Whether it was due to lack of funds, lack of desire, or one lame excuse after another, Rex Sharpe has managed to ignore the one and only dream he’s ever turning his family’s dilapidated old farmhouse into a bed and breakfast. Until now. When his cousin Travis Walker decides to invest in a venture that will help revitalize the small town of Coyote Ridge, Rex knows it’s time to put up or shut up.
They say third time’s a charm, right? Jack Cunningham learns that’s not always true. When his world is unexpectedly tipped on its axis, Jack does what he does best. He runs. Only this time, he doesn’t get far. A one-night encounter with a sexy cowboy has Jack’s already topsy-turvy world spinning even more, and he soon learns, it’s only the beginning.
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Nicole Edwards spends her days stringing words together to make complete sentences. Sometimes not. Her best friend is coffee, and she has a love/hate relationship with sarcasm. She’s been accused of having a filthy imagination, which she admits is true.
Nicole lives in the suburbs of Austin, Texas. She proudly claims one husband, three grown children, and two bosses (better known as the dogs). When she isn’t writing, watching football or hockey, or keeping her bosses happy, you can probably find her with a book in hand.
I was tossing up with this review.. really enjoyed some parts, found a few moments slow and then started rushing through in other sections . What I did realize is that once the story fell into place and I began to feel the groove ! It felt like the addition of the Walkers was almost an unnecessary cameo, even though they’re one of my favorite families ever. This is the start of new families and new lives. I look forward to Rafes book - hope he gets one
Gifted ARC, this is my honest review. I wanted to love this book I really, really did! I just didn't.😢 I loved Rex, but he had some serious issues he still needed to work through that contributed to Jack being well Jack. Jack, Jack, Jack ( insert shaking head here) confused, insecure, avoids anything dealing with a mature adult relationship. He is a runner! Things get real, he runs. To grown-up or have to make mature decisions...runs! Between what Rex lived through, Jack finding his true self and accepting this non -"relationship" to say it was frustrating is being kind! Let's just say 77% in and Jack FINALLY FINALLY pulls his head outta his a$$! Now we still don't get the HEA really until 90ish%. This was a good story concept, but to much angst, back and fourth without equal amounts of happy times! Equality that's all I'm asking for. Equal happy times to match the angst times! The only time Jack showed his true self in the beginning/middle, was either when he was drunk or having sex, not my idea of a strong character. When Rex and Jack gave into just being themselves and loving eachother, they were amazing! Sadly those times were hit and miss! This book doesn't even come close to how awesome Ethan and Beau's story was, is! Maybe my standards are to high, maybe I'm biased to the original Walker books, I've been spoiled! I loved the original Walker books, EVERY. SINGLE. ONE! Travis, Gage and Kylie are still my go to read, I still get tummy flutters hearing Travis's voice in my head when reading about him. Goosebumps baby! Definitely read this book especially, if like me you've read all the Walker books. Guest appearances from previous books.. Bonus!
Rex https://amzn.to/2YrENlU by Nicole Edwards will be like coming home for an avid Nicole Edwards readers as they get to return to Coyote Ridge, Texas. The town to which her Alluring Indulgence Series (Walker Brothers) and this spin-off series are set in.
Rex Sharpe is a first cousin of the Walker Brothers and his backstory is heartbreaking.
When Rex meets Jack Cunningham who sort of stumbles on Coyote Ridge, he is running from his life.
As these two get to know each other, and work to try to understand the others past, they had me knowing they belonged together. It was very clear that what they felt for each other was different than anything either had felt in the past.
Rex has baggage from this past and Jack well Jack prior to meeting Rex was only with women so both men have so work to do in terms of figuring out how to be with each other. This back and forth was at time frustrating and Jack often opened up when drunk but over time both come to a place where they accepted what they feel and decide to embrace what was in front of them.
Bristol, Rex's best friend has a few great scenes and allows the reader a different look at Rex, the man.
