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Down Home #2
Down and Dirty
One kiss ended in tragedy.
Now they have a second chance to do it right.
Lane:
Bull fighter. Heart throb. Wild card.
Rodeo pro Lane Bell knows a thing or two about taking damage.
He’s made a career out of punishing himself, but he can’t outrun his troubled past. Not when it shows up in an irresistible package to spring him from county lock-up and demand he come home.
Denver Reed is rugged and ripped, with a voice like smoke and eyes that watch every move he makes.
Lane fell hard for him once, but never again.
Because Denver is straight.
Denver:
Bull rider. Mystery. Legend.
Denver Reed has never known anything but denial.
He once set the world on fire on the back of a bull, but his chance at fame is long gone. Because when Lane took off, it was Denver who sacrificed everything to clean up the shattered mess he left behind.
Denial has kept Denver alive all this time.
Denying what he feels for the sinful bull fighter with the lightning eyes and quick grin. Denying the fact that he craves Lane more than air to breathe. Denying his very nature.
Because Lane already broke his heart once.
He can’t survive it a second time.
Now they have a second chance to do it right.
Lane:
Bull fighter. Heart throb. Wild card.
Rodeo pro Lane Bell knows a thing or two about taking damage.
He’s made a career out of punishing himself, but he can’t outrun his troubled past. Not when it shows up in an irresistible package to spring him from county lock-up and demand he come home.
Denver Reed is rugged and ripped, with a voice like smoke and eyes that watch every move he makes.
Lane fell hard for him once, but never again.
Because Denver is straight.
Denver:
Bull rider. Mystery. Legend.
Denver Reed has never known anything but denial.
He once set the world on fire on the back of a bull, but his chance at fame is long gone. Because when Lane took off, it was Denver who sacrificed everything to clean up the shattered mess he left behind.
Denial has kept Denver alive all this time.
Denying what he feels for the sinful bull fighter with the lightning eyes and quick grin. Denying the fact that he craves Lane more than air to breathe. Denying his very nature.
Because Lane already broke his heart once.
He can’t survive it a second time.
234 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 5, 2021
179 people are currently reading
771 people want to read
About the author
Parker St. John
19 books511 followersGay romance author living in the rainy Pacific Northwest who adores strong alpha men, rugged cowboys, blue collar smokeshows, mortal enemies and childhood friends who will make you SWOON when they fall in love!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 318 reviews
October 3, 2021
This story is absolutely spectacular.
I wasn't too sure about it at the beginning, though. It's the story of Lane, a bullfighter, who ran away from his family's ranch after the death of his twin brother, thinking he wasn't worthy of being the twin left behind.
A bullfighter seems to be an assistant or first aid person to a rodeo rider. The rider falls off the bull, the bullfighter is there to distract the bull and save the rider. That was my impression. I know absolutely nothing about rodeo riding. Which was also the main reason why this story wasn't an immediate favorite of mine.
But damn, once Lane got hurt badly and even ended up in jail, guess who came to his rescue to bail him out and drag his ass home to Montana?
Only the most mouthwateringly hot and charismatic cowboy ever. A man with a name that makes shivers run down my back: Denver. Reed.
Oh my God. Denver is such a perfect character.
Starting out as an an unwanted orphan in Lane's hometown, Denver was taken in by Lane's family thanks to his twin brother's big heart and became a rising rodeo riding star in his youth, only to fall back down to earth heavily when a moment of distraction led to a tragedy that both Lane and Denver never seemed to be able to shake off.
Now, some ten years later, Denver returns Lane back home and tries to make him see that the long lost son is desperately needed at home instead of destroying himself bullfighting for reasons that only make sense in Lane's head.
The plot is really really good. And once I admitted to myself that yes, this book is about guys whose world revolved around bullfighting, I really lost myself in it.
And let me just say, Denver and Lane's intimate scenes are spectacular. They're a piece of art that you rarely see in m/m romance.
This story is a masterpiece right from the moment when Denver first shows up. Lane's self-destructive ways at the beginning and the separation angst that Lane constantly nurtured like a sword of Damocles over his family's heads were less easy to like, but damn did the guy come around at the end.
I seriously recommend this book. It's really a wonderful piece of romantic fiction between two hardened men who need each other to find peace in this world.
So fricking beautiful.
5 stars and a top ten read of this year!
I wasn't too sure about it at the beginning, though. It's the story of Lane, a bullfighter, who ran away from his family's ranch after the death of his twin brother, thinking he wasn't worthy of being the twin left behind.
A bullfighter seems to be an assistant or first aid person to a rodeo rider. The rider falls off the bull, the bullfighter is there to distract the bull and save the rider. That was my impression. I know absolutely nothing about rodeo riding. Which was also the main reason why this story wasn't an immediate favorite of mine.
But damn, once Lane got hurt badly and even ended up in jail, guess who came to his rescue to bail him out and drag his ass home to Montana?
Only the most mouthwateringly hot and charismatic cowboy ever. A man with a name that makes shivers run down my back: Denver. Reed.
Oh my God. Denver is such a perfect character.
Starting out as an an unwanted orphan in Lane's hometown, Denver was taken in by Lane's family thanks to his twin brother's big heart and became a rising rodeo riding star in his youth, only to fall back down to earth heavily when a moment of distraction led to a tragedy that both Lane and Denver never seemed to be able to shake off.
Now, some ten years later, Denver returns Lane back home and tries to make him see that the long lost son is desperately needed at home instead of destroying himself bullfighting for reasons that only make sense in Lane's head.
The plot is really really good. And once I admitted to myself that yes, this book is about guys whose world revolved around bullfighting, I really lost myself in it.
And let me just say, Denver and Lane's intimate scenes are spectacular. They're a piece of art that you rarely see in m/m romance.
This story is a masterpiece right from the moment when Denver first shows up. Lane's self-destructive ways at the beginning and the separation angst that Lane constantly nurtured like a sword of Damocles over his family's heads were less easy to like, but damn did the guy come around at the end.
I seriously recommend this book. It's really a wonderful piece of romantic fiction between two hardened men who need each other to find peace in this world.
So fricking beautiful.
5 stars and a top ten read of this year!
August 22, 2021
First read: 4.5/5 stars
Second read: 5 stars
I read this book for the first time 6 days ago but I just finished reading the first book in the series yesterday and I had to read this one again. Do I love it? Am I a little obsessed? Yes to both.
For some reason, I think I loved it even more this time than the first time I read it. I knew everything that would happen and it didn’t stop me from crying the entire book. This book destroyed me, but in a good way and I wouldn’t want it any other way.
I have re-read two books in my life, I almost never re-read. I have been in a reading slump for weeks and haven’t wanted to read, like at all but I read this book two times in a week. That's how much I love this book.
—————————
Original review
4.5 or 5 "You're worth it" stars
“You’re worth protecting too, Lane […] You’re more than a body that can take a beating and get back up, and you lost the chance to take damn fool risks when you came back. You’re mine, and I will never sit back and watch you hurt yourself again.”
After this book, I need to regain my strength and stop crying. I think this book destroyed me, but in a good way, I absolutely loved the experience.
Look in true Florence’s fashion, I haven’t read the first book in the series but I really wanted to read this one … so I did.
God did I love this. As I mentioned before, i’m in a reading slump and getting interested by a book has been really hard for me. I also haven’t read a 5 stars book in ages so this book didn’t have the odds in its favour. But I started crying little tears at 3% into this book and by 13% I was full on crying and I don’t think it ever stoped until the end. At first I was crying at the angst but after that I was also crying at how sweet and good the comfort was. Everything about this book worked for me.
Brief summary
Lane is a bullfighter and he gets knocked by a bull, gets suspended from his job, then gets into a bar fight and is sent to prison. This happened in Montana where his family live, so they bail him out of prison and bring him to live on their ranch, because Lane doesn’t have anywhere else to go. Lane doesn’t want to be there, thats why he left when he was a teen to travel the world and be a bullfighter. Denver, who was abandoned when he was young so Lane’s family takes care of him, lives on Lane’s family ranch and he works for them. Denver and Lane kissed once, 12 years ago, but it didn’t end well. They meet again and realize how much they love each other and get together.
The setting? Absolutely lovely, the vibes were immaculate
The characters? Absolutely loved both of them and I want to meet them so I can give them hugs
The relationship? It was so hard fought but god was it beautiful
The relationship progression? So damn satisfying to read about
The grief? It broke my heart in two but the way it was handled was lovely
The writing? Absolutely gorgeous
The portrayal of families? So realistic and lovely to see in a book, it was so different from all the very stereotypical ways families are shown in books
The lack of communication? Actually made sense with the characters and the book so I couldn’t be mad at it
This entire book? Absolute perfection for me.
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review.
