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Ride Him Home
Ten years of marriage didn't just end—it imploded. To escape the wreckage, recently divorced Ethan Hayes runs from a life he never truly wanted and straight into the heart of the Montana wilderness.
His plan at the rugged Walker’s Edge Ranch is simple: ride, heal, and figure out who he is without a ghost in his bed. But the plan shatters the moment he lays eyes on Cole Walker. The stoic, jaw-droppingly handsome owner of the ranch, Cole ropes runaway horses with the same steely control he uses to lock down his own heart. He’s a man trapped by a brutal legacy, haunted by a tyrannical father, and completely off-limits. He’s everything Ethan has ever been terrified to want.
Cole has spent a lifetime building walls. He is the unshakable cowboy, the dutiful son, the man who’s never allowed to desire anything for himself. But the raw, quiet vulnerability in Ethan’s eyes ignites a hunger he thought he’d buried for good—a primal, dangerous craving that threatens to burn his carefully constructed world to the ground.
Forced together on a brutal two-week pack trip, every treacherous trail and rain-slicked ledge pushes them closer. Unspoken feelings ignite under starry skies, but Cole’s defenses, built from a lifetime of shame, are as unyielding as the mountains around them. When a catastrophic storm traps them in the unforgiving wilderness, they're left with two choices: confess the explosive truths that could save their souls, or be buried forever with their secrets.
Ride Him Home is the first book in the Walker's Edge series. This is a double bi-awakening featuring a brooding, grumpy cowboy and the recently-divorced city boy who cracks his armor. Packed with the high-stakes turmoil of a closeted hero battling internalized homophobia, intense hurt/comfort, and the unbreakable bonds of a found family, this slow burn ignites with scorching high heat. Expect explicit scenes, deliciously filthy dirty talk, powerful Dom/sub undertones, and a life-or-death forced proximity scenario that will leave you breathless. This book ends on a happily-for-now (HFN), but Ethan and Cole's story is guaranteed a happily-ever-after (HEA) at the conclusion of their trilogy.
Note on Exclusivity: This story contains a single scene of sexual exploration with two secondary characters. This event occurs before the main couple enters a relationship; there is no sharing or non-exclusivity once the couple is established.
This novel is for you if you love:
Opposites Attract (Cowboy vs. City Boy)
A Double Bi-Awakening
First Time for Both
Slow Burn
A Brooding, Closeted Hero
Forced Proximity
Trapped Together
Intense Hurt/Comfort So Tender It Hurts
Found Family Who Fights for Their Own
Scorching High Heat & Explicit Dirty Talk
Powerful Dom/Sub Undertones
Content Warning: This novel contains explicit sexual content, depictions of internalized homophobia, emotional manipulation from a parent, and high-stakes survival situations.
Series Note: This is Book 1 in a trilogy following the same couple. It resolves the immediate plot with a Happily-For-Now (HFN) but sets the stage for future conflict. The couple is guaranteed a full Happily-Ever-After (HEA) at the conclusion of Book 3.
His plan at the rugged Walker’s Edge Ranch is simple: ride, heal, and figure out who he is without a ghost in his bed. But the plan shatters the moment he lays eyes on Cole Walker. The stoic, jaw-droppingly handsome owner of the ranch, Cole ropes runaway horses with the same steely control he uses to lock down his own heart. He’s a man trapped by a brutal legacy, haunted by a tyrannical father, and completely off-limits. He’s everything Ethan has ever been terrified to want.
Cole has spent a lifetime building walls. He is the unshakable cowboy, the dutiful son, the man who’s never allowed to desire anything for himself. But the raw, quiet vulnerability in Ethan’s eyes ignites a hunger he thought he’d buried for good—a primal, dangerous craving that threatens to burn his carefully constructed world to the ground.
Forced together on a brutal two-week pack trip, every treacherous trail and rain-slicked ledge pushes them closer. Unspoken feelings ignite under starry skies, but Cole’s defenses, built from a lifetime of shame, are as unyielding as the mountains around them. When a catastrophic storm traps them in the unforgiving wilderness, they're left with two choices: confess the explosive truths that could save their souls, or be buried forever with their secrets.
Ride Him Home is the first book in the Walker's Edge series. This is a double bi-awakening featuring a brooding, grumpy cowboy and the recently-divorced city boy who cracks his armor. Packed with the high-stakes turmoil of a closeted hero battling internalized homophobia, intense hurt/comfort, and the unbreakable bonds of a found family, this slow burn ignites with scorching high heat. Expect explicit scenes, deliciously filthy dirty talk, powerful Dom/sub undertones, and a life-or-death forced proximity scenario that will leave you breathless. This book ends on a happily-for-now (HFN), but Ethan and Cole's story is guaranteed a happily-ever-after (HEA) at the conclusion of their trilogy.
Note on Exclusivity: This story contains a single scene of sexual exploration with two secondary characters. This event occurs before the main couple enters a relationship; there is no sharing or non-exclusivity once the couple is established.
This novel is for you if you love:
Opposites Attract (Cowboy vs. City Boy)
A Double Bi-Awakening
First Time for Both
Slow Burn
A Brooding, Closeted Hero
Forced Proximity
Trapped Together
Intense Hurt/Comfort So Tender It Hurts
Found Family Who Fights for Their Own
Scorching High Heat & Explicit Dirty Talk
Powerful Dom/Sub Undertones
Content Warning: This novel contains explicit sexual content, depictions of internalized homophobia, emotional manipulation from a parent, and high-stakes survival situations.
Series Note: This is Book 1 in a trilogy following the same couple. It resolves the immediate plot with a Happily-For-Now (HFN) but sets the stage for future conflict. The couple is guaranteed a full Happily-Ever-After (HEA) at the conclusion of Book 3.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 8, 2025
8 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
About the author
Seth Quinn
1 book8 followersSeth Quinn believes that the hottest love stories are the ones that feel undeniably real. Drawing from his own life experiences as an openly bisexual man, Seth crafts M/M romances that are as authentic as they are steamy. His work is a blend of raw emotional honesty and a wild imagination, exploring the journeys of men who find their true selves—and their forever love—in the most unexpected of ways.
A passionate advocate for bi-awakening and gay-for-you stories, Seth is dedicated to writing novels that deliver on both high heat and deep emotional resonance. He believes in creating characters that are flawed, hearts that are bruised, and happily-ever-afters that feel truly earned.
When he isn’t getting his characters into (and out of) trouble, Seth can be found exploring the world with his partner, losing himself in a good movie or video game, or trying to convince his two very demanding cats that he is, in fact, the one in charge. He loves connecting with readers and hearing their thoughts and feelings on his stories.
A passionate advocate for bi-awakening and gay-for-you stories, Seth is dedicated to writing novels that deliver on both high heat and deep emotional resonance. He believes in creating characters that are flawed, hearts that are bruised, and happily-ever-afters that feel truly earned.
When he isn’t getting his characters into (and out of) trouble, Seth can be found exploring the world with his partner, losing himself in a good movie or video game, or trying to convince his two very demanding cats that he is, in fact, the one in charge. He loves connecting with readers and hearing their thoughts and feelings on his stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
December 31, 2025
Professionally, THIS IS YUCK.
On a friendship level, THIS IS WEIRD.
On a sexual level, I am uncomfortable and not because I'm moist and excited, but because the use of the word "fagg*t" and "c*cksucker" will never feel necessary to me especially when it's in used in a derogatory way during sex with the 'straight man'. (who is a relatively irrelevant side character btw)
BEFORE I GET INTO THE WEIRD SEX STUFF.....
PROFESIONALLY:
On a professional level, I fucking hated this book.
Because what do you mean you own a business where you... kinda teach people to ride horses and then go on a trail ride/camping adventure situation.......
BUT
-2 HORSES ESCAPE IN THE FIRST NIGHT
- horses be nearly falling off cliffs
- people/horses be falling into rivers
- People get hurt
- Rocks fall off mountain and scare horses into misbehaving and almost harming the rider...
I understand things happen in the wild, but I'm writing this at 41% in.... how are you this bad at running a ranch camping adventure?? Is this your first day?
On top of that: the owner coming to intimidate his son (His name is Cole, who the leader of the camp btw, and the MC) and swinging his money and his dick around in front of paying customers??????? What?
Finally, a kitchen catches on fire, because of course it does 🙄🙄🙄🙄 and an MC uses a powder fire extinguisher... and then the kitchen goes back to BAU like 2 mins later??? and serves dessert???
BRO ALL YOUR PREPPED FOOD WOULD BE RUINED???
OH&S MY DUDES??
AND YOUR STAFF WERE SUPER TRAUMATISED???
AND YOU JUST SENT THEM BACK TO WORK SO YOU COULD SIT DOWN AGAIN LIKE YOU'RE NOT AN OWNER????
The owner son also smokes a joint like 3 nights in, like fine, but this isn't a group of friends???
You literally run a business and these people paid you to be there and to protect them? act like it.
They almost be dying like 5 times already?
ON A FRIENDSHIP LEVEL:
This book starts with a group of strangers but they were all acting like long term homies after 5 seconds.
And there is alot of mentions of... "we sat around the fire and talked all night long" or "the conversations drifted to this topic and this topic"...... there is on page conversations too, but SOOOOOOOO many instances of just telling us what they all talked about.
PLUS at 42% IN OUR MC's HAVE BARELY SPOKEN TO EACHOTHER.
They just say weird sex stuff, or 'I want him so bad but I can't' in their heads, and talk about horses.
It's weird, no relationship is being built off these weird extended mentions of prolonged fucking eye contact. it's exhausting.
NOW ON TO WEIRD SEX STUFF:
Every character in this book seems to get a POV at some point and they are ALL SO WEIRDLY HYPER SEXUAL. so instead of getting to know our characters it's like...
In Ethan's POV: Omg I want Cole.. /insert lots of weird elongated staring which he always interprets as "a spark of electricity" or "i could feel something between us" instead of opening the mouth and having a reason to have vibes.
