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I like horses better than most people. After years of supporting our local equine rescue, it’s safe to say that I have a certified hate-on for the rodeo. So why is Luke McCall, injured rodeo diva, in my training paddock?

I feel bad that he was outed by the media, and I get the need to regroup out of the spotlight. I might even be willing to admit that he’s a little more vulnerable than his Rodeo King persona would suggest.

But, seriously—why does he have to recover in my bunkhouse?


I thought volunteering at a queer-friendly horse ranch was a stroke of brilliance—I’d get to hang out with horses while rebuilding strength and mobility after my injury. Win-win, right? Wrong.

Rebel Sky’s gorgeous foreman hates my guts on sight, even if he is willing to protect me from the bigots who just want a shot at the fallen cowboy.

What would it take to get him to see that I’m a good man with a soft heart and a helpful little rope kink?


Enemies-to-lovers, opposites attract, hurt-comfort, rope play.

298 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 15, 2021

173 people are currently reading
351 people want to read

About the author

Kelly Fox

55 books780 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 182 reviews
Profile Image for Kati *☆・゚.
1,292 reviews686 followers
September 23, 2022
3.5**** stars


I think that pop-up pool party was my absolute favorite scene in the whole book. Heavy found-family vibes, the best banter and so much love and friendship between people that are mostly not related by blood. For that alone this book was worth reading it.

All in all I was a bit underwhelmed by Sparrow’s and Luke’s romance - couldn’t quite connect to them - BUT… the story generally made me feel good. It just feels like vacation to take a mind-trip to a Texas horse ranch for a few hours, so I’m happy I didn’t miss out on it and skip it. I really enjoyed most of it.




side note: now that I know who exactly Joaquin is - the third man in book #4 - I’m not sure if I want to read it less or even more than before *lolll


************
Rebel Sky Ranch Series:

Book 1 - Goodnight - 4.5 stars
Book 2 - Sparrow - 3.5 stars
Book 3 - Navarro - 4.25 stars
Book 4 - Warwick - 4.0 stars
Profile Image for Cat the bookworm (semi hiatus ish).
921 reviews179 followers
January 12, 2023
A rodeo cowboy and a gaucho - the perfect mix if you’re looking for a bit of queer western vibes

First things first: don’t take these books too seriously. The likelihood of a fully queer cattle ranch in the middle of nowhere isn’t very high, right? Instead, enjoy the ride (pun intended) and let yourself be drawn in by endless pastures, horses, cattle, wildflowers and a bitchy goose named Q.

And cowboys, all queer to a certain extent. And their boyfriends and casual (and sometimes not so casual) hookups.

Honestly, sometimes it’s not easy to keep in mind who’s already had sex with whom, but it’s safe to say that Desi had them all. But I digress.

The book is about Sparrow, the foreman on the Goodnight ranch, a gaucho with long, black hair and a penchant for silver jewellery, and Luke, the “rodeo king”. After a nasty fall, Luke is looking for a place where he can recover, away from his usual entourage, and ends up working on said ranch. Sparrow isn’t very happy about that, because he despises everything rodeos (and Luke) stand for.

I wasn’t overly fond of Sparrow for quite a while, because he behaved like an ass thanks to his prejudices. Luke on the other hand was adorable. What I liked - both are into bondage, Luke even tying himself up in an attempt to ease the pain in his shoulder and hips, which made me look up all the different types of knots mentioned in the book. Another thing I liked - the fascinating way working with horses was described.

When it comes to the romance part - the book is low on angst and drama, so you can sit back and watch them fall in love, and enjoy the country vibe.


3.5 stars, rounded up because why not 🙃
Profile Image for Dani.
1,661 reviews312 followers
January 18, 2025
This was disappointing again! The animosity from Sparrow went on for way too long, but then it was like a switch had been flipped and they're full on with shibari almost immediately...

It definitely felt like a weaker pairing again, evidenced by the over reliance on sex scenes instead of actual plot or development. By the end of the book neither character has grown that much, Luke is just starting to get there...

I have noticed that there are soooo many sex scenes in these books and honestly it just gets boring. I don't really want to read about every single instance they're having sex in what's a really short time period, the same way I don't want to read about them eating breakfast, lunch and dinner everyday, or getting dressed everyday. It's just filler content and really slows the story progression down so much. If it's not moving the story along why is it there?