Second read: 5 stars
I read this book for the first time 6 days ago but I just finished reading the first book in the series yesterday and I had to read this one again. Do I love it? Am I a little obsessed? Yes to both.
For some reason, I think I loved it even more this time than the first time I read it. I knew everything that would happen and it didn’t stop me from crying the entire book. This book destroyed me, but in a good way and I wouldn’t want it any other way.
I have re-read two books in my life, I almost never re-read. I have been in a reading slump for weeks and haven’t wanted to read, like at all but I read this book two times in a week. That's how much I love this book.
—————————
Original review
4.5 or 5 "You're worth it" stars
“You’re worth protecting too, Lane […] You’re more than a body that can take a beating and get back up, and you lost the chance to take damn fool risks when you came back. You’re mine, and I will never sit back and watch you hurt yourself again.”
After this book, I need to regain my strength and stop crying. I think this book destroyed me, but in a good way, I absolutely loved the experience.
Look in true Florence’s fashion, I haven’t read the first book in the series but I really wanted to read this one … so I did.
God did I love this. As I mentioned before, i’m in a reading slump and getting interested by a book has been really hard for me. I also haven’t read a 5 stars book in ages so this book didn’t have the odds in its favour. But I started crying little tears at 3% into this book and by 13% I was full on crying and I don’t think it ever stoped until the end. At first I was crying at the angst but after that I was also crying at how sweet and good the comfort was. Everything about this book worked for me.
Brief summary
Lane is a bullfighter and he gets knocked by a bull, gets suspended from his job, then gets into a bar fight and is sent to prison. This happened in Montana where his family live, so they bail him out of prison and bring him to live on their ranch, because Lane doesn’t have anywhere else to go. Lane doesn’t want to be there, thats why he left when he was a teen to travel the world and be a bullfighter. Denver, who was abandoned when he was young so Lane’s family takes care of him, lives on Lane’s family ranch and he works for them. Denver and Lane kissed once, 12 years ago, but it didn’t end well. They meet again and realize how much they love each other and get together.
The setting? Absolutely lovely, the vibes were immaculate
The characters? Absolutely loved both of them and I want to meet them so I can give them hugs
The relationship? It was so hard fought but god was it beautiful
The relationship progression? So damn satisfying to read about
The grief? It broke my heart in two but the way it was handled was lovely
The writing? Absolutely gorgeous
The portrayal of families? So realistic and lovely to see in a book, it was so different from all the very stereotypical ways families are shown in books
The lack of communication? Actually made sense with the characters and the book so I couldn’t be mad at it
This entire book? Absolute perfection for me.
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review.
August 9, 2021
Mmmmmm... this one wasn't as good as the first one but it had it's charm. 🤔🤔🙃
3,5 stars!!!
What I loved:
- The writing, perfect as always.
- The ranch setting, far away from bullfighting thank you very much! Fuck the sport.
- The characters, they were lovely, specially Denver. I just wished we had more of his pov.
What got me annoyed:
L A N E
😬😬😬😬😬😬😬😬😬
I KNOW! I know he's the main guy and we see this story totally in his pov, but yeah, I didn't like him much. He was really selfish, he had a weird god complex, I mean he thinks that if he's in every rodeo he can make THE difference and protect everyone, well newsflash, that ain't true. He was also a hypocrite, demanding stuff from Denver when he wasn't facing his own shit! 🤦🏻♀️🤬
Don't mess with baby Denver!
And also, the author repeated the same thing over and over again, when Lane locked eyes with Denver: he was so strong, so wild, so masculine but he was wasting away, trapped in the ranch without following his calling. I get it!!!!! YOU ALL BECAME A MESS, don't tell me the same thing every other chapter please!
And I know, I KNOW he lost his twin, but the author made the mistake (in my opinion) of not creating a bond between the brothers, Lane said they weren't that close because they were really different. So all the guilt I don't get. 🤷🏻♀️😬
But I still liked it, so there is that. 🤣🤣🤣💜
3,5 stars!!!
What I loved:
- The writing, perfect as always.
- The ranch setting, far away from bullfighting thank you very much! Fuck the sport.
- The characters, they were lovely, specially Denver. I just wished we had more of his pov.
What got me annoyed:
L A N E
😬😬😬😬😬😬😬😬😬
I KNOW! I know he's the main guy and we see this story totally in his pov, but yeah, I didn't like him much. He was really selfish, he had a weird god complex, I mean he thinks that if he's in every rodeo he can make THE difference and protect everyone, well newsflash, that ain't true. He was also a hypocrite, demanding stuff from Denver when he wasn't facing his own shit! 🤦🏻♀️🤬
Don't mess with baby Denver!
And also, the author repeated the same thing over and over again, when Lane locked eyes with Denver: he was so strong, so wild, so masculine but he was wasting away, trapped in the ranch without following his calling. I get it!!!!! YOU ALL BECAME A MESS, don't tell me the same thing every other chapter please!
And I know, I KNOW he lost his twin, but the author made the mistake (in my opinion) of not creating a bond between the brothers, Lane said they weren't that close because they were really different. So all the guilt I don't get. 🤷🏻♀️😬
But I still liked it, so there is that. 🤣🤣🤣💜
August 5, 2023
“You’ve always been so fucking beautiful, Lane. It nearly stops my heart.”
Maybe my expectations were too high after reading the first book. The author is VERY talented in writing, deeply moving and emotional love stories, but this one missed the mark. It was so predictable, almost a carbon copy of the first story just with two different characters.
It’s funny how they called him a “bull fighter” instead of a “rodeo clown,” I guess it sounds sexier.
I was not a huge fan of the “he was my twin, your best friend, then you dated his sister, now you want to date me” plot. Meh.
Maybe my expectations were too high after reading the first book. The author is VERY talented in writing, deeply moving and emotional love stories, but this one missed the mark. It was so predictable, almost a carbon copy of the first story just with two different characters.
It’s funny how they called him a “bull fighter” instead of a “rodeo clown,” I guess it sounds sexier.
I was not a huge fan of the “he was my twin, your best friend, then you dated his sister, now you want to date me” plot. Meh.
August 5, 2021
I was so excited to read this book that I started it without glancing at the blurb. And, realised that it's a standalone book about Lane, who was Cal's friend in book 1. Within a few pages, a sense of deja vu came to me and I did not have to think much to realise why. It's because there are a lot of similarities between this book and the 1st book. No, I am not saying that I felt it because this author like many authors has a distinct way of writing and we as readers identify with their unique style. No, I am saying, if we leave out minor details, this book is exactly like book 1. The story of Lane and Denver is a complete rip-off of the story of Cal and Eli from book 1.😏😏😏
•Both Cal(MC of book 1) and Lane are 'washed up' rodeos who are reckless and got injured in the arena while bullfighting.
•Forced to return to a small town to their families and had troubled relationships with them.
•Lane is stubborn, filled with self-loathing and jealousy and chooses mocking/aggression as his outlet. Again are we not describing Cal.
•Stoic, non-communicative love interest. Even though Eli from book 1 was not closeted like Denver, but both were pretty closed-lipped about their mutual past.
•Second chance romance- In the first book, Eli was Cal's high school boyfriend and here Denver is Lane's brother's best friend. But the relationship is the same. Both were Friends as teenagers and had feelings for each other in the past and even after 12 years the relationship is still complicated. They regularly butt heads, snarl and insult and sometimes show care for each other but never talk.😒😒😒
•Both the MCs (Cal and Lane)do not want to stay in the small town because they feel trapped. And, their love interests are stuck there due to family obligations.
I mean we have the same plot, same kinds of execution with different characters like instead of ordering Kadai chicken you end up ordering butter chicken from the same restaurant.
You may enjoy reading this book because it's interesting however if you have read book 1, I feel you will end getting disappointed.😔😔
•Both Cal(MC of book 1) and Lane are 'washed up' rodeos who are reckless and got injured in the arena while bullfighting.
•Forced to return to a small town to their families and had troubled relationships with them.
•Lane is stubborn, filled with self-loathing and jealousy and chooses mocking/aggression as his outlet. Again are we not describing Cal.
•Stoic, non-communicative love interest. Even though Eli from book 1 was not closeted like Denver, but both were pretty closed-lipped about their mutual past.
•Second chance romance- In the first book, Eli was Cal's high school boyfriend and here Denver is Lane's brother's best friend. But the relationship is the same. Both were Friends as teenagers and had feelings for each other in the past and even after 12 years the relationship is still complicated. They regularly butt heads, snarl and insult and sometimes show care for each other but never talk.😒😒😒
•Both the MCs (Cal and Lane)do not want to stay in the small town because they feel trapped. And, their love interests are stuck there due to family obligations.
I mean we have the same plot, same kinds of execution with different characters like instead of ordering Kadai chicken you end up ordering butter chicken from the same restaurant.