In Cole's POV: I wanna stuff Ethan's face with my fat enlarged dripping cock and call him a whore but I can't because my dad said I have to be a man.. But I wanna face fuck him like it's a pussy.
In Jacks POV: Why doesn't Harper want me, I love her big fat tits and wish I would be splitting her pussy open. and I'll let a man suck my dick but I ain't gay.
In Riley's POV: SO MANY WEIRD OVERLY DESCRIPTIVE WORDS BORDERING ON INAPPROPRIATE. Real quotes below.
"Cole was uncut - the only one in the group with his foreskin intact: His cock was soft and unassuming. His cock doesn't look like much when soft, and on the smaller side actually, but riley couldn't help but wonder if Cole's soft cock would grow to be huge when hard or just average. It nestled comfortably above a pair of perfectly shaped balls. The mushroom head was a luscious and glistening slightly as if beckoning for attention" WHO TALKS LIKE THIS?? And the reason h's even seeing it is because they all go to a hotspring and get naked randomly. He later talks to Cole about his cock in front of everyone. super weird. And describes everyone's body waaaaaaaaaaay too much. like Harpers pubes and how fat her tits are. gross.
r these fkn men okay, is this necessary?
Ethan (our second MC) stumbles upon Riley sucking "I'm straight" Jacks dick, after being rejected by Cole. (wah!)
SOOOOOOOOOO... REASONABLY INSTEAD OF FREAKING OUT..... Jack goes from "I'm not gay, but I'll allow the gay to suck my dick" to
"Hey, this fag loves sucking straight men's cocks, you want to join? he's a great cock sucker" - again, real quote.
And of course the 'fag' replies with "no pressure but i'd love to suck every drop of cum out of your balls"
(who is having this convo like this?)
To which our lovely straight Jack says... "it'll be our little secret. Nobody will ever know. Just between us. If you don't want to join that's fine, but don't go running your fucking mouth about this to anybody, you understand? This little bitch boy Riley knows how to keep a secret. He's a discreet cocksucker"
I would not have a problem with the fact that Ethan chooses to take up this offer and fuck Riley's face alongside the straight man Jack... As he was just rejected, and he is a hot blooded horny man, I get it.
(not sure how I'm meant to ship Cole and Ethan though when they have no vibes, don't talk - only give eye contact, and now Ethan is fucking someone else face, but whatever)
My problem lays with the switch from timid and shy, shaking like a chihuahua Ethan... to "I have a big load to feed you, get to work bitch" that comes out the second he's getting his dick sucked.
The juxtaposition here is fucking weird.
And with that, I'm DNF-ing at 52% because the word "cocksucker" was used like 6 times in 2 pages, and I fucking hate every character, DONT GIVE A FUCK IF THEY GET A HEA, and hope they fall off their horses off the cliffs in the end so the book does a full circle.
On a friendship level, THIS IS WEIRD.
On a sexual level, I am uncomfortable and not because I'm moist and excited, but because the use of the word "fagg*t" and "c*cksucker" will never feel necessary to me especially when it's in used in a derogatory way during sex with the 'straight man'. (who is a relatively irrelevant side character btw)
BEFORE I GET INTO THE WEIRD SEX STUFF.....
PROFESIONALLY:
On a professional level, I fucking hated this book.
Because what do you mean you own a business where you... kinda teach people to ride horses and then go on a trail ride/camping adventure situation.......
BUT
-2 HORSES ESCAPE IN THE FIRST NIGHT
- horses be nearly falling off cliffs
- people/horses be falling into rivers
- People get hurt
- Rocks fall off mountain and scare horses into misbehaving and almost harming the rider...
I understand things happen in the wild, but I'm writing this at 41% in.... how are you this bad at running a ranch camping adventure?? Is this your first day?
On top of that: the owner coming to intimidate his son (His name is Cole, who the leader of the camp btw, and the MC) and swinging his money and his dick around in front of paying customers??????? What?
Finally, a kitchen catches on fire, because of course it does 🙄🙄🙄🙄 and an MC uses a powder fire extinguisher... and then the kitchen goes back to BAU like 2 mins later??? and serves dessert???
BRO ALL YOUR PREPPED FOOD WOULD BE RUINED???
OH&S MY DUDES??
AND YOUR STAFF WERE SUPER TRAUMATISED???
AND YOU JUST SENT THEM BACK TO WORK SO YOU COULD SIT DOWN AGAIN LIKE YOU'RE NOT AN OWNER????
The owner son also smokes a joint like 3 nights in, like fine, but this isn't a group of friends???
You literally run a business and these people paid you to be there and to protect them? act like it.
They almost be dying like 5 times already?
ON A FRIENDSHIP LEVEL:
This book starts with a group of strangers but they were all acting like long term homies after 5 seconds.
And there is alot of mentions of... "we sat around the fire and talked all night long" or "the conversations drifted to this topic and this topic"...... there is on page conversations too, but SOOOOOOOO many instances of just telling us what they all talked about.
PLUS at 42% IN OUR MC's HAVE BARELY SPOKEN TO EACHOTHER.
They just say weird sex stuff, or 'I want him so bad but I can't' in their heads, and talk about horses.
It's weird, no relationship is being built off these weird extended mentions of prolonged fucking eye contact. it's exhausting.
NOW ON TO WEIRD SEX STUFF:
Every character in this book seems to get a POV at some point and they are ALL SO WEIRDLY HYPER SEXUAL. so instead of getting to know our characters it's like...
In Ethan's POV: Omg I want Cole.. /insert lots of weird elongated staring which he always interprets as "a spark of electricity" or "i could feel something between us" instead of opening the mouth and having a reason to have vibes.
In Cole's POV: I wanna stuff Ethan's face with my fat enlarged dripping cock and call him a whore but I can't because my dad said I have to be a man.. But I wanna face fuck him like it's a pussy.
In Jacks POV: Why doesn't Harper want me, I love her big fat tits and wish I would be splitting her pussy open. and I'll let a man suck my dick but I ain't gay.
In Riley's POV: SO MANY WEIRD OVERLY DESCRIPTIVE WORDS BORDERING ON INAPPROPRIATE. Real quotes below.
"Cole was uncut - the only one in the group with his foreskin intact: His cock was soft and unassuming. His cock doesn't look like much when soft, and on the smaller side actually, but riley couldn't help but wonder if Cole's soft cock would grow to be huge when hard or just average. It nestled comfortably above a pair of perfectly shaped balls. The mushroom head was a luscious and glistening slightly as if beckoning for attention" WHO TALKS LIKE THIS?? And the reason h's even seeing it is because they all go to a hotspring and get naked randomly. He later talks to Cole about his cock in front of everyone. super weird. And describes everyone's body waaaaaaaaaaay too much. like Harpers pubes and how fat her tits are. gross.
r these fkn men okay, is this necessary?
Ethan (our second MC) stumbles upon Riley sucking "I'm straight" Jacks dick, after being rejected by Cole. (wah!)
SOOOOOOOOOO... REASONABLY INSTEAD OF FREAKING OUT..... Jack goes from "I'm not gay, but I'll allow the gay to suck my dick" to
"Hey, this fag loves sucking straight men's cocks, you want to join? he's a great cock sucker" - again, real quote.
And of course the 'fag' replies with "no pressure but i'd love to suck every drop of cum out of your balls"
(who is having this convo like this?)
To which our lovely straight Jack says... "it'll be our little secret. Nobody will ever know. Just between us. If you don't want to join that's fine, but don't go running your fucking mouth about this to anybody, you understand? This little bitch boy Riley knows how to keep a secret. He's a discreet cocksucker"
I would not have a problem with the fact that Ethan chooses to take up this offer and fuck Riley's face alongside the straight man Jack... As he was just rejected, and he is a hot blooded horny man, I get it.
(not sure how I'm meant to ship Cole and Ethan though when they have no vibes, don't talk - only give eye contact, and now Ethan is fucking someone else face, but whatever)
My problem lays with the switch from timid and shy, shaking like a chihuahua Ethan... to "I have a big load to feed you, get to work bitch" that comes out the second he's getting his dick sucked.
The juxtaposition here is fucking weird.
And with that, I'm DNF-ing at 52% because the word "cocksucker" was used like 6 times in 2 pages, and I fucking hate every character, DONT GIVE A FUCK IF THEY GET A HEA, and hope they fall off their horses off the cliffs in the end so the book does a full circle.
November 26, 2025
Arc Review: Ride Him Home — Walker's Edge #1 by Seth Quinn
MCs: Cole & Ethan • ⭐ 3.2
Tropes & Tags
Opposites Attract (grumpy cowboy × recently-divorced city boy)
Double Bi-Awakening
First-Time for Both
Slow Burn → Scorching Heat
Closeted, Brooding Hero
Internalised Homophobia Arc
Forced Proximity
Trapped Together / Survival Stakes
Intense Hurt/Comfort (soft, tender, emotional)
Found Family (protective, loyal, central to the story)
Explicit Heat + Filthy Dirty Talk
Dom/Sub Undertones (power dynamics, emotional intensity)
HFN Ending (full HEA at the end of the trilogy)
How do I even explain this book? The plot top, the aesthetic top, full trope porn for me — but the execution stumbled in places. Some characters feel like they get full personality transplants the moment sex enters the chat. We go from shy and inexperienced to degradation, kneeling, “bitch,” choking, cumdump, cocksucker… instant porn-star mode with zero emotional transition. It just didn’t match the characters we were given.
And then the threesome.
I *really* wish Ethan’s first experience had been with Cole. Seeing him go from pining to sucking *two* guys during his first-ever queer encounter felt completely out of character. Watching Jack and Riley together and getting turned on because he’s thinking about Cole? Sure. Actually joining in? No. It felt forced and unnecessary, like the author used it purely to create tension.
The extra POV chapters didn’t help either. This is Cole and Ethan’s book, and yet we get long detours into characters who add nothing meaningful to their arc. It broke the momentum and made the pacing feel uneven.
And again, the personality shifts. Both Ethan and Cole are meant to be inexperienced and emotionally tangled, yet the moment sex happens they behave like seasoned doms/subs who’ve been doing this for years. That mismatch was easily my biggest issue.