I'm definitely finding this author to be really hit and miss and it's easy to spot which books are light on plot because there's sex scenes that last up to four/five chapters at a time!!
Profile Image for Aimee Nicole Walker.
Author 71 books2,007 followers
October 19, 2021
I absolutely love this series of complex characters and the buildup to future books. I adored Luke and Sparrow’s enemies-to-lovers romance. There was heat, humor, and heart—the three things I love in a book. The found family at Rebel Sky makes me want to move there, and I know I’m not the only one rattling the cages for Navarro.
Profile Image for Kaity.
1,982 reviews24 followers
January 27, 2023
3-3.5 stars

The narration was great for this book! Declan Winters did a good job even when following up Blake Lockhearts narration, even though I think Blake’s narrations would have been amazing!

This could be read on its own i feel like.. yes you’ll get more of the inside jokes and the relationships between secondary characters but I didn’t feel like I missed too much. It’s been a while since I read any of Kelly Fox’s books and it was pretty easy to follow without the background of book one.

Hmm I loved Luke, and seeing how he was very misunderstood by pretty much everyone made me want to give him a hug… Sparrow on the other hand.. I’m not a huge fan of, he was alright but really kept those judgmental comments and thoughts going for way longer than necessary. And Luke was a little to easy to forgive after being physically and emotionally abused by those who are supposed to love him.

Idk it was kinda hard to see the full chemistry with this couple, like it was a drunken hookup which changed the the way they saw each other… but idk I felt like there should have been some friendship vibes before they decided to dive in to a relationship/in love haha

There is something about Kelly Fox’s books that I enjoy will simultaneously dislike and I can’t tell what it is haha… maybe it’s the cringe description for some sex scene/body parts (cum gutters 😖) or that it feels like some scenes are out of character…and idk just something doesn’t always 100% click with me..

But will I still read the next book in the series, you bet your ass I will haha! I just hope Desi and Wyatt’s story is better 🤞🏼
Profile Image for Denise H..
3,243 reviews268 followers
August 4, 2022
Terrific story, marvelous characters and understanding...the second book in the series.
At the Rebel Sky Ranch we have a great cast and beautiful animals.
Sparrow, 33, long dark hair, brown skin, tall

and lean muscled, who wears silver and turquois rings and necklaces, with knotted leather cuffs. He's an Argentine gaucho, works at the ranch, Equine Rescue area.
He holds hard to his rules of tender care for any animal.
Luke, 35, who's short, trim, blonde and blue eyed,

a smaller man typical with bronco riders,

with his arm in a sling for a shoulder injury. He's the "Rodeo King" who has come for a chance to rest, have therapy and stay out of the media. He and Sparrow start out as non-friendly, opposites, but will learn the other men's pasts.
We see the work the men do on the ranch, and Sparrow's handling of the horse training is magnificent.

Luke is impressed with everyone else. Luke doesn't know if he'll be able to rodeo again.



Much is happening on the ranch, the characters are lively, helpful and include Luke in their family.
Luke's Mom is awful to him, and after his injury, he's out of the closet, but he's staying away form the worst of the reactions. The ranch folks are welcoming.

Sparrow and Luke eventually get closer, and have sexy times, just for the time he's there, or so they though when it began. Their sexy times are involving Shibari rope play,



which Sparrow is excellent with.
Luke feels so lucky and happy to have that side of BDSM in their hot sex.

We like the cowboys, animals, and story, and the pacing of the tale is wonderful. Deep thoughts, excitement, too, Luke's ex who abused him shows up and is handed his due justice when he dares to hurt Luke again!



There are tender times, rough patches, and a heartwarming conclusion.
ENJOY !

Triggers: domestic violence, BDSM rope play
=====
Profile Image for Ana  Nimity.
1,298 reviews62 followers
September 17, 2021
When McCall was mentioned in Goodnight, I knew that his and Sparrow's story would be enemies-to-lovers, even if the animosity was just on Sparrow's side, and that's exactly what happened. But just about everything else that happened in the book surprised me in the best of ways.

This book is in first person, dual POV, with a HEA and no cheating. It's also HOT af and had me laughing out loud in some places and my eyes leaking in others.