You may enjoy reading this book because it's interesting however if you have read book 1, I feel you will end getting disappointed.😔😔
December 5, 2021
was this book extremely similar to book one? yes! 1000%! it felt like the same story pretty much the whole time. did i care? no! not one bit! there’s something about this series where i just can’t get enough. i finished this book and immediately picked up book 3 (something i never do!! i usually wait a good long time before diving into another installment in a series unless i’m so obsessed i can’t help myself which is what happened here!) the setting itself is teeming with as much life and heart as the characters. i had no interest in second chance romance stories before this series but here i am…obsessed! the angst, the unfinished business, the what ifs and what could’ve beens if one person had been been braver, if one person had been less stubborn, if both people had followed their heart in the first place. the tension is so well done in this series and i appreciate that the reader doesn’t feel left out when it comes to the history both people had prior to the start of the book. we get glimpses and tastes in order to whet our appetite for what’s to come and what will unfold. the sex scenes are phenomenal. while there aren’t many in the series, what we get is magnificent. like lightning hitting a live wire. denver and lane deliver in heaps when it comes to romantic moments that will take your breath away. they’re as stubborn as the bulls they ride and as loyal as the animals they raise. i adore them. i hope you will too.
September 7, 2021
This book broke my heart. So many feelings. But mostly so much sadness. It’s very heavy, angsty. But also beautiful. I loved Denver and Lane.
My poor heart had to deal with another unexpected dead brother trope and it killed me. The guilt. The feeling that you don’t deserve to be happy. The lonely parents. It was too much.
I adored Lane. Self-destruction speaks to my heart. Sometimes when everything is just too much, I dream of setting fire to my life and running away. And that’s what Lane did. But now he is back. Temporarily at least. And Denver is still here. Lane never got over Denver, and they are both hurt and broken and drawn to each other. They made me cry for the young boys they once were and for the men they became.
I adored Denver. Abandoned by almost everyone in his life, he is putting everything he can into being strong and steady.
The sex scenes were pure fire. Their love was so sweet and beautiful. The descriptions of life on a ranch in Montana made me want to be there with them, working with the cows and horses. It had me feeling that maybe I could leave my academic job and city life and start over in the country.
I recommend this to anyone looking for a lot of feelings and a good cry. Or anyone who likes cowboys. ❤️❤️❤️
My poor heart had to deal with another unexpected dead brother trope and it killed me. The guilt. The feeling that you don’t deserve to be happy. The lonely parents. It was too much.
I adored Lane. Self-destruction speaks to my heart. Sometimes when everything is just too much, I dream of setting fire to my life and running away. And that’s what Lane did. But now he is back. Temporarily at least. And Denver is still here. Lane never got over Denver, and they are both hurt and broken and drawn to each other. They made me cry for the young boys they once were and for the men they became.
I adored Denver. Abandoned by almost everyone in his life, he is putting everything he can into being strong and steady.
The sex scenes were pure fire. Their love was so sweet and beautiful. The descriptions of life on a ranch in Montana made me want to be there with them, working with the cows and horses. It had me feeling that maybe I could leave my academic job and city life and start over in the country.
I recommend this to anyone looking for a lot of feelings and a good cry. Or anyone who likes cowboys. ❤️❤️❤️
August 14, 2021
Even better than book one
I loved Cal and Eli's romance in book one, but in this, Parker St John has ramped up the ante even more.
What results is a simply spectacular piece of writing that takes all the visceral heat and noise of the rodeo rings of book one and layers on top such a depth of hurt/comfort that it's difficult to keep up at times.
My heart broke for Lane, the weight of the guilt he was carrying was crushing, slowly churning his life away in an endless cycle of painkillers, rough times in the ring and fears he'd never be able to save all the young bullriders.
Denver by contrast, was like a solid wall, no chinks allowed in the armour he'd wrapped so tightly around himself the final time Lane had walked away from the family's farm.
How he'd managed to keep so contained was a mystery until it becomes very clear his threads are going to snap in the slightest breeze.
The tension and burning mix of passionate emotion between them had my heart in my mouth. I couldn't leave this book alone, I needed to know how it could possibly resolve itself.
The air of sadness which surrounded the ranch had me tearing up so many times, I just wanted to take all their hurt away.
But the scene with Lane and his dad, that almost had me full on bawling. The strength he possessed to be able to carry on day by day when it looked like all hope was lost was immense.
It's a slow burn, which makes perfect sense, in fact Denver's explanation of how he'd tried to move on had me wondering if he wasn't somewhere on the demisexual spectrum.
His emotional connection is reserved for Lane and it's been locked away to protect his heart for a decade.
Of course, when the dam finally bursts, you'd expect an inflammation of heat to erupt. Surprisingly though, it's much more than just lustful chemical reactions.
These two men pour everything they've never had the chance to express or explore into their kisses and touches and it's poetry.
Honestly I could go on and on but instead I'll just say that this series is an absolute triumph and book three has me itching for December to get here!
I loved Cal and Eli's romance in book one, but in this, Parker St John has ramped up the ante even more.
What results is a simply spectacular piece of writing that takes all the visceral heat and noise of the rodeo rings of book one and layers on top such a depth of hurt/comfort that it's difficult to keep up at times.
My heart broke for Lane, the weight of the guilt he was carrying was crushing, slowly churning his life away in an endless cycle of painkillers, rough times in the ring and fears he'd never be able to save all the young bullriders.
Denver by contrast, was like a solid wall, no chinks allowed in the armour he'd wrapped so tightly around himself the final time Lane had walked away from the family's farm.
How he'd managed to keep so contained was a mystery until it becomes very clear his threads are going to snap in the slightest breeze.
The tension and burning mix of passionate emotion between them had my heart in my mouth. I couldn't leave this book alone, I needed to know how it could possibly resolve itself.
The air of sadness which surrounded the ranch had me tearing up so many times, I just wanted to take all their hurt away.
But the scene with Lane and his dad, that almost had me full on bawling. The strength he possessed to be able to carry on day by day when it looked like all hope was lost was immense.
It's a slow burn, which makes perfect sense, in fact Denver's explanation of how he'd tried to move on had me wondering if he wasn't somewhere on the demisexual spectrum.
His emotional connection is reserved for Lane and it's been locked away to protect his heart for a decade.
Of course, when the dam finally bursts, you'd expect an inflammation of heat to erupt. Surprisingly though, it's much more than just lustful chemical reactions.
These two men pour everything they've never had the chance to express or explore into their kisses and touches and it's poetry.
Honestly I could go on and on but instead I'll just say that this series is an absolute triumph and book three has me itching for December to get here!
November 18, 2021
~ 𝟱 ✧
♪♫ … Six feet under baby that's where I'll be
By the time that you're done with me
All these tears I cry
Drownin' in a tidal wave … ♪♫
♥ 𝗜 - 𝗪𝗢𝗪… 𝗜 𝗛𝗢𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗟𝗬 𝗛𝗔𝗩𝗘 𝗡𝗢 𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗗𝗦… which - yeah. That doesn't usually happen to me. This book came out of nowhere and knocked my freaking socks off.
'Down and Dirty' is an angsty, slow-burn, heartfelt, brooding book about two cowboys running from their demons.
✧✦ 𝗦𝗜𝗠𝗣𝗟𝗬 𝗣𝗨𝗧, 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝘄𝗮𝘀… 𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗶𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 ✦✧
Lane and Denver may not have been perfect. They'll probably frustrate you at times. But, man… they have a hidden depth to them that freaking captivates you. You will root for them. You will want to shake them. You will want to hug the ever-loving crap outta them. These men are bruised, a little bit broken, but they still have just enough room in their hearts for each other.
'DOWN AND DIRTY' captured my attention from the very first page, and by the time I got to the last I was left feeling warm and hopeful. I cannot recommend this series, or this book enough.
┍━━━━━━━━━━━━━┑
𝗗𝗢𝗪𝗡 𝗛𝗢𝗠𝗘 𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗦
#𝟭 𝗗𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗟𝗼𝘄 – 𝗿𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀
#𝟮 𝗗𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗗𝗶𝗿𝘁𝘆 – 𝟱 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘀
#𝟯 𝗗𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗢𝘂𝘁 – 𝟯.𝟱 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘀
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♪♫ … Six feet under baby that's where I'll be
By the time that you're done with me
All these tears I cry
Drownin' in a tidal wave … ♪♫
♥ 𝗜 - 𝗪𝗢𝗪… 𝗜 𝗛𝗢𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗟𝗬 𝗛𝗔𝗩𝗘 𝗡𝗢 𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗗𝗦… which - yeah. That doesn't usually happen to me. This book came out of nowhere and knocked my freaking socks off.
'Down and Dirty' is an angsty, slow-burn, heartfelt, brooding book about two cowboys running from their demons.
