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On the Land, We Shoot Straight
“I ain’t no expert on what gets a man spooked.
But I reckon if you ever wanna talk on it, well then…
I reckon I’m all right at listenin’.”
Grady’s been running his ranch and farm just fine on his own since his daddy died. But when young Jesse Cole blows up on his porch, Grady hesitates before sending him on. There’s something in the way Cole turns to leave that makes Grady want to pull him back in.
There are murmurs in town about the kind of boy Cole is. The kinds of things he’s done. But as they work together and then start helping each other out because that’s just what buddies do on the land, Grady begins to feel something he’s never felt before. Something not ‘just buddies’ at all.
As the year rolls on, Grady feels himself drawn deeper into the trauma Cole won’t speak about. He ignores the warnings from his wife in the city and the gossip in town. Cole seems to think this unspeakable thing will define him forever, but the further Grady’s pulled into his orbit, the more willing he is to forfeit everyone else in his life to show him that isn’t true.
But I reckon if you ever wanna talk on it, well then…
I reckon I’m all right at listenin’.”
Grady’s been running his ranch and farm just fine on his own since his daddy died. But when young Jesse Cole blows up on his porch, Grady hesitates before sending him on. There’s something in the way Cole turns to leave that makes Grady want to pull him back in.
There are murmurs in town about the kind of boy Cole is. The kinds of things he’s done. But as they work together and then start helping each other out because that’s just what buddies do on the land, Grady begins to feel something he’s never felt before. Something not ‘just buddies’ at all.
As the year rolls on, Grady feels himself drawn deeper into the trauma Cole won’t speak about. He ignores the warnings from his wife in the city and the gossip in town. Cole seems to think this unspeakable thing will define him forever, but the further Grady’s pulled into his orbit, the more willing he is to forfeit everyone else in his life to show him that isn’t true.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 27, 2025
36 people are currently reading
314 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
October 6, 2025
They're shooting straight, alright. Straight down another man's throat.
'Nothing about this should be hot. Hot was gay and this was not gay. This was just helping a buddy out.'
The funniest thing about this was that the MC telling himself these things has had multiple sexual relationships with various men before meeting the other MC.
'He’d almost forgotten he had a wife. And he reckoned that wasn’t a thing a man should be forgetting.'
Ya think?
PS-LOVE that there was some cheating in this. It's been so long and I missed cheating ass MCs.
Love that Cole's smarter than Grady and isn't afraid of letting him know it, even though Grady's the boss.
“Don’t be takin’ it under advisement, be damn well doin’ it.”
Told that man he doesn't know why fathers insist on giving the land to the eldest ones when they're all so stupid 😂💀
And Grady got hard over being called a dummy 😂😂😂😂😂
Absolute cinema.
I really wanted to find it funny that after fucking for almost a year, there was need to have the 'I'm queer' conversation 97% in (like no shit, dude, neither of you has been shooting straight in this—well, except for that one time with an actual shotgun) but the context ended up being a bit sad.
So.......yay to two guys helping each other out.
“You’re makin’ a mistake on me.”
“I ain’t. But”—Grady held up his hand when Cole tried to cut him off—“I reckon it’s mine to make."
“I ain’t queer,” he finally said. “I know it,” Cole said quietly. “But I reckon I might be, a little bit. For you.”
A few heavy bits here and there, and readers who don't want any instances of the MCs being with others may want to stay away from this one but overall a good read.
My favorite part was that aside from a few moments when side characters would pop up to move the pesky plot along, this one was mostly just about the main characters. They spend A LOT of time alone together.
'Nothing about this should be hot. Hot was gay and this was not gay. This was just helping a buddy out.'
The funniest thing about this was that the MC telling himself these things has had multiple sexual relationships with various men before meeting the other MC.
'He’d almost forgotten he had a wife. And he reckoned that wasn’t a thing a man should be forgetting.'
Ya think?
PS-LOVE that there was some cheating in this. It's been so long and I missed cheating ass MCs.
Love that Cole's smarter than Grady and isn't afraid of letting him know it, even though Grady's the boss.
“Don’t be takin’ it under advisement, be damn well doin’ it.”
Told that man he doesn't know why fathers insist on giving the land to the eldest ones when they're all so stupid 😂💀
And Grady got hard over being called a dummy 😂😂😂😂😂
Absolute cinema.
I really wanted to find it funny that after fucking for almost a year, there was need to have the 'I'm queer' conversation 97% in (like no shit, dude, neither of you has been shooting straight in this—well, except for that one time with an actual shotgun) but the context ended up being a bit sad.
So.......yay to two guys helping each other out.
“You’re makin’ a mistake on me.”
“I ain’t. But”—Grady held up his hand when Cole tried to cut him off—“I reckon it’s mine to make."
“I ain’t queer,” he finally said. “I know it,” Cole said quietly. “But I reckon I might be, a little bit. For you.”
A few heavy bits here and there, and readers who don't want any instances of the MCs being with others may want to stay away from this one but overall a good read.
My favorite part was that aside from a few moments when side characters would pop up to move the pesky plot along, this one was mostly just about the main characters. They spend A LOT of time alone together.
October 12, 2025
⭐️ 5 stars ⭐️
Yes, it was hot. And also very very gay.
A sexy cowboy romance set in the 80s, between farmer Grady and his new farmhand, Cole.
I feel like I’ve been saying this a lot lately, but the vibes were so on point. Green fields, camping by a lake, pretty horses, a dog being a terrible sheepdog, hurt/comfort and a lovely romance.
Spoilers for those who avoid OP action:
I still think it’s crazy that these dudes believe to be 100% straight with all that dick they be having, but I decided to just go with it. So, let’s say this is a sort of Gay-for-you situation.
As for the actual plot, it’s a bit of a cozy ride. There’s a touch of angst, but most of the book is them tending to the fields and the animals, having loads of sex, learning about each other, loving each other. Oh, I’m not complaining. Give me dicks and love and feels and I’m here for it.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
CW and NSFW info (spoilers):
- Animal death (not graphic)
- SA of a minor (past)
- Brief SA on page (not between MCs)
- Age gap? (I tried to math, hurt my brain, still don’t know how old Grady is supposed to be)
- Mention of parental death (off page, cancer)
- Cheating (not between MCs)
- Fuck first, kiss later
- Vers MCs
- Rimming
- Coming from giving a blowjob
- Sex on page w/ OP
Christ, but that was hot. It should not be hot. Nothing about this should be hot. Hot was gay and this was not gay. This was just helping a buddy out.
Yes, it was hot. And also very very gay.
A sexy cowboy romance set in the 80s, between farmer Grady and his new farmhand, Cole.
I feel like I’ve been saying this a lot lately, but the vibes were so on point. Green fields, camping by a lake, pretty horses, a dog being a terrible sheepdog, hurt/comfort and a lovely romance.
He’d almost forgotten he had a wife. And he reckoned that wasn’t a thing a man should be forgetting.
Spoilers for those who avoid OP action:
I still think it’s crazy that these dudes believe to be 100% straight with all that dick they be having, but I decided to just go with it. So, let’s say this is a sort of Gay-for-you situation.
“I ain’t queer,” he finally said. “I know it,” Cole said quietly. “But I reckon I might be, a little bit. For you.”
As for the actual plot, it’s a bit of a cozy ride. There’s a touch of angst, but most of the book is them tending to the fields and the animals, having loads of sex, learning about each other, loving each other. Oh, I’m not complaining. Give me dicks and love and feels and I’m here for it.
You ain’t my hand, Cole. You ain’t been my hand for a long time. You’re my partner. If you … If you want that.”
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
CW and NSFW info (spoilers):
- Animal death (not graphic)
- SA of a minor (past)
- Brief SA on page (not between MCs)
- Age gap? (I tried to math, hurt my brain, still don’t know how old Grady is supposed to be)
- Mention of parental death (off page, cancer)
- Cheating (not between MCs)
- Fuck first, kiss later
- Vers MCs
- Rimming
- Coming from giving a blowjob
- Sex on page w/ OP
October 14, 2025
Arc On the Land, We Shoot Straight by Sasha Avice
MC:Grady & Cole 4.5⭐
Tropes & tags
age-gap
cowboys
forced-proximity
hurt-comfort
protective-mc
small-town
touch-him-and-die
I loved this one sooo, sooo much. Grady and Cole are now a part of me.
I’ll admit I struggled a bit at first with the third-person POV — I always do. It takes me a while to slip inside their heads and truly feel them. But oh, I did. I really did. I laughed, I cried (a lot), I swooned, I blushed — because these boys have stamina!
Their story was beautiful. Grady is such a tender soul; you can see that he was merely existing until Cole showed up. And Cole… he was just a husk of a man until he found that farm. They fought, they worked, they built something beautiful and safe together.
Cole with Chloe — and in the end, with Calypso — absolutely broke me. He was such a beautiful boy, inside and out. What he endured, what he was made to endure by the people who were supposed to protect him, was horrific. I swear, parents and disgusting men like that… I hope karma takes care of them. If I ever write a fanfic, it’ll be about those men suffering the same way Cole did — Patricia’s Hand of God kind of thing. And believe me, I already have plenty of material for that from this book and countless others.
A word for Charmaine — I obviously hated what Grady did to her, but she was wonderful. Just a genuinely good woman. I’m glad they managed to be friends in the end.
That missing half-star? It’s purely for my inability to fully focus on third-person POV. The pacing felt slow at times, but it made perfect sense in the end. And oh my god, if I never see the word reckon again, it’ll be too soon — because 208 times is way too many! I reckon 😄
As for the OP drama — it bothered me zero. Without it, there wouldn’t have been any story, no context, and no way to reach the kind of forever we got in the end.
I know it’s 1981 and safe sex between gay men probably wasn’t a common topic then, but I still felt a bit icky about it — especially considering what happened to Cole. It just hit wrong.
Not gonna lie, the ending felt short for what I wanted. I needed a far more into-the-future epilogue — I just wanted to know more about them, to see how their forever looked. I think anyone who read their story would feel the same… but deep down, I know they’re okay. ❤️
So now then: First kisses at 50% 🥹🥹🥹🥹
And in the end:
I received a free copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
⚠️Author TWs
SA of a minor is a theme, though mainly talked about with the exception of one on-page scene. It is very brief, features extremely dubious consent (not between the MCs), and the MC is no longer a minor when it occurs. You get plenty of warning and could skip that paragraph if needed.
❣️Book Safety & Content
Cheating: Yes (not between MC)
OM/OW Drama: Yes (Grady hookups on page twice with man before they got intimate and has sex with his wife after they are intimate)
Sharing: No
Third-Act Breakup: Yes kind a, 2 days
Role Dynamics: Versatile
POV: 3rd person (single)
Format: Standalone
Ending: HFN, while i believe in their HEA i wish we had seem more into their future
Angst Level: Medium
Spice Level: High heat
Communication:Some miscommunication
Pining: Mutual
MC:Grady & Cole 4.5⭐
Whaddya-know-about-guys-helpin-each-other-out?
Tropes & tags
age-gap
cowboys
forced-proximity
hurt-comfort
protective-mc
small-town
touch-him-and-die
I loved this one sooo, sooo much. Grady and Cole are now a part of me.
I’ll admit I struggled a bit at first with the third-person POV — I always do. It takes me a while to slip inside their heads and truly feel them. But oh, I did. I really did. I laughed, I cried (a lot), I swooned, I blushed — because these boys have stamina!