Of course it's Kelly Fox, so I knew it was going to be intelligent, well-written, sexy-hot, and laugh-out-loud funny, with wonderful, realistic characters. However, I expected McCall, whose first name is Luke, to be harder, rougher around the edges. He's a rodeo man, a bronc rider, after all, but he's genuinely sweet, kind and gentle...and rope kink is part of who he is, not just part of what he does.

I didn't expect him to be a survivor of domestic abuse, and for that abuse to be an integral part of the story. Kelly handles the topic with the same grace and finesse that she's employed with other sensitive topics, though, so for every heavy scene in the book, there's lightness and humor to balance it.

There is one scene with a confrontation that involves minimal contact, but it's over quickly and satisfyingly. Even though it's the kind of scene I have experienced myself, I did not find it triggering because of the way it was written. It's also pivotal to the storyline.

Sparrow, the eponymous ranch foreman had harder edges than I expected, but that's okay, because it made him even more interesting than I anticipated he would be. Rope kink is a way of life for him, too, as is caring for the animals and people he cares about.

You could read this book as a standalone, because there's enough exposition, but at least read Goodnight first. I do always recommend starting with Scout and the Lavender Girl, a FF romance that introduces many of the characters of Fox-world, or with Sanctuary, the first of the Wrecked series, but at this point, I'm just saying jump in wherever and then go back to the beginning.

I fell in love with all the new characters who were introduced, and had fun with visits from favorite characters from previous series. I can't wait to see what happens next!
Profile Image for Santy.
1,258 reviews76 followers
September 16, 2021
This was a prime case of two men gradually falling in love with despite prejudices and biases.

Speaking of prejudices and biases, Sparrow, who I found pretty laid back in the previous book was extremely judgemental for more than half of this story. I somewhat got where he was coming from initally, but he stubbornly held on to his pre-conceived notions even after all signs pointed to the contrary. As you can imagine , this was annoying as heck. Fortunately, he EVENTUALLY got over himself and recognised what a sweetheart Luke was.

As was the case with the previous book, this story was very well written and was such a good reading experience that I read right through it from start to end; only stopping to deal with pesky real life needs. I also enjoyed the new characters introduced and honestly cannot wait to see where the series takes us.

I know it will be a good place regardless.

***eARC Provided by Author in Exchange for an Honest, Unbiased Review ***
Profile Image for Book Binge: Reviews by Melissa DaSilva.
935 reviews91 followers
April 4, 2025
I read the first book in this series and enjoyed it but didn’t really feel like reading more. But this year I’m doing a reading challenge and needed a book with an indigenous MC so realized this book would fit and decided to take a chance. I’m so glad I did as I absolutely loved this story. I got into it so much more than book.

Sparrow and Luke were amazing characters and I loved seeing them learn more about each other and see where the other one was coming from. Their HEA was great for them! I highly recommend this story and think it could be read as a standalone if needed.
Profile Image for Misty.
262 reviews19 followers
January 27, 2025
Gotta be honest, I didn't love it, which is frustrating, because ranches, small towns and the sort, are so my thing. Plot, tropes, etc were all me, but this just didn't get me.
I spent a lot of the book not even liking one of the MMCs.

I was only reading these as a lead up to the Wild Heart Ranch series, and after these 2 and reading the synopsis and some reviews of the next 2, I think I know enough to just jump into Wild Heart. Hopefully I like them more.
Profile Image for Rin (indefinite hiatus).
595 reviews28 followers
November 2, 2021
Kelly is so good at found family. It’s one of the best things about her books. The supportive cast and their unique personalities makes the story consistently engaging.

I’m typically not a fan of enemies to lovers but this one was an exception. Sparrow’s judgment of Luke rubbed me wrong right off the bat, however justified from his point of view. But as it goes with Kelly’s storytelling, we get to see the journey from righteous judgement to a guilty conscience and acceptance.. then fire. I mean, SMOKIN’ HOT SEX, then love… It was just a well written engaging and entertaining read. I can’t wait for more.
Profile Image for Marthea.
1,008 reviews16 followers
September 29, 2022
Cóż, ciągle brak weny na pisanie, to krótko - ta część podobała mi się bardziej niż jedynka (w pierwszej Sam mi nie siadł, nie byłam jego fanką), choć przez mniej więcej pierwszą połowę chciałam trzepnąć Sparrowa w łepetę tyle razy, że szkoda liczyć 😜
Profile Image for Amos24601.
1,287 reviews44 followers
September 16, 2021
Be still my heart

This was just fantastic. Pitch perfect from start to finish. I was enamored with Sparrow when I first met him in book 1 and just jumped full on into love with this book.