**But now the positives — because there *are* real strengths here.**
The writing itself is solid, and the sense of place is fantastic. The ranch setting, the storm, the survival moments — all atmospheric and immersive. The emotional beats often land beautifully, and when the book slows down enough to focus on hurt/comfort, it absolutely works. And Harper? Loved her. Strong, grounded, and refreshingly well-written.
**And with all that said? I’m still curious.**
I *do* want to know where this trilogy is going — how their life together develops, what happens on the ranch, and obviously how things blow up when good ol’ homophobic dad returns for that “family trip to Europe.” There’s so much potential drama and growth ahead, and I can’t lie… I want to see it.
So yes, I had problems. But I also couldn’t stop reading. The bones of the story are strong, the tension and setting pull you in, and despite the flaws, there’s real talent here. I’ll definitely continue the trilogy.
I received a copy of this book from GRR and this is my honest review.
⚠️ Author-Provided Content Warnings
Explicit sexual content
Internalised homophobia
Toxic/emotional manipulation from a parent
High-stakes survival situations
❣️ Book Safety & Content
Cheating/OP Drama/Sharing: Ethan, before anything romantic/sexual happens with Cole, has a threesome (mutual blowjobs) with Riley and Jack — explicit on page.
Third-Act Breakup: no
Role Dynamics: Strict roles
POV: 3rd person (multiple)
Format: Trilogy
Ending: HFN
Angst Level: Medium
Spice Level: High heat
Communication: Some miscommunication
Pining: Mutual
MCs: Cole & Ethan • ⭐ 3.2
Tropes & Tags
Opposites Attract (grumpy cowboy × recently-divorced city boy)
Double Bi-Awakening
First-Time for Both
Slow Burn → Scorching Heat
Closeted, Brooding Hero
Internalised Homophobia Arc
Forced Proximity
Trapped Together / Survival Stakes
Intense Hurt/Comfort (soft, tender, emotional)
Found Family (protective, loyal, central to the story)
Explicit Heat + Filthy Dirty Talk
Dom/Sub Undertones (power dynamics, emotional intensity)
HFN Ending (full HEA at the end of the trilogy)
How do I even explain this book? The plot top, the aesthetic top, full trope porn for me — but the execution stumbled in places. Some characters feel like they get full personality transplants the moment sex enters the chat. We go from shy and inexperienced to degradation, kneeling, “bitch,” choking, cumdump, cocksucker… instant porn-star mode with zero emotional transition. It just didn’t match the characters we were given.
And then the threesome.
I *really* wish Ethan’s first experience had been with Cole. Seeing him go from pining to sucking *two* guys during his first-ever queer encounter felt completely out of character. Watching Jack and Riley together and getting turned on because he’s thinking about Cole? Sure. Actually joining in? No. It felt forced and unnecessary, like the author used it purely to create tension.
The extra POV chapters didn’t help either. This is Cole and Ethan’s book, and yet we get long detours into characters who add nothing meaningful to their arc. It broke the momentum and made the pacing feel uneven.
And again, the personality shifts. Both Ethan and Cole are meant to be inexperienced and emotionally tangled, yet the moment sex happens they behave like seasoned doms/subs who’ve been doing this for years. That mismatch was easily my biggest issue.
**But now the positives — because there *are* real strengths here.**
The writing itself is solid, and the sense of place is fantastic. The ranch setting, the storm, the survival moments — all atmospheric and immersive. The emotional beats often land beautifully, and when the book slows down enough to focus on hurt/comfort, it absolutely works. And Harper? Loved her. Strong, grounded, and refreshingly well-written.
**And with all that said? I’m still curious.**
I *do* want to know where this trilogy is going — how their life together develops, what happens on the ranch, and obviously how things blow up when good ol’ homophobic dad returns for that “family trip to Europe.” There’s so much potential drama and growth ahead, and I can’t lie… I want to see it.
So yes, I had problems. But I also couldn’t stop reading. The bones of the story are strong, the tension and setting pull you in, and despite the flaws, there’s real talent here. I’ll definitely continue the trilogy.
“Whatever happens, I’m not going anywhere. We’ll figure it out. Together.”
I received a copy of this book from GRR and this is my honest review.
⚠️ Author-Provided Content Warnings
Explicit sexual content
Internalised homophobia
Toxic/emotional manipulation from a parent
High-stakes survival situations
❣️ Book Safety & Content
Cheating/OP Drama/Sharing: Ethan, before anything romantic/sexual happens with Cole, has a threesome (mutual blowjobs) with Riley and Jack — explicit on page.
Third-Act Breakup: no
Role Dynamics: Strict roles
POV: 3rd person (multiple)
Format: Trilogy
Ending: HFN
Angst Level: Medium
Spice Level: High heat
Communication: Some miscommunication
Pining: Mutual
November 16, 2025
Ethan's bi-awakening really pulled me in from the start. The whole love-at-first-sight vibe was intriguing, but what really got me was how slowly Ethan navigates his feelings for Cole. It's a journey, and you can feel his hesitation as he figures things out. Cole, on the other hand, felt a bit more predictable, especially once we get a glimpse into his family life.
The emotional weight in this book is heavy—both Cole and Jack express some serious self-hatred regarding their sexuality. You can tell they’re wrestling with their identities, and it’s almost like they think being dominant makes things easier to handle, more palatable. Jack tries to project this straight persona and uses some pretty derogatory terms around Ethan and Riley, but there's a contradiction there since he admits to experimenting back in college.
One of the standout moments for me was the scene in the woods after Ethan gets rejected without an explanation from Cole. It felt fair, in a way, showing how complicated their connection is. I can see why some might not agree with me, but I really felt for Ethan there. He’s trying to figure out who he is, and even though he wanted to explore that path with Cole, the rejection leaves everything up in the air. It’s tough, but I appreciate how he fights with his own conscience but ultimately stands by his feelings, saying he has no regrets.
I do think on his journey to self-discovery Ethan changes personality a few times. We see him go from being a complete novice to a voyeur to a porn-level submissive in a week. I’m all for being who you are, but if this is going to be a series, that shift could have been realistically spaced out better as two 40-year-old newbies discovered what they both liked.
“Yes,” he said, no hesitation at all. “Yes, yes, a thousand times, yes.” I really don’t like when people use this line. Let’s leave it in Pride and Prejudice, eh? The amount of times I’ve seen this used is a lot so this is not a slight on this author alone.
Overall, this book is a raw look at self-discovery and the struggles of accepting one's identity. I really enjoyed it. It has humour, kindness, teamwork, and the thrill of adventure. The descriptive writing style was great you’re really pulled into the moment and taken along for the ride. Harper and Riley were great characters, quick to adopt Ethan and full of supportive advice. I think for a first book it’s good and I’m looking forward to seeing the story develop. Can’t wait to hear from dear old dad! 🙄
………………………………………………………….
I received an ARC from GRR, and this is my honest review.
The emotional weight in this book is heavy—both Cole and Jack express some serious self-hatred regarding their sexuality. You can tell they’re wrestling with their identities, and it’s almost like they think being dominant makes things easier to handle, more palatable. Jack tries to project this straight persona and uses some pretty derogatory terms around Ethan and Riley, but there's a contradiction there since he admits to experimenting back in college.
One of the standout moments for me was the scene in the woods after Ethan gets rejected without an explanation from Cole. It felt fair, in a way, showing how complicated their connection is. I can see why some might not agree with me, but I really felt for Ethan there. He’s trying to figure out who he is, and even though he wanted to explore that path with Cole, the rejection leaves everything up in the air. It’s tough, but I appreciate how he fights with his own conscience but ultimately stands by his feelings, saying he has no regrets.
I do think on his journey to self-discovery Ethan changes personality a few times. We see him go from being a complete novice to a voyeur to a porn-level submissive in a week. I’m all for being who you are, but if this is going to be a series, that shift could have been realistically spaced out better as two 40-year-old newbies discovered what they both liked.
“Yes,” he said, no hesitation at all. “Yes, yes, a thousand times, yes.” I really don’t like when people use this line. Let’s leave it in Pride and Prejudice, eh? The amount of times I’ve seen this used is a lot so this is not a slight on this author alone.
Overall, this book is a raw look at self-discovery and the struggles of accepting one's identity. I really enjoyed it. It has humour, kindness, teamwork, and the thrill of adventure. The descriptive writing style was great you’re really pulled into the moment and taken along for the ride. Harper and Riley were great characters, quick to adopt Ethan and full of supportive advice. I think for a first book it’s good and I’m looking forward to seeing the story develop. Can’t wait to hear from dear old dad! 🙄
………………………………………………………….
I received an ARC from GRR, and this is my honest review.
November 15, 2025
ARC provided by Gay Romance Reviews.
This is one of those books where the bones are so strong—the writing is good, the story is compelling, the setting is immersive—that even when I was side-eyeing some choices, I was still fully in it. It is an impressive debut.
The author has real talent for description and atmosphere, and most of the emotional beats land. But this is also one of those novels where a deeply immersed beta reader could have pointed to some character inconsistencies and made it even better. A few things could have been smoothed out, especially around the logistics of the ranch…trip? Outing? Horse-riding/camping expedition? (There has to be a better term for this.)
Anyway, the roles of the side characters felt a little muddled. Harper is clearly a seasoned rider so I wasn’t surprised to see her taking the lead when necessary, but early on, Riley was giving ranch hand energy instead of “tourist on a package excursion.” To the point where I went back to the beginning to make sure I didn’t misunderstand his role. Small thing, but enough to pull me out.
There’s also a lot of “opposite emotions at once” prose — terrible and excited, small and infinite, etc. Not bad, just occasionally overused.
And speaking of opposites: this book is somehow both slow burn and instalove.
One thing that cracked me up was Jack and his “I’m straight” mantra despite having more college homosexual experiences than a British boy in public school second form.
Meanwhile, Cole…sir. Why did you give Jack the anxious, temperamental horse? And why lead your group into a canyon when rain was clearly coming? I love you, but as a guide you failed the competency challenge a couple of times.
