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Dangling High
Haunted by a brutal childhood tragedy at the hands of Jesse “Snake Eye” Musslin, the infamous and outrageous outlaw, Ezra “Two Shots” Smith, has spent his life chasing one thing: revenge. Hardened, reckless, and determined that he doesn’t need anybody’s help, Ezra knows better than to let people get too close.
At least, until his fate accidentally lands him in the custody of Alexander “Good Times” Davis.
Stubbornly optimistic, irritatingly charming, and impossible to shake, Alex wiggles his way into joining Ezra on his bitter mission, as well as his life. What begins as a tenuous alliance in the scorching, unforgiving desert soon becomes something much more complicated. From the start, the two men clash at nearly every turn, but beneath the bickering and bravado grows a fierce, fragile bond that Ezra couldn’t anticipate, and isn’t so sure he deserves.
As danger closes in and old wounds start to bleed, Ezra and Alexa must decide whether they’re willing to fully trust and rely on each other, or risk losing their shot at vengeance, justice, and the future they never really believed that they could have.
Dangling High is a sharp, subversive Western adventure threaded with slow-burn romance, found family, and queer resilience. It flips classic frontier tropes on their head to reveal the power of reclaiming your story, and the hope that even those long marginalized can carve a little sun out of crushing darkness.
At least, until his fate accidentally lands him in the custody of Alexander “Good Times” Davis.
Stubbornly optimistic, irritatingly charming, and impossible to shake, Alex wiggles his way into joining Ezra on his bitter mission, as well as his life. What begins as a tenuous alliance in the scorching, unforgiving desert soon becomes something much more complicated. From the start, the two men clash at nearly every turn, but beneath the bickering and bravado grows a fierce, fragile bond that Ezra couldn’t anticipate, and isn’t so sure he deserves.
As danger closes in and old wounds start to bleed, Ezra and Alexa must decide whether they’re willing to fully trust and rely on each other, or risk losing their shot at vengeance, justice, and the future they never really believed that they could have.
Dangling High is a sharp, subversive Western adventure threaded with slow-burn romance, found family, and queer resilience. It flips classic frontier tropes on their head to reveal the power of reclaiming your story, and the hope that even those long marginalized can carve a little sun out of crushing darkness.
- GenresRomance
255 pages, Paperback
Published November 1, 2025
About the author
Kaycee King
8 books32 followersKaycee King is an LGBTQ+ author with a B.A. in English, emphasis on Professional Writing. Kaycee writes contemporary queer literary romance novels that center dark, realistic themes, intense challenges, and inner turmoil to showcase the resilience of complex characters. Their stories explore the messy, raw, and often brutal aspects of life, but do so with a steady undercurrent of hope.
Outside of writing, Kaycee loves photographing wildlife, drawing, spending time with family, or curling up with some coffee, a pile of cats, and a good book.
Outside of writing, Kaycee loves photographing wildlife, drawing, spending time with family, or curling up with some coffee, a pile of cats, and a good book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
August 25, 2026
“𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙘𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙢𝙚 𝙂𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙏𝙞𝙢𝙚𝙨 𝙤𝙣 𝙖𝙘𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙮 𝙨𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙠𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙮,”
RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
SPICE: 🌶️ 1/5
New-to-me author.
And apparently we are EXPERIMENTING today.
Because:
🤠 Western
🖤 MM romance
⚔️ Revenge
🏜️ Dystopian world
🔥 Resistance against a tyrannical system
This is not exactly my usual Kindle neighborhood.
MM western?
First time.
Dystopian element?
I was cautious.
Because dystopian romance can either completely suck me in or make me feel like I accidentally enrolled in a political science course when I was just trying to watch two attractive fictional people ruin each other’s lives.
😂
But I digress.
Because then Kaycee King introduced me to:
Ezra “Two Shots” Smith.
Ruthless outlaw.
Violent.
Angry.
Built almost entirely out of revenge and unresolved trauma.
And I went:
😐
Oh.
There’s my entry point.
😂
You could put a damaged morally complicated man into almost any genre and apparently my brain will eventually locate him like a tracking device.
Dangling High is a queer anti-western set in this oppressive, dystopian version of the Old West where the people in power are determined to punish anyone who refuses to fit into the world they’ve created.
It’s brutal.
Violent.
Bleak.
But what surprised me was that the story never felt completely hopeless.
There are these little pockets of warmth.
Resistance.
Community.
Tenderness.
People choosing each other even when the world around them gives them every reason not to.
And at the center of all of that are Ezra and Alex.
🥹
Ezra “Two Shots” Smith has basically survived by turning himself into a weapon.
He’s ruthless.
Obsessed with revenge.
Suspicious of vulnerability.
And completely convinced that softness is dangerous.
Because for him?
Historically?
IT HAS BEEN.
This is a man who learned very early that being vulnerable gives other people something they can use against you.
So instead he becomes harder.
Meaner.
More dangerous.
If he can be the threat, maybe nobody can hurt the boy underneath it.
Which is all very compelling and tragic.
And also…
👀
My favorite fictional flavor.
I support women’s rights.
I also support women’s wrongs.
And apparently I now support queer cowboys with extensive emotional damage.
We contain multitudes.
😂
Then Ezra winds up helpless in the dirt and meets Alexander “Good Times” Davis.
And Alex is basically everything Ezra isn’t.
Steady.
Patient.
Perceptive.
Thoughtful.
A member of the Resistance.
And most importantly?
He sees straight through Ezra’s bullshit.
😭
Ezra:
I AM A RUTHLESS OUTLAW. FEAR ME.
Alex:
🥹 You are deeply traumatized and desperately need a hug.
Ezra:
STOP THAT IMMEDIATELY.
😂
THAT dynamic worked for me.
Because Alex doesn’t look at Ezra and think:
I can fix him.
He looks at him and sees the person underneath all that rage.
There’s a difference.
He doesn’t erase Ezra’s violence.
He doesn’t pretend his choices haven’t hurt people.
He just recognizes that the vicious outlaw everyone else sees isn’t the whole story.
And Ezra HATES being seen like that.
Which naturally means:
ROMANCE.
😂
Their relationship was easily my favorite part of this book.
It’s tender in a world that gives them very little reason to be.
And there’s something incredibly effective about watching a man who’s spent his entire life believing:
Vulnerability = weakness
slowly experience:
Vulnerability can also mean safety.
😭
RUDE.
I came here for gay cowboys.
Why am I suddenly contemplating the emotional consequences of lifelong survival mode?!
And Alex gives Ezra something he hasn’t really allowed himself to imagine:
A future.
Not revenge.
Not survival.
Not simply waking up tomorrow because he still has someone left to punish.
An actual LIFE.
And that’s such a huge distinction in this story.
Because revenge has kept Ezra alive.
But Alex forces him to ask:
Is staying alive the same thing as living?
Ouch.
Thanks.
I’ll be sending Kaycee my therapy invoice.
😂
And Alex isn’t just there to emotionally rehabilitate Ezra either.
He has his own convictions.
His own reasons for fighting.
His own pain.
His own relationship with violence and resistance.
I loved that the story doesn’t pretend overthrowing an oppressive system is clean or pretty.
People are being subjected to violence constantly.
Eventually, they fight back.
And the book sits with the consequences of that instead of turning resistance into something polished and heroic with no emotional cost.
Violence matters here.
It hurts people.
It changes people.
Even when characters believe it’s necessary.
And that gave the story more weight than I expected.
I also REALLY liked the world.
Which shocked me a little because again—
DYSTOPIAN WESTERN.
I walked in suspicious.
😂
But the atmosphere was strong enough that I could SEE it.
Dust.
Heat.
Old towns.
Guns.
Outlaws.
A government hanging over everyone’s lives.
Resistance simmering underneath it all.
And the villains having these almost absurdly memorable names added this darkly funny edge that somehow fit.
There’s something slightly unhinged about a terrifying oppressive regime with names that make you go:
😂
Wait.
What did you just call this man?
But it worked.
And the dialogue!
