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Endless Sky #1
Hell Creek Boys
Two stepbrothers. One cruel will. A year they might not survive.
Jesse I left Hell Creek with a split lip and a never look back. Death dragged me home. My stepfather’s will is a trap. Live on the ranch for a year, or lose it all. The catch? I have to do it with Cole. My stepbrother. The golden boy who stayed. The enemy I’ve hated since we were kids. We trade insults by day. But the nights are cold, the ranch is lonely, and the anger is starting to feel a lot like hunger.
Cole I stayed. I bled for this land. I held it together with baling twine and grit. Jesse ran. Now he’s back, wearing his city armor and looking at me with eyes that haven't changed. I should hate him. I do hate him. But when a freak snowstorm traps us in a freezing tent for the night, the anger turns into something else. Something heavy. Something dangerous. He’s the one thing I can’t have. And the only thing I need.
Welcome to Hell Creek. Where the winters are brutal, the secrets are deep, and the love is strictly forbidden.
Hell Creek Boys 🔥 Taboo Stepbrother Romance 🤠 Enemies to Lovers ❄️ Forced Proximity (One Year Clause) ⚡ Grumpy x Grumpy 🤕 Hurt/Comfort
Jesse I left Hell Creek with a split lip and a never look back. Death dragged me home. My stepfather’s will is a trap. Live on the ranch for a year, or lose it all. The catch? I have to do it with Cole. My stepbrother. The golden boy who stayed. The enemy I’ve hated since we were kids. We trade insults by day. But the nights are cold, the ranch is lonely, and the anger is starting to feel a lot like hunger.
Cole I stayed. I bled for this land. I held it together with baling twine and grit. Jesse ran. Now he’s back, wearing his city armor and looking at me with eyes that haven't changed. I should hate him. I do hate him. But when a freak snowstorm traps us in a freezing tent for the night, the anger turns into something else. Something heavy. Something dangerous. He’s the one thing I can’t have. And the only thing I need.
Welcome to Hell Creek. Where the winters are brutal, the secrets are deep, and the love is strictly forbidden.
Hell Creek Boys 🔥 Taboo Stepbrother Romance 🤠 Enemies to Lovers ❄️ Forced Proximity (One Year Clause) ⚡ Grumpy x Grumpy 🤕 Hurt/Comfort
266 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 24, 2025
274 people are currently reading
222 people want to read
About the author
Atreus Rosewood
41 books64 followersAtreus Rosewood is a gay romance author living in Michigan with his two boyfriends, two cats, a spoiled dog, and all the beaches he could ask for. He writes constantly to the detriment of all else and that's just the way he likes it. If you happen to find him wandering a beach and mumbling to himself, iced coffee is how you’ll lure him back to civilization.
Atreus writes under three separate Pen Names:
--Blake R. Wolfe -- Gay Paranormal Romance
--Atreus Rosewood -- Gay Contemporary Romance
--Eoghan R. Cunningham -- LGBTQ+ Fantasy
Atreus writes under three separate Pen Names:
--Blake R. Wolfe -- Gay Paranormal Romance
--Atreus Rosewood -- Gay Contemporary Romance
--Eoghan R. Cunningham -- LGBTQ+ Fantasy
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
January 15, 2026
save a horse ride your stepbrother 🤠
ugh. this book was such a huge let down for being one of my most anticipated reads early this year. for starters this book had so many typos and it was infuriating, also a lot of times it seemed like the author completely forgot what the characters were doing because one moment they would be laying down and the next moment it would say they’re stepping forward and that put a bad taste in my
mouth. next ick!!! these bros used NO LUBE and had NO PREP before going at it????? like huh????? jesse’s gonna need to go to the hospital after that shit being drier than the desert 🙃 and finally: cole is highkey an asshole!!! i already wasnt super vibing with this book and then cole essentially calls jesse a manipulative slut and i completely mentally checked out from this one. at this point i was so close to being done and didn’t want to DNF when i had only like 60 pages left but i did a loooooot of skimming just to get through this hot mess.
ugh. this book was such a huge let down for being one of my most anticipated reads early this year. for starters this book had so many typos and it was infuriating, also a lot of times it seemed like the author completely forgot what the characters were doing because one moment they would be laying down and the next moment it would say they’re stepping forward and that put a bad taste in my
mouth. next ick!!! these bros used NO LUBE and had NO PREP before going at it????? like huh????? jesse’s gonna need to go to the hospital after that shit being drier than the desert 🙃 and finally: cole is highkey an asshole!!! i already wasnt super vibing with this book and then cole essentially calls jesse a manipulative slut and i completely mentally checked out from this one. at this point i was so close to being done and didn’t want to DNF when i had only like 60 pages left but i did a loooooot of skimming just to get through this hot mess.
February 4, 2026
Cole + Jesse 🖤
Estranged stepbrothers | Pining disguised as animosity | Forced proximity | Always been you
Stepbrothers separated for 15 years, forced together for 1 year by their fathers will.
There's a scene, in the mountains, during a cattle run and a blizzard, in a tent, with ranch hands nearby. Their first time. Desperate and primal. It was definitely... memorable.
....
"All these years I thought he was out in the world dating women, thought he was the normal one. And now I felt sick to my stomach thinking another man had touched him. A man that wasn’t… me."
“I’ve never... it’s only ever been...” “Been what?” I pressed, my heart pounding so loudly I was sure he could hear it. “You,” he whispered, the word hanging between us like a confession. “Only ever you.”
“Please,” I begged, not even sure what I was asking for. “Jesse… oh fuck… please…” “You like begging, don’t you?” Jesse asked, his voice husky with power. “The big, strong rancher, all tied up and desperate.”
“You’re beautiful,” I murmured against his skin. “Always have been.” Jesse’s breath caught. “Cole...” I looked up to see his eyes glistening in the moonlight. “I mean it,” I added. “Really. You’re the most gorgeous man I’ve ever seen.”
“There it is,” he said, his voice strained with the effort of holding back. “That’s your prostate, cowboy.”
....
⚠️ potential spoilers below in detailed tropes, content and warning lists
Tropes/content:
Cowboys/Ranchers
Stepbrothers
Pining disguised as animosity
One has lived in the city for the last 15 years
MCs in their 30s
Feelings that have been buried for 15 years
Forced proximity for 1 year
First times
Gay awakening (maybe more like finally admitting it and accepting it. He basically always knew)
Catches him in the shower jerking off
One tent caught in a snow storm during a cattle drive
Sharing body heat
Zipping sleeping bags together
Its always been you
Tell me to stop (said by "straight" guy their first time)
Pierced 🍆
Uncut
Spooning sex
Possessive hand necklace
Desperate raw primal sex
Spit for lube
Bareback
Spies on him jerking
Calls him cowboy (sometimes as a taunt, sometimes sexy)
Bent over daddys desk
Light degredation for one scene
Breeding
Emotional discussion while holding each other in the shower, breaking down walls
First time seeing him cry
Blindfold
Light bondage
Begging
Cole buys Jesse a cowboy hat
Letters from dad telling them he knew more about them than he led on when they were younger and approves of any relationship they may have.
Vers roles but Jesse prefers to bottom
Epilogue 2 months later - Cole proposes
Bonus scene
*Definitely a missed opportunity for docking. Boo
And seeing Cole get his ass eaten. Double boo
Warnings:
Death (all 4 parents are dead, book starts with the last dead parent's funeral)
Grief
No lube or prep at various times
Some violence and hurtful words between MCs
Internalized homophobia
Slurs
Hatred and interference from others in town (both against Jesse for leaving and for them both being gay and together)
Estranged stepbrothers | Pining disguised as animosity | Forced proximity | Always been you
Stepbrothers separated for 15 years, forced together for 1 year by their fathers will.
