The Banker and the Blue Collar Man

Snow Creek Ranch

by Jackie North

Love can be found in unexpected places

As a ranch hand on a sprawling ranch in Colorado, Jake finds comfort in routine. Now, the ranch is being transformed into a dude ranch for troubled LGBTQ youths from the city. It’s a change Jake resists, fearing the loss of the ranch’s soul.

Dalton, a banker from Denver, arrives at the ranch to deliver three young men to partake in what the ranch now offers. He’d love to escape his chaotic life, but he feels out of place in the vast, open landscape and has no idea how to fit in, so he doesn’t plan on staying.

To Jake, Dalton is a city boy with tassels on his shoes. Plus, he’s afraid of horses. Jake is not interested, except Dalton is as pretty as a sunrise, with blue eyes reflecting the Colorado sky above, a combination almost impossible for Jake to resist.

To Dalton, Jake is a dusty cowboy with chiseled features and a distant air; he probably hates everyone and everything. Dalton does his best to stay out of Jake’s way.

Dalton attempts getting on a horse, in spite of his fears, and when he gets tossed off, it's Jake who hauls him to his feet, dusts him off, and teaches him how to ride.

Long days on the ranch lead to late-night talks under the stars. Slowly, they challenge each other. Dalton helps Jake see the beauty in change, while Jake offers Dalton a sense of belonging. Will they put aside their own fears and realize that love can be found in the most unexpected of places?

The Banker and the Blue Collar Man is a 90,000 word contemporary mm romance featuring opposites attract, slow burn, endless flirting, hurt/comfort, fish out of water, only one cot, city boy/country boy, a buckskin named Buddy, and, of course, s’mores over a campfire. Definite HEA.

Genres: Romance, M M Romance, Westerns, Contemporary, Spicy

315 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 12, 2026

About the author

Jackie North has been writing stories since grade school and spent years absorbing the mainstream romances that she found at her local grocery store. She also wanted to put her English degree to good use and write romance novels, because for years she’s had a never-ending movie of made-up love stories in her head that simply wouldn’t leave her alone.

As fate would have it, she discovered m/m romance and decided that men falling in love with other men was exactly what she wanted to write books about.

She creates characters who are a bit flawed and broken, who find themselves on the edge of society, and maybe a few who are a little bit lost, but who all deserve a happily ever after. (And she makes sure they get it!)

She likes long walks on the beach, the smell of lavender and rainstorms, and enjoys sleeping in on snowy mornings. She is especially fond of pizza and beer and, when time allows, long road trips with soda fountain drinks and rock and roll music. In her heart, there is peace to be found everywhere, but since in the real world this isn’t always true, Jackie writes for love.

Reviews

[ivanareadsalot · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

I would like to thank GRR for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

🐴🍰🌳

Surprisingly, the narrative wasn't quite the Jackie North cadence that typically gives me warm and fuzzy feelings, but this was still a lovely, sweet and spicy romance that I enjoyed.

Fairly insta, but I dug Jake's sort of old-timey innocence to his mooning over pretty Dalton, and his timid-but-trying-new-things vibe. Jake's affection was soothing to Dalton's skittishness, and so obvs their body-rocking was scorching when they lost their horny minds omg! We love a freak in the sheets though ngl!

Hot stuff aside, Jake and Dalton were both good, kind men, with hearts made for loving and being loved, and I'd ached for what they'd endured at the hands of past people who were supposed to care for them and keep them safe.

Luckily Snow Creek Ranch has been saving lives and giving a safe home and stability to everyone who eventually ends up there. And so their sad boi-life story-to-HEA journey was a lovely, healing one, and an earnest, tender addition to this series!

Special shout-out to the Cottonwood trees, that have been fluffing up my river walks for years and years, finally making it into a romance!

And ofc BIG LOVE to all the soft-hearted, animal-whisperers out there who need actual consoling whenever they've to deal with skinny and malnourished predators encroaching on their ranch/farmland. We see you, hungry kings.

Jake's tender-heartedness for starving wildlife, was in part related to his food insecurity trauma, from all his years surviving hunger and abuse. I found his journey deeply moving, and the way his food insecurity trauma manifested on the daily is something that I will never ever forget! He gets double servings of every dish, at every meal, 3 times a day, plus snacks/midnight-anytime cravings, for the rest of his life, if I have anything to say about it! And I'm very glad Dalton AND every single person on Snow Creek Ranch who knows and loves Jake, feels exactly the same way as I do!

[Haunted_toastie · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was fine - spoilers ahead

I was really looking forward to Jake's book, ordinarily I devour a book of this length in one day. This book, however, took me 4 days because it wasn't grabbing me. I almost dnf at 70% but I thought yknow, I'm this far in, it'll annoy me if I miss something important.


I didn't.

I understand the books are using the same universe but are standalones, but right off the bat this book took me out of it by claiming Walter had cancer he didn't mention, while other books have gone with he had a heart attack after a fire. He'd also never met Lucas, at all. So Lucas definitely hadn't talked about how they used to go fly fishing.


It was fine, it wasn't how I saw Jake's book going and while I am a big ole sucker for marriage at the end of books, getting engaged before even saying they loved each other just felt forced and meh.


I love shared universes as I often find new authors to try. This author won't be one I'll seek out again.


The lack of continuity re Walter really took me out of the book.

[... · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this author's two Farthingdale series so much that I snatched this up without reading the blurb or realizing that it's actually part of an entirely different series 😂 I'm definitely not mad about it, though. Jake is the epitome of sweetness and devotion, and the story was wholesome and lovely. The writing was.... clunkier than I remember from her other books? And despite alternating POV chapters it felt like the voice stayed the same - in a stilted way that felt like it fit Jake but not Dalton - to the point that a few times I had to flip back and remind myself whose POV I was reading. Still, those small quibbles aside, it left my heart happy and I'm glad I found it. 🥰

[Aki | nose buried in books | ❤️ |]

Dnf al 54%

I am so, so bored. This story isn't engaging at all, I cannot even bring myself to skim and finish it.
I've read the #1 and #2 books in this multi authors series, and I've only liked the #1. I was curious to read Jake's story, but here i am, bummed. And why the authors didn't make a group chat to agree on the plot basics? It's bothering me so much!

[Betty Loves Books Galore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an opposites attract cowboy romance, featuring Jake and Dalton, and is book six released in the multi author series called Snow Creek Ranch.

Jake is a ranch hand who doesn’t like change, while Dalton, a city banker, feels completely out of place on the ranch. As Jake teaches Dalton to ride, the two grow closer and discover there could be something more between them.

I am loving this series and the found family finding their HEA. I’ve been waiting for Jake’s book, and it lived up to my expectations. These two are so beautiful together, I was seriously swooning from the beginning, I just loved how gentle and earnest Jake was.

There’s just one more book left in this series, but I feel like I need more. Each book is low angst and super sweet.

Things to expect in this book are:
Book 6
Multi author series
MM cowboy romance
Small town
Slow burn
Ranch setting
Opposites attract
Banker x Ranch hand
City boy x Country boy
Hurt / Comfort
Caretaking
Holding hands
Kisses his forehead
Spicy times
Outdoor s*x
Admit feelings
Found family
HEA

[Denise H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dalton and Jake find their peace !

Banker, Dalton, delivered LGBTQ youngsters to help them get a life started. Little did he know he would find his dream.
Jake had been delivered there many years ago and ended up in beautiful surroundings and work he loved. He was happy to help the kids assimilate.
Dalton and Jake fit together well. Their sexy times were excellent in every way.
Our men found out there pasts had a similar vein, though different, and their bond strengthened.
We get a heartwarming message and hope for the futures of all.
This story is marvelous in many ways. There are lessons and delights found, plus deep thoughts and unexpected changes.
Wonderfully written and totally worthwhile.
ENJOY !

=====

[Fay MMBookworm]

I wanted love this but as soon as I started reading the book sounded very similar the other books in the series. I thought I’d read this before the same themes mentioned. I’m going at pass DNF

[Denise Burris GremoryKohta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This one hit me in the feels hard. So much pain they went through. Their courtship was so beautiful. As much as I loved their story, my favorite parts were between Jake and Xander. I think they both needed those moments.

[Edga · Rating 4 out of 5]

While the pacing felt a little on the slow side at times, this is a beautiful love story and a worthy addition to the Snow Creek Ranch series. Jake is a survivor of a harsh, neglectful foster care system, which has left him convinced he isn't built for family or commitment. Meanwhile, Dalton has endured years of emotional abuse from his family, leaving him feeling unworthy and lacking confidence. Once again, the ranch itself steals the show, Jackie delivers atmospheric descriptions of the surrounding wilderness, quiet sunrises, and breathtaking starry skies:

"Let me take you to the creek. Let me drive you to see a sunset over Greyrock Mountain. Let me take your hand and show you the stars."

The spark between these two is almost instant, but fear keeps them pulling back as they try to protect each other from their own baggage. Fortunately, their love deepens over time, championed by a rowdy bunch of LGBTQ+ teens and a supportive inner circle. The secondary cast is just as captivating as the leads, it was wonderful to see familiar faces from previous books eager to play matchmaker. I particularly loved watching Jake and Dalton transition from friends to lovers, their romance is incredibly sweet. Overall, this story is an emotional rollercoaster that serves as a fantastic conclusion to the series. It is a definite must read for fans, and a series you absolutely do not want to miss!

