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Someone Worth Keeping
Tristan: Fresh out of rehab and newly disowned by my family, I didn’t expect to find myself living on a ranch in Ely, Wyoming. But when my oldest friend Reed offered me a fresh start, I couldn’t say no. As it turns out, I love ranch life, and it doesn't hurt that Walker, the other ranch hand, is pretty cute. And underneath Walker's gruff exterior is someone who is surprisingly funny and warm-hearted.
I thought Walker was straight, but we keep having moments together… and that kiss in the moonlight was anything but straight. Walker and I have chemistry, when he's not pretending I don't exist, but it's not until we're stranded in a mountainside cabin that I learn how he really feels about me. He claims he cares about me… but why is he so afraid of anyone finding out?
Walker: After the loss of my wife ten years ago, I gave up on relationships. I'd lost my one shot at love—why bother with anymore heartache? But when Tristan shows up at the ranch, he turns my entire world on its head. I've never felt this way about a man before, but Tristan isn't just any man. He's clever and sweet and broken, and suddenly all I want to do is fix him.
Tristan deserves better than our midnight trysts, but I'm not sure I’m brave enough to come out yet. When our secret relationship starts taking a toll on him, though, I have to choose: Will I run and hide from the pressure of society? Or will I be brave enough to be the strong, supportive, and out partner that Tristan deserves?
Someone Worth Keeping is an m/m slow burn contemporary romance with out-for-you, secret relationship, and hurt/comfort themes, plenty of heat, and a happy ending.
I thought Walker was straight, but we keep having moments together… and that kiss in the moonlight was anything but straight. Walker and I have chemistry, when he's not pretending I don't exist, but it's not until we're stranded in a mountainside cabin that I learn how he really feels about me. He claims he cares about me… but why is he so afraid of anyone finding out?
Walker: After the loss of my wife ten years ago, I gave up on relationships. I'd lost my one shot at love—why bother with anymore heartache? But when Tristan shows up at the ranch, he turns my entire world on its head. I've never felt this way about a man before, but Tristan isn't just any man. He's clever and sweet and broken, and suddenly all I want to do is fix him.
Tristan deserves better than our midnight trysts, but I'm not sure I’m brave enough to come out yet. When our secret relationship starts taking a toll on him, though, I have to choose: Will I run and hide from the pressure of society? Or will I be brave enough to be the strong, supportive, and out partner that Tristan deserves?
Someone Worth Keeping is an m/m slow burn contemporary romance with out-for-you, secret relationship, and hurt/comfort themes, plenty of heat, and a happy ending.
292 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 23, 2018
63 people are currently reading
90 people want to read
About the author
Ruthie Luhnow
21 books150 followersRuthie lives in the Pacific Northwest, and while it's not confirmed that Ruthie is Bigfoot, no one has seen ever seen the two of them in the same room.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
August 27, 2018
Sorry for the rant….
I was so ready to love this. Love this? I was ready to already add it to my favorite shelf and buy the paperback, just like Someone Worth Saving. But OMG, this book frustrated me to no end!! Well, just one person actually: Walker.
When 22 year old Tristan comes out of rehab he has no family or friends left. He sends his friend Reed an email as a last resort and to apologize, but what he didn’t expect was Reed asking him to come visit him in Wyoming. Perhaps make a fresh start.
Tristan likes the sound of a fresh start, so he packs his bags and hops on a plane.
When he arrives there he hardly recognizes the happy Reed he sees before him. Reed can’t really like all this ranch work? But apparently he does, so Tristan feels he should make an effort to like it too.
But while Tristan is still struggling with all the changes in his life, he knows coming to Wyoming is the right choice.
When he meets the ranch hand, Walker, Tristan is overwhelmed by all this male gorgeousness. But of course Walker is straight. Or is he….?
Have I mentioned lately how much I hate closet cases? I will never ever pretend to know that it is like to live as a gay man, but it is not in me to hide things, so I would hope I would have been out no matter what if I were indeed a gay man. Now I could be all wrong about that of course, but I just wanted to explain a bit why closet cases just don’t resonate with me. I have no patience for people who are not true to themselves. People who hide even though they hurt other people, and themselves, are not my kind of people.
And that is Walker. He was a very hard person to like. I actually did start out liking him, but instead of the character development I was expecting, he went the other way. He started out as a widower who was closed off but kind of suspected he was bisexual. And he ended up an insecure man who knew he was bisexual, but under no circumstances wanted to make that known to people. And why? I wasn’t sure. He had two close friends and co-workers who were about to be married. Gay married that is (yay, Reed and Brady from book 1!). So it’s not like he was about to be gay bashed where he stood if he came out. But still… he did not want his relationship with Tristan to be known to anyone. Not even Reed and Brady could know.
Now I can kind of understand that point of view when everything is new. But this went on and on and on and on. It actually went on til 93% of the book! Now by that time I wanted to drown him, beat him with a shovel, and throw Walker out the window. Tristan deserved so much better!
What made me still give this book 3 stars is Tristan. He was such a wonderful character to read about. I am a big fan of the spoiled brat who gets dumped on a ranch trope these days. And Tristan was just a bit different than Reed. Tristan actually wanted to be there. He was fresh out of rehab and had nowhere else to go. He was a spoiled rich kid, but he did realize that wasn’t who he was anymore right at the start of this book.