There's a scene, in the mountains, during a cattle run and a blizzard, in a tent, with ranch hands nearby. Their first time. Desperate and primal. It was definitely... memorable.
....
"All these years I thought he was out in the world dating women, thought he was the normal one. And now I felt sick to my stomach thinking another man had touched him. A man that wasn’t… me."
“I’ve never... it’s only ever been...” “Been what?” I pressed, my heart pounding so loudly I was sure he could hear it. “You,” he whispered, the word hanging between us like a confession. “Only ever you.”
“Please,” I begged, not even sure what I was asking for. “Jesse… oh fuck… please…” “You like begging, don’t you?” Jesse asked, his voice husky with power. “The big, strong rancher, all tied up and desperate.”
“You’re beautiful,” I murmured against his skin. “Always have been.” Jesse’s breath caught. “Cole...” I looked up to see his eyes glistening in the moonlight. “I mean it,” I added. “Really. You’re the most gorgeous man I’ve ever seen.”
“There it is,” he said, his voice strained with the effort of holding back. “That’s your prostate, cowboy.”
....
⚠️ potential spoilers below in detailed tropes, content and warning lists
Tropes/content:
Cowboys/Ranchers
Stepbrothers
Pining disguised as animosity
One has lived in the city for the last 15 years
MCs in their 30s
Feelings that have been buried for 15 years
Forced proximity for 1 year
First times
Gay awakening (maybe more like finally admitting it and accepting it. He basically always knew)
Catches him in the shower jerking off
One tent caught in a snow storm during a cattle drive
Sharing body heat
Zipping sleeping bags together
Its always been you
Tell me to stop (said by "straight" guy their first time)
Pierced 🍆
Uncut
Spooning sex
Possessive hand necklace
Desperate raw primal sex
Spit for lube
Bareback
Spies on him jerking
Calls him cowboy (sometimes as a taunt, sometimes sexy)
Bent over daddys desk
Light degredation for one scene
Breeding
Emotional discussion while holding each other in the shower, breaking down walls
First time seeing him cry
Blindfold
Light bondage
Begging
Cole buys Jesse a cowboy hat
Letters from dad telling them he knew more about them than he led on when they were younger and approves of any relationship they may have.
Vers roles but Jesse prefers to bottom
Epilogue 2 months later - Cole proposes
Bonus scene
*Definitely a missed opportunity for docking. Boo
And seeing Cole get his ass eaten. Double boo
Warnings:
Death (all 4 parents are dead, book starts with the last dead parent's funeral)
Grief
No lube or prep at various times
Some violence and hurtful words between MCs
Internalized homophobia
Slurs
Hatred and interference from others in town (both against Jesse for leaving and for them both being gay and together)
January 8, 2026
Jesse (31) et Cole (34) avec un Culomètre à 🥵
Jesse est forcé de retourner au ranch familial de Hell Creek pour un an, condition du testament de son beau-père, au risque de tout perdre. Il doit cohabiter avec Cole, son demi-frère qu'il déteste. Malgré leur animosité, l'isolement et les nuits froides transforment leur colère en une attirance inattendue. Cole, qui a toujours travaillé la terre, déteste le retour de Jesse mais se retrouve attiré par lui lors d'une tempête de neige, réalisant qu'il est ce qu'il désire le plus.
› Trop contente de retrouver l'auteur dans une nouvelle saga de cowboys un peu plus torturés 😌
› Deux demi-frères, restés sur des non-dits et de la haine il y a 15 ans et se retrouvent à devoir gérer le ranch familial pendant un an sans risquer de tout perdre
› Une haine qui cache quelque chose, des sentiments inavoués.
› On ne sait pas ce qu'il s'est passé au début, mais peu à peu on comprend que ça va être quelque chose que les deux hommes vont devoir surmontés.
› Autant Jesse est out sur son homosexualité, autant Cole est bien au fond du placard.
› Récit rythmé par ces sentiments tabous entre hommes élevés comme des frères
› Évidemment, du très bon smut, et en prime avec une scène dans une tente sous la neige aaawn
› Cole aura tenu longtemps à ignorer ses sentiments
Comme d'habitude, l'auteur sait très bien ce qu'il fait et comment le faire. Au moins, je suis sûre que je ne serai pas déçue à la fin de ma lecture ! À quand la suite ?
Jesse est forcé de retourner au ranch familial de Hell Creek pour un an, condition du testament de son beau-père, au risque de tout perdre. Il doit cohabiter avec Cole, son demi-frère qu'il déteste. Malgré leur animosité, l'isolement et les nuits froides transforment leur colère en une attirance inattendue. Cole, qui a toujours travaillé la terre, déteste le retour de Jesse mais se retrouve attiré par lui lors d'une tempête de neige, réalisant qu'il est ce qu'il désire le plus.
› Trop contente de retrouver l'auteur dans une nouvelle saga de cowboys un peu plus torturés 😌
› Deux demi-frères, restés sur des non-dits et de la haine il y a 15 ans et se retrouvent à devoir gérer le ranch familial pendant un an sans risquer de tout perdre
› Une haine qui cache quelque chose, des sentiments inavoués.
› On ne sait pas ce qu'il s'est passé au début, mais peu à peu on comprend que ça va être quelque chose que les deux hommes vont devoir surmontés.
› Autant Jesse est out sur son homosexualité, autant Cole est bien au fond du placard.
› Récit rythmé par ces sentiments tabous entre hommes élevés comme des frères
› Évidemment, du très bon smut, et en prime avec une scène dans une tente sous la neige aaawn
› Cole aura tenu longtemps à ignorer ses sentiments
Comme d'habitude, l'auteur sait très bien ce qu'il fait et comment le faire. Au moins, je suis sûre que je ne serai pas déçue à la fin de ma lecture ! À quand la suite ?
February 21, 2026
Very enjoyable cowboy, stepbrothers-trope romance! Jesse left the ranch, including his stepbrother and stepfather, as a young man in a fit of rage following the death of his mother. Now, 15 years later, his stepfather is deceased and has left a will with many conditions, including that the two stepbrothers live together for one year and run the ranch jointly.
This book has all the emotions and passion, as the two men come to terms with the fact that they are still very attracted to each other. There are other considerations, as the Montana town is not very friendly to LGBT+ relationships. Being supervised by a lawyer adds extra stress. Nice HEA. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series!
This book has all the emotions and passion, as the two men come to terms with the fact that they are still very attracted to each other. There are other considerations, as the Montana town is not very friendly to LGBT+ relationships. Being supervised by a lawyer adds extra stress. Nice HEA. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series!
February 21, 2026
I have mixed feelings about this one. It's a good story, of two stepbrothers struggling with emotional trauma and fighting against hate towards being gay. Cole is in denial and he acts like an absolute dick, as Jesse is going through things. His boyfriend dumps him and he immediately moves on? There's just several things in here that seemed like it needed a lot more fleshing out. And the ending seemed a touch rushed with Mack and a bit convenient?
The story as a whole is highly problematic, and yet the characters were very well done and the storyline overall was plausible. I liked it, even despite the miscommunication trope.
Rated: 4.5 ⭐ rounded up.
The story as a whole is highly problematic, and yet the characters were very well done and the storyline overall was plausible. I liked it, even despite the miscommunication trope.
Rated: 4.5 ⭐ rounded up.
January 12, 2026
DNF @ 23%
Was disappointed to read Cold just wax poetic about his conflicted feelings about his dad's ranch in his first chapter. It's so boring reading someone just tell us readers their problems when it could've been better conveyed through story. Like there could've been a scene before his dad died where we see him looking at a travel magazine while shopping for farm stuff and suppressing the desire to buy it. That way we readers could've figured out that Cole had desires outside of the ranch without needing to explicitly lay it out.