Now for a spoiler because some readers will want a heads-up.
Ethan hooks up with others before Cole, including having his first ever sexual experience with a man. Plot-wise, it seems partly to give him some practice. Not worst choice, because it does annoy me when late-in-life bi awakenings go straight to porn-star proficiency. And I liked Riley giving him the “lube and prep” talk. As someone whose love language is TMI, I will tell you: straight men know NOTHING about prep when it comes to anal.
BUT. This is also where my biggest issue with the book sits. The character voice goes a little sideways. Ethan is late 30s, deeply repressed, probably didn’t fully realize he was queer until now…yet the minute he gets a blowjob, he suddenly transforms into a dominant porn character. Completely unearned. And then later, when he and Cole finally hook up, Ethan goes full “seasoned sex worker” with a sexual confidence that is nowhere near his personality or experience level.
And then Cole, who is also supposed to be new to all of this, jumps into humiliation kink talk like he has a subscription to the Dom’s Monthly Newsletter. I enjoy humiliation kink when that’s the flavor of the sexual relationship, especially subtle, character-aligned humiliation kink. This sort of came out of nowhere and to me, didn’t align with the characters and their relationship.
My other quibble: for two men who’ve allegedly never had a homosexual experience and are in their late 30s/early 40s, they are weirdly unfazed. After their first hookup, Cole melts down, sure, but Ethan is suddenly talking to friends he’s known for a week like he’s been gay since 1992. He even calls Cole’s dick “perfect,” which—huge disclaimer—I am a straight woman, but that feels a little too comfortable and knowledgeable for a brand-new gay. My man you have seen a total of three erect dicks excluding yours, what do you know about perfect.
Let me add something positive: Harper.
Fabulous female character. In m/m romances women sometimes get written with a whiff of misogyny, so when a writer creates a strong, grounded female friend? I want to applaud. Harper was fantastic.
All that said this is a genuinely well-written debut with a strong sense of place, real emotional depth, and characters I actually cared about. The issues I had are fixable craft problems, not dealbreakers, and I absolutely want to see what this author writes next.
I’m giving it 4 stars because despite the quibbles, I was never bored, the writing is genuinely good, and the author clearly has the talent to become a must-read.
This is one of those books where the bones are so strong—the writing is good, the story is compelling, the setting is immersive—that even when I was side-eyeing some choices, I was still fully in it. It is an impressive debut.
The author has real talent for description and atmosphere, and most of the emotional beats land. But this is also one of those novels where a deeply immersed beta reader could have pointed to some character inconsistencies and made it even better. A few things could have been smoothed out, especially around the logistics of the ranch…trip? Outing? Horse-riding/camping expedition? (There has to be a better term for this.)
Anyway, the roles of the side characters felt a little muddled. Harper is clearly a seasoned rider so I wasn’t surprised to see her taking the lead when necessary, but early on, Riley was giving ranch hand energy instead of “tourist on a package excursion.” To the point where I went back to the beginning to make sure I didn’t misunderstand his role. Small thing, but enough to pull me out.
There’s also a lot of “opposite emotions at once” prose — terrible and excited, small and infinite, etc. Not bad, just occasionally overused.
And speaking of opposites: this book is somehow both slow burn and instalove.
One thing that cracked me up was Jack and his “I’m straight” mantra despite having more college homosexual experiences than a British boy in public school second form.
Meanwhile, Cole…sir. Why did you give Jack the anxious, temperamental horse? And why lead your group into a canyon when rain was clearly coming? I love you, but as a guide you failed the competency challenge a couple of times.
Now for a spoiler because some readers will want a heads-up.
Ethan hooks up with others before Cole, including having his first ever sexual experience with a man. Plot-wise, it seems partly to give him some practice. Not worst choice, because it does annoy me when late-in-life bi awakenings go straight to porn-star proficiency. And I liked Riley giving him the “lube and prep” talk. As someone whose love language is TMI, I will tell you: straight men know NOTHING about prep when it comes to anal.
BUT. This is also where my biggest issue with the book sits. The character voice goes a little sideways. Ethan is late 30s, deeply repressed, probably didn’t fully realize he was queer until now…yet the minute he gets a blowjob, he suddenly transforms into a dominant porn character. Completely unearned. And then later, when he and Cole finally hook up, Ethan goes full “seasoned sex worker” with a sexual confidence that is nowhere near his personality or experience level.
And then Cole, who is also supposed to be new to all of this, jumps into humiliation kink talk like he has a subscription to the Dom’s Monthly Newsletter. I enjoy humiliation kink when that’s the flavor of the sexual relationship, especially subtle, character-aligned humiliation kink. This sort of came out of nowhere and to me, didn’t align with the characters and their relationship.
My other quibble: for two men who’ve allegedly never had a homosexual experience and are in their late 30s/early 40s, they are weirdly unfazed. After their first hookup, Cole melts down, sure, but Ethan is suddenly talking to friends he’s known for a week like he’s been gay since 1992. He even calls Cole’s dick “perfect,” which—huge disclaimer—I am a straight woman, but that feels a little too comfortable and knowledgeable for a brand-new gay. My man you have seen a total of three erect dicks excluding yours, what do you know about perfect.
Let me add something positive: Harper.
Fabulous female character. In m/m romances women sometimes get written with a whiff of misogyny, so when a writer creates a strong, grounded female friend? I want to applaud. Harper was fantastic.
All that said this is a genuinely well-written debut with a strong sense of place, real emotional depth, and characters I actually cared about. The issues I had are fixable craft problems, not dealbreakers, and I absolutely want to see what this author writes next.
I’m giving it 4 stars because despite the quibbles, I was never bored, the writing is genuinely good, and the author clearly has the talent to become a must-read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
December 14, 2025not quite sure where to begin with this one except for the fact that this did not work for me. well, let me take that back because I did enjoy the very beginning where ethan arrives at the ranch & how descriptive it was at briefly introducing both him & cole, but then I was lost from there…
i was confused and annoyed at several recurring things that happened throughout ethan & cole’s story like [what I consider to be major] continuity issues, contradicting emotions about pretty much everything, two chapters from other members in the group that I found to be completely unnecessary, lack of conversation between ethan & cole that showed us how they got to those feelings at the end of the book. y’all stared holes in each others heads for half the book & barely said 20 words to each other but you want to scream to the world that he’s your man? sure jan.
the main thing that threw me off though was how repressed both men apparently were but cole repeatedly thought about ‘shoving ethan to his knees and fucking his throat like a pussy’. ethan also wanted several times to ‘be submissive and dominated by cole so bad’. the instant degradation talk and sexual prowess they both had when actually being intimate with each other was wild. like where is this coming from exactly???
i don’t even want to talk about riley & jack
OR the fact that ethan’s first sexual experience with a man was with these two instead of cole?
you may like this if your jam is overly descriptive writing with cowboys in multiple dangerous situations but I can’t say that I would be interested in a trilogy of these two confronting the daddy or just living life or whatever.
thank you to grr for the copy.
i was confused and annoyed at several recurring things that happened throughout ethan & cole’s story like [what I consider to be major] continuity issues, contradicting emotions about pretty much everything, two chapters from other members in the group that I found to be completely unnecessary, lack of conversation between ethan & cole that showed us how they got to those feelings at the end of the book. y’all stared holes in each others heads for half the book & barely said 20 words to each other but you want to scream to the world that he’s your man? sure jan.
the main thing that threw me off though was how repressed both men apparently were but cole repeatedly thought about ‘shoving ethan to his knees and fucking his throat like a pussy’. ethan also wanted several times to ‘be submissive and dominated by cole so bad’. the instant degradation talk and sexual prowess they both had when actually being intimate with each other was wild. like where is this coming from exactly???
i don’t even want to talk about riley & jack
OR the fact that ethan’s first sexual experience with a man was with these two instead of cole?
you may like this if your jam is overly descriptive writing with cowboys in multiple dangerous situations but I can’t say that I would be interested in a trilogy of these two confronting the daddy or just living life or whatever.
thank you to grr for the copy.
Read
December 30, 2025Seth Quinn is a new author to me and I was very intrigued by the blurb. Ride Him Home has Ethan dealing with try aftermath of his divorce. He meets Cole and is intrigued by him. I love a good double bi-awakening. I feel like this story had a little bit of everything. The scenes of the threesome with a couple of other men was not really my cup of tea, but it didn’t detract too much from the overall story.
November 18, 2025
"If the mountain has to take us," Cole said, "let it know it's getting two men who aren't afraid anymore."
This may just be one of my favourite books this year!
Cole and Ethan are such beautiful people and, goodness, their own self-discovery journey is even more stunning. These two characters will, in fact, stay with me for a while because, their depth, individual strengths and weakness and chemistry just undid me.
"If we get out of here," Cole said, and his voice broke open, "I'm done hiding. I want the whole world to know how I feel about you."
How can you not love Cole when he is a closeted-gay man who is afraid of being his true self? How can you not love him when finally, finally, after so much wasted time, he goes for what he wants and while scared of the consequences is content with being himself? It's impossible.
And not to mention Ethan, having divorced his wife after so many years. He is adorable in his own manly way. He, with the help of great friend whom I've come to love as well, finally breaks through the haze of hesitancy and gets rebirthed into someone more comfortable in his own skin, with clarity that filled the void inside of him.
I just love this book. I am sooooo excited to see more from their story and huge shout out to Seth Quinn's debut novel. This was a hit and I am looking forward to seeing more from your works. <3
Expect: found family, subtle dom/sum dynamics, gay-awakening, hilarious moments between friends, some sus straight behaviour, beautiful writing, beautiful scenery and so much more!
This may just be one of my favourite books this year!
Cole and Ethan are such beautiful people and, goodness, their own self-discovery journey is even more stunning. These two characters will, in fact, stay with me for a while because, their depth, individual strengths and weakness and chemistry just undid me.
"If we get out of here," Cole said, and his voice broke open, "I'm done hiding. I want the whole world to know how I feel about you."