I really appreciated how distinct Ezra’s voice felt.
That stylized Western speech gave the story personality and made the characters feel like they actually belonged in this particular world rather than sounding like contemporary people wearing cowboy hats.
That being said…
It did take me a little bit to settle into the dialect.
Not enough to ruin anything.
But occasionally my brain had to go:
Hold on. Cowboy translation loading…
😂
Once I adjusted, though, it added a LOT to the atmosphere.
Now…
why four stars instead of five?
The second half expanded the narrative and brought more secondary characters into focus, and I wasn’t nearly as attached to them as I was to Ezra and Alex.
Those two are SO distinctive.
Their voices.
Their personalities.
Their emotional journeys.
Their chemistry.
So when attention shifted toward other characters, some of them blurred together a little for me.
I wanted more development there.
Give me something that makes each one immediately recognizable beyond their role in the Resistance.
Because every time we returned to Ezra and Alex?
Locked back in.
I also felt the pacing get uneven in places.
There is a LOT happening here.
Violence.
Politics.
Revenge.
Trauma.
Romance.
Resistance.
Worldbuilding.
And occasionally it felt like the book was carrying several heavy suitcases at once.
Some moments hit HARD.
Others could’ve benefited from a little more breathing room or development.
But the relationship at the center?
That worked for me.
Completely.
Ezra and Alex have that kind of connection where they don’t just want each other.
They REPRESENT something to each other.
For Ezra, Alex represents the possibility that life could be more than revenge.
For Alex, Ezra represents someone worth fighting beside—and someone capable of becoming more than what the world decided he was.
One gives the other a reason to live.
The other gives him another reason to fight.
😭
STOP IT.
This was supposed to be cowboy time.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
🤠 MM western romance
🏜️ Anti-western
⚔️ Dystopian setting
🖤 Ruthless outlaw MMC
🔥 Resistance against tyranny
🤠 Revenge + justice
🖤 Forced proximity
❤️🩹 Trauma + healing
🤠 Slow-building trust
🖤 Tenderness in a brutal world
⚔️ Violence with consequences
🏜️ Found community
🖤 Morally complicated characters
🤠 Distinctive Western dialogue
❤️ Two men teaching each other that survival isn’t the same as living
🔫 One emotionally constipated outlaw absolutely HORRIFIED to discover he has feelings
FOUR “APPARENTLY MY RED-FLAG RADAR WORKS EVEN IN THE WILD WEST” STARS.
Was MM western new territory for me?
Yep.
Did the dystopian element have me initially side-eyeing my Kindle?
Absolutely.
Did Kaycee King somehow lure me in using one traumatized violent outlaw who desperately needed tenderness?
Unfortunately, yes.
😂
At this point, I have to accept that genre means very little when you hand me the correct type of emotionally damaged man.
Dark romance.
Mafia.
Hockey.
Paranormal.
And now apparently:
GAY COWBOYS FIGHTING THE GOVERNMENT.
My range is expanding.
I’m basically cultured now.
🥰
But what really stayed with me was the tenderness.
Because in a story this violent, the soft moments between Ezra and Alex feel even more important.
Watching Ezra slowly realize that loving someone doesn’t automatically make him weak?
That allowing himself to hope doesn’t erase everything he’s survived?
That he might actually deserve something beyond vengeance?
Yeah.
That got me.
So Kaycee King—
You got four stars out of a reader who walked in thinking:
“MM dystopian Western? Hmm. We’ll see.”
and walked out thinking:
“Someone please protect my traumatized outlaw boy.”
I’d say that’s a win. 🤠🖤
RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
SPICE: 🌶️ 1/5
New-to-me author.
And apparently we are EXPERIMENTING today.
Because:
🤠 Western
🖤 MM romance
⚔️ Revenge
🏜️ Dystopian world
🔥 Resistance against a tyrannical system
This is not exactly my usual Kindle neighborhood.
MM western?
First time.
Dystopian element?
I was cautious.
Because dystopian romance can either completely suck me in or make me feel like I accidentally enrolled in a political science course when I was just trying to watch two attractive fictional people ruin each other’s lives.
😂
But I digress.
Because then Kaycee King introduced me to:
Ezra “Two Shots” Smith.
Ruthless outlaw.
Violent.
Angry.
Built almost entirely out of revenge and unresolved trauma.
And I went:
😐
Oh.
There’s my entry point.
😂
You could put a damaged morally complicated man into almost any genre and apparently my brain will eventually locate him like a tracking device.
Dangling High is a queer anti-western set in this oppressive, dystopian version of the Old West where the people in power are determined to punish anyone who refuses to fit into the world they’ve created.
It’s brutal.
Violent.
Bleak.
But what surprised me was that the story never felt completely hopeless.
There are these little pockets of warmth.
Resistance.
Community.
Tenderness.
People choosing each other even when the world around them gives them every reason not to.
And at the center of all of that are Ezra and Alex.
🥹
Ezra “Two Shots” Smith has basically survived by turning himself into a weapon.
He’s ruthless.
Obsessed with revenge.
Suspicious of vulnerability.
And completely convinced that softness is dangerous.
Because for him?
Historically?
IT HAS BEEN.
This is a man who learned very early that being vulnerable gives other people something they can use against you.
So instead he becomes harder.
Meaner.
More dangerous.
If he can be the threat, maybe nobody can hurt the boy underneath it.
Which is all very compelling and tragic.
And also…
👀
My favorite fictional flavor.
I support women’s rights.
I also support women’s wrongs.
And apparently I now support queer cowboys with extensive emotional damage.
We contain multitudes.
😂
Then Ezra winds up helpless in the dirt and meets Alexander “Good Times” Davis.
And Alex is basically everything Ezra isn’t.
Steady.
Patient.
Perceptive.
Thoughtful.
A member of the Resistance.
And most importantly?
He sees straight through Ezra’s bullshit.
😭
Ezra:
I AM A RUTHLESS OUTLAW. FEAR ME.
Alex:
🥹 You are deeply traumatized and desperately need a hug.
Ezra:
STOP THAT IMMEDIATELY.
😂
THAT dynamic worked for me.
Because Alex doesn’t look at Ezra and think:
I can fix him.
He looks at him and sees the person underneath all that rage.
There’s a difference.
He doesn’t erase Ezra’s violence.
He doesn’t pretend his choices haven’t hurt people.
He just recognizes that the vicious outlaw everyone else sees isn’t the whole story.
And Ezra HATES being seen like that.
Which naturally means:
ROMANCE.
😂
Their relationship was easily my favorite part of this book.
It’s tender in a world that gives them very little reason to be.
And there’s something incredibly effective about watching a man who’s spent his entire life believing:
Vulnerability = weakness
slowly experience:
Vulnerability can also mean safety.
😭
RUDE.
I came here for gay cowboys.
Why am I suddenly contemplating the emotional consequences of lifelong survival mode?!
And Alex gives Ezra something he hasn’t really allowed himself to imagine:
A future.
Not revenge.
Not survival.
Not simply waking up tomorrow because he still has someone left to punish.
An actual LIFE.
And that’s such a huge distinction in this story.
Because revenge has kept Ezra alive.
But Alex forces him to ask:
Is staying alive the same thing as living?
Ouch.
Thanks.
I’ll be sending Kaycee my therapy invoice.
😂
And Alex isn’t just there to emotionally rehabilitate Ezra either.
He has his own convictions.
His own reasons for fighting.
His own pain.
His own relationship with violence and resistance.
I loved that the story doesn’t pretend overthrowing an oppressive system is clean or pretty.
People are being subjected to violence constantly.
Eventually, they fight back.
And the book sits with the consequences of that instead of turning resistance into something polished and heroic with no emotional cost.
Violence matters here.
It hurts people.
It changes people.
Even when characters believe it’s necessary.
And that gave the story more weight than I expected.
I also REALLY liked the world.
Which shocked me a little because again—
DYSTOPIAN WESTERN.
I walked in suspicious.