[Julie Underhill · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Banker and the Blue Collar Man by Jackie North is part of the Snow Creek Ranch series by various authors. It is the story of two men, one without a family and the other whose family didn’t pay attention to him, how they met at Snow Creek Ranch and were able to find what they needed in each other as they fell in love. Jake Colter had grown up in many foster families, often passed on when they thought he was too wild. He had done without food, was sometimes beaten, and was always considered less than so he learned how to avoid anything that might get him in trouble. When he aged out, he was lucky to be taken to Snow Creek Ranch where Walter Barrett, the owner, took him under his wing, taught him to be a ranch hand, and treated him like a son so he finally had a family. He had been there for 12 years when Walter died and the ranch passed to his son Lucas, who wanted to make some changes by having some cabins there for paying visitors and also inviting LBGTQ youth to come, learn ranch life, and not be harassed about who they loved. Jake had had enough change in his life and didn’t like this but it wasn’t up to him so he just continued to do his job and do as he was told. Dalton Gayle had worked with Lucas as a financial analyst in Denver at a company where he wasn’t very happy but it paid his bills. When Lucas left, he was having a hard time, especially since he had always felt like an unwanted child in his family, with his parents ignoring him and his brothers only interacting when they needed him to do something for them. His parents had died in an accident and Dalton got the leftovers in the will. Lucas had asked him to take two boys, Dillon and Cameron, from The Center in Denver to the ranch and he was happy to get some time off to do it. When he got there, he met Jake and neither of them was very impressed with the other. Jake didn’t want to be with them and acted stand offish and thought Dalton was some kind of city kid playing at being a cowboy. Dalton didn’t like his attitude either so there was some friction. They took the boys to the Mercantile in Chance and got them outfitted with the clothing they would need for ranch life and Dalton thought he would be leaving to go back to Denver in the morning. But Jake was kind to him, bringing him water and a jacket and when Dalton sees him rope a calf he realizes there is a lot more to Jake and that he is a real cowboy. The next morning they convince him to go on a trail ride but he doesn’t want to because he is afraid of horses and sure enough, on the way back he gets bucked off. Jake once again takes care of him, tells him he was brave, and Jake is impressed when Dalton wants to check on his horse, Buddy. He stays for dinner and Jake brings him dessert and convinces him to stay a few more days. They go to a bonfire, and when Dalton finds out Jake had checked on him 5 times when he was resting and he is starting to see the very kind and caring man he is. They go to town for some clothes for Dalton and when he gets a call from one of his brothers that upsets him, he tells him he’s going to stay at the ranch, which makes Jake very happy. He has to get more time off and he starts working on the financial records for the ranch. They go for walks by the river and see the cottonwoods and then kiss and have a hot love scene. Before too long Dalton is staying in Jake’s cabin and they talk more about their lives and see that they were very similar. They also talk about their hopes and dreams and begin to grow closer. They go together to pick up another boy from the Center, Xander, and Jake sees himself in him and tries to help him, even when he did something he shouldn’t have. Dalton also finds himself without a job and decides to stay at the ranch with Jake. He has realized that Jake made him feel good, loved, and like he existed and mattered, something he hadn’t felt before. Jake has never felt for anyone like he does for Dalton who sees the real him and why he sometimes acts the way he does. They end up saying I love you, get married, and find land for the home they always wanted together. I really enjoyed this emotional story. Both men had gone through a lot growing up, especially Jake. He found his first home on the ranch and didn’t want to see it change because then he might have to change. Dalton also had a poor family life and once he saw how Jake cared for him and put him first it was easy for him to fall in love and the changes that came were good ones. Work on the ranch and having the kids there was a big part of the story. Lucas, Jesse, and the boys, especially Xander, were also important. I highly recommend this book, especially if you like stories about a man who grew up in foster care and never had a family, one who had a family but they didn’t care about him, and how they found the one they always wanted in each other at Snow Creek Ranch.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am really enjoying this series, this is my third book. I like the carryover of characters for context and continuity, and the stories are varied enough to keep things interesting.

Dalton works in finance and is good friends with Lucas, new co-owner of Snow Creek Ranch, a ranch in the Colorado Rockies that has been turned into a camp for LGTBQ young men who have aged out of the foster system and need somewhere to go to adjust to the changes in their lives and learn some skills. As a favor, Dalton agrees to bring two new kids to the ranch, then stay for a couple of days. Little does he know the couple of days turns into a week, then a few days more, all because he has 1) fallen in love with the ranch, and 2) fallen in love with ranch hand/cowboy Jake.

Jake has been at the ranch for the last 12 years, arriving much as the current boys did, hired by the former owner, Walter, Lucas’s grandfather. The ranch is home, the first one he’s ever had, having grown up in the foster system from the age of 3, never loved or fitting in. The ranch has given him the home he had longed for and he will do anything for it, work whatever hours are needed, always giving back, caring for the land and the creatures on it.

When Jake and Dalton meet, the initial impression isn’t very good from either side, but as they get to know each other, Jake is awed by the caring of this pretty man. On his own side, Dalton notices Jake’s kindness to everyone, his gentleness around the animals, and the care he gives to the ranch and those he cares about. Dalton has never felt cared about from his own family, so protects his feelings to avoid being hurt. Jake does the same thing — until the two gravitate toward each other and find the caring they have been missing most of their lives. Their relationship is slow, at least on the emotional side, but they connect on the physical side, wanting and needing that connection, one that develops into feelings and fears of what happens when Dalton leaves. The backgrounds of both play a definite part in the second-guessing each does until circumstances force them to look realistically at where they are, what they each want, and what must be done to get it.

I adored both of these men, the way they cherished each other and learned to trust. The relationship Jake had with the people on the ranch, his care and concern for Xander, recognizing himself in this young man, his work ethic, and his love for Dalton was so special. Dalton found in Jake the love, care, support and protection he never felt he got growing up, Jake able to fill those empty places in his life and heart. These two were meant to be, and it was so satisfying to see them eventually get there.

I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the books, to watch for glimpses of Jake and Dalton, Lucas and Jesse, and the other couples that find love on the ranch, all with the side of the lost young men who arrive uncertain and scared, but finding a place to fit in and people who care about them and their lives. This series just makes me feel good, for the new couples and the young men who benefit from the program at the ranch. It is a series I can highly recommend, especially if you like cowboys, programs that do good for the kids from the foster system who end up on their own once they turn 18, world-building that creates mind pictures to visualize the ranch and the activities there, and realistic and relatable characters to keep you engaged in the story and their lives. Grab one and give it a try. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

[Annie Maus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jackie North’s “The Banker and the Blue Collar Man,” is so good I couldn’t stop highlighting paragraphs! And for a book which starts slow and sweet, this may be Ms. North’s raciest. These guys crave touch!

