ressent les émotions avec force. Et les paysages font rêver !
Je recommande pour les amoureux de romances et de cow boys.
I had been waiting for Dustin's story ever since he appeared in Wild and Whiskey, the second volume of the Sagebrush series. I loved this character who, after years of resisting, lying to himself, trying to be someone else... He dared to put an end to the lies and leave a fake life behind to discover the raw and honest life of cowboys. He is shy, withdrawn, and doesn't really feel like he belongs.
Alex is very different from Dustin, who is outgoing and perfectly at ease with everyone. And he is exactly what Dustin needed. They each have a past they must face in order to move forward. This story is very much about trust, the ability to trust others and know how to be vulnerable, but also to trust oneself.
I love how the author describes the characters' feelings. You feel the emotions strongly. And the landscapes are dreamy!
I recommend it for lovers of romance and cowboys.
----
J'ai adoré ce livre, retrouver l'ambiance de Sagebrush : la chaleur texane, l'odeur du cuir, les sabots des chevaux. Si on aime les cow-boys cette série est à lire absolument.
J'attendais l'histoire de Dustin, depuis qu'il ait apparu dans Wild and Whiskey le deuxième volume de la série Sagebrush. J'ai adoré ce personnage qui après des années à résister, à se mentir, à tenter d'être quelqu'un d'autre... Il a osé mettre fin au mensonge et quitter une vie factice pour découvrir la vie brute et honnête des cow-boys. Il est timide, renfermé et ne se sentant pas vraiment à sa place.
Alex est très différent de Dustin, extraverti, parfaitement à l'aise avec tout le monde. Et il est exactement celui qu'il fallait à Dustin. Ils ont chacun un passé auxquels ils doivent faire face pour avancer. Dans cette histoire, il est beaucoup question de confiance, de la capacité à faire confiance à l'autre et savoir se montrer vulnérable mais également à se faire confiance.
J'aime comme l'auteur décrit les sentiments des personnages. On ressent les émotions avec force. Et les paysages font rêver !
Je recommande pour les amoureux de romances et de cow boys.
August 28, 2025
I really enjoyed this book.
Dustin and Alex are fully developed characters that I really liked and there are also many great secondary characters that add depth to the story.
Dustin may have saved the ranch, but now it's time for someone to save him from his self imposed isolation and the lonliness he struggles with.
Alex shows himself as a carefree guy when really he has spent years running from a crazy ex. He settles in well at the ranch and gets along with everyone. But with Dustin he feels an intense, instant attraction - and the feeling is most definitely mutual.
I found the connection building between them to be sweet, emotional, and romantic, a feeling that could be felt throughout the book. Something about them and their interactions felt like they are meant to be, making their connection feel genuine despite everything developing quickly.
Alex chose - more than once - to keep something important about his past a secret from Dustin, even though there is evidence that that past has once again caught up with him.
Alex's lack of communication frustrated me, even if I understood his reasons. Thankfully, Dustin understood Alex and his reasons even more, and this lead to a deepening of their love.
Overall, I found this book has two solidly connected and genuinely in love MC's. There are moments that are sweet and tender or spicy and a bit kinky, many great friends, some conflict, and a HEA that will leave you happy.
Dustin and Alex are fully developed characters that I really liked and there are also many great secondary characters that add depth to the story.
Dustin may have saved the ranch, but now it's time for someone to save him from his self imposed isolation and the lonliness he struggles with.
Alex shows himself as a carefree guy when really he has spent years running from a crazy ex. He settles in well at the ranch and gets along with everyone. But with Dustin he feels an intense, instant attraction - and the feeling is most definitely mutual.
I found the connection building between them to be sweet, emotional, and romantic, a feeling that could be felt throughout the book. Something about them and their interactions felt like they are meant to be, making their connection feel genuine despite everything developing quickly.
Alex chose - more than once - to keep something important about his past a secret from Dustin, even though there is evidence that that past has once again caught up with him.
Alex's lack of communication frustrated me, even if I understood his reasons. Thankfully, Dustin understood Alex and his reasons even more, and this lead to a deepening of their love.