😂
But the atmosphere was strong enough that I could SEE it.
Dust.
Heat.
Old towns.
Guns.
Outlaws.
A government hanging over everyone’s lives.
Resistance simmering underneath it all.
And the villains having these almost absurdly memorable names added this darkly funny edge that somehow fit.
There’s something slightly unhinged about a terrifying oppressive regime with names that make you go:
😂
Wait.
What did you just call this man?
But it worked.
And the dialogue!
I really appreciated how distinct Ezra’s voice felt.
That stylized Western speech gave the story personality and made the characters feel like they actually belonged in this particular world rather than sounding like contemporary people wearing cowboy hats.
That being said…
It did take me a little bit to settle into the dialect.
Not enough to ruin anything.
But occasionally my brain had to go:
Hold on. Cowboy translation loading…
😂
Once I adjusted, though, it added a LOT to the atmosphere.
Now…
why four stars instead of five?
The second half expanded the narrative and brought more secondary characters into focus, and I wasn’t nearly as attached to them as I was to Ezra and Alex.
Those two are SO distinctive.
Their voices.
Their personalities.
Their emotional journeys.
Their chemistry.
So when attention shifted toward other characters, some of them blurred together a little for me.
I wanted more development there.
Give me something that makes each one immediately recognizable beyond their role in the Resistance.
Because every time we returned to Ezra and Alex?
Locked back in.
I also felt the pacing get uneven in places.
There is a LOT happening here.
Violence.
Politics.
Revenge.
Trauma.
Romance.
Resistance.
Worldbuilding.
And occasionally it felt like the book was carrying several heavy suitcases at once.
Some moments hit HARD.
Others could’ve benefited from a little more breathing room or development.
But the relationship at the center?
That worked for me.
Completely.
Ezra and Alex have that kind of connection where they don’t just want each other.
They REPRESENT something to each other.
For Ezra, Alex represents the possibility that life could be more than revenge.
For Alex, Ezra represents someone worth fighting beside—and someone capable of becoming more than what the world decided he was.
One gives the other a reason to live.
The other gives him another reason to fight.
😭
STOP IT.
This was supposed to be cowboy time.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
🤠 MM western romance
🏜️ Anti-western
⚔️ Dystopian setting
🖤 Ruthless outlaw MMC
🔥 Resistance against tyranny
🤠 Revenge + justice
🖤 Forced proximity
❤️🩹 Trauma + healing
🤠 Slow-building trust
🖤 Tenderness in a brutal world
⚔️ Violence with consequences
🏜️ Found community
🖤 Morally complicated characters
🤠 Distinctive Western dialogue
❤️ Two men teaching each other that survival isn’t the same as living
🔫 One emotionally constipated outlaw absolutely HORRIFIED to discover he has feelings
FOUR “APPARENTLY MY RED-FLAG RADAR WORKS EVEN IN THE WILD WEST” STARS.
Was MM western new territory for me?
Yep.
Did the dystopian element have me initially side-eyeing my Kindle?
Absolutely.
Did Kaycee King somehow lure me in using one traumatized violent outlaw who desperately needed tenderness?
Unfortunately, yes.
😂
At this point, I have to accept that genre means very little when you hand me the correct type of emotionally damaged man.
Dark romance.
Mafia.
Hockey.
Paranormal.
And now apparently:
GAY COWBOYS FIGHTING THE GOVERNMENT.
My range is expanding.
I’m basically cultured now.
🥰
But what really stayed with me was the tenderness.
Because in a story this violent, the soft moments between Ezra and Alex feel even more important.
Watching Ezra slowly realize that loving someone doesn’t automatically make him weak?
That allowing himself to hope doesn’t erase everything he’s survived?
That he might actually deserve something beyond vengeance?
Yeah.
That got me.
So Kaycee King—
You got four stars out of a reader who walked in thinking:
“MM dystopian Western? Hmm. We’ll see.”
and walked out thinking:
“Someone please protect my traumatized outlaw boy.”
I’d say that’s a win. 🤠🖤
September 14, 2025
Kaycee King’s Dangling High is a raw, unflinching narrative that thrusts readers into a world of grief, moral ambiguity, and the harsh boundaries between outlaw and justice. The story follows Ezra “Two Shots” Smith, a queer legendary outlaw, whose life is irrevocably changed after a brutal loss at the hands of Jesse “Snake Eye” Musslin. What feels remarkable to me about King’s storytelling is the nuanced way she exposes the costs of violence and the complexity of healing; the trauma is neither glossed over nor melodramatic…instead the emotional fallout feels lived in – messy, painful, and punctuated by fleeting moments of beauty and tenderness.
I found King’s prose evocative and visceral. The Western setting – laws, deserts, moral codes – is brought alive not merely through vivid landscapes, but also through the characters who inhabit the margins: those punished by society, those who make desperate choices, and those that carry scars both seen and invisible.
King revitalizes the Western, offering a modern lens on a genre often locked in nostalgia. By centering a queer outlaw as the protagonist, King not only expands the cultural boundaries of the Western but also repositions its central conflicts – lawlessness, loyalty, survival – as metaphors for contemporary struggles with identity, marginalization, and justice.
Just as Ezra confronts betrayal, violence, and grief in his quest for revenge, we witness modern parallels in the fight for dignity, equality, and self-definition in hostile environments. King’s achievement lies in making the Western both timely and timeless, proving that the questions of who we are and how we endure remain universal, no matter the century or setting.
Dangling High isn’t just another Western – it’s a story that resonates with today’s struggles. The tension between freedom and survival, justice and prejudice, mirrors issues our society still grapples with. I was hooked by King’s vivid prose and fast-paced storytelling, but what lingers is the emotional truth at its core: that even in the harshest landscapes, people fight to be seen to be loved, and to find peace.
I found King’s prose evocative and visceral. The Western setting – laws, deserts, moral codes – is brought alive not merely through vivid landscapes, but also through the characters who inhabit the margins: those punished by society, those who make desperate choices, and those that carry scars both seen and invisible.
King revitalizes the Western, offering a modern lens on a genre often locked in nostalgia. By centering a queer outlaw as the protagonist, King not only expands the cultural boundaries of the Western but also repositions its central conflicts – lawlessness, loyalty, survival – as metaphors for contemporary struggles with identity, marginalization, and justice.
Just as Ezra confronts betrayal, violence, and grief in his quest for revenge, we witness modern parallels in the fight for dignity, equality, and self-definition in hostile environments. King’s achievement lies in making the Western both timely and timeless, proving that the questions of who we are and how we endure remain universal, no matter the century or setting.
Dangling High isn’t just another Western – it’s a story that resonates with today’s struggles. The tension between freedom and survival, justice and prejudice, mirrors issues our society still grapples with. I was hooked by King’s vivid prose and fast-paced storytelling, but what lingers is the emotional truth at its core: that even in the harshest landscapes, people fight to be seen to be loved, and to find peace.
January 21, 2026
I got an ARC for this book ✨️
The world just sucks you in this old west ruled by a tyranical man who wants nothing more than to punish people who don't fit into their mold. Their world is oppressive, and dystopian but the author managed to still sprinkle some glimmer of hope in small corners of their world.
The characters pulls you right in with their dialogue, emotions, thoughts, and experiences. I really really love the chemistry between Ezra and Alex. Like how they found warmth in each other and helped each other open up again despite the dire circumstances and past trauma they've endured.
The pace and writing of the story, especially the dialogue is spectacular for me as if you can literally hear the characters with the way they talk. The author really gave effort into making different character voices like Jesse's arrogance to Ezra's awkward yet charming way of talking.
If you love old west vibes, queer love, sticking up against tyranical governments, dystopia, you should definitely give this a shot.
The world just sucks you in this old west ruled by a tyranical man who wants nothing more than to punish people who don't fit into their mold. Their world is oppressive, and dystopian but the author managed to still sprinkle some glimmer of hope in small corners of their world.