Their story was beautiful. Grady is such a tender soul; you can see that he was merely existing until Cole showed up. And Cole… he was just a husk of a man until he found that farm. They fought, they worked, they built something beautiful and safe together.
Cole with Chloe — and in the end, with Calypso — absolutely broke me. He was such a beautiful boy, inside and out. What he endured, what he was made to endure by the people who were supposed to protect him, was horrific. I swear, parents and disgusting men like that… I hope karma takes care of them. If I ever write a fanfic, it’ll be about those men suffering the same way Cole did — Patricia’s Hand of God kind of thing. And believe me, I already have plenty of material for that from this book and countless others.
A word for Charmaine — I obviously hated what Grady did to her, but she was wonderful. Just a genuinely good woman. I’m glad they managed to be friends in the end.
That missing half-star? It’s purely for my inability to fully focus on third-person POV. The pacing felt slow at times, but it made perfect sense in the end. And oh my god, if I never see the word reckon again, it’ll be too soon — because 208 times is way too many! I reckon 😄
“I reckon we’re gonna have a long night,” Cole said.
“Yep.”
“I reckon we better check the cattle earlier.”
“I reckon you might be right.”
As for the OP drama — it bothered me zero. Without it, there wouldn’t have been any story, no context, and no way to reach the kind of forever we got in the end.
I know it’s 1981 and safe sex between gay men probably wasn’t a common topic then, but I still felt a bit icky about it — especially considering what happened to Cole. It just hit wrong.
Not gonna lie, the ending felt short for what I wanted. I needed a far more into-the-future epilogue — I just wanted to know more about them, to see how their forever looked. I think anyone who read their story would feel the same… but deep down, I know they’re okay. ❤️
So now then: First kisses at 50% 🥹🥹🥹🥹
“Morning,” Cole said. He gave Grady a cautious smile from under the fall of his black hair, his face still sleepy.
Grady crowded into his space and kissed him. Cole made a little sound but then brought his hands up to Grady’s biceps tentatively and kissed him back. It was a slow kiss, morning lazy. Their lips brushed, parted, met again and lingered. Cole tasted like coffee and toothpaste. Grady kissed him one more time before pulling away.
“Morning,” he said and grabbed his coffee. He quirked his lips as he sipped.
And in the end:
“You know I’m queer then,” Cole said.
Grady nodded. “I reckon I know that.”
Cole looked away. “And, and I ain’t just helpin’ out.”
“Yeah, I reckon I know that too.”
Cole blew out a breath. “So, I understand if you want me to go then.”
Grady looked out at his land. […] “I ain’t queer,” he finally said.
“I know it,” Cole said quietly.
“But I reckon I might be, a little bit. For you.”
Grady turned so he was facing Cole. […] “I know you can probably get better from some clever city boy. But if you want me? Well, I reckon I’d like that, with you.”
“You wanna be with me?”
“Yeah,” Grady said. “I reckon I’d like that a whole lot.”
“Are you sure?”
“I ain’t ever been surer about anything in my life. […] You’re my partner. If you want that.”
“I had a crush on you since I knew what my dick is for, Amos Grady,” Cole said.
Grady huffed a laugh. “Well, I reckon that’s a good start.”
Cole shook his head. “Yeah, but now I know you, too. And well, I don’t reckon I could love anyone more.”
Grady smiled. “Good.”
Cole laughed. “Good.”
Grady brought his arm up around Cole’s shoulders. Cole looked up at him, and Grady kissed him. Yeah, best goddamn feeling in the world, Grady thought as Cole broke away and smiled at him, and Grady had to wonder, as he looked into Cole’s deep black eyes, the crinkles in the corners and the vulnerability in the depths Cole hid from everyone else, who’d have thought this was here, in the world.
I received a free copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
⚠️Author TWs
SA of a minor is a theme, though mainly talked about with the exception of one on-page scene. It is very brief, features extremely dubious consent (not between the MCs), and the MC is no longer a minor when it occurs. You get plenty of warning and could skip that paragraph if needed.
❣️Book Safety & Content
Cheating: Yes (not between MC)
OM/OW Drama: Yes (Grady hookups on page twice with man before they got intimate and has sex with his wife after they are intimate)
Sharing: No
Third-Act Breakup: Yes kind a, 2 days
Role Dynamics: Versatile
POV: 3rd person (single)
Format: Standalone
Ending: HFN, while i believe in their HEA i wish we had seem more into their future
Angst Level: Medium
Spice Level: High heat
Communication:Some miscommunication
Pining: Mutual
October 17, 2025
4.0 ⭐️
September 22, 2025
5 stars
Such a wonderful read, I truly loved it.
I adore this author's writing, raw, emotional but not dramatic, simple and yet with a deep meaning: Sasha Avice chooses her words carefully so they hit you right in the chest. She built up Cole's trauma by leaving little hints, a few words here and there and then she devastated me with the truth.
I don't want this review be to spoilery, so I'll just say a few things I loved so much:
The setting: as usual, Sasha Avice did her researches and showed us a very truthful view about cowboys in the 80's, their jobs, the land, their interactions, the things they did but they couldn't talk about.
Grady falling in love with Cole and realising very slowly that what he had with Cole was far more than helping a buddy out. The way they fit into each other's life, how they build a domestic routine, how the intimacy of being into one another's arms was what mattered the most at the end of the day. The first time they actually made love, instead of just having a physical release, was oh so beautiful. And their first unexpected kiss was just as good.
I adored Cole, who's beautifully pure despite all the ugliness around him, who was very brave and loved Grady patiently until the other man was ready. Wonderful Cole, who took care and cherished Grady's horses, while silently grieving the one he lost.
I also liked Charmaine: well I did want to strangle her at some point, but she was a good person and I loved that the author didn't make her a villain in their marriage.
Lastly, I appreciated so very much Grady going full George Creed in order to protect Cole at any cost. It was so satisfying!
The epilogue made me cry my eyes out, it was everything.
Definitely, absolutely recommended.
Such a wonderful read, I truly loved it.
I adore this author's writing, raw, emotional but not dramatic, simple and yet with a deep meaning: Sasha Avice chooses her words carefully so they hit you right in the chest. She built up Cole's trauma by leaving little hints, a few words here and there and then she devastated me with the truth.
I don't want this review be to spoilery, so I'll just say a few things I loved so much:
The setting: as usual, Sasha Avice did her researches and showed us a very truthful view about cowboys in the 80's, their jobs, the land, their interactions, the things they did but they couldn't talk about.
Grady falling in love with Cole and realising very slowly that what he had with Cole was far more than helping a buddy out. The way they fit into each other's life, how they build a domestic routine, how the intimacy of being into one another's arms was what mattered the most at the end of the day. The first time they actually made love, instead of just having a physical release, was oh so beautiful. And their first unexpected kiss was just as good.
I adored Cole, who's beautifully pure despite all the ugliness around him, who was very brave and loved Grady patiently until the other man was ready. Wonderful Cole, who took care and cherished Grady's horses, while silently grieving the one he lost.
I also liked Charmaine: well I did want to strangle her at some point, but she was a good person and I loved that the author didn't make her a villain in their marriage.
Lastly, I appreciated so very much Grady going full George Creed in order to protect Cole at any cost. It was so satisfying!
The epilogue made me cry my eyes out, it was everything.
Definitely, absolutely recommended.
October 4, 2025
ARC Review
*mild spoilers ahead*
⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️
This was different…
If you’re looking for a love story that’s off the beaten path, this book delivers just that.
Set in 1981 in a fading rural town, the story centers on Grady, a rancher who’s used to being alone, and Cole, a homeless boy who shows up looking for work. Grady reluctantly takes him in, and what starts as a simple arrangement slowly turns into something much deeper.
From the get go, you can tell Cole’s carrying some serious baggage. He’s closed off, clearly hurt by his past, and even as he and Grady grow closer, he keeps his walls up until nearly the end. Their connection starts out as physical, which apparently fits the local “help a buddy out” custom, but it’s obvious there’s more bubbling beneath the surface.
I’ll be honest, it took me a while to really get into the story and connect with the characters. The book is written in third person, which is pretty unusual for this genre, and you only get Grady’s POV. But as the story unfolds, you realize it’s deliberate, that we’re supposed to discover Cole’s history right alongside Grady.
Now, there are some tough themes here. The author gives a clear TW about a particularly sensitive issue, but there are other things that caught me off guard. For example, one of the characters is married for most of the book. He and his wife live apart, as she prefers city life, but they’re still technically together. She visits, and they usually have sex, so there’s cheating involved. That’s a big pet peeve of mine, and it threw me for a loop.
The age thing also stood out for me. Grady comes off as this rugged, older rancher, but I calculated he’s actually only about 23-24 (he was born in 1958, and the story takes place in 1981). Cole’s age is never directly stated, but he seems to be around 17 when things turn physical between them, making him actually underage, which definitely adds a layer of discomfort. Still, it reflects the time period and how things were seen differently during it.
Honestly, in another circumstance, I would’ve probably DNF’d the book because of these issues, but I considered the context, the story’s setting in a culturally different time and place, and the way it draws you in, and I kept reading. And I’m glad I did.
Despite its flaws, this is a beautiful story.
It’s a story about a broken boy who’s lost everything, learning to love himself and the man who saw beyond the scars and embraced him.
It’s also a story about a guy who decides to go against everything he’s been taught and what he thought he knew about himself, to be with the person who came to disrupt his gray life and make it brighter.
Grady as a character was very polarizing for me; sometimes I liked him, sometimes he annoyed me, but I ended up understanding where he was coming from.
Cole, on the other hand, is impossible not to love, to root for, you just want good things for him because he’s been through enough. Thankfully, he gets his happy ending, and you’re left hoping they’ll make it work.
There are some pretty nasty side characters, and you’re left wishing they got it worse, but the outcome makes sense if you think about the time and place the story is set in. That background helps you see why the story is the way it is.
So, as I said at the beginning, this was different, it isn’t your typical romance (even though, while I was reading, I couldn’t help but remember all those Harlequin cowboy love stories my mom adored and devoured and that I used to sneak out when I was a kid and had no business reading them 😅💕).
But that’s exactly why it stands out. It’s a challenging, and ultimately satisfying read that’s different from most love stories out there.
---
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
*mild spoilers ahead*
⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️
This was different…
If you’re looking for a love story that’s off the beaten path, this book delivers just that.
Set in 1981 in a fading rural town, the story centers on Grady, a rancher who’s used to being alone, and Cole, a homeless boy who shows up looking for work. Grady reluctantly takes him in, and what starts as a simple arrangement slowly turns into something much deeper.
From the get go, you can tell Cole’s carrying some serious baggage. He’s closed off, clearly hurt by his past, and even as he and Grady grow closer, he keeps his walls up until nearly the end. Their connection starts out as physical, which apparently fits the local “help a buddy out” custom, but it’s obvious there’s more bubbling beneath the surface.
I’ll be honest, it took me a while to really get into the story and connect with the characters. The book is written in third person, which is pretty unusual for this genre, and you only get Grady’s POV. But as the story unfolds, you realize it’s deliberate, that we’re supposed to discover Cole’s history right alongside Grady.