The entire story seemed so in favor of Jesse at the start. I felt like I was crazy when Evelyn told Cole to forgive Jesse for how he left as if Cole was somehow wrong for being offended and hurt at being left alone for fifteen years. The dad's will also giving Jesse equal consideration despite literally being away for a decade and a half was wild.
Evelyn just telling us that the anger Cole held inside was problematic was yet another instance of the story telling us something that would've been better off we'd seen it on page. Why not give us a day in the life of Cole before his dad died, showing us how angry he was under the surface through his interactions with other people?
I did not get it when Cole started to work with Jesse like he just disliked him rather than hating him. There was such strong hatred in the earlier chapters that just randomly got downgraded to annoyance/dislike after Cole found out that Jesse was gay. I felt like I missed a scene or something that showed Cole warning up to his stepbrother.
The will itself was ridiculous. I could already barely suspend disbelief that a dead person's will had enough authority to essentially force Jesse into literally leaving his life in Seattle with only a three day notice, but I completely lost it when the lawyer stipulated that Cole and Jesse needed to also get on good terms. So the will had the legal power to both enforce two independent adults' physical locations (forcing them to stay on the ranch) AND emotional attachments (because Cole and Jesse needed to show "genuine cooperation") to fulfill its requirements.
I had to DNF when the story timeskips a full MONTH after they signed the contract and then Jesse trauma dumps onto Cole magically giving him context and repairing their relationship. I already had issues with the author just telling us things that should've been shown, but Jesse's first few days back interacting with Cole should 100% definitely been shown instead of timelapsed. Like wtf? Then the whole "I left because you and dad were shitty to me" was so dumb. 1. If Cole truly was angry at Jesse, he shouldn't have taken Jesse's words at face value and called him a liar/been more antagonistic. What was that Evelyn said about him being angry? He sure didn't seem like it to me considering how quickly his anger disappeared. AND 2. Apparently, Jesse's stepdad Tell me again why Jesse was apparently not mad at his stepdad for basically abandoning him at his time of need? Why was this just coming out now when apparently it was such a big issue for him then?
I just couldn't continue with the lack of any real anger in the characters. The story's entire premise is based on a betrayal of trust on multiple fronts:
- Cole felt betrayed by Jesse when he left and stayed out of contact for 15 years
- Cole felt betrayed by his family for how they were basically inviting Jesse back as the prodigal son
- Jesse felt betrayed by both Cole and his stepdad for how they failed him as a gay teenager
Serious shit that the characters are rightfully angry for at the start and yet, none of those betrayals ever actually last longer than 2-3 chapters before the characters just start acting cordial and polite to one another. Why even make the story have them act mad when Cole just starts becoming protective of Jesse on page 62? Where was the active reconciliation? The groveling? Both MCs were responsible for causing each other pain, why did they not need to address that before their relationship improved? I'm rating this 1.5 stars (rounded up, but just barely)
Was disappointed to read Cold just wax poetic about his conflicted feelings about his dad's ranch in his first chapter. It's so boring reading someone just tell us readers their problems when it could've been better conveyed through story. Like there could've been a scene before his dad died where we see him looking at a travel magazine while shopping for farm stuff and suppressing the desire to buy it. That way we readers could've figured out that Cole had desires outside of the ranch without needing to explicitly lay it out.
The entire story seemed so in favor of Jesse at the start. I felt like I was crazy when Evelyn told Cole to forgive Jesse for how he left as if Cole was somehow wrong for being offended and hurt at being left alone for fifteen years. The dad's will also giving Jesse equal consideration despite literally being away for a decade and a half was wild.
Evelyn just telling us that the anger Cole held inside was problematic was yet another instance of the story telling us something that would've been better off we'd seen it on page. Why not give us a day in the life of Cole before his dad died, showing us how angry he was under the surface through his interactions with other people?
I did not get it when Cole started to work with Jesse like he just disliked him rather than hating him. There was such strong hatred in the earlier chapters that just randomly got downgraded to annoyance/dislike after Cole found out that Jesse was gay. I felt like I missed a scene or something that showed Cole warning up to his stepbrother.
The will itself was ridiculous. I could already barely suspend disbelief that a dead person's will had enough authority to essentially force Jesse into literally leaving his life in Seattle with only a three day notice, but I completely lost it when the lawyer stipulated that Cole and Jesse needed to also get on good terms. So the will had the legal power to both enforce two independent adults' physical locations (forcing them to stay on the ranch) AND emotional attachments (because Cole and Jesse needed to show "genuine cooperation") to fulfill its requirements.
I had to DNF when the story timeskips a full MONTH after they signed the contract and then Jesse trauma dumps onto Cole magically giving him context and repairing their relationship. I already had issues with the author just telling us things that should've been shown, but Jesse's first few days back interacting with Cole should 100% definitely been shown instead of timelapsed. Like wtf? Then the whole "I left because you and dad were shitty to me" was so dumb. 1. If Cole truly was angry at Jesse, he shouldn't have taken Jesse's words at face value and called him a liar/been more antagonistic. What was that Evelyn said about him being angry? He sure didn't seem like it to me considering how quickly his anger disappeared. AND 2. Apparently, Jesse's stepdad Tell me again why Jesse was apparently not mad at his stepdad for basically abandoning him at his time of need? Why was this just coming out now when apparently it was such a big issue for him then?
I just couldn't continue with the lack of any real anger in the characters. The story's entire premise is based on a betrayal of trust on multiple fronts:
- Cole felt betrayed by Jesse when he left and stayed out of contact for 15 years
- Cole felt betrayed by his family for how they were basically inviting Jesse back as the prodigal son
- Jesse felt betrayed by both Cole and his stepdad for how they failed him as a gay teenager
Serious shit that the characters are rightfully angry for at the start and yet, none of those betrayals ever actually last longer than 2-3 chapters before the characters just start acting cordial and polite to one another. Why even make the story have them act mad when Cole just starts becoming protective of Jesse on page 62? Where was the active reconciliation? The groveling? Both MCs were responsible for causing each other pain, why did they not need to address that before their relationship improved? I'm rating this 1.5 stars (rounded up, but just barely)
February 2, 2026
I SHOULD have liked this. It was multiple tropes I like wrapped up on one package.
Alas, I did not like this.
I had my mouth hanging open around 33% when the author wrote - "Maybe that’s why I ended up gay. Raised without a father, then when I finally got other men in my life, I was always searching for their attention and never getting what I needed. Was it just a classic daddy issues sort of situation?" I had to look up if the author was an ignorant straight woman (he's a gay man) because I was so confused. Legitimately, do people still think being queer is a choice? Most of my gay friends would be greatly offended by suggesting one isn't born with their sexual preferences. But ok... moving on.
At 40% they have penetrative sex for the first time with no prep, lube, or protection. No, nope. Jesse needs to head to the hospital now.
To wrap it all up, they find out their Dad (step-dad) was secretly gay (or bi?) and was having an affair with the man who tries to take their ranch away toward the end. How convenient and out of left field.
Bummer.
Alas, I did not like this.
I had my mouth hanging open around 33% when the author wrote - "Maybe that’s why I ended up gay. Raised without a father, then when I finally got other men in my life, I was always searching for their attention and never getting what I needed. Was it just a classic daddy issues sort of situation?" I had to look up if the author was an ignorant straight woman (he's a gay man) because I was so confused. Legitimately, do people still think being queer is a choice? Most of my gay friends would be greatly offended by suggesting one isn't born with their sexual preferences. But ok... moving on.
At 40% they have penetrative sex for the first time with no prep, lube, or protection. No, nope. Jesse needs to head to the hospital now.