For Jake, that hunger may stem from early abuse, as he moved from foster home to foster home, until he “aged out” and was sent to Snow Creek Ranch for employment. Its former owner became a pseudo-dad, and Jake found his first warmth, stability and respect. The owner’s grandson, Lucas, has inherited Snow Creek and is accepting LGBTQ youngsters as volunteer “ranch hands” for life experience. After a youth when change spelled danger and losing his pseudo-dad, Jake is uncomfortable.

Dalton, was an “oops” baby, and was ignored by his parents and older brothers. As an adult, when his parents died in an accident getting Dalton at the airport, his brothers blamed their deaths on him and Dalton virtually lost all family. He works a soul-sucking job as an auditor, because he’s learned to ignore his needs. As a favor to Lucas, who had been his best friend and co-worker before inheriting Snow Creek Ranch, Dalton takes his first, short vacation, to deliver a couple of youth volunteers.

Jake and Dalton dislike each other, assuming the other fits stereotypes of cowboy and city man. But when Dalton challenges himself to ride a horse despite fear of them, then is thrown, yet shows concern the horse, Jake acknowledges his admiration. Compliments are new to Dalton and basks in the appreciation. It makes him note Jake’s serious, gentle, careful manner with everyone. Can Dalton make Jake smile? A courtship is born, giving Dalton an excuse to extend his vacation. But it won’t last. Right?

Each man is attracted to the other, sure. But in seeing one another’s courage, they find their own bravery, just in time for life to change and change yet again, moving trotting tale at an engaging clip.

As in all Ms. North’s novels, nature’s healing is everywhere. In fact, Jake has learned about people through nature’s ways: “’You’re as pretty as a sunrise,’ he said, warm and low. ‘When I’d long stopped looking at ’em.’” Old-fashioned romance abounds.

Or how about this? “Darkness put a mask on everything, letting you say things you might not normally say. Truth came out. And vulnerability,” Dalton thinks, as he realizes he wants to know Jake better. Nature cements their bond.

Normally not a fan of insta-love, I might have been put off by the speed with which the relationship cements. But neither man is co-dependent, and is repeatedly willing to walk away. Ms. North really understands Jake and Dalton. Their progression is intuitive, almost necessary, and their psychological puzzle pieces fit perfectly.

Jackie North’s “The Banker and the Blue Collar Man,” offers charming lessons on how and why to love, how and why to get past one’s past, and how to appreciate life’s blessing. It’s also a delightful Colorado getaway!

[Bill Bottomley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy. This review is submitted voluntarily.

Jake is a hand on the Stone Creek Ranch. He spent his whole life in the foster system until he was aged out. When he was eventually aged out, he had a chip on his shoulder and very low expectations of what was ahead. However, he was saved by Walter Barrett, the late owner of the ranch, and has spent the last 12 years working there, repaying the gift he received. He isn’t a big fan of change, even what is change for the good. Dalton is a close friend of Lucas, the current co-owner. He has agreed to drive two at-risk teens to the Ranch’s program for LGBTQ+ boys. He had a miserable childhood because of his parents’ lack of care for him and his brothers’ blaming Dalton for the parents’ deaths in an accident. Though he only planned to stay overnight and returning to his job in Denver but ends up staying a week and a bit. The initial meeting between Jake and Dalton doesn’t go well with each suspecting the other of dislike but it quickly turns around to courting.

The book is an interesting character study, given the backgrounds of the MCs. While there’s a hint of the grumpy/sunshine trope, in my view that’s too simple. Both have tough backgrounds and the tend to have low expectations of what life has to offer. Jake doesn’t really think that he can look forward to any form of love, and he knows that Dalton only has a finite time before he has to return to work. Dalton has his impending departure hanging over him like the sword of Damocles. He has never been loved and really doesn’t expect it. Essentially both tacitly agree to enjoy their time together, however long it may last. Fall in love they do however it takes a while before they stop having second thoughts about what each other is thinking. They’re sure that their trysts are secret, but eventually everybody knows including the teens that Dalton had delivered to the ranch. The action takes place mostly on the ranch, so there is little interaction with townsfolk. They are nonetheless supported by a relatively limited number of ranch hands. As well, they receive the backing of the teens who were brought there. In fact, the latter are cute where their interactions with Jake and Dalton are concerned.

This is the third book in this multi-author series that I’ve read (I reviewed two) and enjoyed. The characters are pretty consistent across the board.

[Pontiki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dalton arrives with two teens to his friend Lucas’ ranch, dropping the boys off to the program for LGBTQ+ kids who are on their own. He’s unhappy with his job, and visiting the ranch is a good break.

Jake is a rancher who knows just about everything involved in keeping things running. He grew up in foster homes and when he aged out of the system, the ranch owner, Lucas’ grandfather, gave him a job, a home, love and consistency he’d never had before. Now it’s in his blood, and he fears the changes Lucas is making with this new program.

But he does his best to help, getting the kids outfitted and putting Dalton on a trail ride, not knowing about his fear of horses. Dalton falls off his horse and Jake looks after him, and Dalton admires his mastery in looking after others, animal and human.

