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Endless Sky #1
Hell Creek Boys
A will with claws. A ranch with ghosts. And a love that breaks every rule.
Jesse
I swore I’d never set foot on Hell Creek again. The last time I left that driveway, I was eighteen with a split lip, a packed duffel, and a promise to never look back. But death has a way of dragging you home. My stepfather’s will is simple and live on the ranch for one full year—with my stepbrother—or we lose everything. No sale. No shortcuts. No running.
Cole was the golden boy who stayed, the cowboy whose silence cut deeper than words. We learned to fight before we learned to talk. Now we’re fixing fence at dawn, sharing coffee from a chipped thermos, sleeping under a roof that smells like leather and rain. The anger thaws. Looks linger. The line we swore we’d never cross starts calling our names.
But Hell Creek keeps score. Old debts. Older lies. And if I choose him, I’m gambling the last thing my stepfather left me—this land, this legacy, this chance to make something right.
Cole
Hell Creek raised me—the dust, the cattle, the busted knuckles, the quiet that settles after a storm. I stayed when Jesse ran. I held the ranch together with baling twine and stubbornness while our father got mean and the winters got meaner. I told myself I hated Jesse for leaving, but the truth is I never stopped looking for his truck in the rearview.
Now he’s back, taller, sharper, wearing the city on his shoulders like armor. We trade barbs at breakfast and silence at supper. Then the work does what work always does—knocks the edges off. Fixing fences side by side. Driving the cattle down to winter pasture. Sharing heat when the generator dies and the house goes cold. The past doesn’t disappear, but it makes more sense in the dim glow of a lantern and the sound of his breath in the next room.
Wanting him is wrong by every story we were told. But out here under a sky so wide it could swallow you whole, I’m starting to think the only sin is walking away from the one person who makes this place feel like home.
Hell Creek Boys is a gritty, taboo slow burn about enemies-to-lovers, family secrets, and the price of legacy—nostalgic small-town grit, frost-bit Montana nights, and a hard-won love fierce enough to outlast the storm.
Jesse
I swore I’d never set foot on Hell Creek again. The last time I left that driveway, I was eighteen with a split lip, a packed duffel, and a promise to never look back. But death has a way of dragging you home. My stepfather’s will is simple and live on the ranch for one full year—with my stepbrother—or we lose everything. No sale. No shortcuts. No running.
Cole was the golden boy who stayed, the cowboy whose silence cut deeper than words. We learned to fight before we learned to talk. Now we’re fixing fence at dawn, sharing coffee from a chipped thermos, sleeping under a roof that smells like leather and rain. The anger thaws. Looks linger. The line we swore we’d never cross starts calling our names.
But Hell Creek keeps score. Old debts. Older lies. And if I choose him, I’m gambling the last thing my stepfather left me—this land, this legacy, this chance to make something right.
Cole
Hell Creek raised me—the dust, the cattle, the busted knuckles, the quiet that settles after a storm. I stayed when Jesse ran. I held the ranch together with baling twine and stubbornness while our father got mean and the winters got meaner. I told myself I hated Jesse for leaving, but the truth is I never stopped looking for his truck in the rearview.
Now he’s back, taller, sharper, wearing the city on his shoulders like armor. We trade barbs at breakfast and silence at supper. Then the work does what work always does—knocks the edges off. Fixing fences side by side. Driving the cattle down to winter pasture. Sharing heat when the generator dies and the house goes cold. The past doesn’t disappear, but it makes more sense in the dim glow of a lantern and the sound of his breath in the next room.
Wanting him is wrong by every story we were told. But out here under a sky so wide it could swallow you whole, I’m starting to think the only sin is walking away from the one person who makes this place feel like home.
Hell Creek Boys is a gritty, taboo slow burn about enemies-to-lovers, family secrets, and the price of legacy—nostalgic small-town grit, frost-bit Montana nights, and a hard-won love fierce enough to outlast the storm.
260 pages, Paperback
Published December 23, 2025
60 people are currently reading
68 people want to read
About the author
Atreus Rosewood
19 books50 followersAtreus Rosewood is a gay romance author living in Michigan with his two boyfriends, two cats, a spoiled dog, and all the beaches he could ask for. He writes constantly to the detriment of all else and that's just the way he likes it. If you happen to find him wandering a beach and mumbling to himself, iced coffee is how you’ll lure him back to civilization.
Atreus writes under three separate Pen Names:
--Blake R. Wolfe -- Gay Paranormal Romance
--Atreus Rosewood -- Gay Contemporary Romance
--Eoghan R. Cunningham -- LGBTQ+ Fantasy
Atreus writes under three separate Pen Names:
--Blake R. Wolfe -- Gay Paranormal Romance
--Atreus Rosewood -- Gay Contemporary Romance
--Eoghan R. Cunningham -- LGBTQ+ Fantasy
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
January 9, 2026
Cole + Jesse 🖤
Estranged stepbrothers | Pining disguised as animosity | Forced proximity | Always been you
Stepbrothers separated for 15 years, forced together for 1 year by their fathers will.
There's a scene, in the mountains, during a cattle run and a blizzard, in a tent, with ranch hands nearby. Their first time. Desperate and primal. It was definitely... memorable.
....
"All these years I thought he was out in the world dating women, thought he was the normal one. And now I felt sick to my stomach thinking another man had touched him. A man that wasn’t… me."
“I’ve never... it’s only ever been...” “Been what?” I pressed, my heart pounding so loudly I was sure he could hear it. “You,” he whispered, the word hanging between us like a confession. “Only ever you.”
“Please,” I begged, not even sure what I was asking for. “Jesse… oh fuck… please…” “You like begging, don’t you?” Jesse asked, his voice husky with power. “The big, strong rancher, all tied up and desperate.”