✧✦ 𝗦𝗜𝗠𝗣𝗟𝗬 𝗣𝗨𝗧, 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝘄𝗮𝘀… 𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗶𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 ✦✧
Lane and Denver may not have been perfect. They'll probably frustrate you at times. But, man… they have a hidden depth to them that freaking captivates you. You will root for them. You will want to shake them. You will want to hug the ever-loving crap outta them. These men are bruised, a little bit broken, but they still have just enough room in their hearts for each other.
'DOWN AND DIRTY' captured my attention from the very first page, and by the time I got to the last I was left feeling warm and hopeful. I cannot recommend this series, or this book enough.
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𝗗𝗢𝗪𝗡 𝗛𝗢𝗠𝗘 𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗦
#𝟭 𝗗𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗟𝗼𝘄 – 𝗿𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀
#𝟮 𝗗𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗗𝗶𝗿𝘁𝘆 – 𝟱 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘀
#𝟯 𝗗𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗢𝘂𝘁 – 𝟯.𝟱 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘀
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September 16, 2021
~3.5~
This is a beautifully written, stark story that speaks to grief, despair, denial, and running from the one thing you love.
I loved Denver for his willingness to be the rock to Lane's wind. He gave up his hopes and dreams so Lane could live his, however recklessly.
Unfortunately, Lane is the sole narrator of the story, and he's not always easy to like. He's selfish and careless. He does mature emotionally, but it takes a while.
Lane's internal monologues felt repetitive at times, and I longed for Denver's POV.
I loved Lane's family and the (at times brutal) descriptions of bull fighting.
The ending is heartfelt, a hard-earned, glorious HEA. That saved the story for me.
This is a beautifully written, stark story that speaks to grief, despair, denial, and running from the one thing you love.
I loved Denver for his willingness to be the rock to Lane's wind. He gave up his hopes and dreams so Lane could live his, however recklessly.
Unfortunately, Lane is the sole narrator of the story, and he's not always easy to like. He's selfish and careless. He does mature emotionally, but it takes a while.
Lane's internal monologues felt repetitive at times, and I longed for Denver's POV.
I loved Lane's family and the (at times brutal) descriptions of bull fighting.
The ending is heartfelt, a hard-earned, glorious HEA. That saved the story for me.
February 23, 2024
Loved this! I enjoyed this even more than book 1 which I also really loved. I just really love this author's writing style. Really takes you right into the story. I am excited to get to more of this series
August 5, 2021
I’m still holding my e-reader close to my heart because ALL THOSE FEELINGS!! 🥺💔😭❤️
Okay, I've let all these feelings sink in and hope I'm ready to put my thoughts and all that into words...
Because this book...If you are looking for something light and funny, and you are in need of a good laugh, this is NOT your book.
Because Lane's and Denver's story was heavy and achingly beautiful. It punched me in the gut, it was drawing on my heartstrings, tearing my heart apart, and making it whole again. God, did these boys have to fight for their happy ending. Nothing came easy for them, not in the least because they were both stubborn, hard headed and with both of them having their own scars to heal, there were a lot of hurdles for them to overcome before they could find their so well deserved happiness.
At 18 Lane lost his second half, his twin brother Skylar, and he ran. Away from his parents' ranch, because he wasn't the son who deserved to inherit the place that always felt more Skylar's than his. Away from Denver. The boy he fell in love with the moment he saw him. The boy he kissed just once and when that happened, it left him shattered into pieces. He had so many demons inside him, a beast that never left him alone, rearing its ugly head in Lane's most dark places, and he was tired of fighting it. He had to stay away from everyone he loved as far as possible, because he was of no use to them, to no-one. He tried to run away from the darkness inside himself, the ache and desperation by turning to bull fighting, booze, medication and mindless sex.
And then he is forced to return home and face his demons. And not only them, also Denver, his parents and Ronnie, Skylar's girlfriend at the time and after Skylar's passing, close to Denver.
Another reason why Lane had to run.
I loved this book so much. It's comfort/hurt, it's second chance, it's friends to lovers. And it is so well done! I ached for Lane, every time I watched him making wrong choices, every time he carelessly put his own life on the line. It didn't matter whether he lived or died, if that happened while saving one of the bull riders, so be it.
And Denver...God, I loved him! He was hurt too. By what happened to Skylar, by Lane's leaving. He dedicated his life to that ranch, to Lane's parents, who lost both their sons. He needed to be the one who stayed. But in doing so, he lost his own dreams, he lost the opportunity to make a career out of bull riding himself. And when Lane returns their attraction returns just as quick. They fight, they argue, but there's always this underlying feeling of undeniable love. Of belonging. Heading towards a destination neither of them is able to change.
I'm a sucker for great dialogues, and I found them here. So genuine, so real to life. I loved how Parker made Lane and Denver talk, even when they argued.
"You got something you want to say to me, Den?" he demanded, stepping up to him and staring him dead in the eye. It brought their faces dangerously close, and he felt a flare of satisfaction at the idea that it might make Denver uncomfortable.
Denver's gaze flickered. "I just said it."
"You think my life is some nonstop carnival just because I actually made it across the state border more than once in my life?" Lane snarled.
"I think you're tickled pink to let everyone else do the heavy lifting," Denver said flatly."Times were tough on all of us back then, but we gritted our teeth and got through it. Everyone except you. You took off."
"I did what all of you dreamed about!"
"You chose the easy way, Lane. You always have."
Lane drew in a long, hard breath. "That's rich coming from someone like you."
Okay, I've let all these feelings sink in and hope I'm ready to put my thoughts and all that into words...
Because this book...If you are looking for something light and funny, and you are in need of a good laugh, this is NOT your book.
Because Lane's and Denver's story was heavy and achingly beautiful. It punched me in the gut, it was drawing on my heartstrings, tearing my heart apart, and making it whole again. God, did these boys have to fight for their happy ending. Nothing came easy for them, not in the least because they were both stubborn, hard headed and with both of them having their own scars to heal, there were a lot of hurdles for them to overcome before they could find their so well deserved happiness.
At 18 Lane lost his second half, his twin brother Skylar, and he ran. Away from his parents' ranch, because he wasn't the son who deserved to inherit the place that always felt more Skylar's than his. Away from Denver. The boy he fell in love with the moment he saw him. The boy he kissed just once and when that happened, it left him shattered into pieces. He had so many demons inside him, a beast that never left him alone, rearing its ugly head in Lane's most dark places, and he was tired of fighting it. He had to stay away from everyone he loved as far as possible, because he was of no use to them, to no-one. He tried to run away from the darkness inside himself, the ache and desperation by turning to bull fighting, booze, medication and mindless sex.
And then he is forced to return home and face his demons. And not only them, also Denver, his parents and Ronnie, Skylar's girlfriend at the time and after Skylar's passing, close to Denver.
Another reason why Lane had to run.
I loved this book so much. It's comfort/hurt, it's second chance, it's friends to lovers. And it is so well done! I ached for Lane, every time I watched him making wrong choices, every time he carelessly put his own life on the line. It didn't matter whether he lived or died, if that happened while saving one of the bull riders, so be it.
And Denver...God, I loved him! He was hurt too. By what happened to Skylar, by Lane's leaving. He dedicated his life to that ranch, to Lane's parents, who lost both their sons. He needed to be the one who stayed. But in doing so, he lost his own dreams, he lost the opportunity to make a career out of bull riding himself. And when Lane returns their attraction returns just as quick. They fight, they argue, but there's always this underlying feeling of undeniable love. Of belonging. Heading towards a destination neither of them is able to change.
I'm a sucker for great dialogues, and I found them here. So genuine, so real to life. I loved how Parker made Lane and Denver talk, even when they argued.
"You got something you want to say to me, Den?" he demanded, stepping up to him and staring him dead in the eye. It brought their faces dangerously close, and he felt a flare of satisfaction at the idea that it might make Denver uncomfortable.
Denver's gaze flickered. "I just said it."
"You think my life is some nonstop carnival just because I actually made it across the state border more than once in my life?" Lane snarled.
"I think you're tickled pink to let everyone else do the heavy lifting," Denver said flatly."Times were tough on all of us back then, but we gritted our teeth and got through it. Everyone except you. You took off."
"I did what all of you dreamed about!"
"You chose the easy way, Lane. You always have."
Lane drew in a long, hard breath. "That's rich coming from someone like you."
These men have grown so dear to my heart, I'm not ready to let them go yet. And yes, I teared up, which is a compliment to how this story was written, because I hardly cry while reading. But these two men...God, they made me!
"Then you need to let me go," Lane whispered.
Denver kept him pinned exactly where he was, settled in the V of his legs and pressed against his erection but unable to move. The pattern of Denver's breathing had changed. His body was stiff against Lane's back, locked in an internal struggle he'd never been able to resolve.
"I don't know how," he admitted raggedly.
I've got nothing but love for this book. If I could, I'd give it more than 5 stars.