They both have a history of neglect, with Dalton being blamed by his brothers for their parent’s accidental death. They spend time together in and around Jake’s responsibilities, and Dalton is hired to do an audit for Lucas, as his grandfather left things in a mess.

Dalton and Jake are attracted to each other and start a fling, but their feelings grow and both are devastated as Dalton’s vacation is ending. He and Jake travel to the city so he can ask for extended leave and pick up another kid for the ranch program, but his boss is aggressive and Jake intervenes, then Dalton is unfairly fired.

It’s actually a relief for him because he hated his job, and with helping Lucas and a few other jobs for other ranchers, both Jake and Dalton admit their feelings and agree to move in together.

Jake’s dream to build a house on land of his own comes true with Dalton, using land he inherited to rent out water rights to, buying some land together with him.

A beautiful story of abandonment and loss, but perseverance and finally a place and people to call home. I love the images described of the ranch landscape, and how Jake is saved by the kindness and care of Lucas’ grandfather. He then saves Dalton from his own misery.

I received this ARC for free and am glad to provide my honest review of the book in gratitude.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
This book has a lot of emotional depth, hurt/comfort, a lot of healing, a found family vibe within Snow Creek Ranch, and two likeable and fully developed MC's that are so deserving of the love and HEA they find with one another.
Jake is a little cautious and closed off, he comes off as a grump, but that's mainly due to his stoic attitude and a face that he learned at an early age to show no emotions. He is an integral part of the ranch and does not like change.
Dalton is a city boy in desperate need of change, although he doesn't quite realize it. He's working a job he doesn't like and dealing with family that has never treated him as if he belonged. Helping out his friend Lucas - one of the owners of the ranch - he intends to only stay for one night, but one thing after another happens that extends his time there and he finds himself finding an unexpected peace there, a break from the stresses in his life.
Jake and Dalton couldn't be more opposite, but it is so heartwarming to follow their journey as they grow closer and help one another heal.
Their love story is the main focus of this book, but it also showcases SCR and all it has to offer - from the scenery to the found family vibe, the amazing people to the help and healing it provides. The secondary characters are wonderful and add depth to the story. There are adventures, friendships, hope, and bonding to be found here.
This book has various abuses that are touched on, from physical to mental to emotional, so be cautious of this if you are sensitive to it.
The only negative for me was that some of it felt like it dragged and was repetitive, especially when it comes to the multiple sexy times.
Even though this book could be read as a standalone, I would recommend at least reading book one in the series as it shows the beginings of the transformation of SCR and is the love story of Lucas and Jesse.
I found this book to be very enjoyable and engaging, and I would absolutely recommend it.

I received an ARC from GRR, this review is my honest, unbiased opinion.

[Ramsi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok I have to be honest and say this book was not as big a hit with me as I'd expected.
Normally I love Jackie's books and I will always think more than fondly of her two Farthingdale book series.

I can't even say what exactly my problem was. It was more or less insta lust and yet this book felt like it was too slow in some parts and too fast in others.
Plus there were some small inconsistencies regarding the shared world but they are all standalones from different authors and if someone hasn't read the other books it won't be noticeable. Yes, I thought those small 'mistakes' could have been avoided but it's not that big of a deal in my opinion. So I'd say it was not that.

Perhaps because this book was somehow different regarding the writing style than the ones I've read from Jackie so far. Not as polished or smooth, a bit lacking grace perhaps?
I really can't name it better.


Aside from that I found this a lovely romance between a city boy and a cowboy. Since the first book Jake was a character I really liked and I couldn't wait for him to get his own HEA.
He is loyal with a tender and loving heart even if he seems grumpy most of the times. He just tries to protect himself. Understandable after his past.

And Dalton? After what he went through with his brothers he deserved all the love too.

I was really happy that those two found each other and I was definitely rooting for them. Watching them slowly connect with each other, building trust etc. was heart warming. I enjoyed the way to their HEA.

The found family trope mixed in made me enjoy the story even more. I love those elements especially since I've always held the view that family is not defined by blood.


And yet with my problem with the writing style in this one it's only a 3,5 stars read (rounded up) for me.

Others may feel completely different so don't let that stop you from giving this book a try.



Even having read a readers copy this is my own opinion, willingly and freely given. Thanks for the opportunity.

[Lillian Francis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I gave this book 4* which is what I would have given it if it was a standalone story. But really it's a 3.5. There are too many conflicts with the other books for me to rate it more.
My issues with continuity:
I expected more crossover of characters from other books. Beau is barely mentioned and him and Jake don't interact at all yet him and Jake are tight in Beau's book. Is Beau's book set before Jake's because Jake is still at the ranch.
Malcolm is mentioned as if he's a ranch hand when he's a handyman who pops to the ranch to do some fixing but lives off site.
Lucas is meant to be Dalton's best friend but he spent no time with him. No meals to settle him in. Makes him stay in a bunkhouse with a couple of teens he doesn't know (probably not allowed unless Dalton has had certain checks) rather than a room in the main house. Doesn’t introduce Jesse as his boyfriend and yet Jesse and Lucus definitely have the first book of the series. And then he puts Dalton to (unpaid) work during his annual leave.
I'm almost certain Walter didn't have cancer. Didn't he have a heart attack?

This is almost instalove, with Jake and Dalton going from mutual dislike to mutual attention overnight. The relationship then moved at lightning speed, far too fast for my liking, with meeting to marriage taking about two weeks. It also felt like Dalton was pressured into getting Jake a ring, by Lucas no less.