Now, there are some tough themes here. The author gives a clear TW about a particularly sensitive issue, but there are other things that caught me off guard. For example, one of the characters is married for most of the book. He and his wife live apart, as she prefers city life, but they’re still technically together. She visits, and they usually have sex, so there’s cheating involved. That’s a big pet peeve of mine, and it threw me for a loop.
The age thing also stood out for me. Grady comes off as this rugged, older rancher, but I calculated he’s actually only about 23-24 (he was born in 1958, and the story takes place in 1981). Cole’s age is never directly stated, but he seems to be around 17 when things turn physical between them, making him actually underage, which definitely adds a layer of discomfort. Still, it reflects the time period and how things were seen differently during it.
Honestly, in another circumstance, I would’ve probably DNF’d the book because of these issues, but I considered the context, the story’s setting in a culturally different time and place, and the way it draws you in, and I kept reading. And I’m glad I did.
Despite its flaws, this is a beautiful story.
It’s a story about a broken boy who’s lost everything, learning to love himself and the man who saw beyond the scars and embraced him.
It’s also a story about a guy who decides to go against everything he’s been taught and what he thought he knew about himself, to be with the person who came to disrupt his gray life and make it brighter.
Grady as a character was very polarizing for me; sometimes I liked him, sometimes he annoyed me, but I ended up understanding where he was coming from.
Cole, on the other hand, is impossible not to love, to root for, you just want good things for him because he’s been through enough. Thankfully, he gets his happy ending, and you’re left hoping they’ll make it work.
There are some pretty nasty side characters, and you’re left wishing they got it worse, but the outcome makes sense if you think about the time and place the story is set in. That background helps you see why the story is the way it is.
So, as I said at the beginning, this was different, it isn’t your typical romance (even though, while I was reading, I couldn’t help but remember all those Harlequin cowboy love stories my mom adored and devoured and that I used to sneak out when I was a kid and had no business reading them 😅💕).
But that’s exactly why it stands out. It’s a challenging, and ultimately satisfying read that’s different from most love stories out there.
---
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
October 19, 2025
hmm where do i begin?
an 80’s western where farmer grady, falls in love with farmhand cole. i thought this was going to sort of be slice of life on the farm while they get to know each other and essentially it was but at the same time it was so much more.
cole shows up with a past that unfolds as the book goes on and my god honestly fuck his sorry ass family and everybody else who took advantage of him.
i liked how grady stood up for cole in a few different situations. it *did* get a little complicated for a minute there because i feel like the missus overstepped just a tiny bit [ma’am your problem is with your husband] & poor cole did not need that. it literally pushed him back into the same bullshit he was running from. not gonna lie, i honestly i forgot grady had a wife too until she showed up lmao.
this is also exactly what i’ve been looking for from a cowboy story as far as the setting goes. actively working on the farm rounding up the sheep & cattle, taking the horses for a ride, dog & lady, lakes and pastures and setting up camp, sunrises & sunsets and a shit ton of coffee drinking lol.
idk, i have a soft spot for quiet shy slightly brooding characters who light up at talking about their passions & the strong but silent type who will do anything for you & simply get shit done. perfect pair lol.
thank you to grr for the copy!
cw: op drama, cheating, not between mcs, SA of an mc, not between mcs
an 80’s western where farmer grady, falls in love with farmhand cole. i thought this was going to sort of be slice of life on the farm while they get to know each other and essentially it was but at the same time it was so much more.
cole shows up with a past that unfolds as the book goes on and my god honestly fuck his sorry ass family and everybody else who took advantage of him.
i liked how grady stood up for cole in a few different situations. it *did* get a little complicated for a minute there because i feel like the missus overstepped just a tiny bit [ma’am your problem is with your husband] & poor cole did not need that. it literally pushed him back into the same bullshit he was running from. not gonna lie, i honestly i forgot grady had a wife too until she showed up lmao.
this is also exactly what i’ve been looking for from a cowboy story as far as the setting goes. actively working on the farm rounding up the sheep & cattle, taking the horses for a ride, dog & lady, lakes and pastures and setting up camp, sunrises & sunsets and a shit ton of coffee drinking lol.
idk, i have a soft spot for quiet shy slightly brooding characters who light up at talking about their passions & the strong but silent type who will do anything for you & simply get shit done. perfect pair lol.
thank you to grr for the copy!
cw: op drama, cheating, not between mcs, SA of an mc, not between mcs
October 7, 2025
On The Land, We Shoot Straight is a MM ranch romance story about Grady and Cole.
Grady is a rancher who is used to working alone. One day Cole shows up looking for work, and for some reason Grady isn’t able to turn him away. Grady can only promise food and board, and Cole agrees. We see how these two go from working together, helping a buddy out (sexually), to eventually so much more.
This was such a beautiful slow burn romance story. There were so many tender and intimate moments, and I couldn’t help but fall in love with Grady and Cole. We see Grady take care of Cole even when he didn’t understand his situation. And when we learn everything that happened to Cole, I was completely heartbroken. I also was like Grady and felt anger and rage towards the people that put Cole through it.
Please do make sure to check out the author’s content warning. There are a couple of things I would have preferred knowing that weren’t mentioned. Grady is married for most of the book. His wife is a lawyer and lives in the city, but she does visit periodically and they keep in touch over the phone. Also, there are on-page sex scenes of Grady with other people.
I really enjoyed getting to know Grady and Cole and taking this journey with them. I also enjoyed the animals and nature that also played a part in their story. Grady and Cole had me feeling so many emotions reading their story, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. This was my first book by this author, and it definitely won’t be my last.
I received an advanced copy of this book, and this is my honest review.
Grady is a rancher who is used to working alone. One day Cole shows up looking for work, and for some reason Grady isn’t able to turn him away. Grady can only promise food and board, and Cole agrees. We see how these two go from working together, helping a buddy out (sexually), to eventually so much more.
This was such a beautiful slow burn romance story. There were so many tender and intimate moments, and I couldn’t help but fall in love with Grady and Cole. We see Grady take care of Cole even when he didn’t understand his situation. And when we learn everything that happened to Cole, I was completely heartbroken. I also was like Grady and felt anger and rage towards the people that put Cole through it.
Please do make sure to check out the author’s content warning. There are a couple of things I would have preferred knowing that weren’t mentioned. Grady is married for most of the book. His wife is a lawyer and lives in the city, but she does visit periodically and they keep in touch over the phone. Also, there are on-page sex scenes of Grady with other people.
I really enjoyed getting to know Grady and Cole and taking this journey with them. I also enjoyed the animals and nature that also played a part in their story. Grady and Cole had me feeling so many emotions reading their story, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. This was my first book by this author, and it definitely won’t be my last.
I received an advanced copy of this book, and this is my honest review.
September 25, 2025
Cole pulls at my heart from the first page and Grady stoically holds it. I will never get over how exceptional Sasha Avice is in pulling us into characters, immersing us in the world she created in Freeson rural Australia, the connection she builds and builds and solidifies between these characters till you miss the the book literally when it’s done. One of the stand out things aside from the exceptional story and writing were the Animals, the one Cole lost, Chloe, Red, Lady and Dog - I adore them specially little lamb. The other is the land, the authors love for the land always shines through.
Cole shows up one day (appearing for all intents and purposes destitute) and despite his reservations Grady takes him in. What follows is a love story that’s completely atypical since Grady is a man of few words and Cole while bursting with them is reticent. So the tale unfolds like a map a mystery a puzzle where we are putting pieces together as they fall in love. The story is beautifully told from Grady’s pov, it’s an intimate look into the man and his uncovering of all that is Cole. Cole, who is such a contradiction in terms. We see the building joy, the building connection but we also see these glimpses of a dark cloud, a heaviness that creates this tone that’s indescribably sad, a sad that rests in Cole and a Sad that builds rage in Grady. As it slowly reveals itself what has happened to Cole, we as readers itch and scratch and clench our teeth at the sheer devastation the anger I felt the tears I cried are deserved on behalf of this heartbreaking character Avice wove for us. There are also burst if sunshine in the book to balance it out, beautiful sweet funny moments where Cole can be his sweet sassy self!
There are people in this book I genuinely hate, many people tbh but I’m not spoiling the story so I won’t say but I am very grateful to have my dear friend @lady for this buddy read allowing me to vent.
It’s a love story, it’s an unwavering love, a protective love, a love filled with fire and heat and a love with understanding, a love that sees. A BIG love. A love story that will stay with me forever.
Cole shows up one day (appearing for all intents and purposes destitute) and despite his reservations Grady takes him in. What follows is a love story that’s completely atypical since Grady is a man of few words and Cole while bursting with them is reticent. So the tale unfolds like a map a mystery a puzzle where we are putting pieces together as they fall in love. The story is beautifully told from Grady’s pov, it’s an intimate look into the man and his uncovering of all that is Cole. Cole, who is such a contradiction in terms. We see the building joy, the building connection but we also see these glimpses of a dark cloud, a heaviness that creates this tone that’s indescribably sad, a sad that rests in Cole and a Sad that builds rage in Grady. As it slowly reveals itself what has happened to Cole, we as readers itch and scratch and clench our teeth at the sheer devastation the anger I felt the tears I cried are deserved on behalf of this heartbreaking character Avice wove for us. There are also burst if sunshine in the book to balance it out, beautiful sweet funny moments where Cole can be his sweet sassy self!
There are people in this book I genuinely hate, many people tbh but I’m not spoiling the story so I won’t say but I am very grateful to have my dear friend @lady for this buddy read allowing me to vent.
It’s a love story, it’s an unwavering love, a protective love, a love filled with fire and heat and a love with understanding, a love that sees. A BIG love. A love story that will stay with me forever.
September 20, 2025
Sasha Avice absolutely smashed this one out of the park! Absolutely brilliant work!!
This book made me cry, rage, laugh and feel all the feelings in between! The characters were so alive and just pulled you in, from the MMCs, my darling Grady and my baby Cole, the dogs Dog and Lady, the horses Chloe and Red, and even the terrible townspeople. The amount of highlights and comments on my kindle throughout the book, especially chapters 47 & 48, are ridiculous but I’m just besotted with the story which is so well written.
Grady and Cole were just perfect for each other. The care and compassion Grady showed even when he didn’t understand Cole’s situation just pulled at the heart strings, and Cole’s journey is just heartbreaking. I honestly advise everyone interested in reading this book to check out the trigger warnings on Sasha’s website because you will definitely feel some type of way, the themes are heavy!
I truly hope Sasha will grant us a bonus short on Cole’s healing now that the story ended with everything all out in the open, how Chloe and Calypso are getting along 🤣 and most importantly how amazing Grady still is!
All the Stars for these Boys!!
Arc provided by author for an honest review
This book made me cry, rage, laugh and feel all the feelings in between! The characters were so alive and just pulled you in, from the MMCs, my darling Grady and my baby Cole, the dogs Dog and Lady, the horses Chloe and Red, and even the terrible townspeople. The amount of highlights and comments on my kindle throughout the book, especially chapters 47 & 48, are ridiculous but I’m just besotted with the story which is so well written.
Grady and Cole were just perfect for each other. The care and compassion Grady showed even when he didn’t understand Cole’s situation just pulled at the heart strings, and Cole’s journey is just heartbreaking. I honestly advise everyone interested in reading this book to check out the trigger warnings on Sasha’s website because you will definitely feel some type of way, the themes are heavy!