I already loved Down Low last year (the first book in this series), but this book might even top that one. This book can be read as a stand alone, but I equally recommend Down Low; both books are outstanding!
Told in third person, and solely from Lane's pov.
Highly recommended.
I kindly received an ARC of this book by Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest, unbiased review
August 11, 2021
I received an ARC from GRR and this is my honest review.
I have been waiting for this book for a looong time. I loved alot of it as well but had some niggles
1. What I loved:
Denver... he was just PERFECT. I loved how stable and trustworthy he was. How strong and resilient.
The family aspect of this book. Lane's fanily was heartwarning.
The fact that bull-riding wasn't a big part of the story, but rather a low-key motivater of the plot.
The Romance: So so sweet. These men were meant to be!
The relationship between Lane and Denver. These men needed to TALK. For the love of all that is holy. One simple covesration could have solved everything.
The writing was beautiful.
The steam: These men were smoking together.
Niggles:
Lane. It took a while for me to warm up to him.
The fact that this story was a bit too similar to Down Low.
I have been waiting for this book for a looong time. I loved alot of it as well but had some niggles
1. What I loved:
Denver... he was just PERFECT. I loved how stable and trustworthy he was. How strong and resilient.
The family aspect of this book. Lane's fanily was heartwarning.
The fact that bull-riding wasn't a big part of the story, but rather a low-key motivater of the plot.
The Romance: So so sweet. These men were meant to be!
The relationship between Lane and Denver. These men needed to TALK. For the love of all that is holy. One simple covesration could have solved everything.
The writing was beautiful.
The steam: These men were smoking together.
Niggles:
Lane. It took a while for me to warm up to him.
The fact that this story was a bit too similar to Down Low.
August 5, 2021
5 stars!!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Cue the book hangover! I tried to read this as slow as possible but it flowed so well and I loved it so much that I couldn’t stop! There is so much love and heartache in this book. It is really about family and how blood related or not, you will always be accepted and loved by those who truly love you.
Lane has been running from heartbreak for the last 10 years. He lost the other half of himself in a horrible way and he pushed his one true love away afterwards. He’s been using bullfighting, drugs, drinking and sex to cope and he is finally forced to face his demons. Going home to his family’s ranch in Montana is something he’s avoided for years but he has no choice but to face his fears.
This book is completely in Lane’s POV and through his eyes we meet Denver, the man Lane has always loved. When Lane left his parents ranch Denver stayed to pick up the pieces. He is now foreman and the ranch is struggling. If they bring back the stud program they have a chance of making money but Denver hasn’t rode a bull in 10 years. He’s their only hope though to be successful.
There’s a lot of feelings in this book. Lane losing someone that close to him broke my heart. I loved how he wasn’t ever made to feel guilty for not coming home but rather he just started working on the ranch along with everyone else. I adored his parents, they were so supportive and understanding. When him and his dad finally talk about things it’s so heartbreaking but cleansing for Lane.
There is a slow burn between Lane and Denver that is so good! I could read about these two forever! I almost felt like there could’ve been at least one more sex scene. I would’ve loved that!
This series is shaping up to be such a wonderful series! I loved the first book and I loved this one. The writing is solid and the story unfolds beautifully. I loved learning more about Lane, his parents and especially Denver!
**ARC provided for an honest review
**All thoughts and opinions are my own
Cue the book hangover! I tried to read this as slow as possible but it flowed so well and I loved it so much that I couldn’t stop! There is so much love and heartache in this book. It is really about family and how blood related or not, you will always be accepted and loved by those who truly love you.
Lane has been running from heartbreak for the last 10 years. He lost the other half of himself in a horrible way and he pushed his one true love away afterwards. He’s been using bullfighting, drugs, drinking and sex to cope and he is finally forced to face his demons. Going home to his family’s ranch in Montana is something he’s avoided for years but he has no choice but to face his fears.
This book is completely in Lane’s POV and through his eyes we meet Denver, the man Lane has always loved. When Lane left his parents ranch Denver stayed to pick up the pieces. He is now foreman and the ranch is struggling. If they bring back the stud program they have a chance of making money but Denver hasn’t rode a bull in 10 years. He’s their only hope though to be successful.
There’s a lot of feelings in this book. Lane losing someone that close to him broke my heart. I loved how he wasn’t ever made to feel guilty for not coming home but rather he just started working on the ranch along with everyone else. I adored his parents, they were so supportive and understanding. When him and his dad finally talk about things it’s so heartbreaking but cleansing for Lane.
There is a slow burn between Lane and Denver that is so good! I could read about these two forever! I almost felt like there could’ve been at least one more sex scene. I would’ve loved that!
This series is shaping up to be such a wonderful series! I loved the first book and I loved this one. The writing is solid and the story unfolds beautifully. I loved learning more about Lane, his parents and especially Denver!
**ARC provided for an honest review
**All thoughts and opinions are my own
August 6, 2021
~4.5
Emotional, angsty, captivating
The book is told solely from Lane's POV and I could feel everything - pain, doubts, gilt, grief, hope, desire, love. I read the story in one sitting unable to do anything until I was sure Lane gets his HEA.
Book 1 didn't work for me, mostly because the only thing I loved about it was Cal, the MC who narrated the story. I hated the town and never warmed up to the 2nd MC.
Fortunately, it was not the case here. I loved the ranch and ranch workers, Lane's parents, and most of all I loved Denver. He is strong and loyal but also vulnerable. His past makes if hard for him to open up to people, but the bond he shares with Lane is real. The chemistry and connection between those two was intense and palpable.
Loved the epilogue and bonus scene from Denver's POV.
My only niggle is that some aspects of the story were very similar to book 1. I had a sense of deja vu at certain scenes. But for me it was an improved version so I loved the story regardless and thus rounded up
Emotional, angsty, captivating
The book is told solely from Lane's POV and I could feel everything - pain, doubts, gilt, grief, hope, desire, love. I read the story in one sitting unable to do anything until I was sure Lane gets his HEA.
Book 1 didn't work for me, mostly because the only thing I loved about it was Cal, the MC who narrated the story. I hated the town and never warmed up to the 2nd MC.
Fortunately, it was not the case here. I loved the ranch and ranch workers, Lane's parents, and most of all I loved Denver. He is strong and loyal but also vulnerable. His past makes if hard for him to open up to people, but the bond he shares with Lane is real. The chemistry and connection between those two was intense and palpable.
Loved the epilogue and bonus scene from Denver's POV.
My only niggle is that some aspects of the story were very similar to book 1. I had a sense of deja vu at certain scenes. But for me it was an improved version so I loved the story regardless and thus rounded up
December 17, 2021
Yeah not as good as the other 2. And 3rd time same theme gets tiring. Meaning: childhood soulmates meant to be, something tears them apart, come back in 10-12 yrs and get their 2nd chance. While I’m fine with the trope, 3 back to back books like this starts blending together. I can’t even recall the MCs names. Denver and…. Lane. Right.
3.5 rounded up for good writing.
3.5 rounded up for good writing.
August 7, 2021
This second installment lived up to the first one, for me.
This is focused on Lane, Cal from the first book's rodeo circuit friend. He has his own story to tell.
Lane is a good looking, risk taking, beaten down bullfighter, or as Lane likes to call himself, he's really a rodeo clown. But really, he's a bullfighter. He puts his own life on the line almost as much as the actual bull riders, and gets just as beat down and exhausted as bull riders.
For 12 years, Lane has been in a dark place. Not only because his body is worn down after years of physical abuse from being a bullfighter - and not only because he's abusing alcohol and pain meds a little too much, so much it's become a crutch and is razor thin from becoming a full on addiction - but because 12 years prior, he lost his twin brother and has never really gotten out of the dark hole of his grief, his guilt and a feeling like the wrong brother had been taken.
He's completely wrong, of course. (Not that Skyler, his twin brother, should have been taken, just that Lane didn't deserve to be taken in his place either.)
And also 12 years prior, on the same day he lost Skyler, he and his first love - his only love, his ultimate love - Denver had kissed.
But they were 18, and then not so long after, they lost Skyler - Lane's brother and Denver's best friend - and both of course didn't handled losing him well at all. Both made mistakes, but perhaps Lane made a little bit more, by running.
For 12 long years, Lane has been running from who he is, not wanting to be who he is, and thinking that he's the dark to Skyler's light and that without Skyler, all Lane is is dark and so he isn't deserving of staying at home on the family ranch in Montana, of being near his loved ones, of being loved by them.
Lane goes through the wringer in this book. He seems to be self destructing at every turn. Too much longer and he would have died some way or another.
But after he gets especially hurt by a bull, and is so disoriented he takes a swing at his boss and gets suspended, there's nothing to do but go home and face everything he's been trying to hard to avoid, including Denver himself.