“You’re beautiful,” I murmured against his skin. “Always have been.” Jesse’s breath caught. “Cole...” I looked up to see his eyes glistening in the moonlight. “I mean it,” I added. “Really. You’re the most gorgeous man I’ve ever seen.”
“There it is,” he said, his voice strained with the effort of holding back. “That’s your prostate, cowboy.”
....
⚠️ potential spoilers below in detailed tropes, content and warning lists
Tropes/content:
Cowboys/Ranchers
Stepbrothers
Pining disguised as animosity
One has lived in the city for the last 15 years
MCs in their 30s
Feelings that have been buried for 15 years
Forced proximity for 1 year
First times
Gay awakening (maybe more like finally admitting it and accepting it. He basically always knew)
Catches him in the shower jerking off
One tent caught in a snow storm during a cattle drive
Sharing body heat
Zipping sleeping bags together
Its always been you
Tell me to stop (said by "straight" guy their first time)
Pierced 🍆
Uncut
Spooning sex
Possessive hand necklace
Desperate raw primal sex
Spit for lube
Bareback
Spies on him jerking
Calls him cowboy (sometimes as a taunt, sometimes sexy)
Bent over daddys desk
Light degredation for one scene
Breeding
Emotional discussion while holding each other in the shower, breaking down walls
First time seeing him cry
Blindfold
Light bondage
Begging
Cole buys Jesse a cowboy hat
Letters from dad telling them he knew more about them than he led on when they were younger and approves of any relationship they may have.
Vers roles but Jesse prefers to bottom
Epilogue 2 months later - Cole proposes
Bonus scene
Definitely a missed opportunity for docking. Boo
And seeing Cole get his ass eaten. Double boo
Warnings:
Death (all 4 parents are dead, book starts with the last dead parent's funeral)
Grief
No lube or prep at various times
Some violence and hurtful words between MCs
Internalized homophobia
Slurs
Hatred and interference from others in town (both against Jesse for leaving and for them both being gay and together)
Estranged stepbrothers | Pining disguised as animosity | Forced proximity | Always been you
Stepbrothers separated for 15 years, forced together for 1 year by their fathers will.
There's a scene, in the mountains, during a cattle run and a blizzard, in a tent, with ranch hands nearby. Their first time. Desperate and primal. It was definitely... memorable.
....
"All these years I thought he was out in the world dating women, thought he was the normal one. And now I felt sick to my stomach thinking another man had touched him. A man that wasn’t… me."
“I’ve never... it’s only ever been...” “Been what?” I pressed, my heart pounding so loudly I was sure he could hear it. “You,” he whispered, the word hanging between us like a confession. “Only ever you.”
“Please,” I begged, not even sure what I was asking for. “Jesse… oh fuck… please…” “You like begging, don’t you?” Jesse asked, his voice husky with power. “The big, strong rancher, all tied up and desperate.”
“You’re beautiful,” I murmured against his skin. “Always have been.” Jesse’s breath caught. “Cole...” I looked up to see his eyes glistening in the moonlight. “I mean it,” I added. “Really. You’re the most gorgeous man I’ve ever seen.”
“There it is,” he said, his voice strained with the effort of holding back. “That’s your prostate, cowboy.”
....
⚠️ potential spoilers below in detailed tropes, content and warning lists
Tropes/content:
Cowboys/Ranchers
Stepbrothers
Pining disguised as animosity
One has lived in the city for the last 15 years
MCs in their 30s
Feelings that have been buried for 15 years
Forced proximity for 1 year
First times
Gay awakening (maybe more like finally admitting it and accepting it. He basically always knew)
Catches him in the shower jerking off
One tent caught in a snow storm during a cattle drive
Sharing body heat
Zipping sleeping bags together
Its always been you
Tell me to stop (said by "straight" guy their first time)
Pierced 🍆
Uncut
Spooning sex
Possessive hand necklace
Desperate raw primal sex
Spit for lube
Bareback
Spies on him jerking
Calls him cowboy (sometimes as a taunt, sometimes sexy)
Bent over daddys desk
Light degredation for one scene
Breeding
Emotional discussion while holding each other in the shower, breaking down walls
First time seeing him cry
Blindfold
Light bondage
Begging
Cole buys Jesse a cowboy hat
Letters from dad telling them he knew more about them than he led on when they were younger and approves of any relationship they may have.
Vers roles but Jesse prefers to bottom
Epilogue 2 months later - Cole proposes
Bonus scene
Definitely a missed opportunity for docking. Boo
And seeing Cole get his ass eaten. Double boo
Warnings:
Death (all 4 parents are dead, book starts with the last dead parent's funeral)
Grief
No lube or prep at various times
Some violence and hurtful words between MCs
Internalized homophobia
Slurs
Hatred and interference from others in town (both against Jesse for leaving and for them both being gay and together)
January 15, 2026
save a horse ride your stepbrother 🤠
ugh. this book was such a huge let down for being one of my most anticipated reads early this year. for starters this book had so many typos and it was infuriating, also a lot of times it seemed like the author completely forgot what the characters were doing because one moment they would be laying down and the next moment it would say they’re stepping forward and that put a bad taste in my
mouth. next ick!!! these bros used NO LUBE and had NO PREP before going at it????? like huh????? jesse’s gonna need to go to the hospital after that shit being drier than the desert 🙃 and finally: cole is highkey an asshole!!! i already wasnt super vibing with this book and then cole essentially calls jesse a manipulative slut and i completely mentally checked out from this one. at this point i was so close to being done and didn’t want to DNF when i had only like 60 pages left but i did a loooooot of skimming just to get through this hot mess.
ugh. this book was such a huge let down for being one of my most anticipated reads early this year. for starters this book had so many typos and it was infuriating, also a lot of times it seemed like the author completely forgot what the characters were doing because one moment they would be laying down and the next moment it would say they’re stepping forward and that put a bad taste in my
mouth. next ick!!! these bros used NO LUBE and had NO PREP before going at it????? like huh????? jesse’s gonna need to go to the hospital after that shit being drier than the desert 🙃 and finally: cole is highkey an asshole!!! i already wasnt super vibing with this book and then cole essentially calls jesse a manipulative slut and i completely mentally checked out from this one. at this point i was so close to being done and didn’t want to DNF when i had only like 60 pages left but i did a loooooot of skimming just to get through this hot mess.