How can you not love Cole when he is a closeted-gay man who is afraid of being his true self? How can you not love him when finally, finally, after so much wasted time, he goes for what he wants and while scared of the consequences is content with being himself? It's impossible.
And not to mention Ethan, having divorced his wife after so many years. He is adorable in his own manly way. He, with the help of great friend whom I've come to love as well, finally breaks through the haze of hesitancy and gets rebirthed into someone more comfortable in his own skin, with clarity that filled the void inside of him.
I just love this book. I am sooooo excited to see more from their story and huge shout out to Seth Quinn's debut novel. This was a hit and I am looking forward to seeing more from your works. <3
Expect: found family, subtle dom/sum dynamics, gay-awakening, hilarious moments between friends, some sus straight behaviour, beautiful writing, beautiful scenery and so much more!
November 18, 2025
(3.5-4 Stars)
this one was fun and unexpected!
it’s insta lust when Ethan meets Cole, who is the lead guide on a two week camping excursion!
Both are older and have held themselves back from being true to themselves and have experienced some trauma and grief from those around them. I appreciated the camping setting and the fun side characters - it kept the plot moving and made for a bit of a slow burn. Feel like we got to know everyone with the changing POVs but especially Cole and Ethan, although I do wish we got more insight to everyone’s life before - like what does Ethan even do for a living???While the smut was good, I felt like some scenes came a bit out left field (if you read it, YOU KNOW THE ONE) and felt more comical than serious but after that, I enjoyed the main couple’s relationship and growth. And the final obstacle that brought them together was worth the wait!
This one totally works as a standalone but interested to see what comes next for these characters!
READ FOR
- older MCs
- hurt/comfort
- bi awakening
- finding yourself in nature
i received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.
this one was fun and unexpected!
it’s insta lust when Ethan meets Cole, who is the lead guide on a two week camping excursion!
Both are older and have held themselves back from being true to themselves and have experienced some trauma and grief from those around them. I appreciated the camping setting and the fun side characters - it kept the plot moving and made for a bit of a slow burn. Feel like we got to know everyone with the changing POVs but especially Cole and Ethan, although I do wish we got more insight to everyone’s life before - like what does Ethan even do for a living???While the smut was good, I felt like some scenes came a bit out left field (if you read it, YOU KNOW THE ONE) and felt more comical than serious but after that, I enjoyed the main couple’s relationship and growth. And the final obstacle that brought them together was worth the wait!
This one totally works as a standalone but interested to see what comes next for these characters!
READ FOR
- older MCs
- hurt/comfort
- bi awakening
- finding yourself in nature
i received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.
dnf
December 12, 2025DNF not the book for me and I don't want to finish this one because then I'll feel obligated to finish the trilogy and I just don't have that in me.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from GRR and this is my honest review
I received a complimentary copy of this book from GRR and this is my honest review
January 11, 2026
DNF @ 50%
The first 10% of the book was kinda boring. It was just riding horse, so much internal dialogue about Cole and Ethan noticing each other, and characterization for the other three side characters. I wanted more of the MCs interacting, not paragraphs of "Harper was headstrong. Jack was a douche and attracted to Harper. Riley was caring and gay."
Was this ranch like super incompetent or something? Two horses escape, a fire breaks out in the kitchen, AND the owner basically makes his guests super uncomfortable by being intimidating in the span of like a week... Like what kind of business are they running here?
Wtf was up with giving Riley and Jack chapters??? Like 20% in and Ethan and Cole have barely interacted but then we get side character chapters too? And why the hell did we need descriptions of a naked Harper? Who the hell cares about a woman's "perfect tits", "fiery orange bush" in A GAY romance story? That entire scene in generally was so icky, like why did we need sexual descriptions of all the freaking characters (describing their genitals as "soft" or "heavy" or "grower"???)
Omg why would this author write Riley to basically be a straight chaser that doesn't mind blowing men who use the f-slur??? Why did we even get that Riley/Jack scene in the first place when this wasn't their book and we'd barely gotten any interaction between Ethan and Cole still?
I had to DNF when the I read the following scene played out (the quotes are directly from the book btw):
Jack: "This fag [Riley] loves sucking straight men's cocks," then to Ethan who'd just stumbled upon the BJ, "You want to join? He's a great cocksucker."
Riley is somehow unoffended by being called a slur AND being treated like a fleshlight and says: "No pressure, Ethan. But I'd love to suck every drop of cum from your balls."
UH excuse me?
Jack then continues berating Riley while having his dick sucked: "This little bitch boy Riley knows how to keep a secret. He's a discreet cocksucker."
This is followed by: "Riley giggled, then wiped a string of spit from his lip, turned back to Jack, taking him back into his mouth with practiced grace."
WTF? Why the hell would someone giggle after something like that and continue sucking the homophobe's dick? Did Riley have no self-worth?
Homophobia in MM romance stories is fine, but the author NEEDS to make sure there's a purpose for having it in every instance. Cole's dad being homophobic was fine since it added conflict for Cole to have to overcome. Jack being homophobic did not need to happen (especially since this story wasn't even about him in the first place).
AND Riley needed to not be written as a gay cumslut willing to endure getting degraded for some dick (AGAIN, especially because this wasn't a story about him). Maybe it would've been fine if the MCs were Jack and Riley because then there'd be the promise of character growth, but that was not the case in this story.
TL;DR: The story seems to want to put focus everywhere else other than Cole and Ethan. Jack and Riley's characters were disgustingly written and did not need to be there. I was already on the fence when the story described a naked woman's body in gross detail (in a GAY romance) but the homophobic side character sex scene sealed the deal for me.
The first 10% of the book was kinda boring. It was just riding horse, so much internal dialogue about Cole and Ethan noticing each other, and characterization for the other three side characters. I wanted more of the MCs interacting, not paragraphs of "Harper was headstrong. Jack was a douche and attracted to Harper. Riley was caring and gay."
Was this ranch like super incompetent or something? Two horses escape, a fire breaks out in the kitchen, AND the owner basically makes his guests super uncomfortable by being intimidating in the span of like a week... Like what kind of business are they running here?
Wtf was up with giving Riley and Jack chapters??? Like 20% in and Ethan and Cole have barely interacted but then we get side character chapters too? And why the hell did we need descriptions of a naked Harper? Who the hell cares about a woman's "perfect tits", "fiery orange bush" in A GAY romance story? That entire scene in generally was so icky, like why did we need sexual descriptions of all the freaking characters (describing their genitals as "soft" or "heavy" or "grower"???)
Omg why would this author write Riley to basically be a straight chaser that doesn't mind blowing men who use the f-slur??? Why did we even get that Riley/Jack scene in the first place when this wasn't their book and we'd barely gotten any interaction between Ethan and Cole still?
I had to DNF when the I read the following scene played out (the quotes are directly from the book btw):
Jack: "This fag [Riley] loves sucking straight men's cocks," then to Ethan who'd just stumbled upon the BJ, "You want to join? He's a great cocksucker."
Riley is somehow unoffended by being called a slur AND being treated like a fleshlight and says: "No pressure, Ethan. But I'd love to suck every drop of cum from your balls."
UH excuse me?
Jack then continues berating Riley while having his dick sucked: "This little bitch boy Riley knows how to keep a secret. He's a discreet cocksucker."
This is followed by: "Riley giggled, then wiped a string of spit from his lip, turned back to Jack, taking him back into his mouth with practiced grace."
WTF? Why the hell would someone giggle after something like that and continue sucking the homophobe's dick? Did Riley have no self-worth?
Homophobia in MM romance stories is fine, but the author NEEDS to make sure there's a purpose for having it in every instance. Cole's dad being homophobic was fine since it added conflict for Cole to have to overcome. Jack being homophobic did not need to happen (especially since this story wasn't even about him in the first place).
AND Riley needed to not be written as a gay cumslut willing to endure getting degraded for some dick (AGAIN, especially because this wasn't a story about him). Maybe it would've been fine if the MCs were Jack and Riley because then there'd be the promise of character growth, but that was not the case in this story.
TL;DR: The story seems to want to put focus everywhere else other than Cole and Ethan. Jack and Riley's characters were disgustingly written and did not need to be there. I was already on the fence when the story described a naked woman's body in gross detail (in a GAY romance) but the homophobic side character sex scene sealed the deal for me.
December 12, 2025
The end of 10 years of marriage leads Ethan to Walker's Edge Ranch in Montana on a dangerous back packing trip on horses with a group of people he's never met before. This trip is about healing and finding out who he is because at close to 40 he still doesn't think he's ever known. That is until he meets the stoically beautiful cowboy whose going to be his guide on this trip. One look at Cole and all Ethan feels is a quiet want that only gets stronger as they go along on their journey into the wilderness. He's never felt this way before but he can't help but feel like Cole is special and they can really have something if only he and Cole can get out of their heads. Ethan finds that he's willing to do just that as this trip is changing him in ways he never expected. First by meeting and sharing a silent but intense unspoken connection with Cole and then the friendships and bonds he forms with Riley, Harper and Jack. Can Cole get there too or will he continue to deny himself what he and Ethan know they both truly want?
Cole is the dutiful son with the homophobic father with strong opinions on what he thinks not just a Walker is, but what a man is. And men don't cry, show weakness or like men. This poison and toxic masculinity has shaped Cole and caused him to construct walls around himself and makes him feel likes he's unable to want or desire anything and can only be what his father says he should. This has left Cole feeling hopeless, lost and shameful but breaking what he's lived with all his life is hard especially when his father continues to threaten disowning him and casting him out of the only home he's ever known with nothing. But when he sees the heat and vulnerability in Ethan's eyes it's hard to remember that he isn't supposed to chase those desires and so he does his best to close himself off even if it means his unhappiness. But when their trip takes some dangerous turns and nature shows how unpredictable it can be Cole starts to see the light a little more and doesn't want to let Ethan and what they have and could grow in the future slip through his fingers no matter what may happen with his dad. He wants to be his true self and he deserves nothing less.