The characters pulls you right in with their dialogue, emotions, thoughts, and experiences. I really really love the chemistry between Ezra and Alex. Like how they found warmth in each other and helped each other open up again despite the dire circumstances and past trauma they've endured.
The pace and writing of the story, especially the dialogue is spectacular for me as if you can literally hear the characters with the way they talk. The author really gave effort into making different character voices like Jesse's arrogance to Ezra's awkward yet charming way of talking.
If you love old west vibes, queer love, sticking up against tyranical governments, dystopia, you should definitely give this a shot.
October 4, 2025
- I GOT A FREE EARLY COPY OF THIS BOOK -
This was my first Western style narrative and I really enjoyed!
The names of the villains are witty and kind of funny, I think it was the first thing that brought me into the story. The romance is built so sweetly and tenderly, Alex and Ezra feel something for each other from the start and I think beyond attraction, it was also that they represented what each other needed, one a reason to live and build community and the other the will to fight for oneself and all.
I like that it is a VIOLENT story, but it doesn't normalize or take it lightly, it simply acknowledges that people subjected to constant violence, will not gain their rights by taking it silently and throwing flowers at Fascists, while simultaneously understanding the risk and the pain it represents to have to be violent to fight back.
The only downside to me was that on the second part with more secondary characters participation in the narrative, I wasn't AS invested in them, as Ezra and Alex are so distinct in both looks and personality, the others were kind of one person with different names. With their perspective added, they needed a bit of background and development of their own.
Something that's not a problem of the writing itself, but that I struggled with, was the English stylized for the accents, it's not gonna be a struggle for native English speakers, but since it's not my first language, at times it was a bit jarring, but it's just a matter of getting used to it and doesn't affect understanding the meaning of things, just affects the flow of reading.
This is the second story by Kaycee King I read and I'm eager to read more in the future, the way they built romantic relationships it's awesome. I love it!
This was my first Western style narrative and I really enjoyed!
The names of the villains are witty and kind of funny, I think it was the first thing that brought me into the story. The romance is built so sweetly and tenderly, Alex and Ezra feel something for each other from the start and I think beyond attraction, it was also that they represented what each other needed, one a reason to live and build community and the other the will to fight for oneself and all.
I like that it is a VIOLENT story, but it doesn't normalize or take it lightly, it simply acknowledges that people subjected to constant violence, will not gain their rights by taking it silently and throwing flowers at Fascists, while simultaneously understanding the risk and the pain it represents to have to be violent to fight back.
The only downside to me was that on the second part with more secondary characters participation in the narrative, I wasn't AS invested in them, as Ezra and Alex are so distinct in both looks and personality, the others were kind of one person with different names. With their perspective added, they needed a bit of background and development of their own.
Something that's not a problem of the writing itself, but that I struggled with, was the English stylized for the accents, it's not gonna be a struggle for native English speakers, but since it's not my first language, at times it was a bit jarring, but it's just a matter of getting used to it and doesn't affect understanding the meaning of things, just affects the flow of reading.
This is the second story by Kaycee King I read and I'm eager to read more in the future, the way they built romantic relationships it's awesome. I love it!
October 27, 2025
Dangling High - Kaycee King
Even though I don’t read them often, I love books in a western setting or setting in the old West. I just love the cowboy aesthetic with the setting and the atmosphere. I loved not only Alex and Ezra, but I also loved Rebecca and Adeline. I love this author’s writing and how they don’t shy away from darker topics, but they don’t romanticize them either. I definitely will be looking out for any more work done by this author.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / Out of 5 Stars ⭐️
🫑 / Spice Rating ☀️
# of Pages 🌙 256 pages
Release Date 🌟 11/1/25
Format 💫 Gifted Digital Copy
Series 🌙 Unknown/Not Applicable
Genre/Tropes ✨ Western, dystopian, romance, MM, revenge and justice
Favorite Character ☀️ Alex
Favorite Line 🌟 “They call me Good Times on account of my sparkling personality,”
Even though I don’t read them often, I love books in a western setting or setting in the old West. I just love the cowboy aesthetic with the setting and the atmosphere. I loved not only Alex and Ezra, but I also loved Rebecca and Adeline. I love this author’s writing and how they don’t shy away from darker topics, but they don’t romanticize them either. I definitely will be looking out for any more work done by this author.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / Out of 5 Stars ⭐️
🫑 / Spice Rating ☀️
# of Pages 🌙 256 pages
Release Date 🌟 11/1/25
Format 💫 Gifted Digital Copy
Series 🌙 Unknown/Not Applicable
Genre/Tropes ✨ Western, dystopian, romance, MM, revenge and justice
Favorite Character ☀️ Alex
Favorite Line 🌟 “They call me Good Times on account of my sparkling personality,”
August 14, 2026
Dangling High had a lot of elements that I really wanted to love… I enjoyed the darker Western atmosphere, the themes of revenge, survival, trauma, and finding something worth living for, and I especially liked the relationship between Ezra and Alex. There were definitely some emotional and sensitive moments between them that stood out to me. That said, I struggled with the pacing and execution at times, and some of the violence and heavier subject matter began to feel overwhelming rather than impactful. I also found myself wanting more development in certain areas of the story and its world. Overall, I think there is a lot of potential here, and I can see what the author was trying to accomplish, but it ultimately felt a little uneven for me. I’m glad I read it, but it wasn’t quite a five-star read for me.
October 27, 2025
Dangling High is definitely a first for me and not in the usual genre I reach for, being in a western setting, but when Kaycee King announced they were publishing this book, with these characters I've seen so often on their socials, I had to jump onto an ARC copy. Overall, my rating is a 4.5 star, rounded up. I enjoyed this story immensely. It was atmospheric, dramatic, and I absolutely adored Ezra and Alex (and it actually got me out of my year-long reading slump!)
September 1, 2026
Thank you to Happily Booked PR and Kaycee King for sending me this as an ARC!
I have loved both books I’ve read by Kaycee King. They really know how to write and make the characters that they create are amazing. Alex and Ezra may be my two favorite characters I’ve read this year. They are the opposite of each other yet there is a commonality in them that makes them perfect for each other.
I gave this 4.5 stars out of 5 stars.
I have loved both books I’ve read by Kaycee King. They really know how to write and make the characters that they create are amazing. Alex and Ezra may be my two favorite characters I’ve read this year. They are the opposite of each other yet there is a commonality in them that makes them perfect for each other.
I gave this 4.5 stars out of 5 stars.
September 8, 2025
A western dystopian that pulls you right in the middle of conflicts and vengeance, a good piece for those who enjoy a romantic adventure with dramatic events.
Read
July 31, 2025I am the author, so I'm pretty smitten with this book. :)
August 21, 2026
Ezra Josiah Smith lived a life surrounded by sadness and grief, he learned to hide who he truly is in order to survive. Ezra endured a lot of traumatic events that shaped his behavior, he is one of those characters that do things that are morally incorrect because he was pushed to do it and he only do it do people who deserves it, even tho he has so many redeeming qualities, in his essence Ezra “Two Shots” Smith is a good human being.
Ezra learned that having feelings and caring for someone was a weapon that other people used against him, that making him incredibly lonely, he lived as an outlaw, he didn’t created any meaningful connection and he didn’t allowed himself to love anyone other than his sister. He lived in fear of keep losing people he loved.
Some people let Ezra believe that his soul was tarnished, that his true feelings needed to be hidden in order to survive, he repressed all his emotions and he did everything necessary to survive in a dark world.
He only let his mind imagine a better and happier future, he lived submerged in memories of joyful moments. Even if Ezra did bad things to survive, he wasn’t evil, he was kind and fair, he helped the community that needed him and he always defended his beliefs and opinions.
He lived like an outlaw driven by revenge of a person who took everything that he loved, he refused to settle. He knew he never would’ve happy without retribution.
In the middle of all the grief, all the pain and sorrow Ezra “Two Shots” Smith meets Alexander “Good Times” Davis. Alex is a character that is under an immense pressure to become something that he is not, to live a life that he doesn’t want, he carries all this survivor guilt and even if he doesn’t regret the outcome of his actions he still feel remorse.