I did like Jake a lot and there were some lovely moments between him and Dalton.

🥰 HEA
💏 Meetcute - Hmm, not really cute at all. Instant dislike because Dalton is city and aloof. And Dalton thinks Jake is grumpy.
🌶 On page. High heat. I lost count of the number of scenes. Oh, and there's no mention of protection. With a man you've known less than a week, or any discussions about previous partners.
🪢No kink - Although Jake likes to bottom with spit only.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Both biological families are worthless. Jake is a foster kid with very bad experiences across multiple homes (beating, food withheld, caged). This should have been full of found family but it felt like they were written in a vacuum with their only interaction with other ranch staff in work time.
📖 Epilogue - two epilogues. Dalton's is their wedding day which is the next day after the final chapter! (Honestly it should have been a chapter on its own.) Jake's takes place about 6 months later They have built a house on their own plot of land and have moved in

[DebbieReadsBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Independent reviewer for GRR, I was gifted my copy of this book.

This book is part of the multi author series based in and around Snow Creek Ranch. You do not need to read any other books for this one to make sense. I've read 2.

Ok so! I wanna cry, I really do! I have to write words, and I'm not sure if I can! Deep breath, I might struggle to get out what I want to say about this book, but only because I freaking LOVED IT!!!

Jake pops up in the 2 books I read, but Dalton arrives at the ranch in this book.

What I loved MOST, and there is a lot I loved but MOST, I loved the way this was so beautifully written. It is full of such powerful emotions, I cried a lot reading this book. Mostly for Jake, but Dalton too, cos of the guilt he carries about his parents death.

But Jake? Oh I cried for that boy, I really did. Much of his childhood is hinted at, you get bits thrown at you at random points, usually when he lets his guard down, but you don't get it all. You have to piece the bits together to get the full picture and it's not pretty. Jake does tell Dalton about one incident, and I cried at that point too, since he doesn't talk to anyone about what happened as a child, not even to the man who Jake says saved him.

There is steam here, but I found it more emotional than smexy. These two fit together so beautifully, and when they give in, oh I think I cried then too!

I loved what Jake does when Xander, a new kid on the ranch, crashes his beloved truck. Dalton wasn't happy but Jake could see himself in Xander and guess what? I cried then!

I can't, in anyway that makes sense, stress how much I loved this book. It's been a long, LONG time since I managed to get my hands on a Jackie North book, and the lady does not disappoint.

I've added this to my Masterpiece shelf. I can't not.

Thank you Jackie, for such a powerful book, that really blew me away.

5 full and very shiny stars

*same worded review will appear elsewhere

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

-3.5 Stars rounded up-

Jake and Dalton are lovely. They are both super sweet and the way they care for each other is great. We first met both Dalton and Jake briefly in book one as side characters and it was great to see them come together and to learn of their back stories. To see these two men from such different but no less sad and tragic backgrounds come together and learn to love one another was beautiful.

I’ve said it before throughout this shared world that there are many continuity errors and the same is still true. While this book did clear up some, it brought up a few others (how Walter died, had Lucas ever been to Snow Creek before, did Malcolm start working at Snow Creek as a hand after his book?) but thankfully those were minor and if you haven’t read any other books in this series you would never know.

I will be honest and say that I was tempted to DNF this book a few times. Not bc the story was bad but bc of some personal limits for me. The first was at about 48% when they had penetrative s*x for the first and there was no talk of condoms or test results or any of that (they had only known each other 3 days), and the only reason they didn’t do it the day prior was bc of no lube. The second time was at about the 55% mark when they had s*x again and Jake was only using spit. Normally this wouldn’t be a big issue but since they made a big deal of making sure lube was used their first time and for this time it not to be used bothered me, especially bc later when Jake bottoms and requests only spit to be used (consensually) Dalton seems horrified by it.

In the grand scheme of things these are fairly minor but they did bother me enough that I honestly thought about stopping the book. I’m glad I didn’t or I wouldn’t have gotten to see the end result of their beautiful love story.

I received this ARC from GRR and these are my honest opinions.

[Merissa (Archaeolibrarian) · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE BANKER AND THE BLUE COLLAR MAN is the seventh book in the multi-author Snow Creek Ranch series, and we meet Jake and Dalton, who seem opposite to each other in pretty much every way at first glance.

Dalton works in the city, in finance, and has two brothers. Jake is a ranch hand in the Colorado 'wilds' and was a foster kid. Unfortunately for Jake, he wasn't a foster kid with a happy story. His includes being beaten and food being given as a reward, which didn't happen often. As for Dalton, his relationship with his brothers is strained, to say the least. This story raises the question of which is worse - to grow up without family, or to have a 'conditional' family.

Luckily, the two of them find family in each other. After a slightly bumpy start, they get talking and realise their first impressions were wrong. Not only that, but they also have some things in common, and there is an attraction on both sides. There is the question of when Dalton will leave the ranch, and what they will do when he does.

There were some parts that I didn't like, but who am I to 'ick on someone's yum'? Other parts seemed out of character for Jake, who seemed so old-fashioned and chivalrous in some ways, but then wanted something that horrified Dalton.

Anyway, moving on from that, I enjoyed this book and the series, although I'm finding it easier to read them as connected standalones rather than a series. That way, I don't get confused over different situations from different perspectives. 4 out of 5 great stars, and definitely recommended by me.