In the end the happy Rex and Jack find is one neither ever dreamed of but there is no doubt in the readers mind it is the happy they were meant to have.
It should be noted this book is easily read stand alone as prior to this book readers do not know Rex or his relationship to the Walker Family.
Now if you had read the prior book there was a few great Walker brothers scenes and as we have been accustomed to Travis Walker takes care of his own (nope not telling read the book)
This book left me so excited for more from this series, I now want the twins Kaden and Keegan even more and.... Rafe, oh Rafe I hope you are a happy very soon!
5 Star review of Rex (Walker of Coyote Ridge #6) by Nicole Edwards As with many books I have read by Nicole Edwards, Rex was hot and the scenes absolutely sizzled. Anything to do with Coyote Ridge and by extension the Walkers, I will happily read and it was great to see a few cameo appearances from my favourite family. I love that no matter how distant a Walker relationship is, they will dive in a support one another. What happens when two strangers hook up for a good time? Can they make something out of a one night stand? Will it lead to decisions that will change their lives or will they crash and burn? Rex was an emotional roller coaster of a read as Rex struggled to come to terms with his past although Jack frustrated me at times as he typically runs when things get tough and he struggles to make decisions. However this book had drama, angst, romance, humour and love and for me ticked all the boxes. I really loved Rex Sharpe and the man who finally got to him Jack Cunningham. There was just something about these two together that made me melt, although at times my heart just about broke for Rex and Jack. . This is a story that will suck you in and get to you in a way that only a Nicole Edwards book can do and in my humble opinion she is one of the best in the MM genres that I have read over the last few years.
Have you ever gotten a book that from the very first sentence, you knew it was going to be one of those books? One of those books that was hot, steamy, and had the perfect deliverance of sex, mixed with lust, angst, instantaneous-off-the-charts chemistry, burn up the pages sex scenes, romance, and love? One of those books that you kept telling yourself "just one more paragraph", then "just one more chapter"? One of those books that you couldn't put down once you starting reading and before you know it, it's 2:30 a.m. and you don't want to stop but you know if you don't, you'll be dragging your butt the next morning? Well, Rex by Nicole Edwards is just that book. It's a beautiful story with heart-stopping emotions, of love and pain, fate and circumstances, healing, hope, finding yourself, and family.
I volunteered to review an advance reader copy of this book.
This is book #6, in The Walkers of Coyote Ridge series. This book can be read as a standalone novel. For reader understanding, and to avoid spoilers, I recommend reading this sexy series in order.
Rex has a history with the home that he wants to make a future in. He has known since his youth he would run a B & B in his historic home. If he can get past the nightmares, he might be able to find a little magic there too.
Jack has never really been curious. Until he is driven to try something new by an awareness he does not have until Rex. Once he gets a taste however, there is only craving.
Such a sexy and yet very sweet story. The heat between these two is just sizzling right along as you read. I love this series and it is so nice to visit back with some of our favorites.
***This ARC copy was given in exchange for an honest review.
Nicole Walker has blown me away with this story. There is so much depth of emotions running high with these 2 men and I was right there feeling it with them, the laughter, angst, tears and hot sex!! This is an amazing addition to the Walkers of Coyote Ridge series.
The prologue of this book touches a little on the past of brothers Rex and Rafe Sharpe, cousins to the Walker boys. As I was reading, I just knew that this going to be one doozie of a story.
After the prologue, chapter 1 starts 14 years later, in this present time. Rex has inherited the family farm and has always wanted to turn it into a B&B. It just took him a while to get started on it and that is what he is finally doing. Due to things that happened in their past, Rafe left town 10 years prior, right after his high school graduation. Through flashbacks, you will see exactly what happened to these 2 boys and it was such a tragic life for them.
Then we finally get to meet Jack Cunningham who just can't seem to get a break in his relationships. He is already on his 3rd engagement. Confronting is current fiancee about a situation, he is definitley not pleased. Instead of trying to work out the problem, he does what he usually does and runs, ending up in Coyote Ridge. He ends up at Mooshiners and sees Rex. Getting drunk, Rex comes to his rescue and they end up having a one night encounter, (or so they think, lol). Now Jack's life is in complete confusion as he always thought he was straight!!