This was such a great read and this is an author I'm going to keep a look out for. This was a slow burn yet had some pretty nice heat and I'm excited for more as we've only scratched the surface since this is a three book series following Cole and Ethan and their journey to healing, acceptance, and love. The supporting characters were some of the best and I really hope we get to see them again because I'll miss them and what the five of them shared is a once in a lifetime kind of bond. So good. I seriously can't wait for book two even if I'm a tab bit scared of what our boys will go through next. Can't wait!
Cole is the dutiful son with the homophobic father with strong opinions on what he thinks not just a Walker is, but what a man is. And men don't cry, show weakness or like men. This poison and toxic masculinity has shaped Cole and caused him to construct walls around himself and makes him feel likes he's unable to want or desire anything and can only be what his father says he should. This has left Cole feeling hopeless, lost and shameful but breaking what he's lived with all his life is hard especially when his father continues to threaten disowning him and casting him out of the only home he's ever known with nothing. But when he sees the heat and vulnerability in Ethan's eyes it's hard to remember that he isn't supposed to chase those desires and so he does his best to close himself off even if it means his unhappiness. But when their trip takes some dangerous turns and nature shows how unpredictable it can be Cole starts to see the light a little more and doesn't want to let Ethan and what they have and could grow in the future slip through his fingers no matter what may happen with his dad. He wants to be his true self and he deserves nothing less.
This was such a great read and this is an author I'm going to keep a look out for. This was a slow burn yet had some pretty nice heat and I'm excited for more as we've only scratched the surface since this is a three book series following Cole and Ethan and their journey to healing, acceptance, and love. The supporting characters were some of the best and I really hope we get to see them again because I'll miss them and what the five of them shared is a once in a lifetime kind of bond. So good. I seriously can't wait for book two even if I'm a tab bit scared of what our boys will go through next. Can't wait!
December 12, 2025
MY OPINION: I love me a western, and even though this is not technically taking place on a ranch, it is very country with at least one very hot cowboy.
This is a debut book for Seth Quinn, and there was a lot of good in it. I loved the concept of the story, two men who have repressed having feelings for men their entire lives. They have lived full lives but denied themselves until they met each other, and then things changed. The chemistry between them was instant and powerful.
Ethan needed to change his life. The first step to that was to go on an adventure. Joining a group of four other people, plus the guide, they traverse the mountain on horseback over multiple days. Ethan accepts his desires and finally embraces the fact that it’s okay to like men and to be with them.
Cole knows he likes men, but has been told it’s not acceptable. He has spent his life faking it, denying it, protecting himself from his own feelings. The walls are high, and he has it under control until he meets Ethan. Somehow, this man destroys all he has worked to keep hidden. Now he has to face reality.
There are a lot of great bits in this book. The entire group of people on the ride is wonderful; you get to know each of them, and I felt like I was on the trip. The internal turmoil the MCs go through is well written, and you understand their pain, the way they hurt. What’s happening throughout the group is a charming part of the story as a whole.
If you like some spice, there is quite a bit of it, both direct contact and imagination. This includes a lot of dirty talk. The couple has to figure things out, and it’s slippery and difficult. The fact that they are from two different worlds doesn’t affect the need they have for each other. Overall, it’s a good story, so much more to learn, but it is promised in future books. Especially what happens with Cole and his life. We also don’t have a clear idea of what happens with the life that Ethan leaves behind. The couple has an HEA, and I was satisfied with that.
Overall, I liked the book and look forward to what happens next at Walker’s Edge Ranch.
This is a debut book for Seth Quinn, and there was a lot of good in it. I loved the concept of the story, two men who have repressed having feelings for men their entire lives. They have lived full lives but denied themselves until they met each other, and then things changed. The chemistry between them was instant and powerful.
Ethan needed to change his life. The first step to that was to go on an adventure. Joining a group of four other people, plus the guide, they traverse the mountain on horseback over multiple days. Ethan accepts his desires and finally embraces the fact that it’s okay to like men and to be with them.
Cole knows he likes men, but has been told it’s not acceptable. He has spent his life faking it, denying it, protecting himself from his own feelings. The walls are high, and he has it under control until he meets Ethan. Somehow, this man destroys all he has worked to keep hidden. Now he has to face reality.
There are a lot of great bits in this book. The entire group of people on the ride is wonderful; you get to know each of them, and I felt like I was on the trip. The internal turmoil the MCs go through is well written, and you understand their pain, the way they hurt. What’s happening throughout the group is a charming part of the story as a whole.
If you like some spice, there is quite a bit of it, both direct contact and imagination. This includes a lot of dirty talk. The couple has to figure things out, and it’s slippery and difficult. The fact that they are from two different worlds doesn’t affect the need they have for each other. Overall, it’s a good story, so much more to learn, but it is promised in future books. Especially what happens with Cole and his life. We also don’t have a clear idea of what happens with the life that Ethan leaves behind. The couple has an HEA, and I was satisfied with that.
Overall, I liked the book and look forward to what happens next at Walker’s Edge Ranch.
December 10, 2025
This book completely swept me off my feet. I went in expecting a rugged cowboy romance with a bit of angst and a lot of scenery, but what I got was so much richer, raw emotion, genuine vulnerability, and two men clawing their way toward a version of themselves they’d never been allowed to imagine.
Cole and Ethan are simply unforgettable. Their individual journeys are every bit as compelling as the romance itself. Cole’s internal battle with years of silence, shame, and duty pressing down on him—was heartbreaking, but watching those walls crack open piece by piece was nothing short of beautiful. His quiet yearning, his fear, and then his determination to stop hiding… I absolutely adored him.
And Ethan, fresh from a decade-long marriage built on denial, hit me just as hard. His awkward hopefulness, his rediscovery of desire, his slow realisation that he’s allowed to want more from life—it was tender and messy and so wonderfully human. The found family around him only makes his transformation shine brighter.
The forced-proximity wilderness arc is brilliantly done. High stakes, deadly weather, and the kind of hurt/comfort that gets right under your skin. The tension—emotional and physical—builds in such a satisfying slow burn that when things finally ignite, they really ignite.
The Dom/sub undertones are subtle but gorgeously handled, adding depth rather than overshadowing the emotional core. And yes, the heat is absolutely scorching, but it never feels gratuitous; it’s grounded in vulnerability and discovery, which makes every moment hit harder.
This is genuinely one of my favourite reads of the year. A stunning debut, beautifully written, full of heart, longing, and the kind of character growth that lingers long after the final page. I’m already desperate for book two as Ethan and Cole’s journey is far from over, and I cannot wait to follow every rugged, heart-twisting step.
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review
Cole and Ethan are simply unforgettable. Their individual journeys are every bit as compelling as the romance itself. Cole’s internal battle with years of silence, shame, and duty pressing down on him—was heartbreaking, but watching those walls crack open piece by piece was nothing short of beautiful. His quiet yearning, his fear, and then his determination to stop hiding… I absolutely adored him.
And Ethan, fresh from a decade-long marriage built on denial, hit me just as hard. His awkward hopefulness, his rediscovery of desire, his slow realisation that he’s allowed to want more from life—it was tender and messy and so wonderfully human. The found family around him only makes his transformation shine brighter.
The forced-proximity wilderness arc is brilliantly done. High stakes, deadly weather, and the kind of hurt/comfort that gets right under your skin. The tension—emotional and physical—builds in such a satisfying slow burn that when things finally ignite, they really ignite.
The Dom/sub undertones are subtle but gorgeously handled, adding depth rather than overshadowing the emotional core. And yes, the heat is absolutely scorching, but it never feels gratuitous; it’s grounded in vulnerability and discovery, which makes every moment hit harder.
This is genuinely one of my favourite reads of the year. A stunning debut, beautifully written, full of heart, longing, and the kind of character growth that lingers long after the final page. I’m already desperate for book two as Ethan and Cole’s journey is far from over, and I cannot wait to follow every rugged, heart-twisting step.
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review
December 17, 2025
A lot of excellent things came out of Seth Quinn's first book. The story's premise—two men who had buried their desires for males their whole lives—was fascinating to me. Until they crossed paths, they had full lives, suppressing their true selves. They had strong, immediate chemistry. Ethan had to make some changes to his life. A journey was necessary for that to begin. They join a party of five, including the guide, and ride horses up and down the mountain for days. Finally coming to terms with the truth that he likes and is comfortable with males, Ethan gives in to his desires. Cole has been taught it's not acceptable, but he knows he likes males. He has lived his entire life trying to hide his emotions by acting as if they don't exist. Until he meets Ethan, he has the towering walls under control. This man manages to ruin everything he has tried to conceal. He must now confront the truth. This novel has many wonderful parts. I felt like I was a part of the journey because the whole group of individuals on the ride is so great. You feel the protagonists' anguish and comprehend the depth of their suffering because of the skillful depiction of their inner conflict. The group dynamic is a delightful aspect of the plot overall. There is a lot of spice, both in terms of physical contact and creative expression, for those who enjoy it that way. A lot of foul language is used in this. The path ahead of the couple is treacherous as they try to figure things out. It makes no difference if they come from separate planets; their yearning for one other is undeniable. In sum, it's an enjoyable read; there's a lot more to come, but that will be in subsequent volumes. In particular, the events surrounding Cole's life. The fate of the people Ethan leaves behind is also unclear to us. I was content because the pair has a happily ever after.I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
December 10, 2025
I really cannot believe it is a first time author as this is read with the confidence and emotionality of a long-time writer. I was caught up in the beginning of Ethan journey. He is at the periphery of a life that he hardly knows post-divorce, and the decision to go on a ranch ride seems like his first actual move in re-discovering himself. The fact that he has arrived at the Edge of Walker, particularly the scene with the runaway horse, is just the right sounding. It is a mess, something unexpected and precisely what he needs.
Cole however is struggling to make ends meet with the burden of expectations which he did not request. His case with his foster father is a heartwrenching one, and it causes his silent desire to become even more burdened. You can feel the change the moment he sees Ethan. They are not in a hurry to attract each other. It is a gradual pull that increases with the increased difficulty of the ride and the intensity of the emotions.
The group dynamics was one of the things I enjoyed very much. The trail riders are like an incompatible little family who are having their own battles but manage to create something nice and wonderfully supportive. The story was so hearted in their scenes.