Alex needed it an excuse to escape, he felt hopeless and I feel they both returned some hope to each other. Ezra and Alex embarked a journey that was as physical as it was emotional together, they realized that in the middle of so much despair, love can still exist.
I loved to see them get to know each other in a intimate and deeply matter, I loved their emotional connection, I loved how they stayed together even in the worst moments and they keep fighting for each other in despite all the hate and judgment and I love how they comforted and supported each other, how little by little they create new memories in places packed with so much suffering.
Love is a powerful tool, is a driving force, at the end Ezra conquered all this demons by keeping alive the love for Henry, for his sister, for his mom and dad and for Alex.
This book is so emotional, it makes you think and reflects on the fact that everyone deserves to be happy no matter who they love.
Thank you Kaycee King for this ARC!
Ezra learned that having feelings and caring for someone was a weapon that other people used against him, that making him incredibly lonely, he lived as an outlaw, he didn’t created any meaningful connection and he didn’t allowed himself to love anyone other than his sister. He lived in fear of keep losing people he loved.
Some people let Ezra believe that his soul was tarnished, that his true feelings needed to be hidden in order to survive, he repressed all his emotions and he did everything necessary to survive in a dark world.
He only let his mind imagine a better and happier future, he lived submerged in memories of joyful moments. Even if Ezra did bad things to survive, he wasn’t evil, he was kind and fair, he helped the community that needed him and he always defended his beliefs and opinions.
He lived like an outlaw driven by revenge of a person who took everything that he loved, he refused to settle. He knew he never would’ve happy without retribution.
In the middle of all the grief, all the pain and sorrow Ezra “Two Shots” Smith meets Alexander “Good Times” Davis. Alex is a character that is under an immense pressure to become something that he is not, to live a life that he doesn’t want, he carries all this survivor guilt and even if he doesn’t regret the outcome of his actions he still feel remorse.
Alex needed it an excuse to escape, he felt hopeless and I feel they both returned some hope to each other. Ezra and Alex embarked a journey that was as physical as it was emotional together, they realized that in the middle of so much despair, love can still exist.
I loved to see them get to know each other in a intimate and deeply matter, I loved their emotional connection, I loved how they stayed together even in the worst moments and they keep fighting for each other in despite all the hate and judgment and I love how they comforted and supported each other, how little by little they create new memories in places packed with so much suffering.
Love is a powerful tool, is a driving force, at the end Ezra conquered all this demons by keeping alive the love for Henry, for his sister, for his mom and dad and for Alex.
This book is so emotional, it makes you think and reflects on the fact that everyone deserves to be happy no matter who they love.
Thank you Kaycee King for this ARC!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2026
Dangling High absolutely wrecked me in the best possible way. This book was dark, gritty, emotional and so incredibly powerful. I went into this story expecting a cowboy romance and came out the other side emotionally destroyed and completely obsessed with Ezra and Alex.
Ezra “Two Shots” Smith is SUCH A COMPLICATED CHARACTER. He’s ruthless, angry, violent and completely consumed by revenge, but underneath all of that is this deeply wounded man who has spent so long surviving that he doesn’t even know what it means to actually be safe or loved. My heart hurt for him SO MUCH. Watching the layers slowly get peeled back and seeing the person underneath the hardened outlaw facade was everything.
And then there is Alexander “Good Times” Davis. 🥹❤️ Alex was exactly what Ezra needed. Patient, steady, insightful and completely unwilling to let Ezra hide behind all that anger and violence. I LOVED the way Alex could see the broken boy underneath the man Ezra had become. He didn’t try to magically fix him, he just gave him something Ezra had probably never really believed he could have… tenderness, trust and the possibility of a life beyond revenge.
THEIR RELATIONSHIP 😭😭😭
The slow building trust, the vulnerability, the emotional connection… I was absolutely gone. There is something so powerful about watching someone who has spent their entire life believing vulnerability equals weakness finally have someone who makes it feel safe.
This story really made me think about violence, revenge, freedom and what it actually means to survive. Ezra has built his entire identity around revenge because it’s what kept him going, but Alex makes him question whether surviving is enough. Whether he could actually LIVE. And that hit me right in the chest.
I loved how raw and emotional this was. It wasn’t just about the romance. It was about two men finding each other in a brutal world and discovering that tenderness can be its own kind of strength.
And the writing??? SO GOOD. The atmosphere, the gritty anti-western setting, the characters and all the emotional heaviness just pulled me completely into this world. I felt like I was right there with them, holding my breath through every dangerous moment and screaming internally at Ezra to LET HIMSELF BE LOVED. 😭
Ezra and Alex have my whole heart. Their story hurt, healed and absolutely consumed me.
This was dark. This was emotional. This was tender. This was beautifully messed up in all the best ways.
I LOVED IT. I DEVOURED IT. I AM EMOTIONALLY UNWELL ABOUT THESE TWO MEN. 😭❤️
Ezra “Two Shots” Smith is SUCH A COMPLICATED CHARACTER. He’s ruthless, angry, violent and completely consumed by revenge, but underneath all of that is this deeply wounded man who has spent so long surviving that he doesn’t even know what it means to actually be safe or loved. My heart hurt for him SO MUCH. Watching the layers slowly get peeled back and seeing the person underneath the hardened outlaw facade was everything.
And then there is Alexander “Good Times” Davis. 🥹❤️ Alex was exactly what Ezra needed. Patient, steady, insightful and completely unwilling to let Ezra hide behind all that anger and violence. I LOVED the way Alex could see the broken boy underneath the man Ezra had become. He didn’t try to magically fix him, he just gave him something Ezra had probably never really believed he could have… tenderness, trust and the possibility of a life beyond revenge.
THEIR RELATIONSHIP 😭😭😭
The slow building trust, the vulnerability, the emotional connection… I was absolutely gone. There is something so powerful about watching someone who has spent their entire life believing vulnerability equals weakness finally have someone who makes it feel safe.
This story really made me think about violence, revenge, freedom and what it actually means to survive. Ezra has built his entire identity around revenge because it’s what kept him going, but Alex makes him question whether surviving is enough. Whether he could actually LIVE. And that hit me right in the chest.
I loved how raw and emotional this was. It wasn’t just about the romance. It was about two men finding each other in a brutal world and discovering that tenderness can be its own kind of strength.
And the writing??? SO GOOD. The atmosphere, the gritty anti-western setting, the characters and all the emotional heaviness just pulled me completely into this world. I felt like I was right there with them, holding my breath through every dangerous moment and screaming internally at Ezra to LET HIMSELF BE LOVED. 😭
Ezra and Alex have my whole heart. Their story hurt, healed and absolutely consumed me.
This was dark. This was emotional. This was tender. This was beautifully messed up in all the best ways.
I LOVED IT. I DEVOURED IT. I AM EMOTIONALLY UNWELL ABOUT THESE TWO MEN. 😭❤️
April 19, 2026
Dangling High
By Kaycee King
Published by the author, 2025
Four stars
I ended up loving this book because it surprised me. The writing is good—including the tricky part of writing dialect—and the story, while presented as a “western”, is also a dystopian cautionary tale that echoes our world right now a little too neatly. Finally, the main characters, Ezra Smith and Alex Davis, are complicated and, ultimately, profoundly good. It is a story that is often uncomfortable, because the themes of vengeance resonated a bit too much, and reminded me that none of us can be perfect in a world that is cruel and unjust.
One thing that threw me off at first is that this dystopian vision is set a thousand years in the future. Honestly, it didn’t feel that far in the future to me; but I guess that’s a quibble. Let’s just say that the nation we know, after the Second Civil War of the 21st century, has become the world that exists for Ezra and Alex: a divided continent in which they inhabit the New Old West (N.O.W.), a separate country that seems to have devolved into some version of the Wild West as memorialized in movies and television, right down to the mistreatment and isolation of indigenous people. Its counterpoint is the Liberal Alliance of Democratic States (L.A.D.S.), which more or less means the two coasts and the much of the eastern Midwest.