These 2 men both have battles to conquer in their lives, Rex needs to learn to accept love and the knowledge that he deserves love, and Jack has to come to terms with the knowledge that he is gay. It takes them a while to get there, but they both come to realize that they need each other. I absolutely loved this book, Nicole is one of my favorite authors and I just love all her books, whether they be MF, MM, MMF or MFM. If you have been reading the Walkers, then you defintely need to read this one also.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review
Weather it was due to lack of funds, lack of desire, or one lame excuse after another, Rex Sharpe has managed to ignore the one and only dream he's ever had: turning his family's dilapidated old farmhouse into a bed and breakfast. Until now. When his cousin Travis walker decides to invest in a venture that will help revitalize the small town of Coyote Ridge, Rex knows it's time to put up or shut up. They say third time's a charm, right? Jack Cunningham learns that's not always true. When his world is unexpectedly tipped on its axis, Jack does what he does best. He runs. Only this time, he doesn't get far. A one night encounter with a sexy cowboy has Jack's already topsy-turvy world spinning even more, and he soon learns, it's only the beginning.
I am going to go ahead and warn you that when you pick up this book it is going to suck you in and your not going to want to put it down. In the beginning of the book we get Rex's past and his dad is the most horrible human being in the world. But even at a young age his dream is to make a bed and breakfast out of the families huge farmhouse that is all but falling down. If every two people needed something it was Rex and Jack. These two meet and spend one night together. This book is their story and I loved every single second of it. I loved that Rex is finally going to make his dream come true. I loved that Jack was there too. Oh how I love even the mention of the name Travis Walker. If you don't know who he is then your missing out. I might be slightly obsessed with the man and the town of Coyote Ridge. I swear all these book have stolen my heart but this one.....I just don't have enough words for the passion and heat and the speed with which I read this book. I was so sad to have my time with Rex and Jack over. You do not want to miss this Nicole Edward masterpiece. Just grab it and make sure you have plenty of time to spend with it for I promise your not going to be able to put it down.
There are very few authors that I just jump into the book without reading the blurb. Nicole is one of those authors. I know whatever she writes I am going to like if not love. Rex was no different. I just jumped right in. I think it is more fun that way. You don't always know what you are going to get.
Rex is an amazing character. I often wonder if Nicole has a stable of men in Texas that she takes out and writes books about. They feel so real. You can feel their pain, happiness and oh the lust. Don't even get me started on the lust.
Nicole was the first author to introduce me to M/M and M/f/M romances. Again, what kind of men are they breeding in Texas? I have to say that for an old lady living in Iowa, I am enjoying everything Nicole writes. Honestly, I thought I would get bored with the M/M and M/f/M after while. Nope. She has the talent of making each character different. She makes you want more. More Walker brothers, more twins, more hot and steamy sex, more true love.
I love how most of her books intertwine with one another. With Rex, the Walker brothers show their bloodline while still allowing Rex and his family their own story.
I know this isn't much of a book review, but a Nicole Edwards review. If you read the blurb you know what the story is about. If you haven't read all her books, well then you should probably read all her books to see where the stories intermix in different books. Trust me. There is nothing like reading a book and having one (or more) of your book boyfriend making an appearance in the book you are reading now. Not saying that I have done this (I have), but I think some might even fangirl scream when that happens.
Okay, so I am sorry if you didn't like my review. Not really, but I am being polite. Read Rex. you have read the blurb you know it is an M/M book. It is written by Nicole Edwards, so that will make you just pick up this book and get lost in Coyote Ridge again.
