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Texas #4

Texas Family

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Jack and Riley Campbell-Hayes begin a journey that will change their lives forever.

Set against the backdrop of the Double D, the cast of the Texas books face changes that won’t leave a single one of them untouched.

Jack and Riley want to extend their small family of three. Their first choice is surrogacy with Jack as the father and when all this begins smoothly both men can't help but contemplate at what point would things go wrong. After all, their lives are far from normal and nothing is ever smooth.

Add a small four year old boy in foster care into the mix and suddenly things become a whole lot more complicated.

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First published October 14, 2013

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598 people want to read

About the author

R.J. Scott

306 books2,710 followers
RJ Scott writes heartwarming, passionate MM/gay romance stories where every man finds his happily ever after. When not writing, she enjoys reading books, watching movies, spending time with her family, following Formula 1 (Forza Ferrari!), and cheering on the Pittsburgh Penguins. Email her here: rj@rjscott.co.uk

Find RJ here: Amazon | BookBub | Facebook - Also, Never miss a release

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 175 reviews
Profile Image for Shile (Hazard's Version) on-hiatus.
1,120 reviews1,061 followers
April 18, 2018
3.5stars

It is official, I am in a slump.

description

The book was ok it did not have the wow factor, but I enjoyed catching up with Riley and Jack.
The cover basically sums up the story, it was all about Jack and Riley wanting more kids and their journey to having a big Texas family.

Cute and fluffy with babies and more babies.

description
864 reviews229 followers
December 1, 2013

A part of me wishes this series would just…end already. I mean Riley & Jack and their herd of children and all the gays on their ranch are just getting to be too much…total overkill.

At this point I just keep reading because it’s like my childhood bedroom: I loved it once and it feels familiar. But each time I come home I cringe that it’s remained unchanged and I hate having to sleep in it because I’ve outgrown it. But, I have to because…it’s mine?

And can we PUT TO REST the “het boy” nickname. Please.

Ok, ok...bring on the next one. I'm gonna read it...we all know I will...

Profile Image for Erth.
4,608 reviews
August 16, 2020
This is the 4th book in the series and I still really love Jack and Riley. I like that this book didn't have all the OTT drama that the first two books dealt with. In this book Jack and Riley are just living their lives and dealing with the difficulty of having a family as two gay men in Texas. The surrogate process was well written and I enjoyed reading Jack and Riley as they dealt with this. Their relationship continues to grow and is definitely one of the strongest/sweetest relationships I've read. There are times when you just love to read a book about a strong relationship that you know the two MCs are going to support each other. I do wish we had got some more info on Eden and Sean. We really only see this couple from the standpoint of Riley and Jack and it's on the peripheral. Still overall a great edition to the series and a wonderful romance
Profile Image for Karen.
1,860 reviews91 followers
September 24, 2017
4.5 stars rounded down because still no 1/2 stars here on GR.

It's time to revisit an old favorite...

It’s been four years since I read this book and I have to admit in my reading experience I’ve found that sometimes when there’s a large gap of time between originally reading a book and when I re-read it or in this case listen to the audio book it doesn’t always go well, but I’m happy to say that was not the case with this book…If anything, I enjoyed the audio book just a little bit more than I enjoyed this story the first time around.

I’ve really enjoyed reading all of R. J. Scott’s Texas series and having the opportunity to revisit these characters in audio book format has been a treat, so much so that I’m looking forward to treating my self to the rest of this series in the near future.

Sean Crisden is the narrator for this title as well as previous titles and I have to admit when it comes to books involving cowboys he’s one of my favorites. I love his deep, gravelly, easy drawl along with the fact that he consistently ticks all my basic audio narrator boxes with his consistent, unique and expressive voices.

For anyone who isn’t familiar with this series I strongly recommend starting at the first book and reading them in order. Jack and Riley are the main characters in this series and their story starts back in the first book…The Heart of Texas.

Jack and Riley started as an enemies to lovers story in book one and each successive story follows them as their relationship grows and here in the fourth book Riley and Jack have decided it’s time for their family to grow and have decided that surrogacy is how they want this to happen and Jack will be the father. But as can often be the case plans go astray and things may not end up the way they intended but both men are quick to realize that while they didn’t get what they’d signed up for…they were getting the family they wanted.