And I wanted him to find the love of his life in Wyoming. But no, he got stuck with Walker.
So no, I didn’t love this as much as the first book. Even though I absolutely love Ruthie Luhnow’s writing. I think Lane will get his own book and I’ll gladly read about him.
I was so ready to love this. Love this? I was ready to already add it to my favorite shelf and buy the paperback, just like Someone Worth Saving. But OMG, this book frustrated me to no end!! Well, just one person actually: Walker.
When 22 year old Tristan comes out of rehab he has no family or friends left. He sends his friend Reed an email as a last resort and to apologize, but what he didn’t expect was Reed asking him to come visit him in Wyoming. Perhaps make a fresh start.
Tristan likes the sound of a fresh start, so he packs his bags and hops on a plane.
When he arrives there he hardly recognizes the happy Reed he sees before him. Reed can’t really like all this ranch work? But apparently he does, so Tristan feels he should make an effort to like it too.
But while Tristan is still struggling with all the changes in his life, he knows coming to Wyoming is the right choice.
When he meets the ranch hand, Walker, Tristan is overwhelmed by all this male gorgeousness. But of course Walker is straight. Or is he….?
Have I mentioned lately how much I hate closet cases? I will never ever pretend to know that it is like to live as a gay man, but it is not in me to hide things, so I would hope I would have been out no matter what if I were indeed a gay man. Now I could be all wrong about that of course, but I just wanted to explain a bit why closet cases just don’t resonate with me. I have no patience for people who are not true to themselves. People who hide even though they hurt other people, and themselves, are not my kind of people.
And that is Walker. He was a very hard person to like. I actually did start out liking him, but instead of the character development I was expecting, he went the other way. He started out as a widower who was closed off but kind of suspected he was bisexual. And he ended up an insecure man who knew he was bisexual, but under no circumstances wanted to make that known to people. And why? I wasn’t sure. He had two close friends and co-workers who were about to be married. Gay married that is (yay, Reed and Brady from book 1!). So it’s not like he was about to be gay bashed where he stood if he came out. But still… he did not want his relationship with Tristan to be known to anyone. Not even Reed and Brady could know.
Now I can kind of understand that point of view when everything is new. But this went on and on and on and on. It actually went on til 93% of the book! Now by that time I wanted to drown him, beat him with a shovel, and throw Walker out the window. Tristan deserved so much better!
What made me still give this book 3 stars is Tristan. He was such a wonderful character to read about. I am a big fan of the spoiled brat who gets dumped on a ranch trope these days. And Tristan was just a bit different than Reed. Tristan actually wanted to be there. He was fresh out of rehab and had nowhere else to go. He was a spoiled rich kid, but he did realize that wasn’t who he was anymore right at the start of this book.
And I wanted him to find the love of his life in Wyoming. But no, he got stuck with Walker.
So no, I didn’t love this as much as the first book. Even though I absolutely love Ruthie Luhnow’s writing. I think Lane will get his own book and I’ll gladly read about him.
August 30, 2018
Hmmm...I feel like I missed something with this one.
Unfortunately this felt more like opportunity than meet and fall in love. Also, I feel like I missed a lot of the relationship building. Like it was off page and weeks would pass and we would just have to figure they'd been talking and getting to know each other and falling in love.
The hiding was not fun and the reveal was so out of character and totally unbelievable. I was even a little embarrassed by it. Grand gestures sometimes work but I didn't even know who all was there and it made me uncomfortable.
I enjoyed a lot of the story but it just did not work for me like the first book did.
I do like the authors style though and I hope Lane is next. I'm intrigued by this "wilder crowd" he hung out with and what kind of man he is.
Cowboys.
Unfortunately this felt more like opportunity than meet and fall in love. Also, I feel like I missed a lot of the relationship building. Like it was off page and weeks would pass and we would just have to figure they'd been talking and getting to know each other and falling in love.
The hiding was not fun and the reveal was so out of character and totally unbelievable. I was even a little embarrassed by it. Grand gestures sometimes work but I didn't even know who all was there and it made me uncomfortable.
I enjoyed a lot of the story but it just did not work for me like the first book did.
I do like the authors style though and I hope Lane is next. I'm intrigued by this "wilder crowd" he hung out with and what kind of man he is.
Cowboys.
August 29, 2018
Un estilo parecido al primero de la serie, Tristan llega de Nueva York al rancho de Reed para ver qué camino va a tomar con su vida después de rehabilitación. Igual que Reed en el primer libro, viene de una familia rica y de un mundo totalmente opuesto al que se va a encontrar en Ely, Wyoming. Allí conocer y se enamora de Walker, trabajador del rancho, viudo y con años intentando ocultar su sexualidad. Es una historia bonita, dulce, sexy, entretenida, pero Walker no es Brady, protagonista del primer libro, no tiene su paciencia, más bien hay que tener paciencia con él y sus pasos hacia delante y hacia atrás arrastrando a Tristan con él.
Bonito, buen KU.