Luke just broke my heart. This poor man was so alone even when surrounded by so many people. The things he had been though were just so sad. Sparrow just just awful to him in the beginning and I wanted to punch him! Once he starts seeing Luke in a different light, Sparrow becomes absolutely everything I thought he would be. He was swoony and gentle, sexy and sweet. He and Luke were just so perfect together. Ugh. I loved everything about these two. Everything.

This was a five star read for me and I’m so happy this book was everything I wanted it to be.
Profile Image for Romance Recs.
1,062 reviews192 followers
January 10, 2023
Sparrow is the second book in the Rebel Sky Ranch Series and my absolute FAVORITE!

These two are sooo swoon and amazing you will love it. Kelly Fox serves enemies to lovers so good.
At first, Sparrow sees Luke McCall as this arrogant, wealthy jerk and wants nothing to do with him.

Luke tries, and it’s super endearing. Sparrow definitely apologizes to my liking as well! God this couple was just everything. I loved the breaking down of walls, the trust, the hate to love all of it.
Profile Image for Badh.
3,311 reviews66 followers
July 12, 2023
Spicy

I'm not quite sure if I would call this enemies to lovers since only one side didn't like the other. Sparrow was blinded by misconception, and it took him a hot minute to get passed it, but when he did, he made up for it.
Profile Image for ⋆。°✮ Lucy InTheSky ✮°。⋆.
1,179 reviews230 followers
December 11, 2022
4.4 - the epilogue wasn't really there - stars ⭐



🐴 Enemies-to-lovers
🌶️ Rope play
❗ TW! Abuse (physical)


Well, this was...ugh.

THIS is Sparrow, ladies and gentlemen.



This is exactly how I pictured Sparrow. And since looking at native american men online, well I'll be damned, I never knew I also needed THAT in my life.

Here's a recap of the book, or let's say, my ode to Sparrow.



So, Sparrow, right? Sebastian? Or just Sparrow?



So nice to meet you. So, you're somekind of a... horse whisperer on the Rebel Sky ranch? You take care of horses, spend all day on the field with them, standing on their backs, taking amazing photos that you post on IG, really? Wow, that's amazing.



In comes a rodeo king who's been really injured in his last show, he's had a pretty bad life, abusive parents and even though he's a millionaire, he's looking for a secluded place, where he can heal in peace.
Was it Luke, right? You're Luke? The guy Sparrow can't stand, because he loves animals and in rodeo horses sometimes get taken down. Right, the famous Luke.



Luke wants to just clean the stables, take care of the horses and rest. Oh, and yeah, he likes Sparrow, a lot. Like since the first time they've met, he's been...smitten, to say the least.



So these two are living together with Wick in the bunkhouse and Sparrow realises that he's been misjudging Luke. He spends time with him and Luke turns out to be a really sweet, nice, shy man, that's also quite submissive. They have amazing chemistry, like off the charts chemistry and the spice was...let's just say it was delicious.

Let's just take one last look at Luke, y'all.



I loved this story. Loved it. Sparrow was a really good character, just think I've never read a book with a native american man and wow, this was really good.
Luke was an abused, shy man who finally found his anchor and Sparrow was so protective of him, so caring and loving, it was the sweetest thing.

What I was missing was the epilogue. Their real epilogue. They didn't get it, I was expecting for them to get publicly engaged, or even married, or something at least. I wanted to see what it was like for Sparrow and Luke to live together, I was really invested in their final HEA.

Nevertheless, I'm already on Desi's book and I just wanted to show you how the Goodnight's ranch is like at this point.
Wouldn't you wanna visit????