Anything to do with Coyote Ridge excites me, I love catching up with the Walkers wether it be one of the brothers or cousins that have come back to the family brood and let me tell you Rex did not disappoint it was everything I have come to expect from Nicole Edwards and more. This book took over I couldn’t put it down so be warned don’t start reading Rex if you don’t have time to finish it, I was up half the night I just kept thinking just one more chapter then sleep well that was never going to happen because once I got into Rex and Jack’s story I needed to know how it ended I needed to know if Jack became the adult I knew he has inside him and I needed to know if Rex finally gave in to the feelings he was having because at the start of this book I was convinced he was hell bent on living a life alone. This book is not just a love story it’s a journey about two people learning about themselves as they learn about each other, it’s full of emotions, it’s about family and bonds and it’s beautifully written. The Walkers will always protect what’s there’s and Rex is no different but a lot of this book is Rex learning what it means to be a Walker and excepting help from family with no strings attached. Can’t wait to see where we are taken with this extended Walker family.
You know when you have an author that you absolutely love... you know the one that writes books that never let you down. That writes books that have everything you love. That are so hot you can't hardly hold onto it when you are reading it? You know the one. We all have that one author that we one click. That one author that even if they wrote a phone book we would read it. NE is definitely that author for me. She has NEVER let me down. I have never ever ever read one of her books and thought "yah that was ok" ever!! This book was no different. It had it all. The slow burn. The hot alphas. The even hotter sex. How this woman comes up with these hot sex scenes book after book and still keeps it interesting is beyond me....but she does it. I have read every book this author has published and I have loved everyone. But this one....holy shit....I need a fan. It was hot as hell. I'm in love with Rex and all his fucked-up-ness. And Jack....good Lord, help me. I love their love. I was to visit R&R. I want to live in CR and I want to be part of the Walker Family. I can't wait to see what this author has for me next!!!
I love the characters that Nicole Edwards brings us! I love her writing and the sense of family and friendship, support and caring that seems to be the major theme across so many of her stories and we get to experience this again in Rex’s book. He is not a close member in the Walker family, yet they step up and have his back when he needed them to get his dream off the ground.
This story is about two strangers who happen to meet and in that moment an opportunity neither saw coming was going to change both of their lives. Who would have thought that the sexy cowboy and the chatty city boy would have anything in common?
I couldn’t decide if I wanted to hug Rex and Jack or shake some sense into them throughout this book. They were two of the most frustrating characters as they danced around their attraction to each other. It was a step forward and then two back as they slowly came to realize the depth of their feelings.
Rex was struggling with his past as he built towards his future never letting anyone get too close. He didn’t want to be vulnerable and he didn’t know how to fully trust anyone. It took the right man to bring those walls down so he could see the beauty that was on the other side.
What Jack saw as his future took a sudden turn. He had a habit of running from his issues instead of facing them head on. This time he ran into Jack who changed his life. Now he had some big decisions to make as tried to figure out what his new future would look like if he chose the man he really wanted. I loved these men and their story! Take a chance on this book. I know you will not be disappointed!
Rex has a not so great history with his family home, but he is determined that he wants to make a future in it. He has had the dream of turning his historic home into a B& B since he was a teenager. He kept finding excuses to put it off until he finally decided to give up his apartment and move back in to the house. Jack had to get out of the city, after finding his fiancé cheating on him in his own bed. After a fight with her he takes off and decides he needs a drink and stops at a small-town bar. He catches Rex’s eyes as he walks in and that was all it took for his curiosity to come front and center. Trying to drown his sorrows Jack gets totally hammered and Rex takes him back to his hotel and WOW do the sparks fly between them. However, both these men have some serious baggage, but neither saw the other one coming and cannot resist the chemistry between them. Both have serious issues they need to work through, but will they help each other moved past their problems to a better future or will their stubbornness be the end of their relationship?
We get to see all our favorite Walker brothers & cousins as they pitch in to help Rex realize his dreams with the B&B. It is nice to get the small glimpses into how they are doing now that they are “settled down”. I loved Rex’s story and cannot wait to see who is next to fall.
We're once again in Coyote Ridge to meet another of the Walker clan.