The relationship between Ethan and Cole is a slow burn, full of indecision, desire and minor details that strike more than any dramatic pronouncement. There were certain sections of the story that were a little confusing or overly descriptive but it also does not seem ambiguous that these ancillary characters are building to subsequent stories. And the manner in which the book halts instead of concluding makes me perfectly prepared with book two.
Generally, this was touching, sensitive and much deeper than I anticipated. I cannot wait to get to the next installment of the Ethan and Cole story.
ARC REVIEW
Cole however is struggling to make ends meet with the burden of expectations which he did not request. His case with his foster father is a heartwrenching one, and it causes his silent desire to become even more burdened. You can feel the change the moment he sees Ethan. They are not in a hurry to attract each other. It is a gradual pull that increases with the increased difficulty of the ride and the intensity of the emotions.
The group dynamics was one of the things I enjoyed very much. The trail riders are like an incompatible little family who are having their own battles but manage to create something nice and wonderfully supportive. The story was so hearted in their scenes.
The relationship between Ethan and Cole is a slow burn, full of indecision, desire and minor details that strike more than any dramatic pronouncement. There were certain sections of the story that were a little confusing or overly descriptive but it also does not seem ambiguous that these ancillary characters are building to subsequent stories. And the manner in which the book halts instead of concluding makes me perfectly prepared with book two.
Generally, this was touching, sensitive and much deeper than I anticipated. I cannot wait to get to the next installment of the Ethan and Cole story.
ARC REVIEW
December 2, 2025
4.5 stars....
I find it hard that this is a first book for this author.
Ethan is trying to start over after the divorce from his wife. He is not sure where to head in life now but he signs up for a ranch ride. He is not sure what he expects from this ride but he knows he needs a new beginning. Arriving at the ranch there is some excitement with a lose horse that is lassoed by a very handsome cowboy. Soon Ethan knows why he is there.
Cole is running from life itself. He and his "father" run the Walker's Edge Ranch but Cole does the work and his "father" makes the demands. As a youngster Cole's father caught him with a men's magazine and forbade him from having those feelings. Ever since Cole has been able to but as soon as he sees one of the client on his next trail ride he knows his biggest test is about to be front and center.
Can Cole work with all the trail riders while his attention is on one? Will Ethan begin to share some of what he wants in life? How well do all the riders get along? Will Ethan share what he wants with Cole? Will others on the ride try to interfere with the budding couple? Will Cole be able to return Ethan's desires? What happens when the weather shifts? Will the group make it home?
There were parts of this book that were confusing to me. Did Ethan really need lessons (it felt so much like cheating to me)? Why so much detail on other characters? (I have a feeling we may see them in another book?) It states this is the first in the trilogy of Cole and Ethan's story. The book ends in a pause for now situation with them having a few weeks before Cole's "father" returns... I hope book 2 comes out soon!!!! No matter what I can not wait for it!
I find it hard that this is a first book for this author.
Ethan is trying to start over after the divorce from his wife. He is not sure where to head in life now but he signs up for a ranch ride. He is not sure what he expects from this ride but he knows he needs a new beginning. Arriving at the ranch there is some excitement with a lose horse that is lassoed by a very handsome cowboy. Soon Ethan knows why he is there.
Cole is running from life itself. He and his "father" run the Walker's Edge Ranch but Cole does the work and his "father" makes the demands. As a youngster Cole's father caught him with a men's magazine and forbade him from having those feelings. Ever since Cole has been able to but as soon as he sees one of the client on his next trail ride he knows his biggest test is about to be front and center.
Can Cole work with all the trail riders while his attention is on one? Will Ethan begin to share some of what he wants in life? How well do all the riders get along? Will Ethan share what he wants with Cole? Will others on the ride try to interfere with the budding couple? Will Cole be able to return Ethan's desires? What happens when the weather shifts? Will the group make it home?
There were parts of this book that were confusing to me. Did Ethan really need lessons (it felt so much like cheating to me)? Why so much detail on other characters? (I have a feeling we may see them in another book?) It states this is the first in the trilogy of Cole and Ethan's story. The book ends in a pause for now situation with them having a few weeks before Cole's "father" returns... I hope book 2 comes out soon!!!! No matter what I can not wait for it!
dnf
December 28, 2025DNF - 21%
This was intriguing at first. The writing is pretty flowery but not overly so. It’s supposed to be a love story between Ethan and Cole, but you get so many details about the other characters it’s hard to tell sometimes. I was getting annoyed by the overly-loud side characters, and gave up when the writing stopped making sense.
Specifically, the scene in which Cole had left the fire, all side characters had gotten into their tents for the night, and you thought the scene was gearing up to be an intimate one between the two MCs only for Cole to return and make a speech to the whole group (who are no longer supposed to be there??).
1. If you can’t keep a two-page scene consistent, how are you going to write a trilogy?
2. The important scenes get lost when you write every mundane happenstance as a profound experience. There was no buildup and let down rhythm - it was almost like a stream-of-consciousness but with emotion.
3. The next chapter I did not start was from Riley’s (a side character) POV? Feels almost like an ensemble cast instead of a romance.
Also, I want to add that this is advertised as a “double bi-awakening” and that feels disingenuous. An “awakening”, to me, means that a character realizes/experiences a previously UNKNOWN sexual or romantic feeling for someone of (usually) the same gender. A character who has been closeted or had some inkling they may not be completely straight does not fall into that category. This did not feel like an awakening to me, but more like a “waking up” of a previously pushed down emotion for Ethan. I never did get a read on Cole, but it seemed to me that he was also pushing some emotions down in order to meet his father’s expectations.
This was intriguing at first. The writing is pretty flowery but not overly so. It’s supposed to be a love story between Ethan and Cole, but you get so many details about the other characters it’s hard to tell sometimes. I was getting annoyed by the overly-loud side characters, and gave up when the writing stopped making sense.
Specifically, the scene in which Cole had left the fire, all side characters had gotten into their tents for the night, and you thought the scene was gearing up to be an intimate one between the two MCs only for Cole to return and make a speech to the whole group (who are no longer supposed to be there??).
1. If you can’t keep a two-page scene consistent, how are you going to write a trilogy?
2. The important scenes get lost when you write every mundane happenstance as a profound experience. There was no buildup and let down rhythm - it was almost like a stream-of-consciousness but with emotion.
3. The next chapter I did not start was from Riley’s (a side character) POV? Feels almost like an ensemble cast instead of a romance.
Also, I want to add that this is advertised as a “double bi-awakening” and that feels disingenuous. An “awakening”, to me, means that a character realizes/experiences a previously UNKNOWN sexual or romantic feeling for someone of (usually) the same gender. A character who has been closeted or had some inkling they may not be completely straight does not fall into that category. This did not feel like an awakening to me, but more like a “waking up” of a previously pushed down emotion for Ethan. I never did get a read on Cole, but it seemed to me that he was also pushing some emotions down in order to meet his father’s expectations.
December 11, 2025
What happens on the trail ride stays on the trail ride...
Where to start...Okay, so this had kinda cheesy porno vibes along with a double bi-awakening. Now, that's not necessarily a bad thing, but the dialogue felt a little cheesy at times and these closeted guys get a little frisky and then suddenly their inner freak comes out to play.
So we have this bunch of horny dudes that get urges and need relief along this ride as well as this insta-love connection with closeted guys kind of a midlife coming out situation.
I felt compelled to see where this story was going because the writing was descriptive and the trail ride part of the plot was interesting and cool.
We had several POV happening that felt a little unnecessary. The main characters are Ethan and Cole but we get chapters from side characters Riley and Jack I really could have done without.
It's meant to be a trilogy so their story continues in book 2 where they will have to navigate the challenges of coming out and being together around closed-minded people...
Tropes:
Small town
Bi-awakening
Kink
Explicit
Cowboy
First times
Hurt/comfort
Opposites attract
Multiple third-person POV
Thank you GRR and Seth Quinn for the opportunity to read this book.
Where to start...Okay, so this had kinda cheesy porno vibes along with a double bi-awakening. Now, that's not necessarily a bad thing, but the dialogue felt a little cheesy at times and these closeted guys get a little frisky and then suddenly their inner freak comes out to play.
So we have this bunch of horny dudes that get urges and need relief along this ride as well as this insta-love connection with closeted guys kind of a midlife coming out situation.
I felt compelled to see where this story was going because the writing was descriptive and the trail ride part of the plot was interesting and cool.
We had several POV happening that felt a little unnecessary. The main characters are Ethan and Cole but we get chapters from side characters Riley and Jack I really could have done without.
It's meant to be a trilogy so their story continues in book 2 where they will have to navigate the challenges of coming out and being together around closed-minded people...
Tropes:
Small town
Bi-awakening
Kink
Explicit
Cowboy
First times
Hurt/comfort
Opposites attract
Multiple third-person POV
Thank you GRR and Seth Quinn for the opportunity to read this book.
December 6, 2025
"Ride Him Home" was a total surprise to me. First of all, the telling: evocative metaphors, descriptions that seem to be of a specific place and not just a generic fictional ranch, five characters that are imperfect and changing. It's amazing that this Seth Quinn's first novel.
Even though we get more than two points of view, the story settles around Ethan and Cole. Ethan, who had ended a 10 year marriage, arrives at the ranch feeling numb to life and grappling with the question of whether he could want what he wants. He has chosen to push himself with a two week trail ride. Cole is the son of the ranch owner, a reserved cowboy who will lead the group. Capable and attractive, we get to see how tortured he is by decades of paternal repression and abuse. In locking down his sexuality, he keeps paying a personal price.
The horse ride is a journey for both of them and it is amazing to follow, even when we dip into moments of deep desperation or roadblocks.
I really appreciated the way the characters interior moments were fully situated in the place - they weren't straight monologues, but rather set in a tent, or in the pines, etc.