** The same worded review will appear elsewhere. **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian
Aug 12, 2026

[Marian. · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐ 3.5

Me gusto la historia, y debo decir que me rompió el corazón en varias oportunidades (la historia de Jake es demasiado triste) pero de la buena manera porque me hizo sentir por estos dos personajes, volver al rancho Snow Creek fue bueno y ver todo lo que han evolucionado y mejorado para los niños y adolescentes de la comunidad queer es lo mejor.

La relación de los dos protagonistas fue un poco lenta al principio pero después todo toma un giro rápido que he de decir me gusto, aunque si, lo vi un poco (demasiado rápido) en el final. Los dos hicieron una muy linda pareja y si, eran lo que el uno y el otro necesitaban.

Fue una lectura no ligera por los temas que trata pero disfrutable.

********

I liked the story, and I have to say it broke my heart several times (Jake’s story is just too sad) but in a good way, because it made me really care about these two characters. Returning to Snow Creek Ranch was great, and seeing how much they’ve grown and improved things for the kids and teens in the queer community is the best part.

The relationship between the two main characters was a little slow at first, but then everything took a rapid turn—which I have to say I liked—although, yes, it felt a little (too) rushed at the end. The two of them made a really sweet couple, and yes, they were exactly what each other needed.

It wasn’t a light read because of the topics it covers, but it was enjoyable.

📌 I received an e-arc, and this is my honest opinion/review of it.

[Tara Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

MY OPINION: I have read none of the other books in this series, but I wanted to, so when I got the opportunity to do so, I jumped at it. The world in which these are set is lovely and definitely made me want to know more about the men that lived and worked there.

When Dalton, an accountant, finds himself at the Snow Creek Ranch for a few days, he falls for the land and animals. But it’s one of the ranch hands that he really falls for. It was an insta-attraction, insta-lust situation. Jake was everything you would dream of in a man. Then slap the fact that he was a cowboy on top, and you have so many things Dalton wanted.

The good news is Jake is just as enamored as Dalton is. They both feel like they aren’t deserving of good things, a peaceful life, but realize together dreams can come true. It is a sweet, low-angst romance between two men. This is a world where people don’t notice two men, but the men keep their world private.

Ultimately, they realize how blessed they are. Two men finding each other, loving each other. There are quite a few open-door spice scenes, a few fades to black. The men are content in the bedroom, and there are never questions about that. This is such a sweet romance with a few unknowns, but they work through it together. The world is interesting, and it makes me want to read the others in the collaboration.

There are horses and ranch stories. All the things you would want in a ranch story, and I liked it. Pick this one up; you’ll enjoy the ride.

[Marion · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is part of the multi-author Snow Creek Ranch series. Each book is a standalone read that focuses on a different couple. This is the story of Jake Colter and Dalton Gayle. Jake is a ranch hand at the Snow Creek Ranch. He has been there for twelve years. After being force out of foster care at eighteen, he found a father figure and guidance from the ranch's original owner. Due to his upbringing, he does not react well to change nor does he have high expectations for his life. Dalton is a financial analyst in Denver and he use to work with the ranch's new owner Lucas. Lucas's new plan for for the ranch includes paying visitors and inviting LBGTQ youth to come, learn ranch life, and not be harassed about who they loved. He talks his good friend into bringing two teenage boys from Denver to the ranch and staying for a visit. The two meet at the ranch and immediately formed opinions about the other without any substantiation. Slowly they begin to see the who the other person really is underneath. This is their story. The book is well written and easy to read. I received a complementary advanced review copy of this book from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review. I liked how their relationship grew. Both men were lonely and had baggage to unpack themselves. Having someone supporting them without question was a new experience for both of them. I really enjoyed this book.

[Manon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another winner from Jackie North. It's part of the Snow Creek multi-author universe and while in theory a stand-alone, I think reading book one is highly recommended as it gives the background of the ranch and also Dalton's relationship with Lucas, one of the owners.

You have an emotional story about two damaged men with lots of healing, unpacking the past and accepting changes when they first resist them.

Both are alone, through different reasons but nevertheless alone and emotionally starved. When thrown together, they slowly realise that there is not just attraction but emotions developing between them even when they are so utterly different on paper.

I enjoyed reading how Jake is slowly changing his mind about the direction his beloved ranch is taking, the ranch is his sanctuary, his first home he really feels belonging to and accepted.
Poor Dalton is a fish out of water, he finds a home when he wasn't looking for something.

The book has the typical very descriptive style I love this author for, she writes like you are there, watching the story unfold and see everything as the characters experience it.
She has a way with words describing a scene, not just the words and actions but also importantly the surrounding, it's like setting a stage to witness the story unfold.

[L H · Rating 5 out of 5]

​Snow Creek ranch was a place where Jake found home and acceptance after a not too easy time growing up going from foster home to foster home. When the man who took him in, and was good to him, passes and his grandson inherits and decides to turn the ranch into a refuge for LGBT youth in need of a place to give them life experience that can help them find their footing. Jake does not adapt to change well as change was not a good thing as he was growing up. And he is not initially sure how to feel about Dalton. Dalton has his own issues around family. He was virtually ignored growing up and then when his parents died his siblings blamed him and they disappeared from his life. Dalton's is not a happy life but Lucas, the inheriting grandson, is a friend so he agrees to deliver the first set of kids to the ranch in conjunction with a much needed vacation. Both men are prickly when they meet and not given to trust but they slowly learn about one another and come to grow to trust and be attracted to one another. They are what one another needs in each other's lives. Being together on the ranch was a good way for them to evolve as a couple. Two men who expect nothing but find the promise of the future as they get to know one another. Lovely.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Flo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved Dalton and Jake BUT I have mixed feelings

I feel like this had the potential as the characters were introduced from book 1 and I honestly have been waiting for Lucas story. However, I had mixed feelings as I was reading this.