Overall, I found this book has two solidly connected and genuinely in love MC's. There are moments that are sweet and tender or spicy and a bit kinky, many great friends, some conflict, and a HEA that will leave you happy.
August 25, 2025
In the fifth installment of the Sagebrush Cowboys series, titled "Dust and Desire," readers are introduced to a romantic journey that is both heartfelt and unexpected. This novel focuses on Dustin, a once-married New Yorker, who has always kept his emotions at bay. His life takes an intriguing turn with the arrival of Alex, a character who disrupts Dustin's solitary existence.
Dustin's character embodies the struggle of someone who is just beginning to explore his true desires. Throughout the story, we see the conflict within him as he grapples with feelings he has never dared to explore before. His shyness and uncertainty make him one of the most relatable characters in this chapter of the Sagebrush Cowboys saga. Readers will find themselves rooting for him as he navigates his complex emotions.
On the other hand, Alex is everything Dustin has secretly wished for. His straightforwardness and boldness present both an allure and a challenge for Dustin, who isn't sure how to respond. As their relationship develops, readers will enjoy the witty cowboy banter and humor that the Sagebrush series is known for. However, the stakes are raised when Alex's past threatens to overshadow their budding romance, adding an element of suspense to the narrative.
Dustin's character embodies the struggle of someone who is just beginning to explore his true desires. Throughout the story, we see the conflict within him as he grapples with feelings he has never dared to explore before. His shyness and uncertainty make him one of the most relatable characters in this chapter of the Sagebrush Cowboys saga. Readers will find themselves rooting for him as he navigates his complex emotions.
On the other hand, Alex is everything Dustin has secretly wished for. His straightforwardness and boldness present both an allure and a challenge for Dustin, who isn't sure how to respond. As their relationship develops, readers will enjoy the witty cowboy banter and humor that the Sagebrush series is known for. However, the stakes are raised when Alex's past threatens to overshadow their budding romance, adding an element of suspense to the narrative.
August 26, 2025
Dust and Desire is book five in the Sagebrush Cowboys series. Dustin, the "savior of the Baker Ranch", was introduced a bit back, and I'm happy he gets his own story. It's a hurt/ comfort tale with age difference and a not so vanilla interest in the bedroom. Nice sizzle there.
Dustin is about a day away from becoming a hermit. Alex comes to Sagebrush with a heavy bag of troubles. The ranchers and townspeople are very encouraging and pull him into their found family dynamic. And I've gotta say that Dolly is an absolute pistol!
A fun, quick read with a high angst factor and a really hot kink. The worldbuilding is terrific, my kindle melting in the well described Texas heat. The ending is absolutely feel good. And left me with an "ahhhh"
I received an advanced copy of the book from the author, and this is my review.
Dustin is about a day away from becoming a hermit. Alex comes to Sagebrush with a heavy bag of troubles. The ranchers and townspeople are very encouraging and pull him into their found family dynamic. And I've gotta say that Dolly is an absolute pistol!
A fun, quick read with a high angst factor and a really hot kink. The worldbuilding is terrific, my kindle melting in the well described Texas heat. The ending is absolutely feel good. And left me with an "ahhhh"
I received an advanced copy of the book from the author, and this is my review.
August 22, 2025
4.5 stars
Dust and Desire is the fifth book in the Sagebrush Cowboys series.
Finally, it's Dustin's turn, the man who saved the ranch but lives secluded in a small cabin on the edge of the property. The boys drag him along to do everything, from going to dinner at the main house to a night out on the town.
A new worker arrives at the ranch, Alex, who immediately notices Dustin, but Dustin is reluctant to make any advances.
I liked it, especially the development of Dustin's character, who starts out as a hermit and ends up living his life to the fullest.
There is a sixth book, because at the end the arrival of a new worker is announced.
I am delighted with these guys.
Dust and Desire is the fifth book in the Sagebrush Cowboys series.
Finally, it's Dustin's turn, the man who saved the ranch but lives secluded in a small cabin on the edge of the property. The boys drag him along to do everything, from going to dinner at the main house to a night out on the town.
A new worker arrives at the ranch, Alex, who immediately notices Dustin, but Dustin is reluctant to make any advances.