In a horrific prologue, we meet Ezra Smith, the teenaged son of a couple who identify with the Resistance. What happens to Ezra at the hands of the N.O.W. president and his spiritual advisor is the trigger for the rest of the action in the book. L.A.D.S. barely figures into the narrative, except as a reminder that there is another country that has moved on over the course of the last millennium. (I’ll note that there is no mention of how Indigenous people are faring in L.A.D.S., and no mention of any other immigrants or people of color at all, which makes me presume that they all moved to L.A.D.S.)
The gist of the main plotline is Ezra Smith obsessing about his dream of vengeance against the rulers of N.O.W., and Alex Davis somehow falling in with his way of thinking once he learns his story. Somehow it all works, and I found it moving and emotionally involving. I certainly won’t forget Ezra and Alex any time soon.
By Kaycee King
Published by the author, 2025
Four stars
I ended up loving this book because it surprised me. The writing is good—including the tricky part of writing dialect—and the story, while presented as a “western”, is also a dystopian cautionary tale that echoes our world right now a little too neatly. Finally, the main characters, Ezra Smith and Alex Davis, are complicated and, ultimately, profoundly good. It is a story that is often uncomfortable, because the themes of vengeance resonated a bit too much, and reminded me that none of us can be perfect in a world that is cruel and unjust.
One thing that threw me off at first is that this dystopian vision is set a thousand years in the future. Honestly, it didn’t feel that far in the future to me; but I guess that’s a quibble. Let’s just say that the nation we know, after the Second Civil War of the 21st century, has become the world that exists for Ezra and Alex: a divided continent in which they inhabit the New Old West (N.O.W.), a separate country that seems to have devolved into some version of the Wild West as memorialized in movies and television, right down to the mistreatment and isolation of indigenous people. Its counterpoint is the Liberal Alliance of Democratic States (L.A.D.S.), which more or less means the two coasts and the much of the eastern Midwest.
In a horrific prologue, we meet Ezra Smith, the teenaged son of a couple who identify with the Resistance. What happens to Ezra at the hands of the N.O.W. president and his spiritual advisor is the trigger for the rest of the action in the book. L.A.D.S. barely figures into the narrative, except as a reminder that there is another country that has moved on over the course of the last millennium. (I’ll note that there is no mention of how Indigenous people are faring in L.A.D.S., and no mention of any other immigrants or people of color at all, which makes me presume that they all moved to L.A.D.S.)
The gist of the main plotline is Ezra Smith obsessing about his dream of vengeance against the rulers of N.O.W., and Alex Davis somehow falling in with his way of thinking once he learns his story. Somehow it all works, and I found it moving and emotionally involving. I certainly won’t forget Ezra and Alex any time soon.
August 16, 2026
“Love Will Out, in a Western Fashion”
Kaycee King’s Dangling High is a book about revenge, western outlaws, and love. Mostly, it’s about love in all its forms: and how people go about finding it in themselves and others. I have to admit, when I started this book, I wasn’t sure what to expect and wondered if I’d enjoy it. Surprisingly, I enjoyed it immensely. King tells a tale straight from the spaghetti westerns, only set in the future in a place called the “N.O.W.”-New Old West. That’s where our “hero” Ezra, his sister, and her beau come from. Near/attached to the N.O.W is the Shoshone-Bannock Reservation, which is where our other hero, Alex, his mother, sister, and best friend come from. While the plot of the book focuses on Ezra’s revenge for the death of his first love and his parents, after he is apprehended by Sheriff Alex, their budding friendship leads to numerous discussions on attraction, sexuality, and love. “Well, I don’t have a ton of experience or anything to back it up, but the way I see it, I just like people. Don’t much care what gender they are if they strike my fancy.” says Ezra, as they discuss previous partners. Eventually, the story focuses more on the men growing closer and Alex joining Ezra for his attack on the man who murdered Ezra’s loved ones. King does a beautiful job in, not only addressing the fluidity of sexuality, but the prejudices against non-minorities. “Shit…I’m so sorry. I don’t know why I didn’t see that…” “Because you’re white. Because you’re on the other side of things.” Eventually, after many trials, the daring duo and friends face off against the Fascist overlord, Mullin and his pet priest, Pastor White. It’s a slower paced revelation with a faster paced action type of story. But, definitely worth digging into. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Kaycee King’s Dangling High is a book about revenge, western outlaws, and love. Mostly, it’s about love in all its forms: and how people go about finding it in themselves and others. I have to admit, when I started this book, I wasn’t sure what to expect and wondered if I’d enjoy it. Surprisingly, I enjoyed it immensely. King tells a tale straight from the spaghetti westerns, only set in the future in a place called the “N.O.W.”-New Old West. That’s where our “hero” Ezra, his sister, and her beau come from. Near/attached to the N.O.W is the Shoshone-Bannock Reservation, which is where our other hero, Alex, his mother, sister, and best friend come from. While the plot of the book focuses on Ezra’s revenge for the death of his first love and his parents, after he is apprehended by Sheriff Alex, their budding friendship leads to numerous discussions on attraction, sexuality, and love. “Well, I don’t have a ton of experience or anything to back it up, but the way I see it, I just like people. Don’t much care what gender they are if they strike my fancy.” says Ezra, as they discuss previous partners. Eventually, the story focuses more on the men growing closer and Alex joining Ezra for his attack on the man who murdered Ezra’s loved ones. King does a beautiful job in, not only addressing the fluidity of sexuality, but the prejudices against non-minorities. “Shit…I’m so sorry. I don’t know why I didn’t see that…” “Because you’re white. Because you’re on the other side of things.” Eventually, after many trials, the daring duo and friends face off against the Fascist overlord, Mullin and his pet priest, Pastor White. It’s a slower paced revelation with a faster paced action type of story. But, definitely worth digging into. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 31, 2026
𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝑹𝑬𝑨𝑫
𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝑵𝒂𝒎𝒆: Dangling High
𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒔: slow burn, revenge/freedom, grumpyxsunshine, forced proximity
𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈: 3.5/5 | 𝑺𝒑𝒊𝒄𝒆 𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈: 2/5 🌶️
𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝑻𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉: 📲 —> ARC Read
𝑭𝒂𝒗𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒆 𝑸𝒖𝒐𝒕𝒆𝒔:
“Alexander Davis is in the desert shooting henchmen, risking his life, and tanking his social standing with a notoriously violent, deranged outlaw because he thinks he’s cute and kind of wants to kiss him.”
“I’m not really out here to take them down. I want to, but not like you do. I’m here because, from the moment I found you bleeding in the dirt, I haven’t been able to get you off my mind. I’m here because my belly flutters when you laugh, when you smile at me, when you touch me…I’m here because I like that feeling enough I can’t stand the thought of you going to Paradise alone.”
𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘: Firstly, I want to thank the author for allowing me to arc read for them. With that being said, all opinions are my own.
I thought this book was a quick and satisfying read—I love getting to see a good revenge plot come to life and adding an MM romance element is definitely something I want to read immediately. This is my first time dipping my toes into a western and I think that if you really enjoy westerns this is a story that you are going to like much more than I did. Though, I still very much enjoyed the story that I read—watching Alex and Ezra’s love grow and develop had me smiling and then watching them get the ending that deserve felt quite rewarding.
The read was quick, and I could more than likely read it in one sitting if I was able to because of how fast paced the story is set for us.
𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝑵𝒂𝒎𝒆: Dangling High
𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒔: slow burn, revenge/freedom, grumpyxsunshine, forced proximity
𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈: 3.5/5 | 𝑺𝒑𝒊𝒄𝒆 𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈: 2/5 🌶️
𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝑻𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉: 📲 —> ARC Read
𝑭𝒂𝒗𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒆 𝑸𝒖𝒐𝒕𝒆𝒔:
“Alexander Davis is in the desert shooting henchmen, risking his life, and tanking his social standing with a notoriously violent, deranged outlaw because he thinks he’s cute and kind of wants to kiss him.”