January 8, 2026
Jesse (31) et Cole (34) avec un Culomètre à 🥵
Jesse est forcé de retourner au ranch familial de Hell Creek pour un an, condition du testament de son beau-père, au risque de tout perdre. Il doit cohabiter avec Cole, son demi-frère qu'il déteste. Malgré leur animosité, l'isolement et les nuits froides transforment leur colère en une attirance inattendue. Cole, qui a toujours travaillé la terre, déteste le retour de Jesse mais se retrouve attiré par lui lors d'une tempête de neige, réalisant qu'il est ce qu'il désire le plus.
› Trop contente de retrouver l'auteur dans une nouvelle saga de cowboys un peu plus torturés 😌
› Deux demi-frères, restés sur des non-dits et de la haine il y a 15 ans et se retrouvent à devoir gérer le ranch familial pendant un an sans risquer de tout perdre
› Une haine qui cache quelque chose, des sentiments inavoués.
› On ne sait pas ce qu'il s'est passé au début, mais peu à peu on comprend que ça va être quelque chose que les deux hommes vont devoir surmontés.
› Autant Jesse est out sur son homosexualité, autant Cole est bien au fond du placard.
› Récit rythmé par ces sentiments tabous entre hommes élevés comme des frères
› Évidemment, du très bon smut, et en prime avec une scène dans une tente sous la neige aaawn
› Cole aura tenu longtemps à ignorer ses sentiments
Comme d'habitude, l'auteur sait très bien ce qu'il fait et comment le faire. Au moins, je suis sûre que je ne serai pas déçue à la fin de ma lecture ! À quand la suite ?
Jesse est forcé de retourner au ranch familial de Hell Creek pour un an, condition du testament de son beau-père, au risque de tout perdre. Il doit cohabiter avec Cole, son demi-frère qu'il déteste. Malgré leur animosité, l'isolement et les nuits froides transforment leur colère en une attirance inattendue. Cole, qui a toujours travaillé la terre, déteste le retour de Jesse mais se retrouve attiré par lui lors d'une tempête de neige, réalisant qu'il est ce qu'il désire le plus.
› Trop contente de retrouver l'auteur dans une nouvelle saga de cowboys un peu plus torturés 😌
› Deux demi-frères, restés sur des non-dits et de la haine il y a 15 ans et se retrouvent à devoir gérer le ranch familial pendant un an sans risquer de tout perdre
› Une haine qui cache quelque chose, des sentiments inavoués.
› On ne sait pas ce qu'il s'est passé au début, mais peu à peu on comprend que ça va être quelque chose que les deux hommes vont devoir surmontés.
› Autant Jesse est out sur son homosexualité, autant Cole est bien au fond du placard.
› Récit rythmé par ces sentiments tabous entre hommes élevés comme des frères
› Évidemment, du très bon smut, et en prime avec une scène dans une tente sous la neige aaawn
› Cole aura tenu longtemps à ignorer ses sentiments
Comme d'habitude, l'auteur sait très bien ce qu'il fait et comment le faire. Au moins, je suis sûre que je ne serai pas déçue à la fin de ma lecture ! À quand la suite ?
January 12, 2026
DNF @ 23%
Was disappointed to read Cold just wax poetic about his conflicted feelings about his dad's ranch in his first chapter. It's so boring reading someone just tell us readers their problems when it could've been better conveyed through story. Like there could've been a scene before his dad died where we see him looking at a travel magazine while shopping for farm stuff and suppressing the desire to buy it. That way we readers could've figured out that Cole had desires outside of the ranch without needing to explicitly lay it out.
The entire story seemed so in favor of Jesse at the start. I felt like I was crazy when Evelyn told Cole to forgive Jesse for how he left as if Cole was somehow wrong for being offended and hurt at being left alone for fifteen years. The dad's will also giving Jesse equal consideration despite literally being away for a decade and a half was wild.
Evelyn just telling us that the anger Cole held inside was problematic was yet another instance of the story telling us something that would've been better off we'd seen it on page. Why not give us a day in the life of Cole before his dad died, showing us how angry he was under the surface through his interactions with other people?
I did not get it when Cole started to work with Jesse like he just disliked him rather than hating him. There was such strong hatred in the earlier chapters that just randomly got downgraded to annoyance/dislike after Cole found out that Jesse was gay. I felt like I missed a scene or something that showed Cole warning up to his stepbrother.
The will itself was ridiculous. I could already barely suspend disbelief that a dead person's will had enough authority to essentially force Jesse into literally leaving his life in Seattle with only a three day notice, but I completely lost it when the lawyer stipulated that Cole and Jesse needed to also get on good terms. So the will had the legal power to both enforce two independent adults' physical locations (forcing them to stay on the ranch) AND emotional attachments (because Cole and Jesse needed to show "genuine cooperation") to fulfill its requirements.
I had to DNF when the story timeskips a full MONTH after they signed the contract and then Jesse trauma dumps onto Cole magically giving him context and repairing their relationship. I already had issues with the author just telling us things that should've been shown, but Jesse's first few days back interacting with Cole should 100% definitely been shown instead of timelapsed. Like wtf? Then the whole "I left because you and dad were shitty to me" was so dumb. 1. If Cole truly was angry at Jesse, he shouldn't have taken Jesse's words at face value and called him a liar/been more antagonistic. What was that Evelyn said about him being angry? He sure didn't seem like it to me considering how quickly his anger disappeared. AND 2. Apparently, Jesse's stepdad Tell me again why Jesse was apparently not mad at his stepdad for basically abandoning him at his time of need? Why was this just coming out now when apparently it was such a big issue for him then?