Bonito, buen KU.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 28, 2018
Alert: This book contains a frustrating closet case. If you can tolerate that then you will find a lot of good here. Mostly drama free. A mature telling of one addict and a closet case falling in love. The journey is realistic and beautiful and beautifully sad. The emotions true and the romance endearing. That being said Walker doesnt want to make the romance public and he is probably the single most annoying factor in this book. Other than that it is very enjoyable with a nice solid ending.
Did Not Finish
August 26, 2018DNF QuickSmart. Basic.
September 1, 2018
This was a story about Tristan a young man from New York, who after rehab comes to Wyoming to stay with some friends and find a way to live his life without drugs and alcohol, and Walker who works as a farmhand and slowly falls in love with Tristan.
For me it worked very well, I liked the pace and the time it took those two, to find their way to each other.
Some reviewers complain that Walker really needs too long to overcome his fear, however, for a Cowboy in rural Wyoming, coming out, especially a few years after the death of his wife, definitely is not an easy task, so I absolutely understood his fear and hesitation.
All in all this was a rather slow book, not a lot of action and not too much going on, but for me an enjoyable read and a nice time spent. 3,5 to 4 stars
For me it worked very well, I liked the pace and the time it took those two, to find their way to each other.
Some reviewers complain that Walker really needs too long to overcome his fear, however, for a Cowboy in rural Wyoming, coming out, especially a few years after the death of his wife, definitely is not an easy task, so I absolutely understood his fear and hesitation.
All in all this was a rather slow book, not a lot of action and not too much going on, but for me an enjoyable read and a nice time spent. 3,5 to 4 stars
March 4, 2021
Az első kötet után voltak elképzeléseim, mire számítsak Tristannal kapcsolatban, amiknek egy része be is jött, míg azért voltak meglepetések is.
Tristan épp az elvonóról jött ki és a családja többé hallani sem akar róla. Korábbi barátai vagy nem akarnak róla hallani vagy azok is drogosok. Így aztán egy nap, ír egy levelet Reednek, aki rögtön meghívja magához Wyomingba a farmra.
Tristan, mivel nincs más választása el is megy oda, bár eleinte el sem tudja képzelni, Reed mit keres ott és, hogy ő mit fog ott csinálni.
A könyv elején még azt hittem, hogy Tristant még annyira se fogom szeretni, mint Reedet, mert nem igazán vagyok oda a drogosokért. Ehhez képest, nagyon hamar megszerettem ezt a magányos srácot.
Hamarosan kiderült, hogy Tristan teljesen más jellem: könnyebben beleszokott a farmon való életbe és munkába és már az első nap szemet vet Walkerre.
Walker igazi helyi cowboy, aki tíz évvel azelőtt, mikor a felesége meghalt, az üveg fenekén és messze Ely-tól keresett vigasz. Tristan az elejétől tudja, hogy semmi esélye Walkernél, hiszen a férfi heteró, mégsem tudja kiverni a fejéből.
Ugyanolyan lassan alakul a kapcsolatuk, mint Reed és Brady kapcsolata az első kötetben és itt is az cowboy az, aki miatt nem haladnak igazából.
Bár ez sem volt kiemelkedő könyv, én mégis jól szórakoztam és nagyon izgultam, nehogy Tristan visszaessen és, hogy Walker is végre felfogja, hogy neki Tristan mellett van a helye.
Egyetlen dolgot sajnálok: Tristan családjáról és arról, hogy igazából miért menekült először az alkoholhoz (már 13 évesen), majd a drogokhoz, nem teljesen derült ki.
Biztos, hogy fogok még olvasni az írónőtől.
Tristan épp az elvonóról jött ki és a családja többé hallani sem akar róla. Korábbi barátai vagy nem akarnak róla hallani vagy azok is drogosok. Így aztán egy nap, ír egy levelet Reednek, aki rögtön meghívja magához Wyomingba a farmra.
Tristan, mivel nincs más választása el is megy oda, bár eleinte el sem tudja képzelni, Reed mit keres ott és, hogy ő mit fog ott csinálni.
A könyv elején még azt hittem, hogy Tristant még annyira se fogom szeretni, mint Reedet, mert nem igazán vagyok oda a drogosokért. Ehhez képest, nagyon hamar megszerettem ezt a magányos srácot.
Hamarosan kiderült, hogy Tristan teljesen más jellem: könnyebben beleszokott a farmon való életbe és munkába és már az első nap szemet vet Walkerre.
Walker igazi helyi cowboy, aki tíz évvel azelőtt, mikor a felesége meghalt, az üveg fenekén és messze Ely-tól keresett vigasz. Tristan az elejétől tudja, hogy semmi esélye Walkernél, hiszen a férfi heteró, mégsem tudja kiverni a fejéből.
Ugyanolyan lassan alakul a kapcsolatuk, mint Reed és Brady kapcsolata az első kötetben és itt is az cowboy az, aki miatt nem haladnak igazából.
Bár ez sem volt kiemelkedő könyv, én mégis jól szórakoztam és nagyon izgultam, nehogy Tristan visszaessen és, hogy Walker is végre felfogja, hogy neki Tristan mellett van a helye.