Profile Image for Amur Thera.
560 reviews75 followers
September 15, 2021
The good
+ Both of them falling headfirst into feelings
+ When Kelly Fox writes a book, a couple stays together when they've found each other. No unnecessary drama, no Big Misunderstanding, just two men figuring their shit out
+ Wick flirting with both of Sparrow's parents
+ Everyone else also flirting with Sparrow's dad
+ Wick's real name being Francis. Very Deadpool, I love it
+ The humor. I had a broad smile on my face pretty often throughout the book
+ Sparrow supporting Luke, even though he didn't agree with his career
+
+ The epilogue. I loved everything about their relationship in the epilogue
+ The Bash twins taking care of Kennedy
+
+ Colt's name. Imagine your name being Colt while in the horse business. Hehehe

The neutral
o I didn't really like that they were both under the influence of alcohol when they had sex for the first time. With the kind of play they engaged in, being under influence is dangerous, especially their first time together
o There was a lot of sex in this book. I am yet undecided whether it was too much or not

The bad
- Luke was responsible for the death of a horse through neglect. Yet everyone welcomes him with open arms and they're all rolling their eyes at Sparrow being wary of a new guy who got a horse killed through neglect. Let me say it again. Luke got a horse killed through neglect. I'd say that's a good reason not to want to hire someone for your ranch, but what do I know. Later, when people asked why Sparrow hated Luke so much, he didn't even mention that part anymore. Only the rodeo. I think that was the angle the author wanted to take, and that's fine, but I would have preferred the horse had not died in the beginning of the book then. It would've made Sparrow's forgiveness more believeable, and would justify Luke being hired regardless of his profession


I loved this book. I really did. The only thing that takes away a star for me is the fact that Luke is responsible for the death of a horse through neglect, yet it's kind of brushed off. When I got over my initial fury at Luke and my unwavering support for Sparrow's hostility, the book was great. Would definitely recommend - with a warning.
Profile Image for Booker.
377 reviews6 followers
October 12, 2022
I resisted reading this, the second book in this series, because the first one was just okay. This one hit me the same. Good, not great. The cover was what finally tipped the balance toward read. :)

As with the first book, there are *a lot* of characters. Many of them felt like they were included only because they would be getting their own books in the future. Didn't love that.

Rope kink. I'll admit having to google the various knots.
“He does this whole Shibari-meets-western knots thing that’s very satisfying.”

Highlight of the book for me was the gay rodeo announcer starting the introduction with, "Theydies and gentlefolk..." Love that!

3 stars
Profile Image for Jessica.
307 reviews15 followers
May 2, 2025
very enjoyable! good story, didn't feel rushed, and I actually read a lot of the sex scenes before they felt like they were too much. I would've liked to see more with Kennedy, but I'm glad the mom didn't automatically change her tune and become a good person

dual pov
1st P
vers
injuries
horse put down off page
domestic violence off page and one scene on page as an ex.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
1,386 reviews19 followers
September 26, 2025
I had a hard time with this book because it seemed to ramble on. I thought Sparrow's attitude at first was not what I would want in a foreman of a ranch who is responsible for hiring workers. I warmed up to Sparrow as the book progressed.
Luke, being a bronc rider, seemed as though he was trying to be the best even though he wrecks his body time and again. He doesn't know when to stop. A point that was brought up as to why he rides is that he feels lonely and doesn't feel love. This is until he meets Sparrow.
Profile Image for Shannon.
392 reviews
Read
March 17, 2025
DNF 50%

Lost interest. Maybe I'll try again another day.
Profile Image for theincrediblesulk.
208 reviews
June 26, 2025
the vegan bit was genuinely extremely funny but as always I have lube-related questions 3.5 rounded up happy pride
Profile Image for Cindi.
1,710 reviews85 followers
April 15, 2025
I had a really hard time with Sparrow throughout most of the book. He has a very strong opinion on the rodeo in general, but the way he treated Luke was uncalled for. Fine, you don’t have to like the guy, but you can at least attempt to be civil, especially when your own boss overrides you on a decision about Luke staying at the ranch.

Luke is known as the Rodeo King. He’s broken all the records, and has become extremely successful. He doesn’t have to work, but after a bad incident and injury on a horse, he needs to get away. Not just that, but during the care he was being given, he was very publicly outed. Of course, then everybody comes out of the woodwork doing interviews – including his bitchy mother – and he knows he has to lay low. He’d seen a flyer at the rodeo – and the beautiful man who’d hung it up – about Rebel Sky Ranch needing help, so he shows up there out of the blue.

To say that Sparrow isn’t welcoming is a MAJOR understatement. No way is he letting this ‘rodeo king’ work there. Thankfully his boss (Trip) overrules him and gives Luke a chance, as I said.