I just couldn't continue with the lack of any real anger in the characters. The story's entire premise is based on a betrayal of trust on multiple fronts:
- Cole felt betrayed by Jesse when he left and stayed out of contact for 15 years
- Cole felt betrayed by his family for how they were basically inviting Jesse back as the prodigal son
- Jesse felt betrayed by both Cole and his stepdad for how they failed him as a gay teenager
Serious shit that the characters are rightfully angry for at the start and yet, none of those betrayals ever actually last longer than 2-3 chapters before the characters just start acting cordial and polite to one another. Why even make the story have them act mad when Cole just starts becoming protective of Jesse on page 62? Where was the active reconciliation? The groveling? Both MCs were responsible for causing each other pain, why did they not need to address that before their relationship improved? I'm rating this 1.5 stars (rounded up, but just barely)
Was disappointed to read Cold just wax poetic about his conflicted feelings about his dad's ranch in his first chapter. It's so boring reading someone just tell us readers their problems when it could've been better conveyed through story. Like there could've been a scene before his dad died where we see him looking at a travel magazine while shopping for farm stuff and suppressing the desire to buy it. That way we readers could've figured out that Cole had desires outside of the ranch without needing to explicitly lay it out.
The entire story seemed so in favor of Jesse at the start. I felt like I was crazy when Evelyn told Cole to forgive Jesse for how he left as if Cole was somehow wrong for being offended and hurt at being left alone for fifteen years. The dad's will also giving Jesse equal consideration despite literally being away for a decade and a half was wild.
Evelyn just telling us that the anger Cole held inside was problematic was yet another instance of the story telling us something that would've been better off we'd seen it on page. Why not give us a day in the life of Cole before his dad died, showing us how angry he was under the surface through his interactions with other people?
I did not get it when Cole started to work with Jesse like he just disliked him rather than hating him. There was such strong hatred in the earlier chapters that just randomly got downgraded to annoyance/dislike after Cole found out that Jesse was gay. I felt like I missed a scene or something that showed Cole warning up to his stepbrother.
The will itself was ridiculous. I could already barely suspend disbelief that a dead person's will had enough authority to essentially force Jesse into literally leaving his life in Seattle with only a three day notice, but I completely lost it when the lawyer stipulated that Cole and Jesse needed to also get on good terms. So the will had the legal power to both enforce two independent adults' physical locations (forcing them to stay on the ranch) AND emotional attachments (because Cole and Jesse needed to show "genuine cooperation") to fulfill its requirements.
I had to DNF when the story timeskips a full MONTH after they signed the contract and then Jesse trauma dumps onto Cole magically giving him context and repairing their relationship. I already had issues with the author just telling us things that should've been shown, but Jesse's first few days back interacting with Cole should 100% definitely been shown instead of timelapsed. Like wtf? Then the whole "I left because you and dad were shitty to me" was so dumb. 1. If Cole truly was angry at Jesse, he shouldn't have taken Jesse's words at face value and called him a liar/been more antagonistic. What was that Evelyn said about him being angry? He sure didn't seem like it to me considering how quickly his anger disappeared. AND 2. Apparently, Jesse's stepdad Tell me again why Jesse was apparently not mad at his stepdad for basically abandoning him at his time of need? Why was this just coming out now when apparently it was such a big issue for him then?
I just couldn't continue with the lack of any real anger in the characters. The story's entire premise is based on a betrayal of trust on multiple fronts:
- Cole felt betrayed by Jesse when he left and stayed out of contact for 15 years
- Cole felt betrayed by his family for how they were basically inviting Jesse back as the prodigal son
- Jesse felt betrayed by both Cole and his stepdad for how they failed him as a gay teenager
Serious shit that the characters are rightfully angry for at the start and yet, none of those betrayals ever actually last longer than 2-3 chapters before the characters just start acting cordial and polite to one another. Why even make the story have them act mad when Cole just starts becoming protective of Jesse on page 62? Where was the active reconciliation? The groveling? Both MCs were responsible for causing each other pain, why did they not need to address that before their relationship improved? I'm rating this 1.5 stars (rounded up, but just barely)
January 20, 2026
Eh it just isn't for me. DNF 67%.
It didn't feel like a second chance romance (and I often don't like that trope; I was glad it didn't seem that way)bc the two stepbrothers weren't together before one left, and I enjoyed the angsty opening with the one coming back for his stepfather's (the other hero's father's) funeral after not having seen or spoken to either for 15 years. The first like 30% was fun with them having to agree to work together and live on the ranch. But when they start getting involved, it...devolved for me.
Basically there's just too much info on how one got all this experience with the ecology students, the circus guy, tons of hookups...it was mentioned before and after every encounter, either in his head or out loud, and it just made it all feel perfunctory, like he's just doing to the other hero all this stuff he learned/did with everyone else, and it didn't feel emotional or intimate or special, it was just sex. Kind of icky too bc they keep doing it bare and there's no mention of tests or being negative, and honestly, using spit for lube sounds painful.
There's also not enough info on why MC Jesse punched their father and left and cut them off with no word. I couldn't tell if he was also angry with Cole or not. Maybe they discuss it later? But too late for me. It sounded like he was pissed bc the ranch hands at the time were homophobic assholes who called him the F word (fair, I wouldn't stay either) but I couldn't tell if the late father thought that way too and that's why he punched him and left, or...what. There's also no info on how 18 year old Jesse lived when he left. Somehow he went to college and became a hot shit marketer. But...how'd he pay for it? Who'd he stay with at first? Was it magical fairy godfathers???