Rex has lived in Coyote Ridge his entire life and has grand plans for the family home, left to him by his paternal grandfather.
That home though, has some tragic and heartbreaking memories that Rex does his best to ignore.
Jack stumbles into town after breaking off his engagement to his third fiancée!
Why can't he commit? Jack admits to finding some men attractive and has given consideration to 'exploring'.
His meeting and subsequent encounters with Rex confuses him and he's not quite sure how to deal with the fallout.
This is a story of a new relationship where both parties are bringing some pretty serious baggage along for the haul. Nothing is simple, feelings remain unshared but hurt. The sex is off the scale but the intimacy that should follow is missing and communication is non-existent!
Nicole Edwards brings both these characters to life. Rex who's brooding and traumatised and Jack who doesn't know which end is up.
She develops the most inspiring relationship between these two men. A relationship that shows that no one is perfect and that love takes nurture and work to survive and blossom into something lifelong.
All this and a sneak peek into the lives of more of the Walker clan and other residents of this small town in rural Texas.
I am a HUGE Nicole Edwards fan and have read everything that she has published. I was honored to have received this ARC. Rex unfortunately has an ugly past, a very abusive father. This has now given him a ton of trust issues. Jack has just walked in on his third fiance screwing another man, yup he now has trust issues also. The two men meet accidentally at a bar, Rex there to hang out with his cousins, The Walker clan. Jack just looking to escape reality and get drunk. Rex helps Jack back to his hotel room because he was too drunk to drive and they end up spending the night together, being Jack's first time with a man. As Jack does not want to deal with his now ex-fiance, he decides to hide out in Coyote Ridge and help out Rex build his dream, a bed and breakfast. A friendship develops and so does a mutual sexy chemistry. They finally give into each other again, but then because Jack is confused, and Rex still can't trust, it goes back and forth... I wish they had a better relationship, and that I could fall in love with Rex, but his character was a little too stubborn. They both had pasts to deal with, but I wish there were more happy times of love, instead of constant issues between them.
I love Nicole Edwards. I especially love her m/m books. I felt this one fell a little flat though. Don't get me wrong, the story is there, the great chemistry is there, steamy scenes are top notch. I felt the story finally came together in the last 5%, which at that point I wanted more. The angst was hinted at early on, and we get a lot of Jack's backstory for the most part. Rex's teenage drama was hinted at, but we never get his thoughts behind what happened. Or how the town treated him, etc. We got more details of the B and B then their pasts. Although I like the building details, I think the characters got forgotten. It is still worth the read however. We also get some sneak peeks from some favorite characters!
I absolutely loved Rex and Jack's story. Nicole is one of my favorite authors and she knocks MM books right out the park as far as I'm concerned. This book really gives me "the feels". And some of those sex scenes, DAYUMN, burns up my kindle. I love Coyote Ridge, I love the Walkers and their family and friends. Such great characters and such great stories to be told. I am truly hooked on Rex and Jack. I am definitely looking forward to more ..... I will never be able to let go of this series and this family
Rex is one of those books that grab you from the beginning and doesn't let you go until the end, even though you don't want it to end. It is so emotionally charged there were times I didn't think I was going to be able to make it through. Rex and Jack were two people who desperately needed something that they weren't sure what it was. I loved this book and both Rex and Jack, this was an awesome read and I can't wait of more.
First of all I have high expectations for anything Nicole Edwards, she has set the bar pretty high for herself and this book is right up there. This book has it all, the drama, the steamy sexy scenes, and bless her....the Walker brothers. I fell in love with Rex, he is haunted by his past to the point that it affects the present and possibly his furture. He has big plans for Coyote Ridge, but it is taking a long time (enter Travis Walker). Jack had to get out of the city, cheating fiance, and in his bed no less. That's it. It is over. Jack needs a break and a drink. Seriously one look between Rex and Jack and let the steam begin. The story is intense because they are both dealing with issues they need to come to terms with before they can move on. The writing was amazing, you have real feelings for the characters, you cheer them on, argue with them, and cry a bit. I loved it all.