I truly hope Sasha will grant us a bonus short on Cole’s healing now that the story ended with everything all out in the open, how Chloe and Calypso are getting along 🤣 and most importantly how amazing Grady still is!
All the Stars for these Boys!!
Arc provided by author for an honest review
December 11, 2025
On The Land, We Shoot Straight
Sasha Avice
Grady & Cole
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
Men helping men out
Cowboys
Camping under the stars
Cheating
Age gap
Hurt / Comfort
Horses as Comfort
Sheesh it's no shock that I'm already a Sasha Avice fan. Her writing is so incredible. Intense and emotional but conveys such depth for the characters and their stories
I think her books are so well done. So unique. Always a raw and gritty edge to them that I love.
This was no different.
Here we have men who just … help each other out … sexually even though they have women at home, wives even.
I love how this is the premise of so many books, so I'm not gay even though I sleep with men in reality.
While working on his ranch, the youngest Cole shows up asking if Grady needs help. Normally Grady doesn't have hands on the ranch but he sees something in Cole.
“Grady was struck again by how pretty the kid was.”
Cole we can tell has some secrets, or at least a past. It seems hurtful and heartbreaking.
The two get along well on the ranch, they clearly are in sync and fall into an easy companionable relationship working around the ranch.
As time goes on they begin to “help each other out” as men do, they say round those parts.
“Whaddya- know- about- guys- helpin- each- other- out?”
Their relationship evolves from that to, from just a release to more of a connection.
It's so intimate. The way Sasha writes, it's just so vulnerable, we truly see these men let their guard down and I don't even know if they know they are doing it.
The peek we get into these men's lives while reading one of her books seems almost unguarded and so personal. She has an incredible writing style that I adore.
We also start to see some of Cole's story come to light. And my oh my, my heart hurts for Cole.
Grady is incredibly protective of Cole. He doesn't even know his past but knows even enough to be gentle with him. Also shutting down town gossip as well.
We also have a few visitors come to the ranch, none welcome by Cole lol
I do appreciate how Grady's wife was not made into a negative character or talked down upon. She too was not satisfied with their marriage I suspect.
This was so great. So intimate, raw and personal. A vulnerable story of two beautiful men falling in love.
I loved their story
I adored how Grady stood up for Cole in so many different ways.
“Cole laughed again, a small, surprised sound. “I love you, you know that?” “I know it,” Grady said. “I love you too,” he added gruffly.”
This was gruff but also sweet and shows the reality of what im sure occurs in real life for so many
Loved it
Fantastic book ❤️
Incredible author ❤️
I will read everything she puts out ❤️
So thankful for this arc
Sasha Avice
Grady & Cole
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
Men helping men out
Cowboys
Camping under the stars
Cheating
Age gap
Hurt / Comfort
Horses as Comfort
Sheesh it's no shock that I'm already a Sasha Avice fan. Her writing is so incredible. Intense and emotional but conveys such depth for the characters and their stories
I think her books are so well done. So unique. Always a raw and gritty edge to them that I love.
This was no different.
Here we have men who just … help each other out … sexually even though they have women at home, wives even.
I love how this is the premise of so many books, so I'm not gay even though I sleep with men in reality.
While working on his ranch, the youngest Cole shows up asking if Grady needs help. Normally Grady doesn't have hands on the ranch but he sees something in Cole.
“Grady was struck again by how pretty the kid was.”
Cole we can tell has some secrets, or at least a past. It seems hurtful and heartbreaking.
The two get along well on the ranch, they clearly are in sync and fall into an easy companionable relationship working around the ranch.
As time goes on they begin to “help each other out” as men do, they say round those parts.
“Whaddya- know- about- guys- helpin- each- other- out?”
Their relationship evolves from that to, from just a release to more of a connection.
It's so intimate. The way Sasha writes, it's just so vulnerable, we truly see these men let their guard down and I don't even know if they know they are doing it.
The peek we get into these men's lives while reading one of her books seems almost unguarded and so personal. She has an incredible writing style that I adore.
We also start to see some of Cole's story come to light. And my oh my, my heart hurts for Cole.
Grady is incredibly protective of Cole. He doesn't even know his past but knows even enough to be gentle with him. Also shutting down town gossip as well.
We also have a few visitors come to the ranch, none welcome by Cole lol
I do appreciate how Grady's wife was not made into a negative character or talked down upon. She too was not satisfied with their marriage I suspect.
This was so great. So intimate, raw and personal. A vulnerable story of two beautiful men falling in love.
I loved their story
I adored how Grady stood up for Cole in so many different ways.
“Cole laughed again, a small, surprised sound. “I love you, you know that?” “I know it,” Grady said. “I love you too,” he added gruffly.”
This was gruff but also sweet and shows the reality of what im sure occurs in real life for so many
Loved it
Fantastic book ❤️
Incredible author ❤️
I will read everything she puts out ❤️
So thankful for this arc
October 5, 2025
Well-written and not exactly a slow burn, but the relationship had plenty of time to breathe and build naturally. Definitely show, not tell. Lots of ranchy, farmy details—so you’ve got to be into that—but overall, a really well-executed story.
In the foreword, the author mentions she based the idea of these men having sex with each other out in the middle of nowhere on a book she’d read about the phenomenon, so I guess it’s true—sort of like prisons or English boys in boarding school. But it’s still hard to wrap my head around. There were women in these towns, maybe not a ton to go around but if you were fully straight, I think one could make do. Did it somehow feel less like cheating if it was with another guy? How did these men convince themselves they were straight? I’m just saying—it stretched my modern brain a bit.
My quibbles: it’s set in 1981, and all that unprotected anal was making me twitchy. I get that they were in the middle of nowhere, but HIV has no boundaries. Interesting choice of an era, and they never even acknowledge it.
Also, you know how once you notice someone’s verbal tic—like an “um” or “like”—you can’t unhear it? That was “reckon” for me in this book. These guys did a lot of reckoning.
And maybe the big reveal could’ve come a touch sooner—waiting until the last 5% felt like a long haul.
Still, solid 4 stars. I was fully invested.
In the foreword, the author mentions she based the idea of these men having sex with each other out in the middle of nowhere on a book she’d read about the phenomenon, so I guess it’s true—sort of like prisons or English boys in boarding school. But it’s still hard to wrap my head around. There were women in these towns, maybe not a ton to go around but if you were fully straight, I think one could make do. Did it somehow feel less like cheating if it was with another guy? How did these men convince themselves they were straight? I’m just saying—it stretched my modern brain a bit.
My quibbles: it’s set in 1981, and all that unprotected anal was making me twitchy. I get that they were in the middle of nowhere, but HIV has no boundaries. Interesting choice of an era, and they never even acknowledge it.
Also, you know how once you notice someone’s verbal tic—like an “um” or “like”—you can’t unhear it? That was “reckon” for me in this book. These guys did a lot of reckoning.
And maybe the big reveal could’ve come a touch sooner—waiting until the last 5% felt like a long haul.
Still, solid 4 stars. I was fully invested.
October 14, 2025
Urzekła mnie ta historia absolutnie, prawdziwa perełka wykopana w środku nocy i w tę samą noc ukończona. Grady i Cole <3 Wszystko tu zatrybiło i było w pełni satysfakcjonujące: wolne tempo rozwoju historii i relacji dwóch głównych bohaterów oraz ich charakterów, nawet single POV idealnie się sprawdził, bo wszystko, czego potrzebowaliśmy się dowiedzieć i tak otrzymaliśmy. No i postać kobieca - żona, ale nie w jakimś demonicznym wydaniu - jak najbardziej na plus. Ot, historia kompletna.
September 27, 2025
5 Glittering ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Set in a fictional town somewhere in USA, Circe 1980, the reader needs to suspend disbelief at the practices that were acceptable in this fictional town somewhere.
Amos Grady is a young man running his farm after the death of his father. He can’t afford help so he has to take care of his crops, sheep and cows on his own, and he loves it. He has a very smart wife who can’t stand the life on a farm and she lives in the city where she is an established lawyer. She only visits in Springtime but they communicate by phone regularly. Grady drives to town regularly to visit the local pub and there, with a nod from another man, they step out and find a place where, as these men like to call it, ‘give a friend a helping hand’, you get the drift. All so normal, so strings. Apparently the wives seem to accept this.
When Jesse Cole knocks on his door looking for a job Grady is taken aback. Cole is a gorgeous looking young man, but he looks disheveled and tired, he also looks familiar. Grady is sorry and tells Cole he cannot afford to pay for help and Cole thanks him and turns away. Then it clicks with Grady who the boy is and he made a decision. He offered Cole food and lodgings in return for a few days harvesting in the fields.
So it turns out that Cole’s time working with Grady carries on for far longer than expected due to his ability to handle so many of the farm tasks. He loves the animals, especially the horses. Plus, he is liking Grady with each passing day and it makes him feel appreciated when Grady accepts some advice that helps make things easier on the farm.
He is the youngest son in a family of six boys where the mother was hoping for a daughter, so he does not feel wanted. This wasn’t his only reason for not being appreciated. He loved working on the family farm until the bank pressurised the family and then his life became a living hell.
I don’t want to accidentally give spoilers here, I want readers to come across this story the way I did and be taken through the frequently very heartbreakingly sad parts of Cole’s life that will have you crying like a baby. His new life on Grady’s farm lightens his heart until a figure from his past turns up in Grady’s yard and threatens Cole life all over again.
This is a free ARC copy I received via the author and I am voluntarily leaving this unbiased review.
I wish it were possible to give 10 stars when I get to read a really good book that is so well written with characters that get into your heart and mind and will live there a long time after you reach the end. I’m not going to read another book for a bit, I just want to savour this one for a while longer. Written in 2021 by Sasha Avice and only now being published, I’m so glad that her Beta team managed to persuaded her to publish it now.
It’s a big 5 Star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read for me.
Set in a fictional town somewhere in USA, Circe 1980, the reader needs to suspend disbelief at the practices that were acceptable in this fictional town somewhere.
Amos Grady is a young man running his farm after the death of his father. He can’t afford help so he has to take care of his crops, sheep and cows on his own, and he loves it. He has a very smart wife who can’t stand the life on a farm and she lives in the city where she is an established lawyer. She only visits in Springtime but they communicate by phone regularly. Grady drives to town regularly to visit the local pub and there, with a nod from another man, they step out and find a place where, as these men like to call it, ‘give a friend a helping hand’, you get the drift. All so normal, so strings. Apparently the wives seem to accept this.
When Jesse Cole knocks on his door looking for a job Grady is taken aback. Cole is a gorgeous looking young man, but he looks disheveled and tired, he also looks familiar. Grady is sorry and tells Cole he cannot afford to pay for help and Cole thanks him and turns away. Then it clicks with Grady who the boy is and he made a decision. He offered Cole food and lodgings in return for a few days harvesting in the fields.
So it turns out that Cole’s time working with Grady carries on for far longer than expected due to his ability to handle so many of the farm tasks. He loves the animals, especially the horses. Plus, he is liking Grady with each passing day and it makes him feel appreciated when Grady accepts some advice that helps make things easier on the farm.
He is the youngest son in a family of six boys where the mother was hoping for a daughter, so he does not feel wanted. This wasn’t his only reason for not being appreciated. He loved working on the family farm until the bank pressurised the family and then his life became a living hell.