To wrap it all up, they find out their Dad (step-dad) was secretly gay (or bi?) and was having an affair with the man who tries to take their ranch away toward the end. How convenient and out of left field.
Bummer.
February 20, 2026
My favorite MM Romances of all time are stepbrother enemies-to-lovers. Now, make them cowboys. Jesus Christ. I can’t get over Jesse and Cole!! And that first time together in a tent in the middle of a blizzard fucked me up (although the no-prepping kinda threw me for a loop). The vulnerability between them had me meltinggggg.
Watching Cole fight to accept himself, Jesse heal from his past and both of them realize how much they need eachother just did something for my heart.
I loved the storyline, 2 estranged stepbrothers brought back together by their recently deceased father’s will. They have to live and work together for one full year in order to inherit their family ranch. Brilliant!
There are a few lil twisty twists that brought the story full circle with their father. The epilogue was beautiful. Ugh, and Evelyn. Don’t even get me started on how much I adore Evelyn. I thoroughly enjoyed Hell Creek Boys and will definitely be continuing the series!
I don’t read too much cowboy romance. This might be my FIRST cowboy romance (that didn’t involve aliens 😂). So all I could picture is Jake Gyllenhaal and Heather Ledger in their slutty little cowboy hats. It was hot. Highly recommend.
Watching Cole fight to accept himself, Jesse heal from his past and both of them realize how much they need eachother just did something for my heart.
I loved the storyline, 2 estranged stepbrothers brought back together by their recently deceased father’s will. They have to live and work together for one full year in order to inherit their family ranch. Brilliant!
There are a few lil twisty twists that brought the story full circle with their father. The epilogue was beautiful. Ugh, and Evelyn. Don’t even get me started on how much I adore Evelyn. I thoroughly enjoyed Hell Creek Boys and will definitely be continuing the series!
I don’t read too much cowboy romance. This might be my FIRST cowboy romance (that didn’t involve aliens 😂). So all I could picture is Jake Gyllenhaal and Heather Ledger in their slutty little cowboy hats. It was hot. Highly recommend.
January 20, 2026
Eh it just isn't for me. DNF 67%.
It didn't feel like a second chance romance (and I often don't like that trope; I was glad it didn't seem that way)bc the two stepbrothers weren't together before one left, and I enjoyed the angsty opening with the one coming back for his stepfather's (the other hero's father's) funeral after not having seen or spoken to either for 15 years. The first like 30% was fun with them having to agree to work together and live on the ranch. But when they start getting involved, it...devolved for me.
Basically there's just too much info on how one got all this experience with the ecology students, the circus guy, tons of hookups...it was mentioned before and after every encounter, either in his head or out loud, and it just made it all feel perfunctory, like he's just doing to the other hero all this stuff he learned/did with everyone else, and it didn't feel emotional or intimate or special, it was just sex. Kind of icky too bc they keep doing it bare and there's no mention of tests or being negative, and honestly, using spit for lube sounds painful.
There's also not enough info on why MC Jesse punched their father and left and cut them off with no word. I couldn't tell if he was also angry with Cole or not. Maybe they discuss it later? But too late for me. It sounded like he was pissed bc the ranch hands at the time were homophobic assholes who called him the F word (fair, I wouldn't stay either) but I couldn't tell if the late father thought that way too and that's why he punched him and left, or...what. There's also no info on how 18 year old Jesse lived when he left. Somehow he went to college and became a hot shit marketer. But...how'd he pay for it? Who'd he stay with at first? Was it magical fairy godfathers???
I also disliked Jesse for not ever getting in touch for 15 years. Cole was damn right to be pissed about his father forcing them to work together to keep the ranch that Cole worked to the bone and kept going through his father's illness and death, which Jesse knew zippo about because he never called or anything. Just legit did not care. Poor Cole. Jesse read like a jerk to me. I never warmed up to him and his sexpertise ways, and he just slides back on in and makes everything better with his farm-to-table ideas. It didn't feel authentic.
I loved the idea of it, but the execution didn't work for me. Oh well.
HEA, stepbrothers, ranch owners, forced proximity/forced to work together to keep the inheritance. NO OM action, mild drama bc Jesse has a boyfriend back in Seattle when he comes back, but, they break up when Jesse decides to stay (and the guy seems like a total jerk, which says little for Jesse's taste in men). Their romance feels more like one of conveninece. Cole's been pining for Jesse all this time, but Jesse has...not. Bigtime. I don't know, it wasn't romantic. NOt recommended, but not not recommended? Probaby will work well for other people. Just not my bag. And not enough focus on horses and riding 😂
But also that cover got me...beautiful. Love it. But also...why they both have the same/similar tats? Only Jesse is supposed to have tats. Tribal tats though...because...WHY?! 😤
It didn't feel like a second chance romance (and I often don't like that trope; I was glad it didn't seem that way)bc the two stepbrothers weren't together before one left, and I enjoyed the angsty opening with the one coming back for his stepfather's (the other hero's father's) funeral after not having seen or spoken to either for 15 years. The first like 30% was fun with them having to agree to work together and live on the ranch. But when they start getting involved, it...devolved for me.
Basically there's just too much info on how one got all this experience with the ecology students, the circus guy, tons of hookups...it was mentioned before and after every encounter, either in his head or out loud, and it just made it all feel perfunctory, like he's just doing to the other hero all this stuff he learned/did with everyone else, and it didn't feel emotional or intimate or special, it was just sex. Kind of icky too bc they keep doing it bare and there's no mention of tests or being negative, and honestly, using spit for lube sounds painful.
There's also not enough info on why MC Jesse punched their father and left and cut them off with no word. I couldn't tell if he was also angry with Cole or not. Maybe they discuss it later? But too late for me. It sounded like he was pissed bc the ranch hands at the time were homophobic assholes who called him the F word (fair, I wouldn't stay either) but I couldn't tell if the late father thought that way too and that's why he punched him and left, or...what. There's also no info on how 18 year old Jesse lived when he left. Somehow he went to college and became a hot shit marketer. But...how'd he pay for it? Who'd he stay with at first? Was it magical fairy godfathers???
I also disliked Jesse for not ever getting in touch for 15 years. Cole was damn right to be pissed about his father forcing them to work together to keep the ranch that Cole worked to the bone and kept going through his father's illness and death, which Jesse knew zippo about because he never called or anything. Just legit did not care. Poor Cole. Jesse read like a jerk to me. I never warmed up to him and his sexpertise ways, and he just slides back on in and makes everything better with his farm-to-table ideas. It didn't feel authentic.
I loved the idea of it, but the execution didn't work for me. Oh well.
HEA, stepbrothers, ranch owners, forced proximity/forced to work together to keep the inheritance. NO OM action, mild drama bc Jesse has a boyfriend back in Seattle when he comes back, but, they break up when Jesse decides to stay (and the guy seems like a total jerk, which says little for Jesse's taste in men). Their romance feels more like one of conveninece. Cole's been pining for Jesse all this time, but Jesse has...not. Bigtime. I don't know, it wasn't romantic. NOt recommended, but not not recommended? Probaby will work well for other people. Just not my bag. And not enough focus on horses and riding 😂
But also that cover got me...beautiful. Love it. But also...why they both have the same/similar tats? Only Jesse is supposed to have tats. Tribal tats though...because...WHY?! 😤
December 3, 2025
I devoured this book!
I like the slightly darker side of this new universe. The relationship between Jesse and Cole is full of resentment and misunderstanding. Their relationship, as well as Jesse's relationship with Jack (Cole's father and Jesse's stepfather), suffered greatly from the death of Jesse's mother. As if she were the glue that held their blended family together, once she was gone, the three men were unable to maintain balance. Jesse ran away. He was just a teenager.
Fifteen years later, a second death brings them together. This time, it is Jack's death that forces them to confront each other and face feelings and emotions that they were too young at the time to grasp, accept, and understand.