But Denver doesn't know it, yet, and tries his best to avoid even in the few weeks he's home. But things change. He and Denver start to talk more than they ever had, about real things.
Not that it's not like pulling teeth to get these two stubborn ass men to freaking talk. Denver has his own demons too, and reasons he's staying at the ranch when he was such an amazing bull rider back in the day.
But there are two sides to every story, and what Lane believes is not what Denver actually thinks about things and vice versa.
Since we only get Lane's POV, we really get to understand his thought process and why he keeps screwing up and not coming home to be with the man he loves.
But I could understand Denver's POV well enough, especially as we learned more about his past and how things played out.
Lane and Denver's chemistry was amazing, just as good as Cal and Eli from the first book. Something about these books are just next level. And having read two other books from this author that just weren't quite up to snuff with this series, I can safely say that so far, this series and these books are the best this author has done.
The story pulled me in, the characters pulled me in, and it didn't take me long to finish this. This was slightly under 200 pages so it isn't like it's a terribly long read, but still. I couldn't put it down.
Also this was so good that I wish it had been 200 pages and over at least. There were some areas the author could have given us a little more, but it's just so good that I can't be too mad about it, and I look at it as just a good thing that it was so well written that I wanted more, more, more.
These were two broken men, but they were broken men who were the world to each other, who were so in love that it hurt.
And as much as Lane frustrated me with his stubbornness and unwillingness to see that he was loved and that he didn't have to measure up to his dead twin brother, I understood it too. I understood that guilt, and survivor's guilt at that, and having seen his brother as 'better' than him, that that could lean Lane to feeling like he wasn't worthy of love, of any kind of love.
He wasn't suicidal, but he was careless with his life. That's close to a line said in Grey's Anatomy, where Meredith's therapist is like "You're careless with your life. You're not slitting your wrists, but you're careless. Most people run away from this line between life and death, but you just seem to stand on it and wait for it to sway you one way or the other." That line like encapsulates Lane for a good portion of this. And he's a bullfighter because every time he saves a bull rider, he's saving his brother. It's not remotely a healthy way of coping.
But just like with Meredith, it takes work and then him has a light bulb moment after a conversation with his father, and he turns the tide for the better.
Some might think that Denver takes Lane back too easily at the end - and I certainly thought that for a second too - but to me it showed that Also I like to think that Lane worked his butt off to make up it all up to him ;).
The ending was sweet and sexy and adorable, and I honestly wish we could get more of these two just being happy together, living their life together on the ranch, living in that happily ever after. After all the pain and anguish these two went through, they deserved it.
Definitely, definitely recommend this, two MASSIVE thumbs up from me. And if you loved the first book in this series, I think you'll love this one too. It has the same feel to it as the first one.
I wonder if we'll get more in this series. I hope so, although I have no idea who the new MC's would be. I look forward to finding out!😁❤️
This is focused on Lane, Cal from the first book's rodeo circuit friend. He has his own story to tell.
Lane is a good looking, risk taking, beaten down bullfighter, or as Lane likes to call himself, he's really a rodeo clown. But really, he's a bullfighter. He puts his own life on the line almost as much as the actual bull riders, and gets just as beat down and exhausted as bull riders.
For 12 years, Lane has been in a dark place. Not only because his body is worn down after years of physical abuse from being a bullfighter - and not only because he's abusing alcohol and pain meds a little too much, so much it's become a crutch and is razor thin from becoming a full on addiction - but because 12 years prior, he lost his twin brother and has never really gotten out of the dark hole of his grief, his guilt and a feeling like the wrong brother had been taken.
He's completely wrong, of course. (Not that Skyler, his twin brother, should have been taken, just that Lane didn't deserve to be taken in his place either.)
And also 12 years prior, on the same day he lost Skyler, he and his first love - his only love, his ultimate love - Denver had kissed.
But they were 18, and then not so long after, they lost Skyler - Lane's brother and Denver's best friend - and both of course didn't handled losing him well at all. Both made mistakes, but perhaps Lane made a little bit more, by running.
For 12 long years, Lane has been running from who he is, not wanting to be who he is, and thinking that he's the dark to Skyler's light and that without Skyler, all Lane is is dark and so he isn't deserving of staying at home on the family ranch in Montana, of being near his loved ones, of being loved by them.
Lane goes through the wringer in this book. He seems to be self destructing at every turn. Too much longer and he would have died some way or another.
But after he gets especially hurt by a bull, and is so disoriented he takes a swing at his boss and gets suspended, there's nothing to do but go home and face everything he's been trying to hard to avoid, including Denver himself.
But Denver doesn't know it, yet, and tries his best to avoid even in the few weeks he's home. But things change. He and Denver start to talk more than they ever had, about real things.
Not that it's not like pulling teeth to get these two stubborn ass men to freaking talk. Denver has his own demons too, and reasons he's staying at the ranch when he was such an amazing bull rider back in the day.
But there are two sides to every story, and what Lane believes is not what Denver actually thinks about things and vice versa.
Since we only get Lane's POV, we really get to understand his thought process and why he keeps screwing up and not coming home to be with the man he loves.
But I could understand Denver's POV well enough, especially as we learned more about his past and how things played out.
Lane and Denver's chemistry was amazing, just as good as Cal and Eli from the first book. Something about these books are just next level. And having read two other books from this author that just weren't quite up to snuff with this series, I can safely say that so far, this series and these books are the best this author has done.
The story pulled me in, the characters pulled me in, and it didn't take me long to finish this. This was slightly under 200 pages so it isn't like it's a terribly long read, but still. I couldn't put it down.
Also this was so good that I wish it had been 200 pages and over at least. There were some areas the author could have given us a little more, but it's just so good that I can't be too mad about it, and I look at it as just a good thing that it was so well written that I wanted more, more, more.
These were two broken men, but they were broken men who were the world to each other, who were so in love that it hurt.
And as much as Lane frustrated me with his stubbornness and unwillingness to see that he was loved and that he didn't have to measure up to his dead twin brother, I understood it too. I understood that guilt, and survivor's guilt at that, and having seen his brother as 'better' than him, that that could lean Lane to feeling like he wasn't worthy of love, of any kind of love.
He wasn't suicidal, but he was careless with his life. That's close to a line said in Grey's Anatomy, where Meredith's therapist is like "You're careless with your life. You're not slitting your wrists, but you're careless. Most people run away from this line between life and death, but you just seem to stand on it and wait for it to sway you one way or the other." That line like encapsulates Lane for a good portion of this. And he's a bullfighter because every time he saves a bull rider, he's saving his brother. It's not remotely a healthy way of coping.
But just like with Meredith, it takes work and then him has a light bulb moment after a conversation with his father, and he turns the tide for the better.
Some might think that Denver takes Lane back too easily at the end - and I certainly thought that for a second too - but to me it showed that Also I like to think that Lane worked his butt off to make up it all up to him ;).
The ending was sweet and sexy and adorable, and I honestly wish we could get more of these two just being happy together, living their life together on the ranch, living in that happily ever after. After all the pain and anguish these two went through, they deserved it.
Definitely, definitely recommend this, two MASSIVE thumbs up from me. And if you loved the first book in this series, I think you'll love this one too. It has the same feel to it as the first one.
I wonder if we'll get more in this series. I hope so, although I have no idea who the new MC's would be. I look forward to finding out!😁❤️
February 28, 2023
Maybe 3.5 rounded down.
I still like the way this author writes, but I also feel like this is a formula. Wild young thing running off, while the steady, brooding tall dark handsome one stays home and takes care of biz.
Lane Bell is a rodeo clown/ bull fighter. Denver used to be a great bull rider but “retired” to take care of Lane’s family’s ranch after his twin bro died in a freak rodeo accident.
Lane “runs away to the circus” so to speak after his twin died, to protect all the other riders out there since he couldn’t save his twin. While Denver stayed behind at the ranch to keep things afloat. Denver is apparently bisexual, and even had a relationship out of comfort with Skylar (the dead twin)’s gf Ronnie. AFTER Lane and Denver shared a passionate kiss and almost had sex.
See, I don’t like complicated stories of meant to be lovers who are separated by their own inability to understand their feelings, and pine for each other the whole time (12 yrs) while shagging lots of other ppl. I’m OK with pining if there’s no shagging going on. But when there’s 12 years of sex with other ppl, I’m like, then why are you pining? You’re not being fair to anyone else you’re having a relationship with, and why don’t you ring up the person you DO want and hash it out??
So I think that’s why I give this 3 stars. Tho as always I’m a fan of the “macho” man in the formula. Denver is yummy. Don’t care much for Lane.
On to the next.
I still like the way this author writes, but I also feel like this is a formula. Wild young thing running off, while the steady, brooding tall dark handsome one stays home and takes care of biz.
Lane Bell is a rodeo clown/ bull fighter. Denver used to be a great bull rider but “retired” to take care of Lane’s family’s ranch after his twin bro died in a freak rodeo accident.