Trip never overrules Sparrow. Like ever.

This starts a major hate/hate relationship between these guys. Luke busts his butt to prove he can do the work as he recovers from his injuries, but Sparrow only has mean things to say. Honestly, it got old super fast, to the point where I almost did a DNF.

Since it’s gay romance, you know they eventually do hook up, and Sparrow does start seeing Luke as the kind man he is, not the diva he’d wrongly accused him of being.

They’re good together. Really. But my God at the amount of sex in this book, and as I’ve noticed, other books by this author. I’m most definitely not knocking sex in books, but there can be too much of a good thing. I don’t mind it, but it seems like sex is used in place of important conversations. This is my 4th by the author so far, and it seems to be a pattern.

I won’t even get started on all the others at the ranch. Everybody’s either sleeping with each other, or they’re sleeping with somebody’s dad, or they’re hooking up with somebody’s best friend, or… you get the picture.

There’s some drama with one of Luke’s exes that ends up causing the guy a world of hurt involving his personal life and his job. That drama is where I think Sparrow started seeing Luke differently.

I loved Sparrow’s mother. She’s spunky and knows how to use a rolled up restaurant menu when warranted. ;)

As for Luke’s mom… yeah, no. Total bitch who only cared about what she could get from Luke, not Luke himself.

Overall, I enjoyed this, just as I have others by this author that I’ve read so far. It took a LONG time to get to that point because Sparrow was such a bastard.

I’ll be reading the next one (Desi and Wyatt’s story), but I’m still iffy about Warwick's.
Profile Image for Chelsea Moore.
456 reviews11 followers
October 17, 2021
This book was complete perfection! I absolutely adored Luke he was so sweet and seeing Sparrow open up to him. It was such a beautiful love story! I am so glad to see this interconnected world continuing in these books! So amazing! Can’t wait for the next one!!
Profile Image for Jacque Loftus.
560 reviews
September 25, 2021
Umm best book ever?

Are we serious?? This book was phenomenal. For being your typical mm located in the middle of a good series, it was outstanding on its own. I love this series—the ranch, the side characters who get their own stories…all great. But Luke and Sparrow?? Perfection. This book was one of the funniest most heart melting books I’ve ever read. Hot sex scenes too. Luke is perhaps the sweetest person ever and his history is heartbreaking. I’ve read a million books with his same history, but the way Luke doesn’t stand up for himself, or tell people—the way he is so private and humble is beautifully tragic. Only because of how much people used him, not because those aren’t great traits to have. And so Sparrow’s bitchiness in the beginning is even more devastating knowing how sweet and hurt Luke truly is. That said….Sparrow’s attitude may be wrong but he is not some asshole to hate. He is so easy to fall in love with, his sass is almost endearing at times, and it’s obvious he will be perfect for Luke when he realizes he was wrong and just made human error in judgments. You can feel what how amazing Luke and Sparrow are together and I for one couldn’t be happier for them. This is one of my favorite books I’ve read in a long, long time.
Profile Image for Choyang.
522 reviews4 followers
August 23, 2024
'Sparrow' (Rebel Sky Ranch #2) by Kelly Fox

What attracted me to this book:
1. The cover (have you SEEN the guy on this cover? OMG! lol)
2. Cowboys, including gay and bi cowboys
(gotta love 'em!)
3. Horses (gotta love them, too!)
4. POC rep: Sparrow & his family (there may have been other side characters, but I've spaced it, atm)
5. Gay Pride/MM romance (more than one) ;-)

Actually the whole storyline takes place in some of my old stomping grounds in Texas, around the Austin area.

Loved this book! Even though there was a lot of angst around one of the MCs, Pro Rodeo Bronc Rider Champion, Luke McCall, who gets badly hurt in a freak accident (was his ride sabotaged?).

The other MC, foreman of a working ranch, Sparrow, who starts out hating McCall, although he does develop a grudging respect for the "horse whisperer" McCall.

Lots of interwoven storylines with various interesting, funny, friendly, and/or intense characters on this Rebel Sky Ranch. There are a few surprise hook-ups between some of the side characters, too, to the embarrassment of a couple of people and the hilarity of others!

Oh, and there's a very cute rescued doggy (who knows where he came from? it was never discovered, at least not in this book).