One tragic event separates them, another brings them back together. The evolution of their relationship, from animosity that is more like resentment and miscommunication to a return to friendship and love, is very well done. Cole's progress in particular, as he faces the gaze of others, confronts his own judgments, and accepts the truth hidden in his heart, is especially well written. We experience with them Cole's two steps forward and one step back before he finally realizes that he cannot live without Jesse.
A beautiful story, difficult moments, two stubborn men fighting each other and themselves to move forward and evolve. But also lots of tender moments and beautiful, particularly spicy scenes.
I recommend this book 100% and eagerly await the next volume!
-----
J'ai dévoré ce livre !
J'aime le côté un peu plus sombre de ce nouvel univers. La relation entre Jesse est Cole est pleine de rancoeurs et d'incompréhensions. Leur relation ainsi que celle de Jesse avec Jack (père de Cole et beau-père de Jesse) a extrêmement souffert du décès de la mère de Jesse. Comme si elle était le liant dans leur famille recomposé, elle partie les trois hommes n'ont pas su maintenir l'équilibre. Jesse a fuit. Il n'était qu'un adolescent.
Quinze ans plus tard, c'est un second décès qui les réunis, cette fois c'est celui de Jack qui va leur imposer de se confronter l'un à l'autre, de faire face à des sentiments, des émotions qu'ils étaient à l'époque trop jeunes pour appréhender, accepter et comprendre.
Un évènement tragique va les séparer, un second les réunir. L'évolution de leur relation, de l'animosité qui s'apparente plus à de la rancoeur et une mauvaise communicaiton vers le retour de l'amitié et l'amour, est très bien amené. Et la progression de Cole en particulier qui doit faire face au regard des autres, faire face à ses propres jugements et accepter la vérité qui se cache dans son coeur est particulièrement bien écrite, on vit avec eux les pas en avant pour deux en arrière de Cole avant qu'il ne se rende à l'évidence, il ne peut pas vivre sans Jesse.
Une belle histoire, des moments difficiles, deux hommes têtus qui se battent l'un contre l'autre et contre eux-mêmes pour avancer et évoluer. Mais également beaucoup de moments tendres et de belles scènes particulièrement épicées.
Je recommande à 100% se livre et j'attends avec impatience le prochain tome !
I like the slightly darker side of this new universe. The relationship between Jesse and Cole is full of resentment and misunderstanding. Their relationship, as well as Jesse's relationship with Jack (Cole's father and Jesse's stepfather), suffered greatly from the death of Jesse's mother. As if she were the glue that held their blended family together, once she was gone, the three men were unable to maintain balance. Jesse ran away. He was just a teenager.
Fifteen years later, a second death brings them together. This time, it is Jack's death that forces them to confront each other and face feelings and emotions that they were too young at the time to grasp, accept, and understand.
One tragic event separates them, another brings them back together. The evolution of their relationship, from animosity that is more like resentment and miscommunication to a return to friendship and love, is very well done. Cole's progress in particular, as he faces the gaze of others, confronts his own judgments, and accepts the truth hidden in his heart, is especially well written. We experience with them Cole's two steps forward and one step back before he finally realizes that he cannot live without Jesse.
A beautiful story, difficult moments, two stubborn men fighting each other and themselves to move forward and evolve. But also lots of tender moments and beautiful, particularly spicy scenes.
I recommend this book 100% and eagerly await the next volume!
-----
J'ai dévoré ce livre !
J'aime le côté un peu plus sombre de ce nouvel univers. La relation entre Jesse est Cole est pleine de rancoeurs et d'incompréhensions. Leur relation ainsi que celle de Jesse avec Jack (père de Cole et beau-père de Jesse) a extrêmement souffert du décès de la mère de Jesse. Comme si elle était le liant dans leur famille recomposé, elle partie les trois hommes n'ont pas su maintenir l'équilibre. Jesse a fuit. Il n'était qu'un adolescent.
Quinze ans plus tard, c'est un second décès qui les réunis, cette fois c'est celui de Jack qui va leur imposer de se confronter l'un à l'autre, de faire face à des sentiments, des émotions qu'ils étaient à l'époque trop jeunes pour appréhender, accepter et comprendre.
Un évènement tragique va les séparer, un second les réunir. L'évolution de leur relation, de l'animosité qui s'apparente plus à de la rancoeur et une mauvaise communicaiton vers le retour de l'amitié et l'amour, est très bien amené. Et la progression de Cole en particulier qui doit faire face au regard des autres, faire face à ses propres jugements et accepter la vérité qui se cache dans son coeur est particulièrement bien écrite, on vit avec eux les pas en avant pour deux en arrière de Cole avant qu'il ne se rende à l'évidence, il ne peut pas vivre sans Jesse.
Une belle histoire, des moments difficiles, deux hommes têtus qui se battent l'un contre l'autre et contre eux-mêmes pour avancer et évoluer. Mais également beaucoup de moments tendres et de belles scènes particulièrement épicées.
Je recommande à 100% se livre et j'attends avec impatience le prochain tome !
December 7, 2025
Whether he's writing under the Atreus Rosewood or Blake R.Wolfe nom de plume, this author has a way with stubborn men be they shifters or tall, smexy, Stetsoned cowboys.
The relationship between Jesse Harris ("Haven't gone by Nelson in a long time." p 10) and his estranged family, stepdad Jack and stepbrother Cole, didn't survive the death of his mom, Jack's second wife. He ran away after a horrible argument, and 15 years later comes home for Jack's funeral. In a last attempt to reunite his family, Jack structures his will to force the two to live and work together for a year.
I got major Prodigal Son vibes from this one. Cole struggled for 15 years to keep the ranch together. And he resented that Jesse was going to get half. If they didn't screw things up. Jesse's guilt makes him agree to the will's terms because he couldn't let Cole lose his heritage.
There's angst. And then there's the Nelson boys angst. Cole is just one big pile of anger, resentment and guilt for lusting after Jesse. Jesse, on the other hand, always knew he was gay. And had always been attracted to Cole.
From page one, from the rain sodden funeral, author Rosewood grabbed my attention. Through all the drama, ranchwork, fighting, I couldn't put this down. The spice was blistering hot. There were definitely some big emotions here. Great descriptions of Montana, excellent worldbuild. Good secondaries. Both men needed some healing. The finding family was done beautifully.
The author does bring up farm to table sustainability and the plight of today's ranchers. Cutting out the middleman, where the major profits from beef production go. So, interesting and timely as well.
I really enjoy the author's shifter universes. But I really loved his cowboys.
I received an advanced copy of this ebook and this is my review.
The relationship between Jesse Harris ("Haven't gone by Nelson in a long time." p 10) and his estranged family, stepdad Jack and stepbrother Cole, didn't survive the death of his mom, Jack's second wife. He ran away after a horrible argument, and 15 years later comes home for Jack's funeral. In a last attempt to reunite his family, Jack structures his will to force the two to live and work together for a year.
I got major Prodigal Son vibes from this one. Cole struggled for 15 years to keep the ranch together. And he resented that Jesse was going to get half. If they didn't screw things up. Jesse's guilt makes him agree to the will's terms because he couldn't let Cole lose his heritage.
There's angst. And then there's the Nelson boys angst. Cole is just one big pile of anger, resentment and guilt for lusting after Jesse. Jesse, on the other hand, always knew he was gay. And had always been attracted to Cole.
From page one, from the rain sodden funeral, author Rosewood grabbed my attention. Through all the drama, ranchwork, fighting, I couldn't put this down. The spice was blistering hot. There were definitely some big emotions here. Great descriptions of Montana, excellent worldbuild. Good secondaries. Both men needed some healing. The finding family was done beautifully.