I don’t want to accidentally give spoilers here, I want readers to come across this story the way I did and be taken through the frequently very heartbreakingly sad parts of Cole’s life that will have you crying like a baby. His new life on Grady’s farm lightens his heart until a figure from his past turns up in Grady’s yard and threatens Cole life all over again.
This is a free ARC copy I received via the author and I am voluntarily leaving this unbiased review.
I wish it were possible to give 10 stars when I get to read a really good book that is so well written with characters that get into your heart and mind and will live there a long time after you reach the end. I’m not going to read another book for a bit, I just want to savour this one for a while longer. Written in 2021 by Sasha Avice and only now being published, I’m so glad that her Beta team managed to persuaded her to publish it now.
It’s a big 5 Star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read for me.
October 10, 2025
grady & cole - 4 stars 🧡 i enjoyed this one!! this was actually my first book by this author, i noticed by goodreads friends saying they always love this authors writing style but this is the first for me and it definitely kept me intrigued. it’s a very different mm romance to what i usually read but it was also refreshing. i would definitely check the trigger warnings in this one because i don’t think this book would be for everybody but i encourage yall to give it a go!! i liked that so much of the book was our two mc’s spending time together and getting to know each other etc cause it 100% made the gradual love story believable. its very messy too but guess what? i love cheating/infidelity in books so i ate this up! i did really connect with the characters and i wanted to k*ll everyone who hurt cole bc wtf man 😀😭 wish they did get shot tbh 🤷🏼♀️ i love how grady and cole cared for each other and it was a really sweet hea tbh.
I received a copy of this story from Gay Romance Reviews and i am voluntarily leaving a review :)
I received a copy of this story from Gay Romance Reviews and i am voluntarily leaving a review :)
October 13, 2025
”Christ, but that was hot. It should not be hot. Nothing about this should be hot. Hot was gay and this was not gay. This was just helping a buddy out.”
Set on a farm in 1980-something, this is a tender, slow-moving romance about Grady and his new farmhand Cole. Grady doesn’t exactly need help on the farm but something about Cole makes him want to help the kid out
Speaking of “helping out”, on this farm out in the middle of nowhere it’s common for buddies to “help each other out”, with their dicks
You can tell from the start that something has happened to Cole. He’s skittish and timid but Grady is a patient man of few words
Slowly Cole opens up to Grady and eventually we get the truth of his dark past. It’s heartbreaking what he’s gone through but Grady is steady and protective
Despite the dark details of Cole’s past, this is a cozy slow burn with lots of farm work, animals and camping. And lots and lots of sex
The ending is very sweet and brought tears to my eyes. Grady doesn’t say a lot but his actions speak loudly.
”I ain’t queer,” he finally said. “I know it,” Cole said quietly. “But I reckon I might be, a little bit. For you.”
Sasha Avice is one of the best MM authors and is criminally underrated. Her stories are always thoroughly researched and have complicated, fleshed out characters. She just keeps getting better and every new release ends up on my favorites shelf
Set on a farm in 1980-something, this is a tender, slow-moving romance about Grady and his new farmhand Cole. Grady doesn’t exactly need help on the farm but something about Cole makes him want to help the kid out
Speaking of “helping out”, on this farm out in the middle of nowhere it’s common for buddies to “help each other out”, with their dicks
You can tell from the start that something has happened to Cole. He’s skittish and timid but Grady is a patient man of few words
Slowly Cole opens up to Grady and eventually we get the truth of his dark past. It’s heartbreaking what he’s gone through but Grady is steady and protective
Despite the dark details of Cole’s past, this is a cozy slow burn with lots of farm work, animals and camping. And lots and lots of sex
The ending is very sweet and brought tears to my eyes. Grady doesn’t say a lot but his actions speak loudly.
”I ain’t queer,” he finally said. “I know it,” Cole said quietly. “But I reckon I might be, a little bit. For you.”
Sasha Avice is one of the best MM authors and is criminally underrated. Her stories are always thoroughly researched and have complicated, fleshed out characters. She just keeps getting better and every new release ends up on my favorites shelf
October 8, 2025
This is a hurt / comfort romance, featuring Cole and Grady, and is a standalone book.
When Cole shows up at Grady’s ranch, the rancher can’t turn him away. As they work side by side, friendship turns into something deeper, and Grady risks everything to show Cole he’s worth more than his past.
I can’t remember who recommended this one to me the other week but thank you! This story hit me right in the chest. Grady and Cole’s slow, tender connection unfolds against the quiet of farm life, full of unspoken feelings and quiet acts of care. It’s about loneliness, healing, and finding someone who sees you when you think no one ever will. The writing feels raw and intimate, with moments that ache and at one point I was absolutely heartbroken. This is well worth the read. Make sure you check CW as there is some sensitive content.
Things to expect in this book are:
Standalone
MM romance
Check CW
Small town
Slow burn
Small age gap
Ranch owner x ranch hand
Grumpy x Sunshine
Gossipy town folk
Spicy times
Hook ups to more
Cheating on wife
Hurt / Comfort
Past trauma & abuse
Caretaker
Emotional healing
HEA
When Cole shows up at Grady’s ranch, the rancher can’t turn him away. As they work side by side, friendship turns into something deeper, and Grady risks everything to show Cole he’s worth more than his past.
I can’t remember who recommended this one to me the other week but thank you! This story hit me right in the chest. Grady and Cole’s slow, tender connection unfolds against the quiet of farm life, full of unspoken feelings and quiet acts of care. It’s about loneliness, healing, and finding someone who sees you when you think no one ever will. The writing feels raw and intimate, with moments that ache and at one point I was absolutely heartbroken. This is well worth the read. Make sure you check CW as there is some sensitive content.
Things to expect in this book are:
Standalone
MM romance
Check CW
Small town
Slow burn
Small age gap
Ranch owner x ranch hand
Grumpy x Sunshine
Gossipy town folk
Spicy times
Hook ups to more
Cheating on wife
Hurt / Comfort
Past trauma & abuse
Caretaker
Emotional healing
HEA
January 1, 2026
Absolutely loved this - one of my top reads for 2025, easy.
September 20, 2025
Sasha Avice is one of my all-time favourite authors, so it’s no surprise I knew this was going to be a 5 star read well before I got my hands on it. On the Land, We Shoot Straight delivers Sasha Avice at her unwavering finest in this raw, tender, and emotional ranch romance.
When the youngest Cole kid shows up at Grady’s farm looking for work, there’s something about his quiet, downtrodden demeanor that Grady can’t turn away. After lingering glances turns into more, Grady starts to think that maybe what they have is more than just buddies “helping each other out”.
On the Land exemplifies Avice’s exceptional talents as a writer: her unique voice; the devastating beauty she unleashes in her understated prose. The way she weaves poetry from simplicity; how artfully she establishes undercurrents of emotion in her characters—even when they aren’t aware of their own feelings.
Avice is the master of showing vs telling; the way her characters respond and interact with the world around them holds a mirror to their internal struggles, and you can’t help but feel it all with them—you don’t need to be told how a character is feeling, because you’re feeling it too. Such is the power of her writing.
Avice is an expert at building tension through subtext. The heart of the story is in everything left unsaid; the small acts of service, the lingering looks, the yearning. The tension gradually mounts as love blossoms between the lines. And as the reader, you’re not merely a passenger to the story but an active participant, filling in the gaps, putting together the pieces, actively engaging with the story. And working for it is so much more rewarding than having every detail explained.
My heart BROKE for Cole. He tries so hard to play the part of the emotionally stunted rancher, but in burying his trauma he’s also being steadily crushed by the weight of his shame. He finds what he needs in Grady, whose patience and understanding allows him room to feel, and to release that weight. “You done good.”
I loved that the narrative didn’t demonise Charmaine, Grady’s wife. She was layered and complex; miserable. Drinking. Alone. Not succeeding in her work. Bad guys were getting away with bad things because she failed their victims. These layers added dimension and shaped her character—not painting her as a vindictive, jealous, bitter woman but a lonely one, as faultless in this as Grady, as Cole. They’re all victims of circumstance, of society. Of expectations and the status quo.
On the Land, We Shoot Straight is a nuanced, evocative story, delivered with Sasha Avice’s unique and unparalleled style. She’s an MM romance heavyweight—one of the greats—and is totally underrated in my opinion. I can’t recommend her books enough. She’s truly in a class of her own.
Follow me on Instagram @unhingedreaderaunt for more MM romance reviews and recommendations.
And go read all of Sasha’s books!! Go on! Before Aunty gets cross.
X
When the youngest Cole kid shows up at Grady’s farm looking for work, there’s something about his quiet, downtrodden demeanor that Grady can’t turn away. After lingering glances turns into more, Grady starts to think that maybe what they have is more than just buddies “helping each other out”.
On the Land exemplifies Avice’s exceptional talents as a writer: her unique voice; the devastating beauty she unleashes in her understated prose. The way she weaves poetry from simplicity; how artfully she establishes undercurrents of emotion in her characters—even when they aren’t aware of their own feelings.
Avice is the master of showing vs telling; the way her characters respond and interact with the world around them holds a mirror to their internal struggles, and you can’t help but feel it all with them—you don’t need to be told how a character is feeling, because you’re feeling it too. Such is the power of her writing.
Avice is an expert at building tension through subtext. The heart of the story is in everything left unsaid; the small acts of service, the lingering looks, the yearning. The tension gradually mounts as love blossoms between the lines. And as the reader, you’re not merely a passenger to the story but an active participant, filling in the gaps, putting together the pieces, actively engaging with the story. And working for it is so much more rewarding than having every detail explained.
My heart BROKE for Cole. He tries so hard to play the part of the emotionally stunted rancher, but in burying his trauma he’s also being steadily crushed by the weight of his shame. He finds what he needs in Grady, whose patience and understanding allows him room to feel, and to release that weight. “You done good.”
I loved that the narrative didn’t demonise Charmaine, Grady’s wife. She was layered and complex; miserable. Drinking. Alone. Not succeeding in her work. Bad guys were getting away with bad things because she failed their victims. These layers added dimension and shaped her character—not painting her as a vindictive, jealous, bitter woman but a lonely one, as faultless in this as Grady, as Cole. They’re all victims of circumstance, of society. Of expectations and the status quo.
On the Land, We Shoot Straight is a nuanced, evocative story, delivered with Sasha Avice’s unique and unparalleled style. She’s an MM romance heavyweight—one of the greats—and is totally underrated in my opinion. I can’t recommend her books enough. She’s truly in a class of her own.
Follow me on Instagram @unhingedreaderaunt for more MM romance reviews and recommendations.
And go read all of Sasha’s books!! Go on! Before Aunty gets cross.
X
September 22, 2025
Sasha Avice has done it once again!! I’ve been looking forward to this one since she first told us about it in a newsletter, and she did not disappoint!! I am so honored to be on her ARC team, and to read & review early!!
Some spoilers ahead, and Sasha has added content warnings to her website for those who need them…
On the Land, We Shoot Straight is a story set in 1981 of straight men, manly men, who work the land and help each other out when they have an itch to scratch. Because that’s just what buddies do!!
First, let’s talk about that cover!! Absolutely stunning!! The colors are breathtaking. The imagery of Grady and Cole on the horses, on the farm, with the animals in the background… perfect!!