I was thinking of DNFing this every chapter. I felt like the writing style was for me tho that's a personal preference but there's just this gap between the characters that I can't somehow fill or close or whatever.

One of which Lucas and Dalton were introduced in book 1 as BEST FRIENDS who were close as brothers but in this book I just keep wondering why they both felt stranger to me especially when Dalton just arrived. Maybe this is because it's multi authored, dunno.

Two, I felt like there was lacking on communication between Dalton and Jake, they both had to make their own conclusions on what might have happened to each other in the past and not directly discussed. Just me.

Three, I read tons of smut and I don't usually care their preferences but the scenes were particularly weird for me. I strongly wanted to DNF on both their s*x scenes. It's just uncomfortable and weird. REALLY, I had to stop because it kinda felt off.

In general, these probably just my biased opinions because it didn't matched my expectations and I still loved Jake and Dalton but this could have been more. Maybe.

[Showarst · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Banker and the Blue Collar Man by Jackie North is part of the multiauthor series Snow Creek Ranch. I have really been enjoying this series so much. And Jackie North? Love her. This was a perfect addition to the series.

Dalton is feeling out of place now that his coworker and friend Lucas has taken over the ranch. He decides to drive a couple of teenagers out to the ranch for Lucas and to catch up. He meets Jake and the two at first dislike each other and then learn there is more to each other than meets the eye. Jake has a terrible backstory and he was just an amazing man. He wanted a family of his own and someone to love. I adore the courtship that Dalton and Jake had during the book. I just wanted to shake Dalton and tell him to grab onto Jake with both hands.

Jackie is the queen of slow burn and this one actually did not have that slow build up. They were physical with each other much earlier than I am used to in her novels. But it fit the story well and I still felt the emotional depth that is at the core of her stories.

I highly recommend this whole series and really anything that Jackie writes. She is phenomenal!

I received an ARC from the author for my honest review.

[Nancy Lockett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is part of a series by various authors but can be read as a standalone. It features the tropes of opposites attract and hurt/comfort. Jake has been at Snow Creek Ranch the past 12 years when he aged out of the foster care system and is the first place that felt like home to him. He was hired by Walter Barrett who helped him become the man he is today. Jake is wary of the changes that Walter's grandson, Lucas, who inherited the ranch is making. Dalton is a former coworker and friend of Lucas' from Denver who as a favor to Lucas drove 3 teenage boys to the ranch for the LGBTQ program. He stays the night with plans to leave in the morning but instead keeps finding reasons to stay. He and Jake have a shaky start but soon find themselves admiring each other. Jakes likes how Lucas faces his fears of horses and Lucas appreciates how patient and truly kind Jake is. Jakes begins to realize that not all change is bad and Lucas comes to the realization that he would rather stay and use his accounting skills in a small town that return to working for his overbearing corporate boss. This was a really sweet story of two lonely men falling in love and making the compromises required to be together.

[Michelle N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Banker and the Blue Collar Man is the seventh book in the multi-author Snow Creek Ranch Series. Each book takes place on or around the Snow Creek Ranch with a large group of shared characters. The books can be read as stand-alone novels but they do share plot points and information. This book ties in the most with the first book in the series.
Jake has had a hard life. He finally found his place at the Snow Creek Ranch. Now that the ranch is changing, he is unsteady and unsure of what the changes will mean for him. He does not know what to think of the handsome banker, Dalton, who shows up at the ranch to deliver to teens to start working at the ranch. Dalton is clearly out of his element and afraid of horses but he decides to stick around. Dalton and Jake make assumptions about each other but soon learn that there is a lot more hiding under the surface. As they learn more about each other, they find comfort together that neither man has ever known.
Jackie North can write cowboys like no one else. When you throw a found family into the story, her writing is truly exceptional. This is a wonderful story of finding love and support from someone you do not expect where you were least likely to look for it.

[LAKSHMI SIVASANKAR · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel so lucky to have read something so beautiful like this story. Characters like Jake and Dalton are so priceless 'cause despite being denied love and care throughout their lives, they still turned out kind and compassionate to others. Not once did their hearts blacken with anger or evil, which is so hard to find these days. I hope there are indeed people like them in real life as they might heal many of our heart and souls.

Their relationship started out as mere exchange of words and actions of courtesy for the sake of helping the LGBTQ+ kids who were brought to the ranch. However, within days Dalton and Jake learnt about each other's difficult pasts and realized that there is a growing need in their hearts to love the other man. At times, my chest was aching with heaviness knowing there are many like Jake and Dalton who are abandoned or considered a last choice their whole lives.

It was so mesmerizing to see how their love story unfolded and how they always put each other first as that story went. And goddddd the spice! Ughh toe curling I would say. All the emotions, angst, and feelings I couldn't get enough of too. I wish a love like this for every being. One of the best reads of 2026 ❤️