The author does bring up farm to table sustainability and the plight of today's ranchers. Cutting out the middleman, where the major profits from beef production go. So, interesting and timely as well.
I really enjoy the author's shifter universes. But I really loved his cowboys.
I received an advanced copy of this ebook and this is my review.
February 21, 2026
Guys I love cowboys. It takes almost nothing for me to give a 5 star cowboy review ! If you are really looking for stepbro cowboys with a hint of the show “Yellowstone” this could be for you.
BUT DID THE AUTHOR DO NO RESEARCH no one after, after not riding a horse for 15 years, spends an entire day riding a horse, has a sore arse they complain about, than almost die of hypothermia IS THEN IMMEDIATELY fine getting railed with zero prep AT ALL an hour later.
That would be all kinds of painful? And then Cole is such a dick to him.
I just found this fine. It was a little steeped in the grief of the MCs shared loss of their parents and their issues with homosexuality in small western towns. Both themes are central to the story.
This didn’t wow me, the writing was neat but didn’t feel as if the characters were complete. On paper the plot was fantastic.
Out gay MC returns home to manage the range he left over family trauma and (separate) homophobia to work with very SO DEEP IN THE CLOSET OH HEY ITS NARNIA stepbro who has been carrying a torch for him for 15 years,
In reality, it doesn’t make any sense.
There are SO MANY THINGS that make no sense:
-A 33 is not still thinking sexually over the memory of a 15 year old boy. If he is, I don’t know what to tell you. -Cole’s father was a real dick to these boys. Cole gave up almost his whole youth to tend the range and while the dad’s will did work out, why not just fix things while he was alive.
- Jesse keeps saying he is doing this for his dad . Even though Jesse made zero attempt to go back in 15 years. Nothing even that bad happened 15 years ago? It makes no sense that both Jesse and his stepfather are written as having this great bond and yet no one did anything until he was dead
-IM SORRY the spice scenes are like the other never researched anything sexy time!?
no one after, after not riding a horse for 15 years, spends an entire day riding a horse, has a sore arse they complain about, than almost die of hypothermia IS THEN IMMEDIATELY fine getting railed with zero prep AT ALL an hour later.
That would be all kinds of painful? And then Cole is such a dick to him.
It’s just like none of this was thought out.
BUT DID THE AUTHOR DO NO RESEARCH no one after, after not riding a horse for 15 years, spends an entire day riding a horse, has a sore arse they complain about, than almost die of hypothermia IS THEN IMMEDIATELY fine getting railed with zero prep AT ALL an hour later.
That would be all kinds of painful? And then Cole is such a dick to him.
I just found this fine. It was a little steeped in the grief of the MCs shared loss of their parents and their issues with homosexuality in small western towns. Both themes are central to the story.
This didn’t wow me, the writing was neat but didn’t feel as if the characters were complete. On paper the plot was fantastic.
Out gay MC returns home to manage the range he left over family trauma and (separate) homophobia to work with very SO DEEP IN THE CLOSET OH HEY ITS NARNIA stepbro who has been carrying a torch for him for 15 years,
In reality, it doesn’t make any sense.
There are SO MANY THINGS that make no sense:
-A 33 is not still thinking sexually over the memory of a 15 year old boy. If he is, I don’t know what to tell you. -Cole’s father was a real dick to these boys. Cole gave up almost his whole youth to tend the range and while the dad’s will did work out, why not just fix things while he was alive.
- Jesse keeps saying he is doing this for his dad . Even though Jesse made zero attempt to go back in 15 years. Nothing even that bad happened 15 years ago? It makes no sense that both Jesse and his stepfather are written as having this great bond and yet no one did anything until he was dead
-IM SORRY the spice scenes are like the other never researched anything sexy time!?
no one after, after not riding a horse for 15 years, spends an entire day riding a horse, has a sore arse they complain about, than almost die of hypothermia IS THEN IMMEDIATELY fine getting railed with zero prep AT ALL an hour later.
That would be all kinds of painful? And then Cole is such a dick to him.
It’s just like none of this was thought out.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 stars
WOW!
There is so much unresolved tension between Jesse and Cole, from their secret teenage attraction to Jesse leaving for fifteen years, their trust issues and doubts about one another and whether they can fulfill the requirements of the will and keep the ranch, and to their current sexual attraction. The angst is high, but it is balanced with sweet, genuine moments, two really different, but likeable in their own way men, and the steamy sexy times.
Jesse and Cole compliment each other, but it takes a while for them to get around to accepting and trusting one another enough to allow a deeper connection to develop. Although Jesse is more willing and it takes Cole longer to get there, they do manage to get past fears and doubts and outside forces trying to ruin things for them.
This book is well written and fast paced. Jesse and Cole are wonderful MC's, each with their own issues to work through while fighting to work together and manage the extra feelings they have towards one another. There is an interesting twist at the end that I wasn't expecting, one that initially caused even more emotional upheaval before a resolution was found from a truly unexpected source. There are some intriguing secondary characters - some I love, and some that are just nasty - that add depth to the overall story.
I absolutely love Jesse and Cole, their ranch, and this new series. I'm looking forward to seeing where the next book takes me and I would definitely recommend this book.
I received an ARC, this is my honest opinion.
WOW!
There is so much unresolved tension between Jesse and Cole, from their secret teenage attraction to Jesse leaving for fifteen years, their trust issues and doubts about one another and whether they can fulfill the requirements of the will and keep the ranch, and to their current sexual attraction. The angst is high, but it is balanced with sweet, genuine moments, two really different, but likeable in their own way men, and the steamy sexy times.
Jesse and Cole compliment each other, but it takes a while for them to get around to accepting and trusting one another enough to allow a deeper connection to develop. Although Jesse is more willing and it takes Cole longer to get there, they do manage to get past fears and doubts and outside forces trying to ruin things for them.
This book is well written and fast paced. Jesse and Cole are wonderful MC's, each with their own issues to work through while fighting to work together and manage the extra feelings they have towards one another. There is an interesting twist at the end that I wasn't expecting, one that initially caused even more emotional upheaval before a resolution was found from a truly unexpected source. There are some intriguing secondary characters - some I love, and some that are just nasty - that add depth to the overall story.
I absolutely love Jesse and Cole, their ranch, and this new series. I'm looking forward to seeing where the next book takes me and I would definitely recommend this book.
I received an ARC, this is my honest opinion.
February 16, 2026
If you're looking for pure vibes / entertainment and don't mind turning your brain off, this is a great solid read. However the plot glue is Elmer's kids glue.
Here come my logic gripes.
1. The incident that caused Jesse to stay way for 15 years makes zero sense. He left because he was heartbroken and his family was emotionally unavailable? While someone could be understandably mad about that, to hold onto it for 15 years, and add physical violence in the mix? Feels like a major overreaction for dramas sake.
2. We love a hot, passionate, spontaneous romp, but the timing was WILD. Going from nearly dying of hypothermia in a snow storm after 15 years out of the saddle to... a unprepared, vigorous session? The math ain't mathing folks. It was bizarre timing.
3. Cole's character development was EXTREMELY rushed and not well laid out. He was built up to be deeply closeted - a denial-heavy man who even used homophobic language. To have him flip a switch and suddenly be 100% accepting of his identity after, what 1-2 weeks of Jesse's persistence? It felt unearned and unrealistic given the groundwork the author put in the beginning.
4. Making the father a closeted gay man as well, was my tipping point. (It's enough slices!) It served no purpose than an attempt to shock the reader. It gave no meaningful contribution to the plot.
If you can overlook the leaps in logic, it's an entertaining ride. If you're looking for a tight plot and grounded character development, you might want to look elsewhere.
Here come my logic gripes.