“I’m not really out here to take them down. I want to, but not like you do. I’m here because, from the moment I found you bleeding in the dirt, I haven’t been able to get you off my mind. I’m here because my belly flutters when you laugh, when you smile at me, when you touch me…I’m here because I like that feeling enough I can’t stand the thought of you going to Paradise alone.”
𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘: Firstly, I want to thank the author for allowing me to arc read for them. With that being said, all opinions are my own.
I thought this book was a quick and satisfying read—I love getting to see a good revenge plot come to life and adding an MM romance element is definitely something I want to read immediately. This is my first time dipping my toes into a western and I think that if you really enjoy westerns this is a story that you are going to like much more than I did. Though, I still very much enjoyed the story that I read—watching Alex and Ezra’s love grow and develop had me smiling and then watching them get the ending that deserve felt quite rewarding.
The read was quick, and I could more than likely read it in one sitting if I was able to because of how fast paced the story is set for us.
August 21, 2026
I have pretty mixed feelings about this one. Although it has been released, it was an recent arc read for me. So get this, I'm not someone who DNFs books. Once I start a book, I'm committed to seeing it through. That said, within the first 6–8 pages, I seriously considered putting this one down because the messaging felt incredibly aggressive right from the start. It came across as less like storytelling and more like being hit over the head with the author's perspective.
I'm glad I stuck with it... kind of. The writing itself was genuinely good. The character development was one of the book's strongest aspects, especially watching Ezra's journey through self discovery, vulnerability, and self acceptance. I also enjoyed the main conflict and thought the emotional arc between Ezra and Alex was well developed.
My biggest issue wasn't the themes themselves, it was the delivery. Listen, I don't mind books that explore social issues or include a clear message. In fact, I often appreciate stories that thoughtfully weave those elements into the narrative. For me, though, the strongest stories allow readers to experience those ideas naturally rather than feeling like we are being directly instructed on what to think. Early on, this book felt much more forceful than I personally enjoy, and it made it difficult for me to fully immerse myself in the story.
Because of that, I'm settling at 3 stars. The quality of the writing, the character growth, and the emotional development kept me invested enough to finish, but the heavy handed, in your face approach to its themes kept me from enjoying it as much as I could have.
I'm glad I stuck with it... kind of. The writing itself was genuinely good. The character development was one of the book's strongest aspects, especially watching Ezra's journey through self discovery, vulnerability, and self acceptance. I also enjoyed the main conflict and thought the emotional arc between Ezra and Alex was well developed.
My biggest issue wasn't the themes themselves, it was the delivery. Listen, I don't mind books that explore social issues or include a clear message. In fact, I often appreciate stories that thoughtfully weave those elements into the narrative. For me, though, the strongest stories allow readers to experience those ideas naturally rather than feeling like we are being directly instructed on what to think. Early on, this book felt much more forceful than I personally enjoy, and it made it difficult for me to fully immerse myself in the story.
Because of that, I'm settling at 3 stars. The quality of the writing, the character growth, and the emotional development kept me invested enough to finish, but the heavy handed, in your face approach to its themes kept me from enjoying it as much as I could have.
August 22, 2026
“Dangling High” by Kaycee King was a unique blend of dystopian, western, and LGBTQ+ read. I enjoyed every bit of it. It is advisable not to judge a book solely by its cover, as this particular work contains a substantial amount of dark content. So, read the TRIGGER WARNINGS before proceeding.
This story follows both Ezra “Two Shots” Smith and Alexander “Good Times” Davis. Honestly, their story was so heartfelt. I was so happy when they finally gave in to their passion. Alex found it endearing that he could easily understand Ezra, recognizing the considerable trauma Ezra had faced. This was essentially why Ezra used anger and violence as a shield to guard himself. Plus, he got the name “Two Shots” because he is known for killing people with two shots.
This slow-burn romance between two men shows how building trust and vulnerability led to a strong emotional bond, making their eventual embrace of love especially impactful. Oh, I was cheering.
Kaycee King’s writing was phenomenal because I was invested immediately, and now I am obsessed. I want to read more from you! The characters were well-written, especially the side characters and minor characters. The writing of Ezra and Alex’s love story will forever hold a place in my heart.
I'm grateful to Happily Booked for giving me this ARC. I thoroughly enjoyed Ezra and Alex's love story, and I am excited to have discovered Kaycee King's work through this experience.
This story follows both Ezra “Two Shots” Smith and Alexander “Good Times” Davis. Honestly, their story was so heartfelt. I was so happy when they finally gave in to their passion. Alex found it endearing that he could easily understand Ezra, recognizing the considerable trauma Ezra had faced. This was essentially why Ezra used anger and violence as a shield to guard himself. Plus, he got the name “Two Shots” because he is known for killing people with two shots.
This slow-burn romance between two men shows how building trust and vulnerability led to a strong emotional bond, making their eventual embrace of love especially impactful. Oh, I was cheering.
Kaycee King’s writing was phenomenal because I was invested immediately, and now I am obsessed. I want to read more from you! The characters were well-written, especially the side characters and minor characters. The writing of Ezra and Alex’s love story will forever hold a place in my heart.
I'm grateful to Happily Booked for giving me this ARC. I thoroughly enjoyed Ezra and Alex's love story, and I am excited to have discovered Kaycee King's work through this experience.
August 13, 2026
Once again Kaycee has made me feel every emotion imaginable with yet another amazing book!
This western dystopian creates a world where the US is no longer and instead there are two factions the New Old West (N.O.W.), where the characters reside, and the Liberal Alliance of Democratic States (L.A.D.S.). The main characters, Ezra and Alex, both with tragic pasts, meet by chance and band together so they can take down a tyrannical leader.
This is one of those stories that if I try and surmise it, I will end up spoiling it for everyone.
So instead of doing that, I will list some points to sell you on it:
-The characters in this book are hilarious, despite their heavy circumstances, they enjoy the good times as they come (Ezra especially enjoys Good Times🤪)
-There’s an HEA
-It’s an engaging read, it holds your interest and is difficult to put down
-It comes out this Friday (August 14th) so if you’re excited for it, grab it on KU and start reading!
This western dystopian creates a world where the US is no longer and instead there are two factions the New Old West (N.O.W.), where the characters reside, and the Liberal Alliance of Democratic States (L.A.D.S.). The main characters, Ezra and Alex, both with tragic pasts, meet by chance and band together so they can take down a tyrannical leader.
This is one of those stories that if I try and surmise it, I will end up spoiling it for everyone.
So instead of doing that, I will list some points to sell you on it:
-The characters in this book are hilarious, despite their heavy circumstances, they enjoy the good times as they come (Ezra especially enjoys Good Times🤪)
-There’s an HEA
-It’s an engaging read, it holds your interest and is difficult to put down
-It comes out this Friday (August 14th) so if you’re excited for it, grab it on KU and start reading!
August 10, 2026
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I read this was an Old West story but in a Dystopian future! When you add in a queer outlaw bent on revenge, a slow burn romance and outdated politics, it somehow just works!
Ezra “Two Shots” Smith has had a traumatic life and his need for revenge against The President of the New Old West (N. O. W.) is centered around his grief. When he meets Alex “Good Times” Davis their chemistry is undeniable, although it takes Ezra a minute to understand it. Alex takes care of Ezra initially but soon realizes he can’t let him go.
The story is quite violent, but also very emotional. Ezra definitely has those morally grey vibes while Alex is very patient and kind. There are a host of other characters too that draw you in, but you’ll have to pick this one up yourself to see where the story goes
Ezra “Two Shots” Smith has had a traumatic life and his need for revenge against The President of the New Old West (N. O. W.) is centered around his grief. When he meets Alex “Good Times” Davis their chemistry is undeniable, although it takes Ezra a minute to understand it. Alex takes care of Ezra initially but soon realizes he can’t let him go.