Lane “runs away to the circus” so to speak after his twin died, to protect all the other riders out there since he couldn’t save his twin. While Denver stayed behind at the ranch to keep things afloat. Denver is apparently bisexual, and even had a relationship out of comfort with Skylar (the dead twin)’s gf Ronnie. AFTER Lane and Denver shared a passionate kiss and almost had sex.
See, I don’t like complicated stories of meant to be lovers who are separated by their own inability to understand their feelings, and pine for each other the whole time (12 yrs) while shagging lots of other ppl. I’m OK with pining if there’s no shagging going on. But when there’s 12 years of sex with other ppl, I’m like, then why are you pining? You’re not being fair to anyone else you’re having a relationship with, and why don’t you ring up the person you DO want and hash it out??
So I think that’s why I give this 3 stars. Tho as always I’m a fan of the “macho” man in the formula. Denver is yummy. Don’t care much for Lane.
On to the next.
June 13, 2024
I think this is possibly my favourite book in this series. I loved Lane and seeing him work through his struggles kept me engaged completely.
I loved the outcome of Lane and Denver's story, but I do wish that more books in the series were set at the Montana ranch too - it felt very loosely connected to the other books in the series because they are all set in Sweetwater, Oregon. The only real link is that Lane's best friend Cal is an MC in book 1.
So it kind of felt a little out of place in the series, but I'd definitely be happy to read more about this location too.
I loved the outcome of Lane and Denver's story, but I do wish that more books in the series were set at the Montana ranch too - it felt very loosely connected to the other books in the series because they are all set in Sweetwater, Oregon. The only real link is that Lane's best friend Cal is an MC in book 1.
So it kind of felt a little out of place in the series, but I'd definitely be happy to read more about this location too.
September 24, 2023
This was such an enjoyable read, Im loving this series and new to me author! I even enjoyed this more than book one. I really like the writing style, my attention was captivated the entire time and once again I struggled to put this one down.
Yes it does have a quite a few similarities to book one, but I really liked book one so this was fine by me. The basis to the story is quite similar but there are enough differences that it was never boring,I’ve read plenty of other books by authors who seem to follow a set formula and I didn’t get that vibe here.
Cal and Eli are from book one, Lane and Denver book 2.
Cal suffers from low self-worth and a bit of a martyr complex stemming from his abusive childhood. Lane had a great childhood but has terrible survivors guilt after his twin brother died at 18. They both engage in risky activities (bull riding for Cal and bull fighting for Lane) as part of dealing with and escaping personal demons but I found myself more sympathetic to Lane, the feelings and angst surrounding his situation was really well written.
Cal and Eli had been together for 2 years as teens before their separation whereas Lane and Denver shared a brief kiss only before they were separated. I enjoyed this more as we got to see all the intimate firsts between them on page.
I loved the relationship Lane had with his parents, it felt realistic and the scene with his dad at the end is one of my favourites.
This could be read as a stand-alone as it doesn’t feature Cal and Eli on page at all with only a few brief mentions of them but I loved book 1 too so definitely recommend reading it too.
I do have some niggles -
In Cal’s book it says he spent a few seasons going back to Lanes family ranch, was accepted as family and he learnt a lot there and was happy, seeing them as more family than his own. This clearly hadnt happened in this book. It didn’t fit the narrative, for Lane hadnt been returning to the ranch and there was never any mention of Cal going there. This continuity error irked me. If I imagined this though please correct me!
Another big thing is that Lane has an opiate dependence (read - drug addiction). He pops Oxycodene like candy multiple times a day and apparently has been for years but then stops cold turkey without a hint of withdrawal whilst also nursing injuries. The impact of addiction to prescription pain killers is huge and I wish it had been written more thoroughly. On a similar note Lane heals mighty quickly from some nasty sounding injuries, I’m happy to accept cowboys must just be super tough but the nurse in me was desperate to get him a head CT!
Despite these minor complaints I loved the story and really enjoyed reading it.
Yes it does have a quite a few similarities to book one, but I really liked book one so this was fine by me. The basis to the story is quite similar but there are enough differences that it was never boring,I’ve read plenty of other books by authors who seem to follow a set formula and I didn’t get that vibe here.
Cal and Eli are from book one, Lane and Denver book 2.
Cal suffers from low self-worth and a bit of a martyr complex stemming from his abusive childhood. Lane had a great childhood but has terrible survivors guilt after his twin brother died at 18. They both engage in risky activities (bull riding for Cal and bull fighting for Lane) as part of dealing with and escaping personal demons but I found myself more sympathetic to Lane, the feelings and angst surrounding his situation was really well written.
Cal and Eli had been together for 2 years as teens before their separation whereas Lane and Denver shared a brief kiss only before they were separated. I enjoyed this more as we got to see all the intimate firsts between them on page.
I loved the relationship Lane had with his parents, it felt realistic and the scene with his dad at the end is one of my favourites.
This could be read as a stand-alone as it doesn’t feature Cal and Eli on page at all with only a few brief mentions of them but I loved book 1 too so definitely recommend reading it too.
I do have some niggles -
In Cal’s book it says he spent a few seasons going back to Lanes family ranch, was accepted as family and he learnt a lot there and was happy, seeing them as more family than his own. This clearly hadnt happened in this book. It didn’t fit the narrative, for Lane hadnt been returning to the ranch and there was never any mention of Cal going there. This continuity error irked me. If I imagined this though please correct me!
Another big thing is that Lane has an opiate dependence (read - drug addiction). He pops Oxycodene like candy multiple times a day and apparently has been for years but then stops cold turkey without a hint of withdrawal whilst also nursing injuries. The impact of addiction to prescription pain killers is huge and I wish it had been written more thoroughly. On a similar note Lane heals mighty quickly from some nasty sounding injuries, I’m happy to accept cowboys must just be super tough but the nurse in me was desperate to get him a head CT!
Despite these minor complaints I loved the story and really enjoyed reading it.
November 27, 2021
3.5 stars Mostly because I felt there were pacing issues
December 6, 2021
Man, these cowboys sure know how to melt a girl’s heart… After breaking it first, of course! 💔
Overall, this was very similar to book 1, both when it came to the MCs’ personalities and the plot, but I didn’t really mind. First, enough time has passed for me to forget some minor details, so it didn’t feel exactly like a reread, and second, this is such a perfect formula for second-chance romance that I’d gobble it up every time 😂 — especially if it’s written by this author. And that’s saying something, because I’m not a big fan of this genre, and contemporary romance in general (or so I keep telling myself…).
Loved this.
Overall, this was very similar to book 1, both when it came to the MCs’ personalities and the plot, but I didn’t really mind. First, enough time has passed for me to forget some minor details, so it didn’t feel exactly like a reread, and second, this is such a perfect formula for second-chance romance that I’d gobble it up every time 😂 — especially if it’s written by this author. And that’s saying something, because I’m not a big fan of this genre, and contemporary romance in general (or so I keep telling myself…).
Loved this.
October 18, 2024
A beautiful love story and one of my favorite cowboy Romances that i have read so far.
Definitely more emotional /sad-angsty than I expected . This shit had me crying at work.
This book is super short, so I ate it up in a day.
* Brother’s best friend
* bisexual awakening
* Unrequited love/pining
If you like to fool hearts by Emmy Sanders, you would like this
Definitely more emotional /sad-angsty than I expected . This shit had me crying at work.
This book is super short, so I ate it up in a day.
* Brother’s best friend
* bisexual awakening
* Unrequited love/pining
If you like to fool hearts by Emmy Sanders, you would like this
August 7, 2021
This book was so worth waiting for! I mean, Cal and Eli from Down Low tugged at my heart strings, but Denver and Lane just about broke it and then glued it back together... *sigh* so good! Ms St. John really pulled me into the world of bullfighters. I didn't think much about the sport before but the way the author's words created such vivid images of men living on edge ready to throw themselves on the path of danger and possibly death was absolutely incredible. It read well researched and so well put together. I understood why Lane did what he did - tragedies of his life kept him in pain and trying to escape. Poor Lane! My heart hurt for him.
Denver was steadfast loyalty personified. His quiet presence and constant strength were the anchor that Lane and everyone around him needed. But to see that Lane had to go through a whole lot of pain and soul searching. There were moments where I couldn't hold tears. I love it when the book makes me feel and root for the men who are looking so hard for a way to forgive and move on. I felt it all.
The ending was so perfect and so satisfying. Both men found the home in each others arms and calmed the constant storm in their hearts. Told from single POV, steadily paced story laced with angst, full of healing and hearts mending, moderately steamy and full of loyal cowboys in tight denim and heartwarming HEA. I loved it!