Egyetlen dolgot sajnálok: Tristan családjáról és arról, hogy igazából miért menekült először az alkoholhoz (már 13 évesen), majd a drogokhoz, nem teljesen derült ki.
Biztos, hogy fogok még olvasni az írónőtől.
August 25, 2018
Every time I read a Ruthie Luhnow book, I can't stop reading until the end. When you meet Tristan, he's at the lowest he's ever been after leaving rehab and deciding he needed a change, his friend Reed gets him a job at a ranch. There he meets Walker, an older man who lost his wife many years before and had closed himself off from the possibility of another relationship. Despite Walker denying his feelings for Tristan, especially once he sees how it's hurting the other man to keep their relationship a secret, he realizes that living in the past isn't living.
I loved every moment of Tristian, who is truly trying to make amends and Walker, who is struggling with a belief he's held for so long. These two men take their time, but in the end, their HEA is stronger because of it.
A wonderfully written story that I would highly recommend!!
I loved every moment of Tristian, who is truly trying to make amends and Walker, who is struggling with a belief he's held for so long. These two men take their time, but in the end, their HEA is stronger because of it.
A wonderfully written story that I would highly recommend!!
August 24, 2018
Gritty, touching and amazing journey to love and wholeness. A wonderful slow burn romance where both men become stronger together. The writing flowed so well and the story-line kept me reading way to late. Tristan and Walker became three dimensional and beautifully flawed very quickly. Both of these MC's were very lovable.
I was really touched by the path that these broken MC's had to travel to find themselves and each other. Their pain and their joy were real and i was so rooting for their HEA!
I was really touched by the path that these broken MC's had to travel to find themselves and each other. Their pain and their joy were real and i was so rooting for their HEA!
September 20, 2018
Loved seeing Reed and Brady again! This story wasn't as great as the first book in this series, but it was nice to be back in Wyoming and see some of my favorite characters from the first book.
September 1, 2018
Someone Worth Keeping is m/m romance story from Ruthie Luhnow. The Story is set on a small rural on of Ely, Wyoming.
Tristan who used to be a rich party boy is out of rehab and after coming out he finds himself disowned by his family. He is sleeping on his sponsor's couch when he gets a surprising invitation from his former friend Reed. And then all of the sudden he finds himself on a small ranch out of nowhere. Tristan connects with the ranch hand Walker and soon they can't keep their hand way from each other. There is only one problem. Walker's has been married and his wife dies very your leaving him traveling around the country and avoiding relationships altogether. And it doesn't help that Walker has seen the bigotry that Reed and Brady (from someone worth saving) have had to deal with and finds himself too scared to come out even to their closest friends. And while Tristan tries to make him believe that he is ok with the hiding he is really suffering and it's making it harder for him to fight the lure of his addiction. It takes a while but luckily Walker sees that he will lose Tristan if he doesn't recognize their relationship and the story gets a happy ending.
I really liked Tristan a lot all they way from the first pages. Walker was bit more frustrating to read but I have happy when he finally managed to get out of head own head and face his fears of coming out long enough to consider how Tristan was feeling. This book once again shows you how great storyline the author manages to spin together. The story just flowed so good and kept me up way too late. Both the main characters felt so real with the own worries and the way they needed each other. Tristans needs someone truly in his corner after his family disowns him and his friends and so love struck with each other that they don't see much else than each others. Walker on the other hand need someone to make him want to be there for someone, be in a relationship again after the death of his wife left him feeling more dead than life inside.
This is definitely a slow burn romance but if you don't mind few frustrating pages about Walker pondering about coming out and being strong enough to be there for Tristan, you should definitely grab this book with both hands and not let go before you are finished with it. :)
Tristan who used to be a rich party boy is out of rehab and after coming out he finds himself disowned by his family. He is sleeping on his sponsor's couch when he gets a surprising invitation from his former friend Reed. And then all of the sudden he finds himself on a small ranch out of nowhere. Tristan connects with the ranch hand Walker and soon they can't keep their hand way from each other. There is only one problem. Walker's has been married and his wife dies very your leaving him traveling around the country and avoiding relationships altogether. And it doesn't help that Walker has seen the bigotry that Reed and Brady (from someone worth saving) have had to deal with and finds himself too scared to come out even to their closest friends. And while Tristan tries to make him believe that he is ok with the hiding he is really suffering and it's making it harder for him to fight the lure of his addiction. It takes a while but luckily Walker sees that he will lose Tristan if he doesn't recognize their relationship and the story gets a happy ending.
I really liked Tristan a lot all they way from the first pages. Walker was bit more frustrating to read but I have happy when he finally managed to get out of head own head and face his fears of coming out long enough to consider how Tristan was feeling. This book once again shows you how great storyline the author manages to spin together. The story just flowed so good and kept me up way too late. Both the main characters felt so real with the own worries and the way they needed each other. Tristans needs someone truly in his corner after his family disowns him and his friends and so love struck with each other that they don't see much else than each others. Walker on the other hand need someone to make him want to be there for someone, be in a relationship again after the death of his wife left him feeling more dead than life inside.