Trigger Warnings:
1. Past physical & emotional abuse from ex-boyfriends and relatives.
2. Current verbal abuse from a few characters, especially a narcissistic, greedy, selfish mother, but also from some strangers.

3. An abusive ex-boyfriend, verbally & physically, who is still stalking and attacking one of the MCs, while also trying to sabotage his career, possibly trying to get him killed.

4. Killing of a horse, maybe more than one (off-screen) but also referencing what people do to injured horses; it varies.

5. Homophobia, both from some family members, some locals and strangers, and some media.


That said, I liked the storyline in here, especially about the horses and the people who care for them. I liked the hesitant love story developing between two cowboys, plus the ways in which this brotherhood of ranch-hands & rodeo friends looked out for each other.

If you've never been to a real rodeo, there's a peek inside about how some of those work. (I've been to many, lol)

This is my first read of a book in this series, although not the first book in the order (it's #2), so now I wanna jump back to read the 1st one, and forward to read the rest of this series; can't wait!

Two Thumbs Up! 👍👍

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Meg (queer_book_recs).
927 reviews60 followers
January 13, 2023
Animal lover and ranch foreman Sparrow hates the rodeo, but when big time rodeo star Luke McCall comes to volunteer and stay at the ranch, Sparrow realizes his expectations of Luke are not even close to the reality. Who wouldn’t love Luke once they’d gotten to know him?

I loved Luke and Sparrow together! Their dynamic was so hot, loved the rope play, loved the humor too. I always love a found family story and who wouldn’t want to live at Rebel Sky Ranch? This book didn’t have the danger and action her books usually have and I was perfectly happy with that. Just humor, love, animals, pool parties, hot guys, and of course no book set at a ranch would be complete without sexy times in a barn!

I really loved Sparrow’s style and thought he was such a unique character. I know Kelly was inspired by the beautiful Willy Cartier (go look at his Instagram!), but I think Sparrow definitely had his own thing going on and the cover model she chose is gorgeous too! I pictured Sparrow as sort of a combination of the two. Pocket-hunk Luke sounded just adorable too! He’s the kind of character you just want to hug and tell him everything will be ok! I’m so glad he got some love and support finally.

Really loved this one and I’m so excited for Wyatt and Desi’s book!

EDIT Jan 2023: I just listened to the audiobook and loved this book all over again. Honestly, this is probably my least favorite of the series, but I still think it’s great. Declan Winters narrates and I thought h did a great job. He gave Sparrow a very subtle accent that I thought sounded really good. And of course Luke had a nice Texas twang. I’m not sure he did Desi’s voice the way I imagined, so it’ll be interesting to see if he narrates the next one. I really loved Blake Lockheart’s narration of Goodnight, so I’m interested to see who will narrate book 3. I think either one would be great.
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279 reviews9 followers
January 30, 2022
With great skill, Kelly Fox has yet again laced a story full of poignant moments, stress-inducing action scenes, tender moments, and blistering heat, all with refreshing bits of hilarity. I felt like I emoted all over the damn place by 'The End.' She does a stellar job creating unique voices for her characters, too.

This was a true enemies-to-lovers for a lot of the book. I usually enjoy my E2L with more snarky banter than actual outright hostility, but that wasn't this book. The tone was on the heavier side and the grudge was real here. At some points, I wondered how they would ever bridge that divide. Sparrow seemed to hate Luke, no matter what the poor guy did to try to prove otherwise. Luke wasn't faultless, mind you, but Sparrow's obstinance and judgmental attitude made him a bit harder for me to get to know and like at first. It was pretty on-point for how I'd expect a strong and silent cowboy to be though.

When it finally clicked with Sparrow that Luke wasn't the arrogant, cavalier rodeo star who used and abused horses, that's when the story hit its stride for me. Luke hid so much of who he was from the world, so it was heartening to see that when he finally let someone see all his flaws, scars, and trauma for once, that someone would support him, instead of trying to take advantage of him.

Spoiler: My one sticking point was the fact that the horse had to die. I know it was a fictitious horse, but...it was still a bitter pill to swallow. That one twist raised the stakes for the whole book--I get it--but I wish there had been another way to create a different kind of conflict. I know in the world of rodeo and ranching horses die, but I agree with Sparrow that any sport that might endanger an animal is one that I don't want to support.

I can't wait for Colt and Warwick or Wyatt and Desi next!
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