Even though we get more than two points of view, the story settles around Ethan and Cole. Ethan, who had ended a 10 year marriage, arrives at the ranch feeling numb to life and grappling with the question of whether he could want what he wants. He has chosen to push himself with a two week trail ride. Cole is the son of the ranch owner, a reserved cowboy who will lead the group. Capable and attractive, we get to see how tortured he is by decades of paternal repression and abuse. In locking down his sexuality, he keeps paying a personal price.
The horse ride is a journey for both of them and it is amazing to follow, even when we dip into moments of deep desperation or roadblocks.
I really appreciated the way the characters interior moments were fully situated in the place - they weren't straight monologues, but rather set in a tent, or in the pines, etc.
December 2, 2025
This story felt fresh and unexplored. The first two thirds were more or less an ensemble piece, an adventure story with a thick undertone of pining. I loved the group of people going on that journey together and really enjoyed the chapters in the POVs of two of the side characters. But while I feel like we got to know them pretty well, we also don't really know anything about any of them - their families, jobs, experiences. That was a weird combination. It also felt like some characters weren't really consistent in their personality, especially when it came to more spicy scenes. That really threw me sometimes.
I liked the writing. It really captured the emotional tension and was well-paced, which is a good hint in a debut novel to keep your eyes open for the next books. This can be read as a stand-alone with a somewhat open ending but seems to be a first book in a trilogy. Hopefully the writer can focus a little more on the character-building, but I would sure like to know how the story continues.
I liked the writing. It really captured the emotional tension and was well-paced, which is a good hint in a debut novel to keep your eyes open for the next books. This can be read as a stand-alone with a somewhat open ending but seems to be a first book in a trilogy. Hopefully the writer can focus a little more on the character-building, but I would sure like to know how the story continues.
December 16, 2025
horse murmurer, 'Big Sky Country', pair of flotation devices, freeze-dried eggs, bruised ribs, extreme manscaping, bison steak, warrior's braid
Author Seth Quinn says this is his debut novel. What a great novel it is! The main characters' emotional depth is something I've not read in a while. He uses only the MCs, and four side characters. Because they go on a challenging trail ride, three of the side characters are well-developed and are used extensively. Also something not usually seen.
Needless to say this book is well-written. There is a lot of beautiful scenery and it's easily visualized. A lot of what goes on and the emotional states are meticulously covered. But, the pace flows smoothly.
It seems that there's going to be a Book #2. It feels more like a HFN than HEA for Cole and Ethan This book doesn't end in a major cliffhanger, but there's a big loose end. I'm anxious to see how it is resolved.
I absolutely enjoyed reading this book, and excitedly recommend it!
Author Seth Quinn says this is his debut novel. What a great novel it is! The main characters' emotional depth is something I've not read in a while. He uses only the MCs, and four side characters. Because they go on a challenging trail ride, three of the side characters are well-developed and are used extensively. Also something not usually seen.
Needless to say this book is well-written. There is a lot of beautiful scenery and it's easily visualized. A lot of what goes on and the emotional states are meticulously covered. But, the pace flows smoothly.
It seems that there's going to be a Book #2. It feels more like a HFN than HEA for Cole and Ethan This book doesn't end in a major cliffhanger, but there's a big loose end. I'm anxious to see how it is resolved.
I absolutely enjoyed reading this book, and excitedly recommend it!
December 12, 2025
I feel hard for this book and these two men, Cole and Ethan. As it ended a HFN I was so glad more books to come with this fantastic couple. Both men have issues....Ethan running away to Montana (to Walker Edge Ranch) after bad divorce trying to figure out his own life and what he needs. He plans to do this introspection solo till he see ranch owner Cole who he has instant chemistry. But like Ethan, Cole has his own issues. The man has more walls than Jericho and lives his life to please others, never himself. These two develop a slow burn love that felt real and raw as both me were in need to finding and attuning to their own needs. A great double bi-awakening story that also handles some heady topics like internalize homophobia, bad and crapy families, hurt and much more. This just add depth to a wonderful book.
December 26, 2025
A Joyfully Jay review.
2.75 stars
Let me start by saying that this was not the book for me. As a reader, I enjoy a certain kind of storytelling and certain kinds of connections, and I didn’t find that in this book. The narrative prose was a little too purple, the connections between the characters were a little too weak, and I really didn’t buy that these two men were ready to blow up their lives just to be together.
However, the author does have a way with description that really sets the setting up beautifully. It’s easy to picture exactly what these guys are doing, and understand the internal thoughts of both MCs and just how deep their traumas run.
Read Kris's review in its entirety here.
2.75 stars
Let me start by saying that this was not the book for me. As a reader, I enjoy a certain kind of storytelling and certain kinds of connections, and I didn’t find that in this book. The narrative prose was a little too purple, the connections between the characters were a little too weak, and I really didn’t buy that these two men were ready to blow up their lives just to be together.
However, the author does have a way with description that really sets the setting up beautifully. It’s easy to picture exactly what these guys are doing, and understand the internal thoughts of both MCs and just how deep their traumas run.
Read Kris's review in its entirety here.
December 11, 2025
Thank you for the book; here is my honest opinion:
Rounded up. This was a little hit and miss for me, though, I did enjoy the writing overall. I liked Ethan and his quest to understand himself better, that was effectively gone with authentic and sometimes messy emotions. I also liked the setting, it’s well realized and has some good Sid characters, I especially appreciate a well rounded and well written female characters in Harper. Cole and his relationship with his father was a bummer, frustrating, and kind of predictable. The two main characters also have shifting personalities, which I didn’t love as it made it harder to get invested in their relationship. They do manage a sort of happy for now, and I would be interested in more set in this world.
Rounded up. This was a little hit and miss for me, though, I did enjoy the writing overall. I liked Ethan and his quest to understand himself better, that was effectively gone with authentic and sometimes messy emotions. I also liked the setting, it’s well realized and has some good Sid characters, I especially appreciate a well rounded and well written female characters in Harper. Cole and his relationship with his father was a bummer, frustrating, and kind of predictable. The two main characters also have shifting personalities, which I didn’t love as it made it harder to get invested in their relationship. They do manage a sort of happy for now, and I would be interested in more set in this world.
December 19, 2025
Finding the strength to be yourself
Cole has walls built so thick around himself, doing his best to never allow his true nature to be known. Even if that means being alone for his whole life.
But then Ethan walks into Cole's life like a breath of fresh air and it starts a war within Cole like he has never felt before.
The characters in this story are done very well. There is plenty of laughter, pain and steam. The world building is wonderful and pulls you along thier journey of discovery.
Highly recommend this story to anyone looking for a finding oneself story. Finding the pieces that make thier life feel whole. It does have some steamy parts to I do recommend an 18+ rating.
Looking forward to the next book in the series 😊
Cole has walls built so thick around himself, doing his best to never allow his true nature to be known. Even if that means being alone for his whole life.
But then Ethan walks into Cole's life like a breath of fresh air and it starts a war within Cole like he has never felt before.
The characters in this story are done very well. There is plenty of laughter, pain and steam. The world building is wonderful and pulls you along thier journey of discovery.
Highly recommend this story to anyone looking for a finding oneself story. Finding the pieces that make thier life feel whole. It does have some steamy parts to I do recommend an 18+ rating.
Looking forward to the next book in the series 😊
December 20, 2025
This story was an enjoyable journey from meeting the 5 participants taking a trek in the Montana Mountains and facing both physical and emotional challenges during the adventure.The main characters are two of the 4 male participants are attracted to each other but due to their histories there are emotional obstacles.Ethan is recently divorced and has no previous gay experience whilst Cole is emotionally controlled due to his strict upbringing and likewise little if any gay experience. The group gradually gel together but face challenges due to the weather and terrain which risk their lives and injuries. Together emotional barriers break down and love blossoms. I recommend this book and look forward to when the next is published.
Read
December 4, 2025DNF
I was fascinated by the blurb and no triggers
But sadly I couldn’t get myself to complete the book. The book start with Ethan who signed up to some experience in a ranch, he was grouped with 3 people lead by the ranch owner ‘s son cole. most of what I read was about their daily camp experience with the group members that I found annoying, I really was curious to know more about the father -son relationship between cole and his father, but knowing this is a trilogy made me give up and closed the book. Don’t be discourage by my review many readers like it, give it a shot and be the judge.
I received an ARC from GRR in exchange of honest review
I was fascinated by the blurb and no triggers
But sadly I couldn’t get myself to complete the book. The book start with Ethan who signed up to some experience in a ranch, he was grouped with 3 people lead by the ranch owner ‘s son cole. most of what I read was about their daily camp experience with the group members that I found annoying, I really was curious to know more about the father -son relationship between cole and his father, but knowing this is a trilogy made me give up and closed the book. Don’t be discourage by my review many readers like it, give it a shot and be the judge.
I received an ARC from GRR in exchange of honest review
December 31, 2025
This is book one in a trilogy following the same couple. So while we get an HFN in this story, we won't get the full HEA until book three. There is so much internalized homophobia in this story, my heart hurt for these boys just trying to figure themselves out. Some of the changes/developments in this happened so quickly - I'd have liked to see some things drawn out more, rather than feeling so rushed. Especially being a trilogy. While I didn't connect with everything that happened, how it happened, I do think that it was well written. I felt immersed in the story. I'm planning to check out book two.
November 19, 2025
Another new author in the mix to keep an eye on! Love Ethan and Cole, they're finally living their life authentically and with each other! Supporting characters are top tier and you get 2 of their POVs, too, which makes sense for the storyline. Really like how the MMCs are a bit older (late 30s) and the Montana backdrop, could totally imagine it even though I've never been. The open door spice is 🔥. Would love to see more from this author and for this to expand into a series. Solid writing and storytelling!
December 8, 2025
This story focussed on a small group riding a trail and managing to encounter multiple dangerous situations on the way. It was an interesting technique to get the odd chapter in the POV of the side characters as well as those of Ethan and Cole. All the characters didn't always seem to be the same throughout the story - Ethan, for example, went from shy and inexperienced to suddenly sounding like an adult film. The landscape and Harper were particularly well written. I'm very curious about how the rest of the trilogy will continue, Cole's father is going to be awful.
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