1. The incident that caused Jesse to stay way for 15 years makes zero sense. He left because he was heartbroken and his family was emotionally unavailable? While someone could be understandably mad about that, to hold onto it for 15 years, and add physical violence in the mix? Feels like a major overreaction for dramas sake.
2. We love a hot, passionate, spontaneous romp, but the timing was WILD. Going from nearly dying of hypothermia in a snow storm after 15 years out of the saddle to... a unprepared, vigorous session? The math ain't mathing folks. It was bizarre timing.
3. Cole's character development was EXTREMELY rushed and not well laid out. He was built up to be deeply closeted - a denial-heavy man who even used homophobic language. To have him flip a switch and suddenly be 100% accepting of his identity after, what 1-2 weeks of Jesse's persistence? It felt unearned and unrealistic given the groundwork the author put in the beginning.
4. Making the father a closeted gay man as well, was my tipping point. (It's enough slices!) It served no purpose than an attempt to shock the reader. It gave no meaningful contribution to the plot.
If you can overlook the leaps in logic, it's an entertaining ride. If you're looking for a tight plot and grounded character development, you might want to look elsewhere.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 19, 2026
“Afraid of what, Cole?”
“Of how I feel when I look at you.”
Jesse returned to his hometown because of his step father's death. However, the last will changed everything. He was forced to reside and work together with her step brother, Cole, for a year to inherit the money and ranch.
Started this for funsies and stayed because I liked it enough to get going. I have been looking for a great stepbrother forbidden romance book and the premise fits the bill.
I like Jesse and I like Cole but they were both adults who doesn't communicate, miscommunicated along the way, and doesn't feel or read like an adult with the way they acted.
I did not like Jesse at first, I didn't understand why he left but as I read, he slowly redeemed himself in my eyes. I like Cole at first, he's protective and I understand his reasoning for not wanting to share the ranch with his step brother who abadoned them. But as the story progressed, he tended to attack people when he's hurting, and I do not like that. I get that they were both flawed and written to be complex, but I was not buying it.
I read this in a few hours, and no regrets about it but I will not continue on with the series.
“Of how I feel when I look at you.”
Jesse returned to his hometown because of his step father's death. However, the last will changed everything. He was forced to reside and work together with her step brother, Cole, for a year to inherit the money and ranch.
Started this for funsies and stayed because I liked it enough to get going. I have been looking for a great stepbrother forbidden romance book and the premise fits the bill.
I like Jesse and I like Cole but they were both adults who doesn't communicate, miscommunicated along the way, and doesn't feel or read like an adult with the way they acted.
I did not like Jesse at first, I didn't understand why he left but as I read, he slowly redeemed himself in my eyes. I like Cole at first, he's protective and I understand his reasoning for not wanting to share the ranch with his step brother who abadoned them. But as the story progressed, he tended to attack people when he's hurting, and I do not like that. I get that they were both flawed and written to be complex, but I was not buying it.
I read this in a few hours, and no regrets about it but I will not continue on with the series.
January 4, 2026
After years of animosity, Jesse returns home for their father’s funeral, only to discover that he must face his greatest rival—his stepbrother Cole. Having loathed each other for 15 years, they are anything but cordial. However, as they gather to read the will, they realize that circumstances compel them to work together to save the family ranch.
The tension between them is palpable, with unresolved issues bubbling just beneath the surface. Through confronting the family legacy they share, Jesse and Cole begin to peel back the layers of anger that have defined their relationship. They discover that what they had mistaken for hatred may be deep-seated feelings long ignored. Navigating the complexities of their shared past, they grapple with both the pain and the possibility of a fresh start.
As the story unfolds, Jesse and Cole's journey from enemies to lovers is punctuated by unexpected twists that keep readers engaged. The heat of their unresolved tension ignites into something more as they face challenges that require cooperation and trust. Their experiences force them to confront both family obligations and their own desires. By yielding to their true feelings, they find a path to healing and ultimately, a satisfying, happy-ever-after.
The tension between them is palpable, with unresolved issues bubbling just beneath the surface. Through confronting the family legacy they share, Jesse and Cole begin to peel back the layers of anger that have defined their relationship. They discover that what they had mistaken for hatred may be deep-seated feelings long ignored. Navigating the complexities of their shared past, they grapple with both the pain and the possibility of a fresh start.
As the story unfolds, Jesse and Cole's journey from enemies to lovers is punctuated by unexpected twists that keep readers engaged. The heat of their unresolved tension ignites into something more as they face challenges that require cooperation and trust. Their experiences force them to confront both family obligations and their own desires. By yielding to their true feelings, they find a path to healing and ultimately, a satisfying, happy-ever-after.
February 20, 2026
This is a stepbrothers to more cowboy romance, featuring Cole and Jesse, and is book one in the Endless Sky Cowboys series.
After their stepfather’s will forces them to live together on the ranch for a year, stepbrothers Jesse and Cole must put aside years of anger or lose everything. But as they’re trapped together and old feelings resurface, their hatred slowly turns into something neither of them expected.
This was an emotional read, a little angsty, and had so much tension between Jesse and Cole. Their forced proximity made every interaction feel charged, especially once they were snowed in together on the cattle run - feelings explode. I loved how their anger slowly turned into something softer.
Things to expect in this book are:
Book 1 in series
MM cowboy romance
Small town
Stepbrothers
Enemies to more
Ranch setting
Grumpy x Grumpy
15 years apart
Inheritance challenge
Forced proximity
Roommates
Only one tent
Snowed in
Hurt / Comfort
Unrequited love
Pierced c*ck
Voyeurism
Spicy times
Blind fold & restraints
Secret relationship
Wears his clothes
Secrets revealed
Getting caught
HEA
After their stepfather’s will forces them to live together on the ranch for a year, stepbrothers Jesse and Cole must put aside years of anger or lose everything. But as they’re trapped together and old feelings resurface, their hatred slowly turns into something neither of them expected.
This was an emotional read, a little angsty, and had so much tension between Jesse and Cole. Their forced proximity made every interaction feel charged, especially once they were snowed in together on the cattle run - feelings explode. I loved how their anger slowly turned into something softer.
Things to expect in this book are:
Book 1 in series
MM cowboy romance
Small town
Stepbrothers
Enemies to more
Ranch setting
Grumpy x Grumpy
15 years apart
Inheritance challenge
Forced proximity
Roommates
Only one tent
Snowed in
Hurt / Comfort
Unrequited love
Pierced c*ck
Voyeurism
Spicy times
Blind fold & restraints
Secret relationship
Wears his clothes
Secrets revealed
Getting caught
HEA
December 27, 2025
i couldn’t out it down
I loved this book so much. I’ve never read anything by this author before, but I definitely will be reading more of their work. It was a perfect balance of smart and angst and comfort and hurt. I absolutely love the characters. I’m not usually into a hurt/comfort read but boy did this. Change my mind. I reached my reading goal of 125 book at the beginning of November and I’ve been in a reading slump ever since. DNFing looks pretty much as soon as I start them. This was the first one I was able to finally read when it came out on the 24th… the only disappointing thing is that I read it all in 1 day.
I loved this book so much. I’ve never read anything by this author before, but I definitely will be reading more of their work. It was a perfect balance of smart and angst and comfort and hurt. I absolutely love the characters. I’m not usually into a hurt/comfort read but boy did this. Change my mind. I reached my reading goal of 125 book at the beginning of November and I’ve been in a reading slump ever since. DNFing looks pretty much as soon as I start them. This was the first one I was able to finally read when it came out on the 24th… the only disappointing thing is that I read it all in 1 day.
January 19, 2026
Have you ever read a book that you struggled to get through despite nothing being wrong with the book?