This is definitely a slow burn romance but if you don't mind few frustrating pages about Walker pondering about coming out and being strong enough to be there for Tristan, you should definitely grab this book with both hands and not let go before you are finished with it. :)
August 29, 2018
After loving the first book so much, I had high hopes for this book and wasn't disappointed.
Tristan, a friend from Reed's New York life, is fresh out of rehab and asks for his help in getting away from it all. With no support from his family, he needs to know there's at least one person on his side. Though he gets a little more than he bargained for in Walker, a worker on the ranch.
Walker has found a good life on Brady's ranch. Hard work he enjoys, a couple of good friends and a home to live. After losing his wife ten years ago, it's taken him a long time to settle and move on with his life. Upon meeting Tristan, he feels an attraction and connection that he never thought he'd experience again.
The two men from such different worlds work so well together!
You can't help but feel for Tristan. He and Reed (book 1) came from such a superficial world but after reading how well Reed has done, you can only hope for the best outcome for Tristan. Walker as well has experienced great loss and has only recently moved on with his life and settled back in his home town. Both men have flaws and sadness from their past but the attraction between them gives them something new to focus on, even though Walker is not out to anyone as anything other than straight. Problems arise when it comes to accepting feelings but also secrecy. Not necessarily a good thing for someone recovering from addiction.
The dark moments and the light are very well written and described by the author. You become really immersed in what the characters are feeling, about themselves and each other. Self doubt is ripe with both men, but maybe with each others help they can move forward together.....
Ruthie writes such a good setting that you can't help but imagine and love the environment that the book is set in. So easy to see the characters and the lives they lead on the ranch and in Ely.
I love that we get interaction with Reed and Brady, even Mona on occasion.
Cannot recommend this book enough! You don't have to have read Someone Worth Saving but I think it will help you to enjoy the story more overall. Fingers crossed that we have a book three coming in this series.
I received and ARC and am happily giving a review.
Tristan, a friend from Reed's New York life, is fresh out of rehab and asks for his help in getting away from it all. With no support from his family, he needs to know there's at least one person on his side. Though he gets a little more than he bargained for in Walker, a worker on the ranch.
Walker has found a good life on Brady's ranch. Hard work he enjoys, a couple of good friends and a home to live. After losing his wife ten years ago, it's taken him a long time to settle and move on with his life. Upon meeting Tristan, he feels an attraction and connection that he never thought he'd experience again.
The two men from such different worlds work so well together!
You can't help but feel for Tristan. He and Reed (book 1) came from such a superficial world but after reading how well Reed has done, you can only hope for the best outcome for Tristan. Walker as well has experienced great loss and has only recently moved on with his life and settled back in his home town. Both men have flaws and sadness from their past but the attraction between them gives them something new to focus on, even though Walker is not out to anyone as anything other than straight. Problems arise when it comes to accepting feelings but also secrecy. Not necessarily a good thing for someone recovering from addiction.
The dark moments and the light are very well written and described by the author. You become really immersed in what the characters are feeling, about themselves and each other. Self doubt is ripe with both men, but maybe with each others help they can move forward together.....
Ruthie writes such a good setting that you can't help but imagine and love the environment that the book is set in. So easy to see the characters and the lives they lead on the ranch and in Ely.
I love that we get interaction with Reed and Brady, even Mona on occasion.
Cannot recommend this book enough! You don't have to have read Someone Worth Saving but I think it will help you to enjoy the story more overall. Fingers crossed that we have a book three coming in this series.
I received and ARC and am happily giving a review.
August 28, 2018
Tristan is a recovering drug addict with no one to turn to for support except his childhood friend, Reed. His family and other so-called friends have turned their backs on him. He's an emotional mess, struggling to overcome his almost crippling sadness, all on his own. Someone give this boy a hug!
Tristan eagerly accepts Reed's invitation to come and stay with him, and his fiancé Brady, on their ranch.
Enter...Walker, the stoic, closeted ranch hand.
On the surface, Walker seems more put together than Tristan, but he had a really difficult time coping with his wife's passing and has closed off his heart in order to protect himself from ever feeling that kind of pain again. When they meet, Walker desperately tries to deny that Tristan awakes feelings in him that have long lain dormant.
Tristan is very self-aware and open about his faults and vulnerabilities, traits that Walker very much admires and is in awe of, because he finds it so hard to open up to other people himself.
This is very much a slow-burn story with Tristan giving Walker all the understanding and second chances he needs to accept his feelings and face coming out.
I had expected Walker to be the strong, silent rock for Tristan to lean on while he recovered further, but in fact Walker shows Tristan that he has his own core of inner strength and Tristan inspires Walker to be brave and take a risk, which I found very refreshing.
I love this author's evocative writing style. She has an amazing gift with words and wonderful insight into the human psyche, tackling complex emotions and describing them in a way that is at once eloquent and poignant, tugging at the reader's heartstrings.
Tristan eagerly accepts Reed's invitation to come and stay with him, and his fiancé Brady, on their ranch.
Enter...Walker, the stoic, closeted ranch hand.
On the surface, Walker seems more put together than Tristan, but he had a really difficult time coping with his wife's passing and has closed off his heart in order to protect himself from ever feeling that kind of pain again. When they meet, Walker desperately tries to deny that Tristan awakes feelings in him that have long lain dormant.