I also disliked Jesse for not ever getting in touch for 15 years. Cole was damn right to be pissed about his father forcing them to work together to keep the ranch that Cole worked to the bone and kept going through his father's illness and death, which Jesse knew zippo about because he never called or anything. Just legit did not care. Poor Cole. Jesse read like a jerk to me. I never warmed up to him and his sexpertise ways, and he just slides back on in and makes everything better with his farm-to-table ideas. It didn't feel authentic.
I loved the idea of it, but the execution didn't work for me. Oh well.
HEA, stepbrothers, ranch owners, forced proximity/forced to work together to keep the inheritance. NO OM action, mild drama bc Jesse has a boyfriend back in Seattle when he comes back, but, they break up when Jesse decides to stay (and the guy seems like a total jerk, which says little for Jesse's taste in men). Their romance feels more like one of conveninece. Cole's been pining for Jesse all this time, but Jesse has...not. Bigtime. I don't know, it wasn't romantic. NOt recommended, but not not recommended? Probaby will work well for other people. Just not my bag. And not enough focus on horses and riding 😂
But also that cover got me...beautiful. Love it. But also...why they both have the same/similar tats? Only Jesse is supposed to have tats. Tribal tats though...because...WHY?! 😤
It didn't feel like a second chance romance (and I often don't like that trope; I was glad it didn't seem that way)bc the two stepbrothers weren't together before one left, and I enjoyed the angsty opening with the one coming back for his stepfather's (the other hero's father's) funeral after not having seen or spoken to either for 15 years. The first like 30% was fun with them having to agree to work together and live on the ranch. But when they start getting involved, it...devolved for me.
Basically there's just too much info on how one got all this experience with the ecology students, the circus guy, tons of hookups...it was mentioned before and after every encounter, either in his head or out loud, and it just made it all feel perfunctory, like he's just doing to the other hero all this stuff he learned/did with everyone else, and it didn't feel emotional or intimate or special, it was just sex. Kind of icky too bc they keep doing it bare and there's no mention of tests or being negative, and honestly, using spit for lube sounds painful.
There's also not enough info on why MC Jesse punched their father and left and cut them off with no word. I couldn't tell if he was also angry with Cole or not. Maybe they discuss it later? But too late for me. It sounded like he was pissed bc the ranch hands at the time were homophobic assholes who called him the F word (fair, I wouldn't stay either) but I couldn't tell if the late father thought that way too and that's why he punched him and left, or...what. There's also no info on how 18 year old Jesse lived when he left. Somehow he went to college and became a hot shit marketer. But...how'd he pay for it? Who'd he stay with at first? Was it magical fairy godfathers???
I also disliked Jesse for not ever getting in touch for 15 years. Cole was damn right to be pissed about his father forcing them to work together to keep the ranch that Cole worked to the bone and kept going through his father's illness and death, which Jesse knew zippo about because he never called or anything. Just legit did not care. Poor Cole. Jesse read like a jerk to me. I never warmed up to him and his sexpertise ways, and he just slides back on in and makes everything better with his farm-to-table ideas. It didn't feel authentic.
I loved the idea of it, but the execution didn't work for me. Oh well.
HEA, stepbrothers, ranch owners, forced proximity/forced to work together to keep the inheritance. NO OM action, mild drama bc Jesse has a boyfriend back in Seattle when he comes back, but, they break up when Jesse decides to stay (and the guy seems like a total jerk, which says little for Jesse's taste in men). Their romance feels more like one of conveninece. Cole's been pining for Jesse all this time, but Jesse has...not. Bigtime. I don't know, it wasn't romantic. NOt recommended, but not not recommended? Probaby will work well for other people. Just not my bag. And not enough focus on horses and riding 😂
But also that cover got me...beautiful. Love it. But also...why they both have the same/similar tats? Only Jesse is supposed to have tats. Tribal tats though...because...WHY?! 😤
December 3, 2025
I devoured this book!
I like the slightly darker side of this new universe. The relationship between Jesse and Cole is full of resentment and misunderstanding. Their relationship, as well as Jesse's relationship with Jack (Cole's father and Jesse's stepfather), suffered greatly from the death of Jesse's mother. As if she were the glue that held their blended family together, once she was gone, the three men were unable to maintain balance. Jesse ran away. He was just a teenager.
Fifteen years later, a second death brings them together. This time, it is Jack's death that forces them to confront each other and face feelings and emotions that they were too young at the time to grasp, accept, and understand.
One tragic event separates them, another brings them back together. The evolution of their relationship, from animosity that is more like resentment and miscommunication to a return to friendship and love, is very well done. Cole's progress in particular, as he faces the gaze of others, confronts his own judgments, and accepts the truth hidden in his heart, is especially well written. We experience with them Cole's two steps forward and one step back before he finally realizes that he cannot live without Jesse.
A beautiful story, difficult moments, two stubborn men fighting each other and themselves to move forward and evolve. But also lots of tender moments and beautiful, particularly spicy scenes.
I recommend this book 100% and eagerly await the next volume!
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J'ai dévoré ce livre !
J'aime le côté un peu plus sombre de ce nouvel univers. La relation entre Jesse est Cole est pleine de rancoeurs et d'incompréhensions. Leur relation ainsi que celle de Jesse avec Jack (père de Cole et beau-père de Jesse) a extrêmement souffert du décès de la mère de Jesse. Comme si elle était le liant dans leur famille recomposé, elle partie les trois hommes n'ont pas su maintenir l'équilibre. Jesse a fuit. Il n'était qu'un adolescent.
Quinze ans plus tard, c'est un second décès qui les réunis, cette fois c'est celui de Jack qui va leur imposer de se confronter l'un à l'autre, de faire face à des sentiments, des émotions qu'ils étaient à l'époque trop jeunes pour appréhender, accepter et comprendre.