Next, I have to discuss those animals!! As an animal lover myself, Sasha’s books will always let you know how she feels about the creatures!! But this book exceeds all others. We have the dogs, the horses, the livestock, and the always present mentions of birds!! 🥰 The love between Chloe and Cole is an unbreakable bond. And I think most of us have met a dog like Dog before!!
While I’m on the animals, this is where I want to touch on Sasha’s writing. Her style will always draw me in right from the opening lines. It’s captivating and thought provoking, but just as important, it’s correct!! Throughout this book, the term “pricked-up ears”, or a variation, was used. I read a book somewhat recently, I can’t remember what or by who, and they used this phrase often, as well. But they used it about the humans in the book. So please note: the way Sasha used it in this book, describing the horses, is correct!! Humans cannot prick up their ears!! Unless we’re getting into some kinky things that are completely unrelated. But I digress.
Now, onto Charmaine. I think maybe she’s a bit of a mean drunk! But I love that she wasn’t made out to be completely irredeemable. I loathe her for sending Cole away, but it’s an interesting subject because Charmaine and Grady ARE married. Grady has his buddies who help him out on the side, and apparently Charmaine has some friends in the city as well!! So, is it cheating? I’d say they seem to agree that the physical act isn’t. But the falling in love is. Because what Grady & Cole have moved past physical a long time ago!! And in the end, Charmaine is still willing to help.
(If you’ve read Sasha’s Contested Posession series, and my reviews for those books, you will know the absolute revulsion I feel towards George for cheating on Joq. This is nothing like that. More proof that the ‘I Hate George Fan Club’ exists for good reason!!)
And finally, about Grady and Cole…
With Grady, I was not expecting the abandoned building and back alley hookups!! I know we KNEW these things happened, but I was genuinely surprised by the “You mind if I go first?” of it all!! I didn’t realize we were getting on page spice other than the two MCs. But I’m not complaining!! It’s another thing I love about a Sasha Avice book!! I never know what I’m going to get when I turn the page!!
And Cole. Oh, my sweet Jesse Cole. It was hinted at all book. We knew it was coming. But it still knocked the breath out of me when I read the words. The vile men who took any part in hurting this boy deserve all of Grady’s rage! But even more, Cole’s family deserves every measure of karma sent their way. His father, mother, brothers … despicable.
And Grady and Cole together just make sense. Grady still says he’s straight, but he might be less so for Cole. They are such a … I need more adjectives for beautiful! How about charming? Irresistible? All of it!! They are a beautiful, charming, irresistible couple!! Grady was protective of Cole from the start, even when he didn’t fully understand why. He just knew he had to be. The slow burn of their first kiss was something I don’t always love in a book, but it was needed here. Grady also knew when Cole needed a comforting touch, a spicy touch, or no touch at all. Much like handling a skittish animal. Grady is the perfect person to help Cole heal. As showcased in that heart melting epilogue!!
Favorite Quote: 🤣
“I’m old enough to drive sheep and cattle and put in the crop but too young to suck dick, yeah all right.”
Grady laughed. He couldn’t help it; Cole sounded so affronted. “You wanna suck my dick?”
“I’m askin’, aren’t I?”
On the Land, We Shoot Straight is an absolute masterpiece!! Sasha, thank you for this work of art. I cannot wait to add it to my collection, and it will definitely be in my re-read rotation!!
Some spoilers ahead, and Sasha has added content warnings to her website for those who need them…
On the Land, We Shoot Straight is a story set in 1981 of straight men, manly men, who work the land and help each other out when they have an itch to scratch. Because that’s just what buddies do!!
First, let’s talk about that cover!! Absolutely stunning!! The colors are breathtaking. The imagery of Grady and Cole on the horses, on the farm, with the animals in the background… perfect!!
Next, I have to discuss those animals!! As an animal lover myself, Sasha’s books will always let you know how she feels about the creatures!! But this book exceeds all others. We have the dogs, the horses, the livestock, and the always present mentions of birds!! 🥰 The love between Chloe and Cole is an unbreakable bond. And I think most of us have met a dog like Dog before!!
While I’m on the animals, this is where I want to touch on Sasha’s writing. Her style will always draw me in right from the opening lines. It’s captivating and thought provoking, but just as important, it’s correct!! Throughout this book, the term “pricked-up ears”, or a variation, was used. I read a book somewhat recently, I can’t remember what or by who, and they used this phrase often, as well. But they used it about the humans in the book. So please note: the way Sasha used it in this book, describing the horses, is correct!! Humans cannot prick up their ears!! Unless we’re getting into some kinky things that are completely unrelated. But I digress.
Now, onto Charmaine. I think maybe she’s a bit of a mean drunk! But I love that she wasn’t made out to be completely irredeemable. I loathe her for sending Cole away, but it’s an interesting subject because Charmaine and Grady ARE married. Grady has his buddies who help him out on the side, and apparently Charmaine has some friends in the city as well!! So, is it cheating? I’d say they seem to agree that the physical act isn’t. But the falling in love is. Because what Grady & Cole have moved past physical a long time ago!! And in the end, Charmaine is still willing to help.
(If you’ve read Sasha’s Contested Posession series, and my reviews for those books, you will know the absolute revulsion I feel towards George for cheating on Joq. This is nothing like that. More proof that the ‘I Hate George Fan Club’ exists for good reason!!)
And finally, about Grady and Cole…
With Grady, I was not expecting the abandoned building and back alley hookups!! I know we KNEW these things happened, but I was genuinely surprised by the “You mind if I go first?” of it all!! I didn’t realize we were getting on page spice other than the two MCs. But I’m not complaining!! It’s another thing I love about a Sasha Avice book!! I never know what I’m going to get when I turn the page!!
And Cole. Oh, my sweet Jesse Cole. It was hinted at all book. We knew it was coming. But it still knocked the breath out of me when I read the words. The vile men who took any part in hurting this boy deserve all of Grady’s rage! But even more, Cole’s family deserves every measure of karma sent their way. His father, mother, brothers … despicable.
And Grady and Cole together just make sense. Grady still says he’s straight, but he might be less so for Cole. They are such a … I need more adjectives for beautiful! How about charming? Irresistible? All of it!! They are a beautiful, charming, irresistible couple!! Grady was protective of Cole from the start, even when he didn’t fully understand why. He just knew he had to be. The slow burn of their first kiss was something I don’t always love in a book, but it was needed here. Grady also knew when Cole needed a comforting touch, a spicy touch, or no touch at all. Much like handling a skittish animal. Grady is the perfect person to help Cole heal. As showcased in that heart melting epilogue!!
Favorite Quote: 🤣
“I’m old enough to drive sheep and cattle and put in the crop but too young to suck dick, yeah all right.”
Grady laughed. He couldn’t help it; Cole sounded so affronted. “You wanna suck my dick?”
“I’m askin’, aren’t I?”
On the Land, We Shoot Straight is an absolute masterpiece!! Sasha, thank you for this work of art. I cannot wait to add it to my collection, and it will definitely be in my re-read rotation!!
September 28, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
ARC Review
This was such a wonderful read, and I truly loved it. Sasha Avice’s writing always hits me,
raw and emotional but never overdone, simple yet carrying so much weight. The way she slowly unraveled Cole’s trauma through small details and quiet moments made the reveal all the more heartbreaking.
The setting was also so well done. You can feel the research behind it, from the way cowboys lived and worked in the 80s to the things they had to keep hidden. It felt authentic and real.
What really stayed with me, though, was Grady’s slow realization of his love for Cole. The way they built a life together, slipping into a domestic rhythm, finding comfort in each other’s arms, it was so tender and genuine.
Their first kiss and the moment they made love for real were just beautiful. And Cole… what a character. Brave, patient, pure in his own way, and always loving Grady at the pace he could handle, even while carrying his own grief.
This story was emotional, tender, and heartfelt from start to finish.
ARC Review
This was such a wonderful read, and I truly loved it. Sasha Avice’s writing always hits me,
raw and emotional but never overdone, simple yet carrying so much weight. The way she slowly unraveled Cole’s trauma through small details and quiet moments made the reveal all the more heartbreaking.
The setting was also so well done. You can feel the research behind it, from the way cowboys lived and worked in the 80s to the things they had to keep hidden. It felt authentic and real.
What really stayed with me, though, was Grady’s slow realization of his love for Cole. The way they built a life together, slipping into a domestic rhythm, finding comfort in each other’s arms, it was so tender and genuine.
Their first kiss and the moment they made love for real were just beautiful. And Cole… what a character. Brave, patient, pure in his own way, and always loving Grady at the pace he could handle, even while carrying his own grief.
This story was emotional, tender, and heartfelt from start to finish.
September 25, 2025
Sasha Avice is an auto read for me, so I was thrilled to get an advance copy of her latest - and I think it’s one of my favourites. The setting is 1980’s ranching country, yet the atmosphere and characters have an old world flavour and could have been pulled direct from the original cowboy era. Grady is a tough, practical rancher who inherited his property at 17 and has made pragmatic decisions all his life without spending much time considering his emotions - until the youngest Cole boy enters his life and he acts on impulse for the first time. The Cole boy is young, vulnerable and damaged and his backstory is revealed gradually through the story and resonates with issues of today. As always, Sasha is an expert at the ‘showing rather than telling’ and whilst shocking and heartbreaking, Cole’s story was not totally unexpected (check out any warnings). The setting, the writing, the characters and the storyline had me immersed and emotional until the end. I loved it.
October 15, 2025
3.5 stars
My head is all over the place on this one. The bottom line is that I think I have discovered that hurt/comfort is a very engaging trope for me. Sucks me right in apparently! This book was very slow and quiet with surprisingly minimal interiority. The sense of place is excellent and the characters felt very real. So it was very readable even if toward the end, the content had me contemplating where is the line between writing trauma with care vs when is it exploitative or sensational. Please heed the content warning - I feel like even the warning on the website slightly understates the scope of the trauma.
I received a digital Advance Reader Copy from the author and Gay Romance Reviews in exchange for an honest review.
My head is all over the place on this one. The bottom line is that I think I have discovered that hurt/comfort is a very engaging trope for me. Sucks me right in apparently! This book was very slow and quiet with surprisingly minimal interiority. The sense of place is excellent and the characters felt very real. So it was very readable even if toward the end, the content had me contemplating where is the line between writing trauma with care vs when is it exploitative or sensational. Please heed the content warning - I feel like even the warning on the website slightly understates the scope of the trauma.
I received a digital Advance Reader Copy from the author and Gay Romance Reviews in exchange for an honest review.
December 14, 2025
Loved it.
December 2, 2025
Well, this is going to make my top 5 of 2025, I think. Wow. I will now be going back and reading Sasha Avice’s entire backlist.
October 14, 2025
This one…really hurt. I had to sit awhile with it to sort through my reactions. I decided I’m glad I read it (in no small part due to the wonderful horse element!), but…I don’t think I could get through it again. Well…following is my completely inadequate, no doubt missing important things, slightly incoherent, but heartfelt review.
Sasha Avice has become one of my favorite authors, a bizarre feat because more than half her books are not only not safe for me…they’re REALLY not safe for me. That’s the case with this one. (Rundown in a bit for those, like me, who Need to Know.)
On the other hand, she writes with such raw honesty and insight that even the unsafe-for-me parts make sense and don’t (often) strike me as gratuitous, and I wind up being so enthralled with one or both of her heroes that I keep reading through my discomfort and heartbreak and rage. Many of her books actually have a light tone, even with bleak elements. This one is…wistful, melancholic, sad, and not one to read if you need cheering up. It has its bright, heartwarming spots, absolutely, but, the overall impact is stark.