Tristan is very self-aware and open about his faults and vulnerabilities, traits that Walker very much admires and is in awe of, because he finds it so hard to open up to other people himself.
This is very much a slow-burn story with Tristan giving Walker all the understanding and second chances he needs to accept his feelings and face coming out.
I had expected Walker to be the strong, silent rock for Tristan to lean on while he recovered further, but in fact Walker shows Tristan that he has his own core of inner strength and Tristan inspires Walker to be brave and take a risk, which I found very refreshing.
I love this author's evocative writing style. She has an amazing gift with words and wonderful insight into the human psyche, tackling complex emotions and describing them in a way that is at once eloquent and poignant, tugging at the reader's heartstrings.
August 28, 2018
🐎A handsome cityslicker lays siege to stoic Walker's cowboy 👖heart 💜 in Big Sky country😛
August 26, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition
💕👬🔥This was a touching romance, well-written and with a great start. It brings back the main characters in last year's Someone Worth Saving and introduces two new characters who become the MCs. Tristan, a young man who's just out of rehab, abandoned by his East Coast family, and in need of some loving care and support arrives at Reed and Brady's ranch and in the sights of widower and closet bisexual Walker, who keeps himself pretty well walled off from tender emotions until he realizes his attraction to Tristan will not be denied. Walker's fear of outing his affection for a man in Wyoming cowboy country becomes a major issue.
Their story is touching, at times frustrating, at others cozy and content or passionate, and it's well worth reading. However, I liked Someone Worth Saving more. Tristan the city slicker and former party animal and alcohol and drug abuser seems to fit into the new lifestyle with little effort. Reed's fight against his new Wyoming reality in the previous book was more interesting and appealing to me.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
August 26, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition
💕👬🔥This was a touching romance, well-written and with a great start. It brings back the main characters in last year's Someone Worth Saving and introduces two new characters who become the MCs. Tristan, a young man who's just out of rehab, abandoned by his East Coast family, and in need of some loving care and support arrives at Reed and Brady's ranch and in the sights of widower and closet bisexual Walker, who keeps himself pretty well walled off from tender emotions until he realizes his attraction to Tristan will not be denied. Walker's fear of outing his affection for a man in Wyoming cowboy country becomes a major issue.
Their story is touching, at times frustrating, at others cozy and content or passionate, and it's well worth reading. However, I liked Someone Worth Saving more. Tristan the city slicker and former party animal and alcohol and drug abuser seems to fit into the new lifestyle with little effort. Reed's fight against his new Wyoming reality in the previous book was more interesting and appealing to me.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
August 28, 2018
* I was gifted an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review *
I love Ruthie Luhnow's writing style and Her talent to create believable characters.
After book #1 - Someone Worth Saving about Reed and Brady, I was quite sure this one would be another 5 stars read.
This story was a good, fast, interesting read with a lot of drama caused a little bit by addiction but mostly by Walker who is so deeply closeted it is almost unbelievable. It is a lovely love story with a happy ending. There is no insta-love and we can observe Tristan and Walker's relationship development as the get to know each other. It is also really funny at times which makes it even better.
I am totally head over heels in love with Tristan, he's sweet, adorable and strong. When it comes to Walker it is more complicated - I liked him just fine at the beginning but he is sooooo scared of coming out (even though it seems like ppl in Ely are tolerant and have no problem with gays) that after a while his "problems" got annoying. He is also apologizing all the time because he has HUGE problems with appropriate communication. It is irritating.
It is a nice story with hot cowboys and city boys, hot sex, good chemistry between MCs, lots and lots of crying and apologizing, misunderstandings and deep fried everything.
I really enjoyed this book, even though sometimes I wanted to punch Walker. Hopefully we'll get Lane's book soon :)
I love Ruthie Luhnow's writing style and Her talent to create believable characters.
After book #1 - Someone Worth Saving about Reed and Brady, I was quite sure this one would be another 5 stars read.
This story was a good, fast, interesting read with a lot of drama caused a little bit by addiction but mostly by Walker who is so deeply closeted it is almost unbelievable. It is a lovely love story with a happy ending. There is no insta-love and we can observe Tristan and Walker's relationship development as the get to know each other. It is also really funny at times which makes it even better.
I am totally head over heels in love with Tristan, he's sweet, adorable and strong. When it comes to Walker it is more complicated - I liked him just fine at the beginning but he is sooooo scared of coming out (even though it seems like ppl in Ely are tolerant and have no problem with gays) that after a while his "problems" got annoying. He is also apologizing all the time because he has HUGE problems with appropriate communication. It is irritating.
It is a nice story with hot cowboys and city boys, hot sex, good chemistry between MCs, lots and lots of crying and apologizing, misunderstandings and deep fried everything.