Un évènement tragique va les séparer, un second les réunir. L'évolution de leur relation, de l'animosité qui s'apparente plus à de la rancoeur et une mauvaise communicaiton vers le retour de l'amitié et l'amour, est très bien amené. Et la progression de Cole en particulier qui doit faire face au regard des autres, faire face à ses propres jugements et accepter la vérité qui se cache dans son coeur est particulièrement bien écrite, on vit avec eux les pas en avant pour deux en arrière de Cole avant qu'il ne se rende à l'évidence, il ne peut pas vivre sans Jesse.
Une belle histoire, des moments difficiles, deux hommes têtus qui se battent l'un contre l'autre et contre eux-mêmes pour avancer et évoluer. Mais également beaucoup de moments tendres et de belles scènes particulièrement épicées.
Je recommande à 100% se livre et j'attends avec impatience le prochain tome !
I like the slightly darker side of this new universe. The relationship between Jesse and Cole is full of resentment and misunderstanding. Their relationship, as well as Jesse's relationship with Jack (Cole's father and Jesse's stepfather), suffered greatly from the death of Jesse's mother. As if she were the glue that held their blended family together, once she was gone, the three men were unable to maintain balance. Jesse ran away. He was just a teenager.
Fifteen years later, a second death brings them together. This time, it is Jack's death that forces them to confront each other and face feelings and emotions that they were too young at the time to grasp, accept, and understand.
One tragic event separates them, another brings them back together. The evolution of their relationship, from animosity that is more like resentment and miscommunication to a return to friendship and love, is very well done. Cole's progress in particular, as he faces the gaze of others, confronts his own judgments, and accepts the truth hidden in his heart, is especially well written. We experience with them Cole's two steps forward and one step back before he finally realizes that he cannot live without Jesse.
A beautiful story, difficult moments, two stubborn men fighting each other and themselves to move forward and evolve. But also lots of tender moments and beautiful, particularly spicy scenes.
I recommend this book 100% and eagerly await the next volume!
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J'ai dévoré ce livre !
J'aime le côté un peu plus sombre de ce nouvel univers. La relation entre Jesse est Cole est pleine de rancoeurs et d'incompréhensions. Leur relation ainsi que celle de Jesse avec Jack (père de Cole et beau-père de Jesse) a extrêmement souffert du décès de la mère de Jesse. Comme si elle était le liant dans leur famille recomposé, elle partie les trois hommes n'ont pas su maintenir l'équilibre. Jesse a fuit. Il n'était qu'un adolescent.
Quinze ans plus tard, c'est un second décès qui les réunis, cette fois c'est celui de Jack qui va leur imposer de se confronter l'un à l'autre, de faire face à des sentiments, des émotions qu'ils étaient à l'époque trop jeunes pour appréhender, accepter et comprendre.
Un évènement tragique va les séparer, un second les réunir. L'évolution de leur relation, de l'animosité qui s'apparente plus à de la rancoeur et une mauvaise communicaiton vers le retour de l'amitié et l'amour, est très bien amené. Et la progression de Cole en particulier qui doit faire face au regard des autres, faire face à ses propres jugements et accepter la vérité qui se cache dans son coeur est particulièrement bien écrite, on vit avec eux les pas en avant pour deux en arrière de Cole avant qu'il ne se rende à l'évidence, il ne peut pas vivre sans Jesse.
Une belle histoire, des moments difficiles, deux hommes têtus qui se battent l'un contre l'autre et contre eux-mêmes pour avancer et évoluer. Mais également beaucoup de moments tendres et de belles scènes particulièrement épicées.
Je recommande à 100% se livre et j'attends avec impatience le prochain tome !
December 7, 2025
Whether he's writing under the Atreus Rosewood or Blake R.Wolfe nom de plume, this author has a way with stubborn men be they shifters or tall, smexy, Stetsoned cowboys.
The relationship between Jesse Harris ("Haven't gone by Nelson in a long time." p 10) and his estranged family, stepdad Jack and stepbrother Cole, didn't survive the death of his mom, Jack's second wife. He ran away after a horrible argument, and 15 years later comes home for Jack's funeral. In a last attempt to reunite his family, Jack structures his will to force the two to live and work together for a year.
I got major Prodigal Son vibes from this one. Cole struggled for 15 years to keep the ranch together. And he resented that Jesse was going to get half. If they didn't screw things up. Jesse's guilt makes him agree to the will's terms because he couldn't let Cole lose his heritage.
There's angst. And then there's the Nelson boys angst. Cole is just one big pile of anger, resentment and guilt for lusting after Jesse. Jesse, on the other hand, always knew he was gay. And had always been attracted to Cole.
From page one, from the rain sodden funeral, author Rosewood grabbed my attention. Through all the drama, ranchwork, fighting, I couldn't put this down. The spice was blistering hot. There were definitely some big emotions here. Great descriptions of Montana, excellent worldbuild. Good secondaries. Both men needed some healing. The finding family was done beautifully.
The author does bring up farm to table sustainability and the plight of today's ranchers. Cutting out the middleman, where the major profits from beef production go. So, interesting and timely as well.
I really enjoy the author's shifter universes. But I really loved his cowboys.
I received an advanced copy of this ebook and this is my review.
The relationship between Jesse Harris ("Haven't gone by Nelson in a long time." p 10) and his estranged family, stepdad Jack and stepbrother Cole, didn't survive the death of his mom, Jack's second wife. He ran away after a horrible argument, and 15 years later comes home for Jack's funeral. In a last attempt to reunite his family, Jack structures his will to force the two to live and work together for a year.
I got major Prodigal Son vibes from this one. Cole struggled for 15 years to keep the ranch together. And he resented that Jesse was going to get half. If they didn't screw things up. Jesse's guilt makes him agree to the will's terms because he couldn't let Cole lose his heritage.
There's angst. And then there's the Nelson boys angst. Cole is just one big pile of anger, resentment and guilt for lusting after Jesse. Jesse, on the other hand, always knew he was gay. And had always been attracted to Cole.