This book had some similar beats, including a horrifying bleak moment toward the end, to the first Sasha book I ever read, Because He’s My Guy, with more—okay a lot more—melancholy infused into it, and I’m grateful to the author for the info she shared with me so I could read it eyes open. That helped a lot. MC Cole shares a sweetness and trustingness with my favorite MC of hers, Finn, that transcends what they’ve gone through. I wanted to wrap them both in the biggest hug and make all the bad stuff go away for them. (And protect them from freakin’ Grady’s and George’s sheer oblivious unintended cruelties, JFC!!! Gah!)
On the Land, We Shoot Straight was a cinematic reading experience depicting a time (1980s), a place (ranch-farm, fictional towns/probably TX), a sense of what it would have been like to be there, and a love story that grabbed me by the throat. Part of the time period/situation was understanding a cheating-is-normal (attention, @EvelynBella! 😁) culture of isolated 1980s ranch men who wouldn’t or couldn’t be their true selves, hiding in marriages with absentee or looking the other way wives, “taking care of” each other like “buddies” do, and shrugging that off as not important, boys will be boys, not something anyone ever talks about. It has nothing to do with their committed relationships. Nuh uh.
Except it does when a quiet, shy, vulnerable young man steps onto farmer-rancher Grady’s porch, asking for work, and Grady can’t bear to tell him no. So he says...stay. Help me with my harvest. Help me with my sheep, my cattle.
And Cole helps Grady learn the many and winding roads of the heart.
The journey is both deceptively easy and supremely difficult, for in these times, men weren’t with men, didn’t commit to men, it just wasn’t a Thing, an option, and so what today seems like an almost bizarre cheating situation was more like…an annoyance to the cheated on, not something to take seriously, and an unspoken, accepted thing for the men participating in it that feelings don’t even register. You see Grady's and Cole's developing feelings through the power of what’s unsaid in the sparse dialogue and through the evolution that’s shown in companionable silences, rhythms of working in synch, inside jokes, and body language that holds multitudes, all combining to create a powerful experience of undeniable longing…underscored by an inexplicable sense of unease. My gut is still clenched, and it was not easy to keep going. I had to take a lot of breaks.
As noted, this story is not safe for me. It’s full of on page OP action; I skimmed those parts and did pick up some nuances that came into play, but, I sure didn’t love doing it, and honestly I wasn’t sure I needed the chapter 12 encounter. I got what “I’m going to town” means, and I didn’t need a second illustration of it, though I could see that the context did make for good contrast between the unspoken agreement of Grady and “friends” helping each other get their rocks off and Grady and Cole’s relationship of growing intimacy. “town” became a source of tension as Cole realized what it meant, and then didn’t understand that sometimes, Grady really was just going to town for supplies, which kind of made me smile but also hurt me as well.
Chapter 25 had possibly the ballsiest, most uncomfortable cheating moment I’ve read (not that I read many, because, Me, I usually avoid any cheating scenarios like the plague!). ICYWTK: I mean…maybe if you imagine my face, you’ll laugh?! Although, this was also the one Grady-Cole encounter that did feel too close to dub-con for me, especially looking back on it once Cole’s true past was revealed, and that hurt too. Because of the following and the push. I'm not sure Cole knows he doesn't have to trade sex for food and a place to stay, because we're never in his POV. That encounter sat wrong.
You can feel Cole’s past seething from the pages, waiting to eat him alive, and while you don’t learn for sure what happened for quite a while, you sense that it was Bad. What happened to young Cole? Why isn’t he with his family? Why does he turn white and disappear when certain men come around to talk business with Grady…?
The answer is as gut-wrenching and horrifying as you can imagine. Maybe more so.
But the real beauty and depth in this read is in the quiet moments when Cole and Grady share their spaces, share laughter, ride the range together and build a companionship and connection that defies all rules and what either man knows and just…lives in their chests and hearts and makes itself known in the looks, the unspoken words, the power of that bond growing between them. They learn each other’s mannerisms, read each other in the silence, seem to move in synch without thought because they’re a complementary pair and belong together. Cole’s affinity for the animals is truly special; his bond with (horse) Chloe, the dogs, and the lambs they rescue are precious and show this character’s great capacity for love and recovery in the face of utter horrors.
Many things did bring delight to tense times and offered lights in the darkness of Cole’s sadness and acceptance of the utter shit hand life dealt him. This boy…I don’t know how he remained the caring, vulnerable human he was, but I wanted to kill everyone who ever looked at him funny. And while Grady got some justice for him, it wasn’t enough for me, because there are still too many men out there who need range justice, aka, to DIE. If this book had been set in the 1880s instead of the 1980s, I might have gotten the vengeance I thirsted for. Alas, Grady isn’t a criminal vigilante. But at least he’ll be there to reassure Cole he is worthy, loved, and safe for as long as Grady’s breathing.
Anyway, as usual with me for a Sasha read, this review is a mess and so are my feelings. But this is the darkest thing I’ve read of hers, and while I’m glad I did, I need therapy now. So. Imma go find the fluffiest, funniest, silliest book I can and…do that.
A few extra notes. We don’t learn Grady’s first name till Cole says it once near the end, and that was weird. Grady’s wife is both a bitch and awesome. I said what I said. I didn’t love her, because how dare she exist, and she’s part of the reason Cole faced more torture, but, she was a decent human being in some ways. So. I guess she’s authentic. Although the resolution with her seemed a little too easy. I particularly loved Cole’s unexpected friendship with the sheep-shearing crew. I wished they’d been part of the resolution in the end, because they were the only people, besides Grady, who seemed willing to stand up for Cole and saw him as a person.
All other secondary characters can eat 💩 and DIE. I hope they wind up caught in barbed wire and bleed out slowly. ☠️ We don’t even meet any of Cole’s so-called family, there’s no justice for him on that front either. God. This poor man!
Huh, Grady’s the narrator and I barely mentioned him, I got so into my Cole crusade. Sorry Grady! Grady is…a good person? Mostly He’s a good steward of the land, and has a moral code I could mostly admire. Unfortunately, he’s also a bit thick and slow about love and feelings, and his obliviousness wound up hurting Cole in ways that were both authentic and hard to read. But. Apart from the one off moment in chapter 25, I wanted him for Cole, because he Got Cole and appreciated him. And the things he was able to do, in the end, for payback…they were at least something.
One lingering issue though—***and I am editing to add this late***—is the power imbalance between Grady and Cole, and that isn't resolved in this book. Grady and Cole have a "room and board but no paycheck" agreement. Grady owns the land, controls the finances, has all the power on that front. Cole wants to be there, yes, but...he doesn't have options either, and that is uncomfortable. As we see when he does leave, he sees sex as transactional for those comforts, and while it didn't feel that way w Grady...after chapter 25, it also doesn't not feel that way, and I'm torn over this. Cole needs a way to become truly independent from Grady financially, for his own sake, so he can truly choose. Or something like that. Anyway, that situation is weighing on me.
Final thoughts, we don't get any closure on Carter and why he was looking for Cole, which bothered me. Also, safe sex isn't mentioned at all, doesn't seem to be a thing apart from preventing pregnancy (I assume that's what the condom was about with Charmaine???), and that also means no one's had STI tests ,and that always nags at me. The AIDS epidemic was first reported on in the US in June 1981, so, it's out there. I have to put it down to "this is fiction" here, but, Cole really needed a physical and a doctor (and a therapist, but...80s men...). So does Grady for all the casual sex, but, Cole I worried for even more.
Shit I wrote another book instead of a review. Sorry. You probably didn’t read this far anyway. Ahem. This book moved me greatly.
HEA (I promise, yes, there really is). Rancher-ranch hand (so boss/employee, though…I don’t think Cole ever gets paid? He just gets to live there…that wasn’t cleared up.). OM action, OW action, sexual assault, all on page. Not safe for me, but, I’m turning in my hypocrite card; I read it anyway because I have deep appreciation for this author’s work. Highly recommended.
Okay, Sasha, I need a sequel for these two showing Cole winning horse shows and being a famous trainer or something. PLEASE show me more of the happy for these two!!! ❤️❤️🥰
Sasha Avice has become one of my favorite authors, a bizarre feat because more than half her books are not only not safe for me…they’re REALLY not safe for me. That’s the case with this one. (Rundown in a bit for those, like me, who Need to Know.)
On the other hand, she writes with such raw honesty and insight that even the unsafe-for-me parts make sense and don’t (often) strike me as gratuitous, and I wind up being so enthralled with one or both of her heroes that I keep reading through my discomfort and heartbreak and rage. Many of her books actually have a light tone, even with bleak elements. This one is…wistful, melancholic, sad, and not one to read if you need cheering up. It has its bright, heartwarming spots, absolutely, but, the overall impact is stark.
This book had some similar beats, including a horrifying bleak moment toward the end, to the first Sasha book I ever read, Because He’s My Guy, with more—okay a lot more—melancholy infused into it, and I’m grateful to the author for the info she shared with me so I could read it eyes open. That helped a lot. MC Cole shares a sweetness and trustingness with my favorite MC of hers, Finn, that transcends what they’ve gone through. I wanted to wrap them both in the biggest hug and make all the bad stuff go away for them. (And protect them from freakin’ Grady’s and George’s sheer oblivious unintended cruelties, JFC!!! Gah!)
On the Land, We Shoot Straight was a cinematic reading experience depicting a time (1980s), a place (ranch-farm, fictional towns/probably TX), a sense of what it would have been like to be there, and a love story that grabbed me by the throat. Part of the time period/situation was understanding a cheating-is-normal (attention, @EvelynBella! 😁) culture of isolated 1980s ranch men who wouldn’t or couldn’t be their true selves, hiding in marriages with absentee or looking the other way wives, “taking care of” each other like “buddies” do, and shrugging that off as not important, boys will be boys, not something anyone ever talks about. It has nothing to do with their committed relationships. Nuh uh.
Except it does when a quiet, shy, vulnerable young man steps onto farmer-rancher Grady’s porch, asking for work, and Grady can’t bear to tell him no. So he says...stay. Help me with my harvest. Help me with my sheep, my cattle.
And Cole helps Grady learn the many and winding roads of the heart.
The journey is both deceptively easy and supremely difficult, for in these times, men weren’t with men, didn’t commit to men, it just wasn’t a Thing, an option, and so what today seems like an almost bizarre cheating situation was more like…an annoyance to the cheated on, not something to take seriously, and an unspoken, accepted thing for the men participating in it that feelings don’t even register. You see Grady's and Cole's developing feelings through the power of what’s unsaid in the sparse dialogue and through the evolution that’s shown in companionable silences, rhythms of working in synch, inside jokes, and body language that holds multitudes, all combining to create a powerful experience of undeniable longing…underscored by an inexplicable sense of unease. My gut is still clenched, and it was not easy to keep going. I had to take a lot of breaks.
As noted, this story is not safe for me. It’s full of on page OP action; I skimmed those parts and did pick up some nuances that came into play, but, I sure didn’t love doing it, and honestly I wasn’t sure I needed the chapter 12 encounter. I got what “I’m going to town” means, and I didn’t need a second illustration of it, though I could see that the context did make for good contrast between the unspoken agreement of Grady and “friends” helping each other get their rocks off and Grady and Cole’s relationship of growing intimacy. “town” became a source of tension as Cole realized what it meant, and then didn’t understand that sometimes, Grady really was just going to town for supplies, which kind of made me smile but also hurt me as well.