The story is quite violent, but also very emotional. Ezra definitely has those morally grey vibes while Alex is very patient and kind. There are a host of other characters too that draw you in, but you’ll have to pick this one up yourself to see where the story goes
August 14, 2026
Dangling High by Kaycee King was an engaging and emotional read that pulled me in from the beginning. I really enjoyed the mix of dystopian, Western, romance, and action elements. The MMC's Ezra and Alex are both complex characters, and watching their relationship develop while they deal with pain, danger, and trust made the story especially compelling. The characters felt realistic and flawed, which made it easy to become invested in their journey. There is plenty of tension and emotion, along with a darker atmosphere that kept me turning the pages. I especially enjoyed the way the story balances the harsher parts of the world with moments of tenderness and hope. Overall, Dangling High was is definitely worth checking out!
I received an ARC copy from Happily Booked PR. Thank you for giving me the chance to read this novel and share my honest review of the novel
I received an ARC copy from Happily Booked PR. Thank you for giving me the chance to read this novel and share my honest review of the novel
August 16, 2026
Dangling High is a slow burn MM romance and it delivered on so many levels. Do not let the cover fool you. This western-style narrative is going to pull you in immediately. Alex and Ezra may have the main focal point in Dangling High but there is a villain lurking as well. They felt connected from the start because they each represented something the other needed. These two MCs clicked in way that it came across the page as a beautiful the only thing I wish we got more of was the support characters being more developed into the story. They felt surface level.
And while I do not enjoy a heap of violence in stories Dangling High did a good job of not overdoing it but ingraining it into the story for a purpose of understanding that sometimes people do morally grey things to survive.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily reviewing.
And while I do not enjoy a heap of violence in stories Dangling High did a good job of not overdoing it but ingraining it into the story for a purpose of understanding that sometimes people do morally grey things to survive.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily reviewing.
August 21, 2026
I just finished reading Dangling High by Kaycee King and thought it was a good story. It is a queer Western romance about a legendary outlaw named Ezra who is trying to rebuild his life after a brutal loss at the hands of a man named Jesse.
The chemistry between Ezra and Alexander was good, and I liked how their relationship developed over the course of the book. The story does a nice job mixing lighter, funny moments with some deeper emotional drama to keep the plot moving forward after Ezra's loss.
I also liked the character nicknames in this book—Alexander "Good Times" Davis and Ezra "Two Shot" Smith are just great. It is an entertaining, easy read, and I recommend checking it out if you enjoy romance books.
The chemistry between Ezra and Alexander was good, and I liked how their relationship developed over the course of the book. The story does a nice job mixing lighter, funny moments with some deeper emotional drama to keep the plot moving forward after Ezra's loss.
I also liked the character nicknames in this book—Alexander "Good Times" Davis and Ezra "Two Shot" Smith are just great. It is an entertaining, easy read, and I recommend checking it out if you enjoy romance books.
August 22, 2026
This book was so much more than I was expecting. It was absolutely incredible. The story was an entirely unique one but it also felt familiar in a way I couldn’t place. Alex and Ezra had such an insane connection. Their chemistry was off the charts and the banter was pure perfection. These two had me blushing and laughing in equal measure. But while that was one side of the coin the other was vastly different. My heart broke for their struggles and trauma. The guilt and shame and hurt. It weighed on me like it did them. But that damage was worth it just to see them come together. The way they fought for each other and the support they showed one another was beyond words. And that ending felt like the perfect way to wrap up this story.
October 21, 2025
Not even 20 pages in and I knew this story would rip out my heart. Starting off with a bang and leaving me shattered I needing to understand how the characters could come back from this. The story didn't disappoint and didn't feel rushed.
The main character Ezra is very relatable and I became attached quickly. The story did a great job at drawing me in and making me hope for some happiness for all the main characters.
A revenge story that everyone can get behind, with villains that are easy to hate and heroes who are easy to love; albeit with some questionable life choices.
Favorite line- "You know, you've really gotta stop trying to get away from me. It's doing you no good."
The main character Ezra is very relatable and I became attached quickly. The story did a great job at drawing me in and making me hope for some happiness for all the main characters.
A revenge story that everyone can get behind, with villains that are easy to hate and heroes who are easy to love; albeit with some questionable life choices.
Favorite line- "You know, you've really gotta stop trying to get away from me. It's doing you no good."
July 29, 2026
This is a shorter and very fast paced romp into a dystopian future after a political rift in the United States that leaves portions of the middle of the country (called the New Old West) under a fascist regime (sound familiar?)
Its politically relevant and page turning to an extreme degree. Kaycee really outdid themselves with the writing and the characterization. You really fall for both the main characters in this book. I loved both Ezra and Alex so I was extremely invested in what was going to happen to them from the very beginning.
Highly recommend this one if you love action and boys falling in love.
Its politically relevant and page turning to an extreme degree. Kaycee really outdid themselves with the writing and the characterization. You really fall for both the main characters in this book. I loved both Ezra and Alex so I was extremely invested in what was going to happen to them from the very beginning.
Highly recommend this one if you love action and boys falling in love.
August 14, 2026
An absolutely remarkable read. I judged this book by its cover, I didn’t think I could like it and I read it in less than 24 hours. It’s such a massive story for less than 300 pages. Set in a dystopian future, there is such a haunting reality that made me confront my own biases with what I expect to read about in the future. I was so attached to the characters and the villains are excessively easy to hate. The supporting characters play such a big role in furthering the emotional impacts of survival in a fascist government. This story should be required reading and would be phenomenal for book club discussions. It opened my mind so much more than I anticipated going into. Incredible!
August 18, 2026
reading Dangling high wa a slightly different read for me as I do not really gravate towards books that are tagged as western but this is a great interesting book. the start of the book was a little sad with what happened to Henry and Ezra, how Ezra tried to stand up to Jesse and then being let go and told that there are some things worse than death was sad. Having hurt at the start of the book is goo because it sets the scene for the setting of the book.
Ezra having a friend killed in front of him, his parents being killed and his sister being taken made the start of this book a great read.
if you enjoy hurt and comfort, revenge you would read this book.
Ezra having a friend killed in front of him, his parents being killed and his sister being taken made the start of this book a great read.
if you enjoy hurt and comfort, revenge you would read this book.
August 10, 2026
I am absolutely blown away by Kaycee King’s Dangling High. In this anti-western novel, our two main characters, Ezra & Alex live in a world where tyranny, violence, and oppression are the norm. It was absolutely heartbreaking to read about these characters and the trauma they endured as they grew up.
Despite what they go through, the two find comfort in each other and it’s so beautiful to read. Their love is not easy and the world is cruel but they find their way to each other. I really enjoyed this book and loved the way it was written.
Despite what they go through, the two find comfort in each other and it’s so beautiful to read. Their love is not easy and the world is cruel but they find their way to each other. I really enjoyed this book and loved the way it was written.
August 22, 2026
Dangling High was a unique blend of queer romance, dystopia, rebellion, and Western adventure. Alex and Ezra’s contrasting personalities made their relationship captivating to follow. However, Ezra’s backstory added a profound emotional depth to the story that exceeded my expectations.
I appreciated that the romance wasn’t the sole focus. The Resistance, oppression, survival, and the concept of found family expanded the world’s scope.
Please be aware of the content warnings, as this book delves into dark themes.
I appreciated that the romance wasn’t the sole focus. The Resistance, oppression, survival, and the concept of found family expanded the world’s scope.
Please be aware of the content warnings, as this book delves into dark themes.
September 1, 2026
Set in a western world the book dives into the relationship between Ezra and Alex. I very much enjoyed that portion of the book however world building, pacing, and how heavier subjects where address left me wanting more. I love dark romance so it definitely wasn't a trigger. I just wanted more of it and so wanted to more from the book as I will admit that I haven't read a dark western romance before. The story was nice, however I wanted more.
I would like to thank Happily Booked for the advanced copy and Kaycee King. The review is mine.
I would like to thank Happily Booked for the advanced copy and Kaycee King. The review is mine.
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