From page one, from the rain sodden funeral, author Rosewood grabbed my attention. Through all the drama, ranchwork, fighting, I couldn't put this down. The spice was blistering hot. There were definitely some big emotions here. Great descriptions of Montana, excellent worldbuild. Good secondaries. Both men needed some healing. The finding family was done beautifully.
The author does bring up farm to table sustainability and the plight of today's ranchers. Cutting out the middleman, where the major profits from beef production go. So, interesting and timely as well.
I really enjoy the author's shifter universes. But I really loved his cowboys.
I received an advanced copy of this ebook and this is my review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 stars
WOW!
There is so much unresolved tension between Jesse and Cole, from their secret teenage attraction to Jesse leaving for fifteen years, their trust issues and doubts about one another and whether they can fulfill the requirements of the will and keep the ranch, and to their current sexual attraction. The angst is high, but it is balanced with sweet, genuine moments, two really different, but likeable in their own way men, and the steamy sexy times.
Jesse and Cole compliment each other, but it takes a while for them to get around to accepting and trusting one another enough to allow a deeper connection to develop. Although Jesse is more willing and it takes Cole longer to get there, they do manage to get past fears and doubts and outside forces trying to ruin things for them.
This book is well written and fast paced. Jesse and Cole are wonderful MC's, each with their own issues to work through while fighting to work together and manage the extra feelings they have towards one another. There is an interesting twist at the end that I wasn't expecting, one that initially caused even more emotional upheaval before a resolution was found from a truly unexpected source. There are some intriguing secondary characters - some I love, and some that are just nasty - that add depth to the overall story.
I absolutely love Jesse and Cole, their ranch, and this new series. I'm looking forward to seeing where the next book takes me and I would definitely recommend this book.
I received an ARC, this is my honest opinion.
WOW!
There is so much unresolved tension between Jesse and Cole, from their secret teenage attraction to Jesse leaving for fifteen years, their trust issues and doubts about one another and whether they can fulfill the requirements of the will and keep the ranch, and to their current sexual attraction. The angst is high, but it is balanced with sweet, genuine moments, two really different, but likeable in their own way men, and the steamy sexy times.
Jesse and Cole compliment each other, but it takes a while for them to get around to accepting and trusting one another enough to allow a deeper connection to develop. Although Jesse is more willing and it takes Cole longer to get there, they do manage to get past fears and doubts and outside forces trying to ruin things for them.
This book is well written and fast paced. Jesse and Cole are wonderful MC's, each with their own issues to work through while fighting to work together and manage the extra feelings they have towards one another. There is an interesting twist at the end that I wasn't expecting, one that initially caused even more emotional upheaval before a resolution was found from a truly unexpected source. There are some intriguing secondary characters - some I love, and some that are just nasty - that add depth to the overall story.
I absolutely love Jesse and Cole, their ranch, and this new series. I'm looking forward to seeing where the next book takes me and I would definitely recommend this book.
I received an ARC, this is my honest opinion.
January 4, 2026
After years of animosity, Jesse returns home for their father’s funeral, only to discover that he must face his greatest rival—his stepbrother Cole. Having loathed each other for 15 years, they are anything but cordial. However, as they gather to read the will, they realize that circumstances compel them to work together to save the family ranch.
The tension between them is palpable, with unresolved issues bubbling just beneath the surface. Through confronting the family legacy they share, Jesse and Cole begin to peel back the layers of anger that have defined their relationship. They discover that what they had mistaken for hatred may be deep-seated feelings long ignored. Navigating the complexities of their shared past, they grapple with both the pain and the possibility of a fresh start.
As the story unfolds, Jesse and Cole's journey from enemies to lovers is punctuated by unexpected twists that keep readers engaged. The heat of their unresolved tension ignites into something more as they face challenges that require cooperation and trust. Their experiences force them to confront both family obligations and their own desires. By yielding to their true feelings, they find a path to healing and ultimately, a satisfying, happy-ever-after.
The tension between them is palpable, with unresolved issues bubbling just beneath the surface. Through confronting the family legacy they share, Jesse and Cole begin to peel back the layers of anger that have defined their relationship. They discover that what they had mistaken for hatred may be deep-seated feelings long ignored. Navigating the complexities of their shared past, they grapple with both the pain and the possibility of a fresh start.
As the story unfolds, Jesse and Cole's journey from enemies to lovers is punctuated by unexpected twists that keep readers engaged. The heat of their unresolved tension ignites into something more as they face challenges that require cooperation and trust. Their experiences force them to confront both family obligations and their own desires. By yielding to their true feelings, they find a path to healing and ultimately, a satisfying, happy-ever-after.
December 27, 2025
i couldn’t out it down
I loved this book so much. I’ve never read anything by this author before, but I definitely will be reading more of their work. It was a perfect balance of smart and angst and comfort and hurt. I absolutely love the characters. I’m not usually into a hurt/comfort read but boy did this. Change my mind. I reached my reading goal of 125 book at the beginning of November and I’ve been in a reading slump ever since. DNFing looks pretty much as soon as I start them. This was the first one I was able to finally read when it came out on the 24th… the only disappointing thing is that I read it all in 1 day.
I loved this book so much. I’ve never read anything by this author before, but I definitely will be reading more of their work. It was a perfect balance of smart and angst and comfort and hurt. I absolutely love the characters. I’m not usually into a hurt/comfort read but boy did this. Change my mind. I reached my reading goal of 125 book at the beginning of November and I’ve been in a reading slump ever since. DNFing looks pretty much as soon as I start them. This was the first one I was able to finally read when it came out on the 24th… the only disappointing thing is that I read it all in 1 day.
January 19, 2026
Have you ever read a book that you struggled to get through despite nothing being wrong with the book?