I really enjoyed this book, even though sometimes I wanted to punch Walker. Hopefully we'll get Lane's book soon :)
September 9, 2018
This book had a lot of promising elements: the young but mature recovering addict, the heartbroken and closed off older cowboy, the lovely Wyoming setting and secondary characters that the reader had already grown to love from Someone Worth Saving, the first book in the series. And the writing was good; I've read a couple other books by this author and I am always impressed with the character exploration and intelligently written mental health aspects of existing as an emotional damaged human. But this book didn't work for me as a romance. It felt like there wasn't enough on-page relationship development before the MCs realized they were on their way to being in love with each other, so it was much harder to be invested in the relationship as the one closeted MC continuously hurts the other with his need for secrecy. If I had been shown more instances of why exactly Tristan cared so much for Walker, aside from him being handsome, instead of simply being told that Walker was worth Tristan's heartache, I think the book would be greatly improved. I will definitely keep reading books by this author however, despite my slight disappointment with this particular story.
October 31, 2018
This was my first Ruthie Luhnow book... I didn't know that this was part of a series, but to be honest - I don't really want to read Reed and Brady's story, because I just didn't found this one very good.
The writing style is nice, but the story just didn't really work for me.
I think Cowboys are not my thing. Admittedly, that's not the fault of the author, but there were other things. Basically...Walker.
He seems to be quiet nice, but he's in fact a big a-hole. Seriously, what's his problem. I get that he doesn't want to be out in front of everyone, but Brady and Reed are gay, too... And so are Mona and Iris? So what's the big deal to be out - at least on the farm, where everyone else is part of the lgbt+ community. I get it when he doesn't want to be out in front of the entire town, but the place where he lives is safe, so I really didn't get his issues. Then the radio silence and cold shoulder after initiating a kiss and stuff like that... This man is in his thirties, but he acts like a moody teenager. I just felt so bad for Tristan. The way Walker is treating him throughout the story is just not okay.
The writing style is nice, but the story just didn't really work for me.
I think Cowboys are not my thing. Admittedly, that's not the fault of the author, but there were other things. Basically...Walker.
He seems to be quiet nice, but he's in fact a big a-hole. Seriously, what's his problem. I get that he doesn't want to be out in front of everyone, but Brady and Reed are gay, too... And so are Mona and Iris? So what's the big deal to be out - at least on the farm, where everyone else is part of the lgbt+ community. I get it when he doesn't want to be out in front of the entire town, but the place where he lives is safe, so I really didn't get his issues. Then the radio silence and cold shoulder after initiating a kiss and stuff like that... This man is in his thirties, but he acts like a moody teenager. I just felt so bad for Tristan. The way Walker is treating him throughout the story is just not okay.
September 3, 2018
This is another great read by Ruthie Luhnow! I didn't think she could equal the angst and pain and heartache, followed by acceptance and love, that she achieved with "Someone worth Saving", but she definitely did. Tristan comes to stay with his oldest friend Reed after getting out of drug rehab and being abandoned by his family and "friends." Sound similar to the first book in the series? Not really. While Reed was hiding his insecurities behind a mask of false bravado, Tristan has accepted his short-comings and wants to start anew. Unfortunately, he has no support at home, so he joins Reed in Ely, WY. There he meets Walker, a man with sadness and secrets of his own. Tristan and Walker are drawn to one another, but Walker is afraid for anyone to know. Walker has to decide if he is strong enough to give Tristan the love and support he needs. This is a beautiful, poignant, heart-breaking, then heart-warming story.
I received a complimentary ARC from the author. This is my honest, voluntary review.
I received a complimentary ARC from the author. This is my honest, voluntary review.
September 14, 2018
It started out ok, I felt for Tristan being fresh out of rehab and not knowing where he fit in the world and all.
Then we got to the middle of the book and it took a weird turn. Remember Sadness from Inside Out? Imagine her having a duplicate, and them dating each other. Every time they're having a conversation it's like they treat the other person like they're approaching a feral cat. The dialogues were stilted and so annoyingly halting for no reason at all (we get it, you're nervous).
It just got to a point where it was countless back and forths about whether or not they'll ever be out as a couple. Really, how many separate turmoils can an MC have about the same issue before it's overkill?
It would be more believable if they were both 22, Walker's personality takes a nose dive for some unknown reason (you can still have him going through difficult stuff without completely doing a personality transplant. Tristan and Walker are legit the same person by the end of this book).
Had potential, lost its mojo along the way
Then we got to the middle of the book and it took a weird turn. Remember Sadness from Inside Out? Imagine her having a duplicate, and them dating each other. Every time they're having a conversation it's like they treat the other person like they're approaching a feral cat. The dialogues were stilted and so annoyingly halting for no reason at all (we get it, you're nervous).
It just got to a point where it was countless back and forths about whether or not they'll ever be out as a couple. Really, how many separate turmoils can an MC have about the same issue before it's overkill?
It would be more believable if they were both 22, Walker's personality takes a nose dive for some unknown reason (you can still have him going through difficult stuff without completely doing a personality transplant. Tristan and Walker are legit the same person by the end of this book).
Had potential, lost its mojo along the way
August 24, 2018
Tristan is fresh out of rehab and is visiting a friend, trying to stay out of his past party life. Like a fish out of water, he finds himself on a ranch and drooling over sexy ranch hand Walker. Walker is a widower and has felt the light in himself out since losing his wife, his high school sweetheart. Tristan is fascinating to Walker but he is afraid to love again. As time passes, they connect more and the attraction grows.