Once again Mrs. Edwards has brought us another amazing addition to the Walkers of Coyote Ridge. I’ve seriously miss this family. I love this series and I already need more!
Rex a cousin of the Walker clan, he’s had a rough childhood nothing that you would expect. Him and his brother tried to stay on the bright side of things when it got dark. Rex has always dreamed of opening a b&b in Coyote Ridge. Even with all the bad memories he wants his dream.
Jack unhappy with his life, running when times get hard. He wants to be happy and taking a little vacation to a little town is just what he needs to move past the betrayal. He can finally be who he has wanted to be. Free to do what he wants for a change.
These two are exactly what each other needs. Jack is the only thing that feels right to Rex. Jack is still a little confused how Rex can never leave his mind and heart. I loved their story and I really really want Rafe’s story next! Pretty please?
I really enjoyed Rex and Jack's story despite wanting to knock their heads together on occasion and wanting to seriously shake Jack! As always, Nicole gives us two strong, real, lovable characters who are not perfect, because nobody is. These two men are both also carrying some serious baggage. But neither one of these sexy men saw the other one coming and what ensues is a battle of wills that takes them on quite the hot yet angsty ride. It took a lot for Rex to trust Jack and a lot for Jack to accept who he really was deep down and exactly what was happening between them. Only after they truly open their hearts, souls and minds, are they able to see the future in each other and let me tell you, that is worth dealing with all the denial and angst.
I personally think Nicole is the queen of MM books. I freaking loved this. Rex is broken because of what happened in his childhood. Jack is confused, he’s been engaged to 3 different women and neither worked out. Until he met Rex and realized he was gay, no wonder he never made it to the alter. Loved seeing some of the Walker clan in this as well. Highly recommended.
Amazing book as with the rest of the series I loved loved loved it the passion from the city boy and the countryman was everything I wanted and more! Vulnerable, Sexy, Demanding, stubborn, pig-headed at times what is not to love? I look forward to the next one These men are mine! #Claimed
I adore Nicole Edwards’ Walker family! I can’t get enough of their familial bond and the way they step up for each other no matter the situation. And with her newest release, REX, Edwards branches out a bit further on the Walker family tree with one of the Walker’s cousins and the city boy who may or may not be just who Rex needs to let go of his past and focus on his future.
Rex Sharpe is a man whose abusive childhood/teenage years has done a number on, and as Edwards reveals the chain of events that led to the burdens that Rex now carries, I wondered if someone could truly recover from that trauma and hold steadfast to what he’s always wanted to do, which is make something of himself using his family’s land and creating a home away from home for people to make memories, perhaps in this quest also finding a way to heal himself.
Jack Cunningham is quite the hot mess when he finds himself in Coyote Ridge in need of assistance due to his drunken state, and I’m more than sure he didn’t expect anything to happen between himself and the sexy cowboy who lent him a hand, but it does, sending this city boy spiraling even further down the rabbit hole, attempting to figure out who the hell he is and what he wants out of life.
I have to admit…for a good chunk of the story, I didn’t like Jack; he frustrated the heck out of me, not only because of his runner mentality but also because he didn’t truly know who he was or what he wanted, which more than messed with his head and mine. Don’t get me wrong…I understand Jack not having a handle on his sexuality, especially due to his track record when it came to his past relationships and broken engagements, but the fact that he so easily gave himself to Rex at the beginning of the story but then refused to accept what he felt for Rex or name what was clearly between them didn’t sit well with me; in fact, I expected Jack to run again because that’s been his M.O., even though I hoped he’d finally pull his head out of his rear end and face what he’s always known about himself but never would admit.
Things between Rex and Jack aren’t easy; in fact, they’re quite difficult due to a number of unanswered and unacknowledged questions. And for this reason, even though these two hook up at the beginning of the story, any kind of relationship between them is quite the slow burn, and sometimes, I even wondered if it was possible for this cowboy and city boy to make a go of anything more than a sexual release, but I kept reading hoping that Jack would realize whatever he needed to in order to see how could he and Rex could be if he stayed put and never ran again.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a Walkers of Coyote Ridge story without the brood of men, women, and children showing up in REX, and because this family has always been close and has always thrown down for each other regardless if those in need wanted it or not, I knew they’d have a say in helping Rex achieve his dream and also find a way to prove to both Rex and Jack that when it comes to love, it’s a risk worth taking, and because they’ve all been through variations of the drama and angst that Rex and Jack are dealing with, I knew if they listened to this family and their sage advice that they’d find their happily ever after even if it took them a little longer than anyone wanted or expected.
Rex is the sixth book in the Walkers of Coyote Ridge series by the talented Nicole Edwards. I'm a huge fan of Nicole's and I need to get my hands on every one of her books asafp! The Walkers are one of my favorite families. I really do love them all. Travis was the first Walker I met so he has a special place in my heart. And he's Rex's cousin! Rex has been wanting to turn his family's house into a bed and breakfast since he was thirteen. He's procrastinated enough and now with the help of his cousins, his dream is going to come true. It's going to take a lot of work and he doesn't need distractions. He wants to get this part of his life started and he's looking to settle down, find his happily ever after. When a stranger from the city wanders into his path, he can't help but feel an instant connection. He's pretty sure he's not gay but he can't resist spending one night with him because he's just passing through town, right? Wrong! When fate lands Jack on Rex's doorstep, will their attraction be stronger than just trying to be friends? Jack is trying to figure out who he is. After three failed engagements to women, he realizes he's never felt for anyone the way he does for Rex? Can they figure out their true feelings before it's too late? Will Jack finally stop running? I loved this story. It's full of heat, heart and humor. I loved their sexy banter and innuendo. I loved that Rex knew what he wanted and didn't want to just have a fling with Jack. I do admit to being very frustrated with Jack for always freaking out and hiding, but I understand what was going on with him. He isn't who he always thought he was. That's a lot to tackle! Overall, I laughed, cried, swooned, got hot and bothered and chuckled a lot. I was entertained from start to finish!
"You might be good with power tools and you might've gotten the decorator's touch that seems to be common with boys who like boys, but you didn't get the gene that allows you to interact well with others."
"Take your time," he muttered, watching the sexy city boy walk down the hall, the muscles in his back shifting with every step. "Damn." "I heard that." Jack turned around, grinned then shut the bedroom door.
"You think it's all about getting something in return?" Rex's grin was sexy. "You've certainly been with the wrong people, city boy. Can't I not just want to make you feel good?" "Yes?" Rex chuckled.
REX is book 6 in the Walkers of Coyote Ridge series. It has several characters from previous books that make an appearance but it is a complete standalone.
Rex Sharpe is in the middle of a huge renovation. His dream has always been to turn his family home into a bed and breakfast in the small town of Coyote Ridge. So he doesn't have time for more than one night of fun (although meeting someone who'd want something permanent would be welcome). Jack Cunningham is running from a horrid ex fiancee. He just needs a place to recoup and Coyote Ridge seemed like the perfect place. But meeting a hot cowboy wasn't supposed happen.
I'll flat out declare that I fell in love with Rex while reading the prologue! No spoilers but let's just say that he had a really tough childhood. But grown-up Rex? SWOON! No, he wasn't perfect, he actually had a lot of issues with trust but that just managed to endear him to me more. (On a side note, I can perfectly hear him growling, "city boy" in my head!) I loved his ability to realize his own flaws and his patience with Jack was stellar.
Obviously, this is an M/M romance and sometimes we read about two heroes that are both alpha but I found myself picturing Jack with a bit of an effeminate quality. Don't get me wrong, that's not a bad thing, I actually loved that about him. Unfortunately, he was such a wishy washy character! I mean, I guess it's hard realizing that you're gay at thirty but I wanted him to be more decisive. It took a looong time for Jack to come to his senses and realize what a catch Rex was which had me a tad frustrated. By the end, I found myself rooting for Jack but mostly, it was because Rex really loved him and I wanted Rex to have his happy ever after!
I also wanted a bit more angst. I felt like the prologue was leading me in one direction and while it was satisfactorily wrapped up, I wanted more of an edge to the story. Overall, I gave it 3.5 stars but bumped it up to 4 because...hello? That cover is super hot! Having said all that, I adore Nicole Edwards and I'm looking forward to more from Coyote Ridge. Told from dual POVs with a happy ending that leads us into the next book. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book.
I read quite a few Nicole Edwards books back in the day. Now that I pretty strictly read MM, I read Ethan a few years ago and Beau last year. I enjoyed Ethan, Beau was ok. But this one was really, meh. I was bored.
The first three chapters are just first, Rex trying to talk himself into something, then the next is Jack trying to talk himself into something and then Rex again. Rex was trying to convince himself to work on his dream project. Turning his generational family home into a bed and breakfast. Not for nothin, but if you have had this dream since you were 13, probably you wouldn't have to talk yourself into it.
Jack is trying to convince himself to go inside his apartment. Where fiance number 3 is. But he doesn't want to. He should have listened to himself.
Jack and Rex meet at a bar. Cliche. Jack gets wasted and Rex drives him- a complete stranger- back to his hotel. But don't worry, Rex would never take advantage of a drunk straight guy! He will let him nap for an hour or so first. *eye roll*
And now because there aren't any hotel rooms anywhere around him, Jack ends up in Rex's spare bedroom. Uh huh.
Have hot sex- walk away and ignore it. Flirt heavily- then turn a cold shoulder. Get in a big fight- hide in your room.
I really, really hate to say this. But the dynamic between Jack and Rex was much like that of het couples in traditional romances I won't read anymore. Because of all of this bs.
I felt no connection, no chemistry between them. Boring.
Besides the completely unbelievable happenings of a huge influx of money from family investors into a B&B that has no business plan at all.
Rex has trauma from his past. Because of that trauma, the town shunned him and his brother. His brother left when he was 18, but Rex stuck around. Because B&B dreams. (And Rex is one of the least likely guys to seem to want to open a B&B, but whatev). But he doesn't seem to have any issues with nosy townspeople now.
I made it to the end. Barely. I don't know if I could read another by this author. Honestly, I think she should stick with MF romances.
This was at times a tough read because of the issues facing the characters but it is well worth going on the journey to healing with them. I did struggle a little bit at first to get back into this world but this very quickly passed as I became immersed in Rex and Jack's story.
With the help of family, Rex is finally able to realise his dream of converting the house he grew up into a B&B. It is a house that has become tinged with bad memories that haunt him and view how people see him. The experiences that took place under that roof are shocking and forced his brother out of town and to keep his distance. They cause Rex to keep his distance from those around him and result in him not looking for a relationship.
Enter Jack. Jack is confused about who he is. His past relationships have all been with women but he has always ended them before walking down the aisle. He prefers to avoid confrontation, choosing not to put his feelings first. This time, he chooses to walk when he catches his fiancee cheating on him, causing him to flee town straight into the bar that Rex is drinking at. Rex helps the drunk Jack back to his hotel and stays awhile, thinking he would never see him again. Fate though has other plans as Jack turns up on his doorstep needing a place to stay.
Jack has to figure out who he is and what wants, whilst Rex has to over come his past and see what is in front of him. There was lots of going backwards and forwards between these two. Jack's tendency to run and shut down when things get tough was frustrating as hell but then equally Rex let him get away with it and didn't challenge him on. Both as bad as each other.
I love Nicole Edwards' writing - she always pulls me into the story and keeps me hooked with plenty of curve balls along the way. With Rex's story being tough yet satisfying, I am now eagerly waiting to see what she will bring us for Rafe's story (Rex's brother).