This book had all the good elements. Forced Proximity, cowboys, strong characters/ character development, spicy with the step brothers element. Yet I struggled to read it. As a matter of fact I soft DNFd for a couple days to read another book.
Cole and Jesse have a believable romance and connection. This is a slow burn that’s perfectly paced and I would definitely recommend it to someone who loves all those troupes but the mood reading struck again and I struggled to get through this!
3.75/5 ⭐️
2.75/5 🌶️
This book had all the good elements. Forced Proximity, cowboys, strong characters/ character development, spicy with the step brothers element. Yet I struggled to read it. As a matter of fact I soft DNFd for a couple days to read another book.
Cole and Jesse have a believable romance and connection. This is a slow burn that’s perfectly paced and I would definitely recommend it to someone who loves all those troupes but the mood reading struck again and I struggled to get through this!
3.75/5 ⭐️
2.75/5 🌶️
Review of advance copy received from Author
Cole and Jesse are step-brothers that haven't seen each other in 15 years. Jesse is back in Hell Creek for the funeral of his step-father and little does he and Cole know that their lives are about to get a whole lot more complicated
There is a lot of unresolved feelings, family drama, resentment and the reading of a will that changes everything.
Both have been in love with they other since childhood but never did anything about it and once they have to live together for a year those feelings come back full force.
Lots of drama, its complicated moments and a HEA.
There is a lot of unresolved feelings, family drama, resentment and the reading of a will that changes everything.
Both have been in love with they other since childhood but never did anything about it and once they have to live together for a year those feelings come back full force.
Lots of drama, its complicated moments and a HEA.
December 29, 2025
While the premise is entertaining, the book ultimately lacks real depth or a meaningful story. It feels less like a thoughtfully developed novel and more like an excuse to sell smut without requiring much engagement from the reader. It promises something akin to Brokeback Mountain, but without the emotional weight or character growth that made that story resonate. That’s what makes it so disappointing—there were countless opportunities to build rich, compelling characters, yet none of them were fully realized.
January 5, 2026
No idea how I came across this book/author, but MM stepbrothers enemies to lovers is my favorite thing so said screw my TBR and dove in and so happy that I did.
I absolutely loved Cole and Jesse's story and their hard fought for HEA.
I enjoyed the angst, the tension, the chemistry, and of course the spice 🥵
I loved how it wasn't just straight to lovers without any work put in after they first hooked up.
Mack however (side character) can get f*cked by a 🌵 ugh it's been awhile since I disliked a side character that much 🤬
Spice 🌶 🌶 🌶 🌶
I absolutely loved Cole and Jesse's story and their hard fought for HEA.
I enjoyed the angst, the tension, the chemistry, and of course the spice 🥵
I loved how it wasn't just straight to lovers without any work put in after they first hooked up.
Mack however (side character) can get f*cked by a 🌵 ugh it's been awhile since I disliked a side character that much 🤬
Spice 🌶 🌶 🌶 🌶
January 19, 2026
When I started this book, I knew it would make me cry by the end. And the (happy) tears are still in my eyes after over an hour since I started boohooing. This book absolutely eviscerated my heart and soul in the best way. Enemies to lovers, taboo, and angst are a recipe for a great story IMO, and this exceeded any expectation I could've had prior to starting the journey for how deeply this reached me. Second book of the duet has been pre-ordered and I literally want to read this over again. It's a 10/5 for me, dawg.
January 15, 2026
3,75⭐️
Story and characters interesting, deep diving into the shame of Cole about his sexuality and their family connection, sweet moments and hot smut
I know the author is a gay man and he’s supposed to know what he’s writing about, but I’m sorry, their first time with just spit, no prep (and no condom)? And Cole’s first time bottoming with absolutely no prep? 😖 I’m hurting just reading it
Story and characters interesting, deep diving into the shame of Cole about his sexuality and their family connection, sweet moments and hot smut
I know the author is a gay man and he’s supposed to know what he’s writing about, but I’m sorry, their first time with just spit, no prep (and no condom)? And Cole’s first time bottoming with absolutely no prep? 😖 I’m hurting just reading it
December 29, 2025
So good
This was a great book! The spice was just right. Loved the characters! The storyline was on point. I literally could not put the book down. It gave me all the feels. It was so good!
This was a great book! The spice was just right. Loved the characters! The storyline was on point. I literally could not put the book down. It gave me all the feels. It was so good!
January 10, 2026
This is gewd! Jesse and Cole, spent some years together as step-siblings when Jesse’s mum married Cole’s father.
Review pending
Nice little plot twist near the end, which is fabulous for this small town.
Review pending
Nice little plot twist near the end, which is fabulous for this small town.
January 14, 2026
Boy meets boy, boy behaves as if he hates boy, boy gets boy. Jesse and Cole were good friends until Jesse's mother took him to Seattle, but 15 years later, Jesse came back to Hell Creek Ranch. Cole acts as if he has no use for Jesse, but as they work together more, the marketing skills Jesse learned in Seattle prove to drive nationwide sales. This saves the ranch. Jesse and Cole look at each other differently after that, and they become lovers. Evelyn, the housekeeper, approves.
January 14, 2026
audiobook ruined it
Overall I think the story was really good but the virtual audiobook just ruined it there were no sense of emotion and the dialog was read at the same level and tone the entire book. It can’t read contractions or names either
Overall I think the story was really good but the virtual audiobook just ruined it there were no sense of emotion and the dialog was read at the same level and tone the entire book. It can’t read contractions or names either
January 15, 2026
I absolutely love Atreus Rosewoods writing! I hope to see several more books come out of this series. I’m impatiently waiting for the next one to release! I absolutely loved Jesse and Cole’s story! The spice in this book was 10/10!
January 10, 2026
A good read ✨
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 16, 2026
Such a short and cute story. loved it!
January 18, 2026
Wonderfully romantic and . . . who doesn't love a good cowboy love story?
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