A wonderful story of falling in love while finding your new self. Characters are likeable and make you root for their Happily Ever after. Tristan is a man changing... finding himself instead of just existing as a spoiled rich boy. Walker is realizing that you can love again and that sometimes love takes work but that doesn't make it less powerful or real than easy love. But that it's always worth being brave.
I received this book as an Advanced Readers Copy and am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
A wonderful story of falling in love while finding your new self. Characters are likeable and make you root for their Happily Ever after. Tristan is a man changing... finding himself instead of just existing as a spoiled rich boy. Walker is realizing that you can love again and that sometimes love takes work but that doesn't make it less powerful or real than easy love. But that it's always worth being brave.
I received this book as an Advanced Readers Copy and am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
August 29, 2018
4.75 stars. I was super impressed with Tristan's strength of character. He knows who he is and his own limits. He makes a promise to Walker that he'll wait for Walker to come out. When he realizes that he can't live with the secrecy and lies he stands up for himself, willing to move on and do what's best for him. Walker is more dominant but the weaker man. He allows grief to consume him for more than a decade, he allows fear to rule his behavior with Tristan. I loved his grand romantic gesture and their friends' reaction even more.
Highly recommended series
Adult read
Highly recommended series
Adult read
August 26, 2018
I liked Tristan and Walker's story, but not quite as much as the first in the series (Reed/Brady). the writing is solid (except for more than a handful of typos which were noticeable but not that hard to get beyond). I actually liked Tristan way better than I liked Walker; I got tired of waiting for Walker to come around and he was kind of inexplicably asshole-y at times. but overall a good, not terribly long read.
August 28, 2018
I enjoyed Triston and Walker. Triston is just out of rehab and finds himself on a his friends ranch trying to put his life back together. Triston is sweet, mature for his age and I just wanted to hug him.
Walker lost his wife at a young age and has closed himself off. He wants Triston but he doeasn't want to risk his heart.
This is a bumpy, emotional and heartwarming story of two people falling in love and making it work.
I voluntarily reveiwed an advanced copy of this book.
Walker lost his wife at a young age and has closed himself off. He wants Triston but he doeasn't want to risk his heart.
This is a bumpy, emotional and heartwarming story of two people falling in love and making it work.
I voluntarily reveiwed an advanced copy of this book.
August 30, 2018
*sighs* Ruthie Luhnow has done it again. She's crafted a great story, that hits all the right notes for me. There's a little angst, a few tears, some pinning, and a whole lot of sexy cowboy action!
Ruthie writes her characters with depth and layers. She never fails to draw me into the story and hold my attention until the end. I have loved every story of hers. I am always excited to see that she has a new release. You should read this story, just be warned you'll get hooked on Ruthie's books!
Ruthie writes her characters with depth and layers. She never fails to draw me into the story and hold my attention until the end. I have loved every story of hers. I am always excited to see that she has a new release. You should read this story, just be warned you'll get hooked on Ruthie's books!
August 25, 2018
Really wonderful book.
I really loved this book. It was sweet and sad and parts made my cry. I was so happy that Tristen got his happy ever after with Walker at the end. Great book.
I read a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review.
I really loved this book. It was sweet and sad and parts made my cry. I was so happy that Tristen got his happy ever after with Walker at the end. Great book.
I read a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review.
September 2, 2018
3.5 stars for me.
"If i have to pick between staying in the closet or being with you, then get out the matches and burn the whole thing down, because I'll always, always choose you."
I missed the tension and development i usually eat up in a Ruthie Lunhow novel. I just wish things would have been more fleshed out for the relationship in this one.
"If i have to pick between staying in the closet or being with you, then get out the matches and burn the whole thing down, because I'll always, always choose you."
I missed the tension and development i usually eat up in a Ruthie Lunhow novel. I just wish things would have been more fleshed out for the relationship in this one.
November 25, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I found it engaging and well written. I would have given it four stars if it weren't for the many copy errors that kept distracting me from the story. It is a shame- a lot of effort and creativity obviously went into crafting this story, and very little went into proofreading it.
October 25, 2019
Amazing
Spolier Alert...
So can I just say how frustrated I was with Walker?? Like I wanted to shake him...but thank God he pulled through with the big declaration at the end! Also Ruthie Luhnow you are an insanely inspirational author to me. Your books are beautiful and this one was worded and well thought out in regards to overcoming addiction. Loved every bit.
Spolier Alert...
So can I just say how frustrated I was with Walker?? Like I wanted to shake him...but thank God he pulled through with the big declaration at the end! Also Ruthie Luhnow you are an insanely inspirational author to me. Your books are beautiful and this one was worded and well thought out in regards to overcoming addiction. Loved every bit.
August 26, 2018
Wow! I can’t say enough good about this story. Tristan and Walker were made for each other. The journey to finding love after addiction was beautifully captured. This is my favorite book so far by Ruthie Luhnow.
I strongly recommend! You don’t need to have read the previous story to enjoy.
I strongly recommend! You don’t need to have read the previous story to enjoy.
September 7, 2018
I loved Walker and Tristan's story. So glad that they didn't let them coming from totally different worlds affect the way they interacted.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
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