Chapter 25 had possibly the ballsiest, most uncomfortable cheating moment I’ve read (not that I read many, because, Me, I usually avoid any cheating scenarios like the plague!). ICYWTK: I mean…maybe if you imagine my face, you’ll laugh?! Although, this was also the one Grady-Cole encounter that did feel too close to dub-con for me, especially looking back on it once Cole’s true past was revealed, and that hurt too. Because of the following and the push. I'm not sure Cole knows he doesn't have to trade sex for food and a place to stay, because we're never in his POV. That encounter sat wrong.
You can feel Cole’s past seething from the pages, waiting to eat him alive, and while you don’t learn for sure what happened for quite a while, you sense that it was Bad. What happened to young Cole? Why isn’t he with his family? Why does he turn white and disappear when certain men come around to talk business with Grady…?
The answer is as gut-wrenching and horrifying as you can imagine. Maybe more so.
But the real beauty and depth in this read is in the quiet moments when Cole and Grady share their spaces, share laughter, ride the range together and build a companionship and connection that defies all rules and what either man knows and just…lives in their chests and hearts and makes itself known in the looks, the unspoken words, the power of that bond growing between them. They learn each other’s mannerisms, read each other in the silence, seem to move in synch without thought because they’re a complementary pair and belong together. Cole’s affinity for the animals is truly special; his bond with (horse) Chloe, the dogs, and the lambs they rescue are precious and show this character’s great capacity for love and recovery in the face of utter horrors.
Many things did bring delight to tense times and offered lights in the darkness of Cole’s sadness and acceptance of the utter shit hand life dealt him. This boy…I don’t know how he remained the caring, vulnerable human he was, but I wanted to kill everyone who ever looked at him funny. And while Grady got some justice for him, it wasn’t enough for me, because there are still too many men out there who need range justice, aka, to DIE. If this book had been set in the 1880s instead of the 1980s, I might have gotten the vengeance I thirsted for. Alas, Grady isn’t a criminal vigilante. But at least he’ll be there to reassure Cole he is worthy, loved, and safe for as long as Grady’s breathing.
Anyway, as usual with me for a Sasha read, this review is a mess and so are my feelings. But this is the darkest thing I’ve read of hers, and while I’m glad I did, I need therapy now. So. Imma go find the fluffiest, funniest, silliest book I can and…do that.
A few extra notes. We don’t learn Grady’s first name till Cole says it once near the end, and that was weird. Grady’s wife is both a bitch and awesome. I said what I said. I didn’t love her, because how dare she exist, and she’s part of the reason Cole faced more torture, but, she was a decent human being in some ways. So. I guess she’s authentic. Although the resolution with her seemed a little too easy. I particularly loved Cole’s unexpected friendship with the sheep-shearing crew. I wished they’d been part of the resolution in the end, because they were the only people, besides Grady, who seemed willing to stand up for Cole and saw him as a person.
All other secondary characters can eat 💩 and DIE. I hope they wind up caught in barbed wire and bleed out slowly. ☠️ We don’t even meet any of Cole’s so-called family, there’s no justice for him on that front either. God. This poor man!
Huh, Grady’s the narrator and I barely mentioned him, I got so into my Cole crusade. Sorry Grady! Grady is…a good person? Mostly He’s a good steward of the land, and has a moral code I could mostly admire. Unfortunately, he’s also a bit thick and slow about love and feelings, and his obliviousness wound up hurting Cole in ways that were both authentic and hard to read. But. Apart from the one off moment in chapter 25, I wanted him for Cole, because he Got Cole and appreciated him. And the things he was able to do, in the end, for payback…they were at least something.
One lingering issue though—***and I am editing to add this late***—is the power imbalance between Grady and Cole, and that isn't resolved in this book. Grady and Cole have a "room and board but no paycheck" agreement. Grady owns the land, controls the finances, has all the power on that front. Cole wants to be there, yes, but...he doesn't have options either, and that is uncomfortable. As we see when he does leave, he sees sex as transactional for those comforts, and while it didn't feel that way w Grady...after chapter 25, it also doesn't not feel that way, and I'm torn over this. Cole needs a way to become truly independent from Grady financially, for his own sake, so he can truly choose. Or something like that. Anyway, that situation is weighing on me.
Final thoughts, we don't get any closure on Carter and why he was looking for Cole, which bothered me. Also, safe sex isn't mentioned at all, doesn't seem to be a thing apart from preventing pregnancy (I assume that's what the condom was about with Charmaine???), and that also means no one's had STI tests ,and that always nags at me. The AIDS epidemic was first reported on in the US in June 1981, so, it's out there. I have to put it down to "this is fiction" here, but, Cole really needed a physical and a doctor (and a therapist, but...80s men...). So does Grady for all the casual sex, but, Cole I worried for even more.
Shit I wrote another book instead of a review. Sorry. You probably didn’t read this far anyway. Ahem. This book moved me greatly.
HEA (I promise, yes, there really is). Rancher-ranch hand (so boss/employee, though…I don’t think Cole ever gets paid? He just gets to live there…that wasn’t cleared up.). OM action, OW action, sexual assault, all on page. Not safe for me, but, I’m turning in my hypocrite card; I read it anyway because I have deep appreciation for this author’s work. Highly recommended.
Okay, Sasha, I need a sequel for these two showing Cole winning horse shows and being a famous trainer or something. PLEASE show me more of the happy for these two!!! ❤️❤️🥰
December 23, 2025
2.75⭐️ I RECKON this wasn't my vibe. I tend to struggle with books written in the third person, and this was no exception. Once again, I felt that the story and characters remained distant, and I couldn't really get into it. I liked Cole, but Grady's character wasn't really doing it for me, except towards the end he stepped up. This was also written solely from Grady's POV, which was a nice change from other books, but personally, I found myself wanting Cole's POV -but then again, maybe it wouldn’t have suited this book, idk.
I didn't really feel anything towards the book for the first 70% and kept waiting for it to offer something that would hook me. I liked the hurt/comfort aspect of the book, but I would have liked the book to have offered something more earlier on. It feels like the first 60% was just about running the farm, riding horses, herding cattle and sheep, and sucking each other off in between.
The book wasn't bad by any means, but it just wasn’t for me.
I didn't really feel anything towards the book for the first 70% and kept waiting for it to offer something that would hook me. I liked the hurt/comfort aspect of the book, but I would have liked the book to have offered something more earlier on. It feels like the first 60% was just about running the farm, riding horses, herding cattle and sheep, and sucking each other off in between.
The book wasn't bad by any means, but it just wasn’t for me.
September 30, 2025
Six Stars!
Just finished reading it AGAIN and i reckon it was even better the second time around! Sasha is a master at writing the strong silent type. I loved the bond between Grady & Cole and the slow build of their love story. Grady’s utter devotion to Cole, who was such a beautiful combo of fragile strength. What a survivor! What a fabulous story! I reckon you better run out and read this book.
Just finished reading it AGAIN and i reckon it was even better the second time around! Sasha is a master at writing the strong silent type. I loved the bond between Grady & Cole and the slow build of their love story. Grady’s utter devotion to Cole, who was such a beautiful combo of fragile strength. What a survivor! What a fabulous story! I reckon you better run out and read this book.
October 2, 2025
Mesmerizing & Enthralling
I should know better. I DO know better but regardless, I started this book on a work night and stayed up absurdly late reading it; I was thoroughly engrossed. This is what happens when I read ANYTHING by this author. Her phrasing, scene setting and characters just draw the reader in.
I loved both MCs so much. And found myself so frustrated with Grady; I wanted him to suddenly become eloquent and verbose and say all the right things to draw Cole out. But he didn’t. He is a stoic, reserved man of few words and he fumbled more than a few times. And as a poor communicator with little experience with relationships, he was often at a loss to understand what he was missing. I truly believed in him as a character, he felt so realistic (especially in the moments of not recognizing that Cole was jealous, or not recognizing his own growing attraction to Cole).
The reader learns gradually of the trauma Cole was sitting with. He also did not know how to communicate and as a reader I knew a heart-to-heart would have helped so much, but neither fella has the knowledge, skill or inclination to go that route. I admired so much how they ultimately supported and respected each other.
Their intimacy was moving and sensual and raw (and VERY s3xy) and the strong connection btw the 2 MCs is in stark contrast to the perfunctory ‘bud-s3x’ Grady routinely engaged in while firmly identifying as straight (his wife was in the city after all). Even after acknowledging he’s thoroughly entangled in a relationship with Cole he considers himself straight (except where Cole is concerned).
The ending was perfectly executed. It’s a romance story after all and we get the HEA despite the crushing realism that legal justice won’t be served. Grady at the end is the hero stating emphatically that it’s ’Cole’s choice’.
Grady and his bumbling and patience, well adjusted after a relatively stable upbringing despite unexpectedly inheriting the ranch at a young age. Cole with his enthusiasm and resilience, a remarkable young guy dealt a sh*t hand who managed to ultimately trust and be vulnerable despite what he’d endured.
I am totally smitten with these guys, the setting and their story. I’ve been mulling it over for days and know that I’ll definitely re-read this story (something I rarely do but seem to with this particular author). Wish I could give more than 5 stars.
I should know better. I DO know better but regardless, I started this book on a work night and stayed up absurdly late reading it; I was thoroughly engrossed. This is what happens when I read ANYTHING by this author. Her phrasing, scene setting and characters just draw the reader in.
I loved both MCs so much. And found myself so frustrated with Grady; I wanted him to suddenly become eloquent and verbose and say all the right things to draw Cole out. But he didn’t. He is a stoic, reserved man of few words and he fumbled more than a few times. And as a poor communicator with little experience with relationships, he was often at a loss to understand what he was missing. I truly believed in him as a character, he felt so realistic (especially in the moments of not recognizing that Cole was jealous, or not recognizing his own growing attraction to Cole).
The reader learns gradually of the trauma Cole was sitting with. He also did not know how to communicate and as a reader I knew a heart-to-heart would have helped so much, but neither fella has the knowledge, skill or inclination to go that route. I admired so much how they ultimately supported and respected each other.
Their intimacy was moving and sensual and raw (and VERY s3xy) and the strong connection btw the 2 MCs is in stark contrast to the perfunctory ‘bud-s3x’ Grady routinely engaged in while firmly identifying as straight (his wife was in the city after all). Even after acknowledging he’s thoroughly entangled in a relationship with Cole he considers himself straight (except where Cole is concerned).
The ending was perfectly executed. It’s a romance story after all and we get the HEA despite the crushing realism that legal justice won’t be served. Grady at the end is the hero stating emphatically that it’s ’Cole’s choice’.
Grady and his bumbling and patience, well adjusted after a relatively stable upbringing despite unexpectedly inheriting the ranch at a young age. Cole with his enthusiasm and resilience, a remarkable young guy dealt a sh*t hand who managed to ultimately trust and be vulnerable despite what he’d endured.
I am totally smitten with these guys, the setting and their story. I’ve been mulling it over for days and know that I’ll definitely re-read this story (something I rarely do but seem to with this particular author). Wish I could give more than 5 stars.
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