I liked it, especially the development of Dustin's character, who starts out as a hermit and ends up living his life to the fullest.
There is a sixth book, because at the end the arrival of a new worker is announced.
I am delighted with these guys.
August 28, 2025
I was so excited for Dustin’s turn to find love.
Why I gave this a lower rating than the others is because there was just wayyyy too much insecurity/reassurance. I felt like things were repeated. I get Dustin having a hard time but I just felt like they were kinda saying the same things over and over just in different ways.
Other than that I did enjoy this book. I know this is a MM series but I hope Dolly eventually gets someone. She’s so sweet and always setting people up. She deserves her happy ending too. Even if it’s a little mention of her finding someone. I neeeeeeed it lol I mean we got the mention of Caroline and her man. Now it’s Dolly’s turn.
Why I gave this a lower rating than the others is because there was just wayyyy too much insecurity/reassurance. I felt like things were repeated. I get Dustin having a hard time but I just felt like they were kinda saying the same things over and over just in different ways.
Other than that I did enjoy this book. I know this is a MM series but I hope Dolly eventually gets someone. She’s so sweet and always setting people up. She deserves her happy ending too. Even if it’s a little mention of her finding someone. I neeeeeeed it lol I mean we got the mention of Caroline and her man. Now it’s Dolly’s turn.
August 19, 2025
I was waiting for Dustin's story since he came into the picture. I liked that older man every time he was mentioned. And oh, I love this book so much. I loved to see how Dusting got more, and more comfortable in his skin, till he let himself fall in love, and get loved. He wasn't as vanilla was I thought! That was nice. And Alex? I loved Alex as well. He and his past made a great plot! Big love for Dolly at this point! I swear, you don't want to miss out on Dolly!!! Nice character development, good amount of spice, all the feelings, a shy older man meets a younger horny one.
August 31, 2025
Ugh. This series has gone down hill! If you are expecting more info on Dustin, forget it. There are like 2 sentences on his history. He meets Alex...a slut. Alex lies like crazy, mostly about his past. You learn more about Alex than Dustin. Alex even discusses partner swaps with the slut Cody before their first date and this is love? This one really ruins the series. Author still needs to work on spelling and grammar.
September 10, 2025
Dustin is trying to find himself. After getting a divorce and coming out he invests in the Baker Ranch. However, he is more a hermit than dealing with his feelings and guilt over his past.
Alex is a younger cowboy, on the run from an ex and hasn't really found a place to settle.
Dustin and Alex are sweet together, both giving what the other needs. When Alex's ex shows up things get a little crazy since Alex keeps it a secret.
Alex is a younger cowboy, on the run from an ex and hasn't really found a place to settle.
Dustin and Alex are sweet together, both giving what the other needs. When Alex's ex shows up things get a little crazy since Alex keeps it a secret.
September 8, 2025
Dustin and Alex!🫠
My favorite of all the Sagebrush Cowboys! Dustin finally has his hea with Alex, a new ranch hand!
Dustin's story was well worth the wait, with all the friends from the other books, and Alex, who is running from something, which we learn, but it's not what you think!
This was so good, so sweet, so hot!🔥🔥❤️🔥
My favorite of all the Sagebrush Cowboys! Dustin finally has his hea with Alex, a new ranch hand!
Dustin's story was well worth the wait, with all the friends from the other books, and Alex, who is running from something, which we learn, but it's not what you think!
This was so good, so sweet, so hot!🔥🔥❤️🔥
August 29, 2025
Awesome book & series
This was a fantastic series from the first book!!!! The characters are spot on and you'll feel like you are right there beside them in the thick of things!!!! You'll fall in love with the cowboy all
Thank you - Lori
This was a fantastic series from the first book!!!! The characters are spot on and you'll feel like you are right there beside them in the thick of things!!!! You'll fall in love with the cowboy all
Thank you - Lori
August 28, 2025
4.5 Stars
October 20, 2025
The subtitle of "A sweet and spicy gay cowboy romance" is about right. There is drama as the climax of the story nears the final resolution, but sweet and spicy is what it is.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews