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Ranger
I’ve been living under storm clouds since my honorable discharge, but Julian’s the sun.
I’ve tried everything to deal with my PTSD from yoga to sunning my butthole, but nothing seemed to help.
So when my brother suggests a therapy dog, I figure I don’t have anything to lose. The last thing I expect is for the dog to come with a cheerful, quirky trainer I can’t get out of my head…
I’m too screwed up for love, but a chance to explore a side of myself I didn’t realize existed until recently is too good to pass up.
But the more I get to know Julian, the more I start to think I might not be beyond saving after all...
Ranger is a low angst standalone MM romance featuring a slightly grumpy veteran, a sunshiney animal trainer, an ornery goat, a deaf donkey, and some seriously hot encounters, resulting in a very happy ending. While Ranger was a side character in Heart (Ballsy Boys 3), his book is a stand alone and can be read on its own.
I’ve tried everything to deal with my PTSD from yoga to sunning my butthole, but nothing seemed to help.
So when my brother suggests a therapy dog, I figure I don’t have anything to lose. The last thing I expect is for the dog to come with a cheerful, quirky trainer I can’t get out of my head…
I’m too screwed up for love, but a chance to explore a side of myself I didn’t realize existed until recently is too good to pass up.
But the more I get to know Julian, the more I start to think I might not be beyond saving after all...
Ranger is a low angst standalone MM romance featuring a slightly grumpy veteran, a sunshiney animal trainer, an ornery goat, a deaf donkey, and some seriously hot encounters, resulting in a very happy ending. While Ranger was a side character in Heart (Ballsy Boys 3), his book is a stand alone and can be read on its own.
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 24, 2020
711 people are currently reading
1189 people want to read
About the author
K.M. Neuhold
100 books3,307 followersK.M.Neuhold has long since been a romance junkie. When she’s not writing she’s reading or spending time snuggling with her husky or her husband. She fell in love with M/M romance last year and hasn’t been able to turn back. There’s nothing she loves more than love in all its forms.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 377 reviews
February 3, 2021
~4.5~
Ranger is heavy on hurt-comfort but never turns maudlin or overly angsty.
Mack Stone, aka Ranger, is lost and broken. After watching his best friend, the man he didn't know he loved, die right in front of him during a military ambush, Ranger's life changes in a split second. Gone is the strong, confident man who takes charge. Following an honorable discharge, Ranger can barely get out of bed most days.
When his brother suggests a therapy dog to help with Ranger's PTSD, Ranger feels hope for the first time in months.
Enter Benny, the smart and empathetic golden retiever who becomes Ranger's shadow. But it's not only Benny who boosts Ranger's self-esteem. It's also Benny's adorable and kind trainer, Julian.
Julian is a ray of sunshine who volunteers to train therapy dogs for veterans. He also trains horses and has a veritable menagerie of animals: a 13-year-old grumpy husky who goes by PP, because Princess Pinecone is a mouthful; chickens named after the Golden Girls; a stubborn, deaf donkey; and an ornery goat too smart for his own good.
Even without the UST (in yearning for Julian, Ranger realizes that he's bi), the scorching sex (including a memorable first time in a truck), and the Cinderella-worthy romance, I would have liked this book just because the animal secondary characters play such a big role in the story.
I also loved that it's not only Julian helping Ranger. It's also Ranger being there and comforting Julian when the unthinkable happens.
Ranger's PTSD isn't sugar-coated, but there is no relationship angst to speak of here. The MCs don't take each other for granted and talk through issues. They are refreshingly honest with one another too.
The epilogue is every good thing. I kind of wish this weren't a standalone and we could get David's (Ranger's good friend) story, but I'll take what I can get.
K.M. Neuhold has recently become my go-to author for feel-good, sexy MM romance, and this collaboration with Nora Phoenix did not disappoint.
Ranger is heavy on hurt-comfort but never turns maudlin or overly angsty.
Mack Stone, aka Ranger, is lost and broken. After watching his best friend, the man he didn't know he loved, die right in front of him during a military ambush, Ranger's life changes in a split second. Gone is the strong, confident man who takes charge. Following an honorable discharge, Ranger can barely get out of bed most days.
When his brother suggests a therapy dog to help with Ranger's PTSD, Ranger feels hope for the first time in months.
Enter Benny, the smart and empathetic golden retiever who becomes Ranger's shadow. But it's not only Benny who boosts Ranger's self-esteem. It's also Benny's adorable and kind trainer, Julian.
Julian is a ray of sunshine who volunteers to train therapy dogs for veterans. He also trains horses and has a veritable menagerie of animals: a 13-year-old grumpy husky who goes by PP, because Princess Pinecone is a mouthful; chickens named after the Golden Girls; a stubborn, deaf donkey; and an ornery goat too smart for his own good.
Even without the UST (in yearning for Julian, Ranger realizes that he's bi), the scorching sex (including a memorable first time in a truck), and the Cinderella-worthy romance, I would have liked this book just because the animal secondary characters play such a big role in the story.
I also loved that it's not only Julian helping Ranger. It's also Ranger being there and comforting Julian when the unthinkable happens.
Ranger's PTSD isn't sugar-coated, but there is no relationship angst to speak of here. The MCs don't take each other for granted and talk through issues. They are refreshingly honest with one another too.
The epilogue is every good thing. I kind of wish this weren't a standalone and we could get David's (Ranger's good friend) story, but I'll take what I can get.
K.M. Neuhold has recently become my go-to author for feel-good, sexy MM romance, and this collaboration with Nora Phoenix did not disappoint.
i-m-a-quitter
December 30, 2020DNF @45%
I just can't with all of the "fiddlesticks, sassafrass, flapjacks, holy potatoes, bojangles".
I just can't with all of the "fiddlesticks, sassafrass, flapjacks, holy potatoes, bojangles".
June 3, 2025
Charming, exactly what I needed. I wanted something short, not too difficult, but still something that would make me cry.
I'll leave it up to these two authors to do just that for me.
So this story only scratches the surface a little; you certainly shouldn't expect too much depth, but the topic is painful enough that it still managed to stir up a fair amount of emotion in me.
The relationship that develops so slowly and yet somehow quickly is very beautiful. I like it when the characters can't resist the magnetism between them. At the same time, there is a wonderful sensitivity between them and you can observe a healing process unfolding.
Then there's a dash of drama and a generous helping of humor and cute, wonderful animals.
I have little bursts where I’ll feel better, and I’ll tackle the garden or vacuum the house, and it’ll look nice for a week or so. But inevitably, that boost disappears just as fast as it popped up, and I’ll be fighting with myself to find the energy to put a pizza in the oven. 🥺💔🥺
I love that quiet time in the morning with him, when he hasn’t done his hair yet, and it’s sticking up in every direction. When he uses funny voices to talk to all the animals, and I swear they understand every word he says. When he still has those heavy-lidded eyes and that dopey, sleepy smile. When he’s snuggly and wants to cuddle on the couch with our first cup of coffee as soon as we’re back inside. He’s adorable. 🫠🫠🫠
I'll leave it up to these two authors to do just that for me.
So this story only scratches the surface a little; you certainly shouldn't expect too much depth, but the topic is painful enough that it still managed to stir up a fair amount of emotion in me.
The relationship that develops so slowly and yet somehow quickly is very beautiful. I like it when the characters can't resist the magnetism between them. At the same time, there is a wonderful sensitivity between them and you can observe a healing process unfolding.
Then there's a dash of drama and a generous helping of humor and cute, wonderful animals.
I have little bursts where I’ll feel better, and I’ll tackle the garden or vacuum the house, and it’ll look nice for a week or so. But inevitably, that boost disappears just as fast as it popped up, and I’ll be fighting with myself to find the energy to put a pizza in the oven. 🥺💔🥺
I love that quiet time in the morning with him, when he hasn’t done his hair yet, and it’s sticking up in every direction. When he uses funny voices to talk to all the animals, and I swear they understand every word he says. When he still has those heavy-lidded eyes and that dopey, sleepy smile. When he’s snuggly and wants to cuddle on the couch with our first cup of coffee as soon as we’re back inside. He’s adorable. 🫠🫠🫠
February 18, 2021
3.5 stars
I should start off by saying that this story is a spin off from the Ballsy Boys series, but I had no trouble at all following the story. The author does a great job explaining everything and you will not be lost at all.
Ranger has been honorably discharged from the Army Rangers and is struggling with PTSD. His brother recommends getting a therapy dog to help him and keep him company. Right away, Ranger and his service dog, Benny, hit it off and a friendship starts between Ranger and Julian. Soon, Ranger starts to have different feelings towards Julian.
Although there are some sad times with Ranger and his PTSD and him discovering who he is now, there is no OTT drama. In fact, there was a lull in the story and I really needed to push myself to finish, but overall I did like the story as well as Ranger and Julian. It did pluck my nerves that Julian would say “cheese and crackers” or silly words instead of cursing. It was just a little weird to me.
Overall, a good sugar sweet 3/3.5 star read for me.
I should start off by saying that this story is a spin off from the Ballsy Boys series, but I had no trouble at all following the story. The author does a great job explaining everything and you will not be lost at all.
Ranger has been honorably discharged from the Army Rangers and is struggling with PTSD. His brother recommends getting a therapy dog to help him and keep him company. Right away, Ranger and his service dog, Benny, hit it off and a friendship starts between Ranger and Julian. Soon, Ranger starts to have different feelings towards Julian.
Although there are some sad times with Ranger and his PTSD and him discovering who he is now, there is no OTT drama. In fact, there was a lull in the story and I really needed to push myself to finish, but overall I did like the story as well as Ranger and Julian. It did pluck my nerves that Julian would say “cheese and crackers” or silly words instead of cursing. It was just a little weird to me.
Overall, a good sugar sweet 3/3.5 star read for me.
January 3, 2021
There have been quite a few books about men with PTSD.
This is one of the lighter ones.
Although we do get an idea how Ranger has been affected by his condition and how challenging everyday life has become, the main focus of this story is on how he gets better once he has got his service dog, Benny.
And how he falls in love with dog handler Julian.
I really enjoyed their lovely, heart-warming story which is basically angst-free, full of compassion and a general feel-good vibe. Seeing Ranger start to blossom and embrace life again is pretty special, and all his firsts with a man are well done. There were also a couple of moments that did bring on the tears. Hence my 4 star rating.
While both MCs are totally likeable, for me the real stars of the book are all the animals. Butler, the goat, is pretty hilarious and Doc, the donkey who understands sign language and prefers a bed to the floor made me laugh out loud. Not even talking about Benny and his amazing skills as a service dog. So impressive!
It was also lovely to meet Lucky and his two men from the ‘Ballsy’ series again. Ranger is Lucky’s brother, and I really loved to see their caring relationship.
All in all, a very positive, nice book.
This is one of the lighter ones.
Although we do get an idea how Ranger has been affected by his condition and how challenging everyday life has become, the main focus of this story is on how he gets better once he has got his service dog, Benny.
And how he falls in love with dog handler Julian.
I really enjoyed their lovely, heart-warming story which is basically angst-free, full of compassion and a general feel-good vibe. Seeing Ranger start to blossom and embrace life again is pretty special, and all his firsts with a man are well done. There were also a couple of moments that did bring on the tears. Hence my 4 star rating.
While both MCs are totally likeable, for me the real stars of the book are all the animals. Butler, the goat, is pretty hilarious and Doc, the donkey who understands sign language and prefers a bed to the floor made me laugh out loud. Not even talking about Benny and his amazing skills as a service dog. So impressive!
It was also lovely to meet Lucky and his two men from the ‘Ballsy’ series again. Ranger is Lucky’s brother, and I really loved to see their caring relationship.
All in all, a very positive, nice book.
January 15, 2021
A thoughtful exploration of loving someone with PTSD
This was a very respectful and thoughtful exploration of how someone can find ways to live with the difficulties of PTSD.
It's also a beautifully gentle romance, filled with support and humour and understanding.
I love it when these two authors work together, they more often than not, for me, produce magic and this was no exception.
I fell in love with Ranger, Julian and the menagerie of animals which made up their family.
No unnecessary drama, just honest conversation, acceptance of the potential struggles and setbacks, and loads and loads of wonderful feelings.
This was a very respectful and thoughtful exploration of how someone can find ways to live with the difficulties of PTSD.
It's also a beautifully gentle romance, filled with support and humour and understanding.
I love it when these two authors work together, they more often than not, for me, produce magic and this was no exception.
I fell in love with Ranger, Julian and the menagerie of animals which made up their family.
No unnecessary drama, just honest conversation, acceptance of the potential struggles and setbacks, and loads and loads of wonderful feelings.
August 15, 2022
Wonderful. A GFY, gay for you, story that will touch your heart. Our ex Army Ranger, is suffering from PTSD. * Mack/Ranger, is 36, with a brother, Lucky, a Marine, in a triad with two men, and Ranger's alone, depressed, and worried about his life now.
He calls his brother for help, and help comes in the form of a golden retriever, Benny.
With a smile like sunshine, * Julian is an animal trainer for TV and movies, plus the training of Service dogs. He delivers Benny, and the dog bonds with Ranger immediately. A flashback happens to Ranger while Julian is there to witness it, and Benny responds beautifully.
The men talk about Benny several times and become close, beginning as friends and then each admits their attraction, so, friends with benefits. Julian understands PTSD and Ranger's feelings.
This tale shows us the interactions, talks, and deep thoughts. Ranger's war time was brutal. Julian also has horses, a goat, donkey, and chickens, plus his own Husky, on his farm.
The men are so great together, and each man hopes they can move past temporary into a permanent relationship, but don't want to ruin the friendship.
When tragedy is coming to Julian's farm, Ranger steps right in and saves the day, alongside Julian, and cements their bond even further.
The sexy times are super hot, with Ranger's first times, and his conversations with his brother, for advice, are funny.
Loved this story, the information, the heartwarming emotions and the true love that shows up.
Excellent.
ENJOY !
=====
He calls his brother for help, and help comes in the form of a golden retriever, Benny.
With a smile like sunshine, * Julian is an animal trainer for TV and movies, plus the training of Service dogs. He delivers Benny, and the dog bonds with Ranger immediately. A flashback happens to Ranger while Julian is there to witness it, and Benny responds beautifully.
The men talk about Benny several times and become close, beginning as friends and then each admits their attraction, so, friends with benefits. Julian understands PTSD and Ranger's feelings.
This tale shows us the interactions, talks, and deep thoughts. Ranger's war time was brutal. Julian also has horses, a goat, donkey, and chickens, plus his own Husky, on his farm.
The men are so great together, and each man hopes they can move past temporary into a permanent relationship, but don't want to ruin the friendship.
When tragedy is coming to Julian's farm, Ranger steps right in and saves the day, alongside Julian, and cements their bond even further.
The sexy times are super hot, with Ranger's first times, and his conversations with his brother, for advice, are funny.
Loved this story, the information, the heartwarming emotions and the true love that shows up.
Excellent.
ENJOY !
=====
January 1, 2021
I cannot tell a lie (ok sure I could). I think I’d give this book four stars just for the hot like burning scene in the truck. Luckily, the rest of the book was pretty awesome as well. I was very happy that Ranger’s PTSD wasn’t glossed over nor cured with the magic d*ck. His struggle is real. Because of this, I had no problem with the lack of relationship angst. It wasn’t needed, and Ranger didn’t deserve to go through any extra manufactured drama.
All in all. I’m very happy with Ranger’s story (yes. I know he wasn’t the only MC, but he’s who I read this book for 🤷🏽♀️).
All in all. I’m very happy with Ranger’s story (yes. I know he wasn’t the only MC, but he’s who I read this book for 🤷🏽♀️).
February 28, 2021
4.5 Stars!! Loved it! ❤️ Well-written, thought provoking story about PTSD, without being dark and depressing. The MCs were likable and the chemistry was realistic and sweet. Also the many animals: including a donkey, a goat, chickens and dogs made the story all the more adorable. 💕 Looking forward to reading more from these authors. 👍
December 22, 2020
This book is like balm for tried body. Sweet, funny, with some dark moments, but it is not overwhelming. What I love the most , the growing love between Ranger and Julian. Add the most funny and helping animals and great secondary characters and you have a fantastic book. I know that K.M. and Nora wanted this book as standalone book, but one character (D) and his sense of humour should have his story ( hint , hint)
Do I recommend this book - 1000% yes and I definitely need more!!
Do I recommend this book - 1000% yes and I definitely need more!!
December 29, 2020
Almost DNF'd this several times. Not because it was bad, but I just... didn't care. The characters and concept were interesting enough, but I was never really fully immersed in the story. It read fine as a standalone, but also very much read like a book that is a spin-off and since I didn't read the original series I found myself frequently annoyed by the extra context I didn't quite have.
March 30, 2021
5 stars audio😍😍😍
4 stars story!!!
4 stars story!!!
February 15, 2021
A great story!
4.5 Stars! I just loved this! Sweet but not too sweet. A bit of angst, family, and animals with lots of personality...overall a great story to put a smile on your face.
4.5 Stars! I just loved this! Sweet but not too sweet. A bit of angst, family, and animals with lots of personality...overall a great story to put a smile on your face.
March 29, 2021
Safety:
- Both mcs are faithful after meeting each other
- neither are whores
- Ranger has never been with a guy before and is bissexual
- Julian is gay and experienced
Could have been better if Ranger ex lover who in fact was never his lover, but his friend who was gay and was in love with him and while he reciprocated the feeling he was only aware of it when he was about to die.
His feelings for Alex were too strong there are a few comparisons about how him and Julian are alike and different sometimes and I don’t like it. I would like his feelings for Julian to be the biggest and most consuming love he ever felt, at some point he acknowledges he never felt like that but still it bothered me because before loving Julian he thinks about how Alex was his everything.
Also there is a flashback to the moment Alex died and how he was hard when Alex smiled and winked at him and cmon totally unnecessary, I would like to him him hard when Julian smiled at him because the romance is about them.
To the beginning until the moment he tells Julian he loves him Alex is present. Their first kiss is stoped by Ranger because he frozen thinking how it should have been Alex and give me a break Julian is so fucking amazing, patient, loving and funny, he didn’t deserve it.
I will give it four starts though, because they were great people, PTSD was well represented, they both are great with their pets and Julian loves animal and I had a good laugh whenever he talked to his pets.
- Both mcs are faithful after meeting each other
- neither are whores
- Ranger has never been with a guy before and is bissexual
- Julian is gay and experienced
Could have been better if Ranger ex lover who in fact was never his lover, but his friend who was gay and was in love with him and while he reciprocated the feeling he was only aware of it when he was about to die.
His feelings for Alex were too strong there are a few comparisons about how him and Julian are alike and different sometimes and I don’t like it. I would like his feelings for Julian to be the biggest and most consuming love he ever felt, at some point he acknowledges he never felt like that but still it bothered me because before loving Julian he thinks about how Alex was his everything.
Also there is a flashback to the moment Alex died and how he was hard when Alex smiled and winked at him and cmon totally unnecessary, I would like to him him hard when Julian smiled at him because the romance is about them.
To the beginning until the moment he tells Julian he loves him Alex is present. Their first kiss is stoped by Ranger because he frozen thinking how it should have been Alex and give me a break Julian is so fucking amazing, patient, loving and funny, he didn’t deserve it.
I will give it four starts though, because they were great people, PTSD was well represented, they both are great with their pets and Julian loves animal and I had a good laugh whenever he talked to his pets.
February 25, 2021
Ranger and Julian was fantastic together.
I found the first maybe 20-30% percent of this book to be pretty slow. But after that it picked up to being quite a fantastic and very sweet love story without being too sugary. In hindsight though, those 20-30 percent was necessary to get to know Ranger hand his ptsd better.
These guys found themselves in some hilarious situations and I lived for them. I laughed out loud so many times. Ranger's conversations with his friend about gay sex was seriously hilarious.
At times though it felt like the authors wanted to educate the readers on do's and don'ts when it came to gay sex and service dogs. That might just be me though since I have a pretty good knowledge about gay sex and service dogs myself, lol.
This is a me thing, but at one point it's said that Julian and Ranger raised a couple of puppies to be both fully potty trained and knowing basic commandos by the time the puppies was 10 weeks old. This is impossible. A puppy doesn't get full control of their bladder until they are at least 5-6 months old. And 10 weeks is way too young for a puppy to fully grab the concept of basic commands. But as I said. This is a me thing.
I found the first maybe 20-30% percent of this book to be pretty slow. But after that it picked up to being quite a fantastic and very sweet love story without being too sugary. In hindsight though, those 20-30 percent was necessary to get to know Ranger hand his ptsd better.
These guys found themselves in some hilarious situations and I lived for them. I laughed out loud so many times. Ranger's conversations with his friend about gay sex was seriously hilarious.
At times though it felt like the authors wanted to educate the readers on do's and don'ts when it came to gay sex and service dogs. That might just be me though since I have a pretty good knowledge about gay sex and service dogs myself, lol.
This is a me thing, but at one point it's said that Julian and Ranger raised a couple of puppies to be both fully potty trained and knowing basic commandos by the time the puppies was 10 weeks old. This is impossible. A puppy doesn't get full control of their bladder until they are at least 5-6 months old. And 10 weeks is way too young for a puppy to fully grab the concept of basic commands. But as I said. This is a me thing.
August 28, 2021
Sweet and light book with very little dark moments.
I prefer more angst in my books so it was only ok for me.
I prefer more angst in my books so it was only ok for me.
December 16, 2020
Ranger and Julian
Dual POV
My face hurts from smiling so much. This book was just amazingly sweet. Between the menagerie of animals to Julian and Ranger’s giving hearts, this was the perfect low angst book I needed right now.
Julian and Ranger meet because of a dog. What’s not to love about that. They develop feelings that intensify over a short time. I just loved both characters and we get a peek into how Heart, Mason and Lucky are doing.
Loved everything about this book!
I’m glad Ranger got his HEA!
Dual POV
My face hurts from smiling so much. This book was just amazingly sweet. Between the menagerie of animals to Julian and Ranger’s giving hearts, this was the perfect low angst book I needed right now.
Julian and Ranger meet because of a dog. What’s not to love about that. They develop feelings that intensify over a short time. I just loved both characters and we get a peek into how Heart, Mason and Lucky are doing.
Loved everything about this book!
I’m glad Ranger got his HEA!
May 12, 2023
Great premise - army veteran with PTSD falls for the guy who supplies his service dog. Unfortunately I found the delivery of this a bit too surface level and fluffy for my taste. I wanted more gritty depth. The grumpy/sunshine trope had no subtlety - Julian is literally described as sunshine. Instead of swearing out loud and in his internal monologue he uses phrases such as “holy frijoles” “bojangles” “cheese and crackers”. Only Dumbledore can pull off those kinds of phrases with any credibility. This guy was not Dumbledore.
I liked how we got to witness Ranger’s PTSD and depression initially, although his mental state improved more quickly and easily than I would have expected. The storyline of the old guy was a nice touch but there was just lots of little unrealistic things that irked me. This would be a lovely book for those who enjoy some spicy insta-love, a bit of external drama, cute anímals and seeing a stoic Army Ranger turn to mush.
I liked how we got to witness Ranger’s PTSD and depression initially, although his mental state improved more quickly and easily than I would have expected. The storyline of the old guy was a nice touch but there was just lots of little unrealistic things that irked me. This would be a lovely book for those who enjoy some spicy insta-love, a bit of external drama, cute anímals and seeing a stoic Army Ranger turn to mush.
January 13, 2021
This was sweet and surprisingly touching. Ranger is suffering from PTSD and it's constantly with him, not magically cured. Julian offers friendship first and he, along with Benny the service dog he trained, becomes the sunshine missing from Ranger's life. The slow burn between them is worth it and when it ignites it burns hot!
This is a low angst book, but not without some tense moments, with some great chemistry, fun and romantic moments and a couple that has great communication. The openness and honesty that they have together made the story even more enjoyable as the focus stayed on the men and their relationship and Ranger's confronting his issues to forge a brighter path forward.
The story is a standalone, with cameos from Ranger's brother Lucky and his men (Heart) and highly recommended for some sweet and sexy hurt/comfort that will leave you smiling.
This is a low angst book, but not without some tense moments, with some great chemistry, fun and romantic moments and a couple that has great communication. The openness and honesty that they have together made the story even more enjoyable as the focus stayed on the men and their relationship and Ranger's confronting his issues to forge a brighter path forward.
The story is a standalone, with cameos from Ranger's brother Lucky and his men (Heart) and highly recommended for some sweet and sexy hurt/comfort that will leave you smiling.
January 7, 2021
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
Ranger is a sweet, easy story, even as it has some more intense moments, particularly with Ranger’s PTSD. The story has a loose connection to Heart from the authors’ Ballsy Boys series. That story focuses on Ranger’s brother, Lucky, and apparently Ranger was a side character there. However, this story fully stands alone and, while Lucky does appear here, I could easily follow along without having read his book.
This story feels sweet and easy, which is somewhat surprising given the challenges Ranger faces with his PTSD and danger Julian experiences from a wildfire. I think the tone is set mostly by Julian, who is just so endearing and lovely. He is kind and sunny and caring, and his presence brings so much light into Ranger’s life. For his part, Ranger is solid and is able to be there to support Julian when he needs it. The guys are sweet and super sexy together, and there is a nice evolution to their relationship. It is clear, even as they intend to keep things casual, that both men are all in pretty quickly. I appreciated that there isn’t a ton of angst about it, and the men are good about being open and honest with one another about their feelings. I really loved both these men, both together and individually, and I enjoyed watching them fall in love.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
Ranger is a sweet, easy story, even as it has some more intense moments, particularly with Ranger’s PTSD. The story has a loose connection to Heart from the authors’ Ballsy Boys series. That story focuses on Ranger’s brother, Lucky, and apparently Ranger was a side character there. However, this story fully stands alone and, while Lucky does appear here, I could easily follow along without having read his book.
This story feels sweet and easy, which is somewhat surprising given the challenges Ranger faces with his PTSD and danger Julian experiences from a wildfire. I think the tone is set mostly by Julian, who is just so endearing and lovely. He is kind and sunny and caring, and his presence brings so much light into Ranger’s life. For his part, Ranger is solid and is able to be there to support Julian when he needs it. The guys are sweet and super sexy together, and there is a nice evolution to their relationship. It is clear, even as they intend to keep things casual, that both men are all in pretty quickly. I appreciated that there isn’t a ton of angst about it, and the men are good about being open and honest with one another about their feelings. I really loved both these men, both together and individually, and I enjoyed watching them fall in love.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
July 31, 2021
I really loved this story and what made it five stars for me was the outstanding performance by John Solo. Mr. Solo has become an all-time favorite. This particular story highlighted his versatility as he acted out the story in such a way that I was able to envision it as if I were watching a movie.
Ranger was a downright lovable character. A former Army Ranger, suffering from PTSD, he's Lucky's brother (Heart) and it's Lucky who puts him onto the therapy dog program for vets where he meets Julian, the trainer. Red, the golden retriever, captured my heart almost as well as Ranger. And Julian, with his quirky sayings in place of curses and his love of animals, was the perfect man for Ranger.
There's so much to this story and so many opportunities for enjoyment, heartache, and heart-warming romance that, added to my pleasure at listening to the audio, I would highly recommend this book and in audio format to all who enjoy MM romance.
Ranger was a downright lovable character. A former Army Ranger, suffering from PTSD, he's Lucky's brother (Heart) and it's Lucky who puts him onto the therapy dog program for vets where he meets Julian, the trainer. Red, the golden retriever, captured my heart almost as well as Ranger. And Julian, with his quirky sayings in place of curses and his love of animals, was the perfect man for Ranger.
There's so much to this story and so many opportunities for enjoyment, heartache, and heart-warming romance that, added to my pleasure at listening to the audio, I would highly recommend this book and in audio format to all who enjoy MM romance.
February 17, 2021
Maybe a little too sappy here and there, but this sweet romance brought me to tears one moment, laughing out loud the next and never bored me.
Perfect entertainment!
4.5 stars
Perfect entertainment!
4.5 stars
December 29, 2020
*** 4.5 stars ***
Dual POV, fleshed out likable MCs - I fall for both Ranger and Julian, organic relationships development with no relationship angst and honest open communication - the book was an absolute joy to read. At the same time it is not a fluffy story - Ranger suffers from PTSD and his struggles are realistically portraited. I appreciated that there was no instant cure, you just learn to cope and live with it. Julian and Benny, adorable and smart golden retriever, are key to Ranger's healing and become his support system. And I really liked that it was not one-sided - as the need arises Ranger is there to help Julian and be his rock. Ranger and Julian are real and solid together and there is an epilogue to reaffirm their HEA - everything you need from a good romance.
I wish there was more about Julian's relationships with his parents and siblings - how they took his career change decision and
Dual POV, fleshed out likable MCs - I fall for both Ranger and Julian, organic relationships development with no relationship angst and honest open communication - the book was an absolute joy to read. At the same time it is not a fluffy story - Ranger suffers from PTSD and his struggles are realistically portraited. I appreciated that there was no instant cure, you just learn to cope and live with it. Julian and Benny, adorable and smart golden retriever, are key to Ranger's healing and become his support system. And I really liked that it was not one-sided - as the need arises Ranger is there to help Julian and be his rock. Ranger and Julian are real and solid together and there is an epilogue to reaffirm their HEA - everything you need from a good romance.
I wish there was more about Julian's relationships with his parents and siblings - how they took his career change decision and
December 29, 2020
4.5. I loved this one, I could not put it down. This was low angst because of great communication between the MCs which is always a win for me. Julian was maybe too perfect and I wish maybe we knew more about his family but that did not lessen my enjoyment. They were so sweet together and the slow burn was worth the wait, they were steamy. I knew I liked K. M. Neuhold but this confirms it. I highly recommend this great book :)
January 21, 2021
Pomimo zrobienia jednego z bohaterów weteranem z Afganistanu i zagrania przy nim kartą PTSD, to jednak raczej lekka, łatwa i przyjemna w czytaniu książka. Choć po jej przeczytaniu, to, na co mam ochotę najbardziej, to koniecznie poznać historie chłopaków ze stajni "Ballsy Boys" 😁
December 31, 2020
Sweet. Somewhat angsty. A good hurt/comfort book to read if you're home, under a warm comforter, and you just want to read something that will make you smile by the end of the night. :)
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February 28, 2024I‘m sorry I know a lot of people like this book but I just couldn’t get into it and I couldn’t warm up with the characters. Dnfed at 72%.
January 21, 2021
So good! I love the way mental illness is portrayed, not romanticized or magically cured by love
December 11, 2024
I very much enjoyed this story. Ranger is an honorable discharged Army Ranger who suffers from PTSD and survivors guilt. On top of it he found out his battle buddy and best friend who was killed in action was in love with him. And that led him to realize he might have been in love with the best friend too.
His brother convinced him to get a service dog, one that helps people suffering with PTSD. Benny is the sweet golden he adopts but even sweeter? Julian. Benny’s trainer.
It doesn’t take long for things to heat up between Julian and Ranger. And what was supposed to just be some casual fun, with a side of exploration for Ranger, turns into so much more.
I really loved everything about this book. From the MMCs to the side characters to the animal menagerie (who wouldn’t love a goat who is a master troll and a cockblocking deaf donkey?).
No cheating
No OM/OW drama
No breakup
His brother convinced him to get a service dog, one that helps people suffering with PTSD. Benny is the sweet golden he adopts but even sweeter? Julian. Benny’s trainer.
It doesn’t take long for things to heat up between Julian and Ranger. And what was supposed to just be some casual fun, with a side of exploration for Ranger, turns into so much more.
I really loved everything about this book. From the MMCs to the side characters to the animal menagerie (who wouldn’t love a goat who is a master troll and a cockblocking deaf donkey?).
No cheating
No OM/OW drama
No breakup
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 20, 2022
This was a really good book that I read for a challenge. Mack "Ranger" Stone is suffering from PTSD he has been out of the Rangers for a year, and he isn't getting any better. When his brother Lucky suggest that he get a therapy dog. Julian trains dog for vets with disabilities. Julian is a happy go lucky guy I thought it was cute that he made up funny words instead of cussing. When he meets Ranger, he knows that he is suffering but he also thinks that he is hot. I loved that the author didn't gloss over the fact that Ranger has PTSD a lot of vets returning from war have a hard time readjusting to life after the service and I think the way the author handled it was perfect. These two become friends and I think that Benny the dog and Julian were just what Ranger needed a reason to get out of bed each day. I loved when he thought that Benny was sick only to have Julian come over and find out that he was in need of a little action. I also liked that Ranger began to open up to his brother and his best friend about his sexuality and getting advice from them. When he and Julian begin messing around, they take it slow getting to know one another. When a wildfire its close Ranger jumps into action and the donkey in the hotel was funny. The sex scene in the truck was hot. I loved this book. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling.
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