P.S. Special shoutout to Lane's family. His parents were so supportive and absolutely amazing. It felt good to know Lane had warm arms and so much love to come back to when he was ready.
Denver was steadfast loyalty personified. His quiet presence and constant strength were the anchor that Lane and everyone around him needed. But to see that Lane had to go through a whole lot of pain and soul searching. There were moments where I couldn't hold tears. I love it when the book makes me feel and root for the men who are looking so hard for a way to forgive and move on. I felt it all.
The ending was so perfect and so satisfying. Both men found the home in each others arms and calmed the constant storm in their hearts. Told from single POV, steadily paced story laced with angst, full of healing and hearts mending, moderately steamy and full of loyal cowboys in tight denim and heartwarming HEA. I loved it!
P.S. Special shoutout to Lane's family. His parents were so supportive and absolutely amazing. It felt good to know Lane had warm arms and so much love to come back to when he was ready.
August 15, 2021
Lane & Denver's story was one of longing and heartbreak. Your heart will go out to Denver for the obvious love he has for Lane and always has but Lane will just rip your heart out. Never believing you are good enough will leave you empty in a way nothing else can and that in its essence was Lane.
"Someday, when he finally tangled with the wrong bull, the coroner would cut him open and see the etchings of Denver carved into his very bones."
Down and Dirty has left me in a puddle of my own snot and tears for the last hour. Rodeo stories always seem to get to me worse than any other story can because rodeo was in my grandfather's blood, so I grew up being around this life. Not to mention one of the characters being named after Lane Frost just hit differently and I am not sure if that was intentional or not but still.
There are so many wonderful praises I could give this book and Parker, but I don't want to go on a huge rant about the things I love possibly giving away parts of the story. What I will say is that this beautiful slow burn is nothing short of angst filled perfection. Loving Denver & Lane was as easy as breathing but Denver really was the one who stole my heart. Not that I didn't love Lane because oh boy, I did!! When you learn about Denver's past your heart just can't help but go out to him and all the things that he lost along the way.
Do yourself a favor, enjoy a little bull fighting and dive headfirst into Parker St. John's Down and Dirty. If you haven't read book one Down Low read it first and just be absorbed in all things cowboys, Montana and love!!
"Someday, when he finally tangled with the wrong bull, the coroner would cut him open and see the etchings of Denver carved into his very bones."
Down and Dirty has left me in a puddle of my own snot and tears for the last hour. Rodeo stories always seem to get to me worse than any other story can because rodeo was in my grandfather's blood, so I grew up being around this life. Not to mention one of the characters being named after Lane Frost just hit differently and I am not sure if that was intentional or not but still.
There are so many wonderful praises I could give this book and Parker, but I don't want to go on a huge rant about the things I love possibly giving away parts of the story. What I will say is that this beautiful slow burn is nothing short of angst filled perfection. Loving Denver & Lane was as easy as breathing but Denver really was the one who stole my heart. Not that I didn't love Lane because oh boy, I did!! When you learn about Denver's past your heart just can't help but go out to him and all the things that he lost along the way.
Do yourself a favor, enjoy a little bull fighting and dive headfirst into Parker St. John's Down and Dirty. If you haven't read book one Down Low read it first and just be absorbed in all things cowboys, Montana and love!!
Read
August 6, 2021DNF 47% no rating
Some people might say this is angsty AF. But I’m just bored. I don’t even really like the two MC and I feel like I’ve read this story before. As someone pointed out it is very similar to book 1.
Some people might say this is angsty AF. But I’m just bored. I don’t even really like the two MC and I feel like I’ve read this story before. As someone pointed out it is very similar to book 1.
October 4, 2021
Overall book rating: 4.8
Audio Book: N/A
Book Cover: 4.5
Martin said it best!! Go read his review, cause I can't even try
to do it any better.
I don't know why but the Down Home series just hit's the spot for me.
I love it, I love the feel of it, the people the stories. Just all of it.
It's a mood thing and I am lucky enough to be catching it precisely
when my mood is right.
Can't wait for the next one.
Audio Book: N/A
Book Cover: 4.5
Martin said it best!! Go read his review, cause I can't even try
to do it any better.
I don't know why but the Down Home series just hit's the spot for me.
I love it, I love the feel of it, the people the stories. Just all of it.
It's a mood thing and I am lucky enough to be catching it precisely
when my mood is right.
Can't wait for the next one.
January 11, 2022
After my claim that Cowboy romances are alien territory for me, I found myself completely sucked in in this one.
Lane, a bullfighter/rodeo clown, who made an appearance in the previous book, is forced to return home after losing his temper on national TV. He's on the road of self destruction, addicted to pain killers, his body and soul battered after losing his twin brother 10 years ago.
He's always loved Denver, who stayed at home to work on Lane's parents farm, and who's equally shattered after losing his best friend/Lane's brother.
Yes, the plot is a bit predictable, especially if you've just read book 1. But the characters, and their stories, all the hurt and the love, not only between Lane and Denver, but between his parents, too - it's so heart wrenching, there's so much guilt and hurt to overcome until we get our HEA.
I. Loved. It.
And I loved the glimpses of "slow paced" ranch life, and how it had its share in healing Lane. When he described the way he soaks in the clear air, is almost like you're there right next to him.
It seems like Cowboy romances have earned their place in my favourite genres now 😀
Lane, a bullfighter/rodeo clown, who made an appearance in the previous book, is forced to return home after losing his temper on national TV. He's on the road of self destruction, addicted to pain killers, his body and soul battered after losing his twin brother 10 years ago.
He's always loved Denver, who stayed at home to work on Lane's parents farm, and who's equally shattered after losing his best friend/Lane's brother.
Yes, the plot is a bit predictable, especially if you've just read book 1. But the characters, and their stories, all the hurt and the love, not only between Lane and Denver, but between his parents, too - it's so heart wrenching, there's so much guilt and hurt to overcome until we get our HEA.
I. Loved. It.
And I loved the glimpses of "slow paced" ranch life, and how it had its share in healing Lane. When he described the way he soaks in the clear air, is almost like you're there right next to him.
It seems like Cowboy romances have earned their place in my favourite genres now 😀
June 30, 2022
June 2022
Normally I'm not a fan of drama in my romance novels but this book is one of the few exceptions. It's the second time that I read it and I again was amazed by it. It is drama, it is grief,it is sacrifice, it is self-destruction, it brought me to tears more than once but I loved every word! Lane and Denver are both fascinating characters and together they are just perfect. ❤️
January 2022
What a ride!
So much grief, longing, pain and agony. I couldn't stop reading until those two found happiness again. 🥰
4.5 stars
Normally I'm not a fan of drama in my romance novels but this book is one of the few exceptions. It's the second time that I read it and I again was amazed by it. It is drama, it is grief,it is sacrifice, it is self-destruction, it brought me to tears more than once but I loved every word! Lane and Denver are both fascinating characters and together they are just perfect. ❤️
January 2022
What a ride!
So much grief, longing, pain and agony. I couldn't stop reading until those two found happiness again. 🥰
4.5 stars
February 13, 2024
I'm not rating this. Or no, maybe I am. 2⭐ and that's being generous for how fucking disappointed I was.
This book is the almost exact replica of the previous installment.
The story is completely the same, only the characters are different, there are no sneak peeks into the past in every chapter like there were in Down Low, so you have to read almost 40% of the story to get what's really going on and it's not happening in Sweetwater - and that is a big mistake.
In Down Low the author gives us a great setting and really good side characters, I liked Lane in that book - didn't like him in this one.
Lane's love interest was Denver, a guy he met in high school (!), he liked him, but they never got together, because Denver was supposedly straight and when they kissed, Lane left without a word (!) when he saw Denver kissing another girl.
Some 10 years later (!) Lane comes back because he has nowhere else to go (!) and he finds a dark, tall, handsome and brooding Denver, all thunder and suppressed passion (!), not wanting anything to do with Lane (!). But in fact, Denver does, because he's been thinking about Lane, who left him all those years ago and Denver actually wanted him back all the time (!).
Anything familiar yet?
They dance around each other until they finally have sex and even though the smut part was well written, the rest wasn't.
I'd have to take all the paint and crayons and colour pencils from my house to create a connection and chemistry between these two - and I wouldn't be able to do it, because there wasn't any!
And, whatdoyouknow, Lane goes back to the rodeo (!) but comes back home (!) and settles down with Denver.
Lane and Denver's past history could've been worked on more. We should've gotten more of their meeting, living together and not only that, Denver was a confusing character. I had no idea who he was, what he wanted, how he felt all that time and he got me, yeah he got me right until that time when he came to pick up Lane from jail, I was intrigued. But these two completely lost me after.
This book badly, badly needed a double POV. Denver's POV is again there as a bonus story and this just infuriated me more, because this should've been in the book!
And even with that I don't think it would be salvageable, there just wasn't enough foundation.
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