This book had all the good elements. Forced Proximity, cowboys, strong characters/ character development, spicy with the step brothers element. Yet I struggled to read it. As a matter of fact I soft DNFd for a couple days to read another book.
Cole and Jesse have a believable romance and connection. This is a slow burn that’s perfectly paced and I would definitely recommend it to someone who loves all those troupes but the mood reading struck again and I struggled to get through this!
3.75/5 ⭐️
2.75/5 🌶️
This book had all the good elements. Forced Proximity, cowboys, strong characters/ character development, spicy with the step brothers element. Yet I struggled to read it. As a matter of fact I soft DNFd for a couple days to read another book.
Cole and Jesse have a believable romance and connection. This is a slow burn that’s perfectly paced and I would definitely recommend it to someone who loves all those troupes but the mood reading struck again and I struggled to get through this!
3.75/5 ⭐️
2.75/5 🌶️
February 3, 2026
Cole needs to grow up tbh. Jesse had no strong feelings about Cole before he left town but then suddenly he’d been in love with him for 15yrs/ since he left? Idk they definitely didn’t seem in love and they never really emotionally connected. Plus one of them runs away with every little problem. Making their dad gay (& with Mack????) at the very end just doesn’t make a lot of sense. He had 2 wives but then said Jesse’s mom was ok with it? Idk. The letters could have been impactful without that. Just admitting that he knew about the boys and his true intentions were to bring the back together and they had his blessing was enough
Evelyn was the real queen of the story tho
Evelyn was the real queen of the story tho
February 10, 2026
this was actually so unexpectedly good!! while it did have all the components that I love in an mm romance (hot cowboys, secret relationship, steamy spice, complex characters with a lovely relationship and HEA, etc etc.) I had never listened to an audiobook with just virtual voice instead of actual people talking. shockingly I enjoyed it?? I was able to easily differentiate between the characters bc they were so distinctly different.
it being such a good story and having that element I can only imagine if it gets actual audiobook narrators. no notes!!!
I ordered the book trophy immediately upon finishing the book I can’t wait for it to arrive.
it being such a good story and having that element I can only imagine if it gets actual audiobook narrators. no notes!!!
I ordered the book trophy immediately upon finishing the book I can’t wait for it to arrive.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Cole and Jesse are step-brothers that haven't seen each other in 15 years. Jesse is back in Hell Creek for the funeral of his step-father and little does he and Cole know that their lives are about to get a whole lot more complicated
There is a lot of unresolved feelings, family drama, resentment and the reading of a will that changes everything.
Both have been in love with they other since childhood but never did anything about it and once they have to live together for a year those feelings come back full force.
Lots of drama, its complicated moments and a HEA.
There is a lot of unresolved feelings, family drama, resentment and the reading of a will that changes everything.
Both have been in love with they other since childhood but never did anything about it and once they have to live together for a year those feelings come back full force.
Lots of drama, its complicated moments and a HEA.
December 29, 2025
While the premise is entertaining, the book ultimately lacks real depth or a meaningful story. It feels less like a thoughtfully developed novel and more like an excuse to sell smut without requiring much engagement from the reader. It promises something akin to Brokeback Mountain, but without the emotional weight or character growth that made that story resonate. That’s what makes it so disappointing—there were countless opportunities to build rich, compelling characters, yet none of them were fully realized.
January 5, 2026
No idea how I came across this book/author, but MM stepbrothers enemies to lovers is my favorite thing so said screw my TBR and dove in and so happy that I did.
I absolutely loved Cole and Jesse's story and their hard fought for HEA.
I enjoyed the angst, the tension, the chemistry, and of course the spice 🥵
I loved how it wasn't just straight to lovers without any work put in after they first hooked up.
Mack however (side character) can get f*cked by a 🌵 ugh it's been awhile since I disliked a side character that much 🤬
Spice 🌶 🌶 🌶 🌶
I absolutely loved Cole and Jesse's story and their hard fought for HEA.
I enjoyed the angst, the tension, the chemistry, and of course the spice 🥵
I loved how it wasn't just straight to lovers without any work put in after they first hooked up.
Mack however (side character) can get f*cked by a 🌵 ugh it's been awhile since I disliked a side character that much 🤬
Spice 🌶 🌶 🌶 🌶
January 19, 2026
When I started this book, I knew it would make me cry by the end. And the (happy) tears are still in my eyes after over an hour since I started boohooing. This book absolutely eviscerated my heart and soul in the best way. Enemies to lovers, taboo, and angst are a recipe for a great story IMO, and this exceeded any expectation I could've had prior to starting the journey for how deeply this reached me. Second book of the duet has been pre-ordered and I literally want to read this over again. It's a 10/5 for me, dawg.
January 24, 2026
intriguing storyline
Wow. I really enjoyed this book. You can almost feel the emotion on every page: the anger, the seduction (that part was very good), and the struggle for intimacy and acknowledgment: to be seen, heard, and understood. It really got me thinking about the complexity of their relationship and the stigma behind it. An easy read and perfect for a snowy evening. And you’ve gotta appreciate a good cowboy story.
Wow. I really enjoyed this book. You can almost feel the emotion on every page: the anger, the seduction (that part was very good), and the struggle for intimacy and acknowledgment: to be seen, heard, and understood. It really got me thinking about the complexity of their relationship and the stigma behind it. An easy read and perfect for a snowy evening. And you’ve gotta appreciate a good cowboy story.
February 8, 2026
All if my love...crazy sexy!!!😍😍😍
Swoon!😚 Decidedly sexy. The friction between Jesse and Cole is delicious.😏 This is heart wrenching and heart warming all rolled into one beautiful package! I laughed and cried and every other emotion involved. Just letting you in on this amazingly complex story that will leave you in the feels.😁 I highly recommend adding this to your collection!😘
Swoon!😚 Decidedly sexy. The friction between Jesse and Cole is delicious.😏 This is heart wrenching and heart warming all rolled into one beautiful package! I laughed and cried and every other emotion involved. Just letting you in on this amazingly complex story that will leave you in the feels.😁 I highly recommend adding this to your collection!😘
January 15, 2026
3,75⭐️
Story and characters interesting, deep diving into the shame of Cole about his sexuality and their family connection, sweet moments and hot smut
I know the author is a gay man and he’s supposed to know what he’s writing about, but I’m sorry, their first time with just spit, no prep (and no condom)? And Cole’s first time bottoming with absolutely no prep? 😖 I’m hurting just reading it
Story and characters interesting, deep diving into the shame of Cole about his sexuality and their family connection, sweet moments and hot smut
I know the author is a gay man and he’s supposed to know what he’s writing about, but I’m sorry, their first time with just spit, no prep (and no condom)? And Cole’s first time bottoming with absolutely no prep? 😖 I’m hurting just reading it
January 31, 2026
Cowboy Stepbrothers....what could be hotter?
I absolutely LOVED Cole and Jesse! Their story was hot, complicated, but also sweet and tender, and the twist ending was oh so satisfying. And every gay couple should have a mother figure like Evelyn. I look forward to continuing the series.
I absolutely LOVED Cole and Jesse! Their story was hot, complicated, but also sweet and tender, and the twist ending was oh so satisfying. And every gay couple should have a mother figure like Evelyn. I look forward to continuing the series.
February 3, 2026
Das Buch war wirklich okay, ich habe es gerne gelesen. Wa störend war, waren einige unlogische Situationen oder Handlungen, zB spürt die nackte Haut an den Beinen, danach wird erst die Jeans ausgezogen. Und penetrativer Sex ohne Lube beim ersten Mal finde ich auch recht forsch.
Cole mit seinen plötzlichen Panikattacken wegen des geouted Werden sind etwas mühsam ...
Cole mit seinen plötzlichen Panikattacken wegen des geouted Werden sind etwas mühsam ...
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