In spite of all their advantages, this isn’t a story that’s so perfect it makes me feel like I’m going to sink into a diabetic coma. Jack and Riley still have the stress of day to day life and the problems it brings to deal with…running a horse ranch, managing an ethical oil exploration company, dealing with relationship struggles both theirs and their families, making compromises and finding solutions.

‘Texas Family’ is a nice slice of life look at what’s happening in the world of Jack, Riley and their family. It was also a chance to see them building the life together that they’d started in ‘Texas Family’ and continued to work towards in ‘Texas Winter’ and then in ‘Texas Heat’. I love this series, these characters the lack of angst and extreme drama, no great mystery to solve…just the day to day life of two people in love building a life together that would see their dream of family become reality.

There are a few authors whose books are comfort food for me…for my brain, my heart and my soul. I know the kind of story I’m going to get and it’s one that I can lose myself in and enjoy. They’re my go to authors when I’ve been left with too many jagged edges by life and/or by emotionally draining books. R. J. Scott is one of those authors and her Texas series are among those books.

********************
An audio book of ‘Texas Family’ was graciously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Meags.
2,481 reviews694 followers
November 16, 2016
4 Stars

In this fourth story in the Texas series, we are treated to a year in the life of the Campbell-Hayes’ as they go through the process of extending their family via surrogacy and adoption (yes, both!).

This was a truly heart-warming story about family and love and friendship. The eventual addition of the new Campbell-Hayes children was an absolute treat, but my heart was especially won over by the sweet and shy little Max, who Riley and Jack go about adopting while awaiting the birth of their twins.

This was another delightful addition to one of my much loved series. I look forward to seeing what comes next for Jack and Riley.
Profile Image for Jenni Lea.
801 reviews301 followers
October 14, 2013
3.75 stars

Awww, that was just adorable! Jack and Riley have been married for over three years now and have finally settled into their life together. They want to expand their family and have decided to go the surrogacy route. They get more than they expected, in unexpected ways. I love R.J. Scott’s Texas series and was eagerly awaiting this fourth installment. I have to say, this book is a bit different than the first three. There was next to no angst and none of the soap opera feeling that I was used to getting from this series. I kind of missed it but it was really nice to catch up with my boys and see how their life together has progressed.
Profile Image for Cadiva.
3,995 reviews437 followers
September 18, 2017
Children and horses and troubled young men oh my!

Things continue a pace at the Double D ranch as Riley and Jack's decision to expand their family starts gathering steam.

Robbie and Eli are still happy, Eden and Sean are struggling but everywhere else, life has settled down a bit for the Campbell-Heyes family. There's less dramady in this one but we still have a few soap worthy-esk happenings.

On their journey to fatherhood, Jack and Riley meet Max, a four-year-old with some learning difficulties caused by his premature birth. Suffice it to say, with their surrogacy resulting in viable twins, the thought of adding another child by adopting Max isn't far behind.

There's some awesome sex in this one too, with a scene in the barn Jack fantasies about at his sperm donation session turning into super hot reality a wee while later.

More intrigue is on the cards as the ranch takes on a young lad called Liam, who catches the eye of Marcus, the guy who runs the surrogacy company the guys are using.

Book four's not overly dramatic but has a real feel of family, appropriately enough! I think the next one could see us back into soap opera land though so off I go :)
Profile Image for Trisha Harrington.
Author 3 books144 followers
September 16, 2014
This was a really nice story in the series. Jack and Riley are still one of my favourite couples and I loved seeing them expand their family. The cover is a pretty big giveaway as to how big their family is, but that isn't a bad thing. I really like the cover. The first one will always be my favourite. It was a book I connected with straight away and is a firm favourite of mine. But this was a really strong second. I can't wait for the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Serena Yates.
Author 104 books768 followers
August 11, 2016
What can I say? I love these stories about a very unconventional Texas family, made up of Riley, the oil-magnate into "green oil", his husband Jack, the cowboy and ranch owner, plus their assorted (current and future) children. Haley is the most prominent one, but others, as the cover already indicates, are about to make an appearance. More than this core family, the definition now seems to have grown and extends to include the men who work on the horse ranch and, of course, the remaining members of Riley and Jack's relatives. Eli and Robbie are back, a new couple's unexpected romance springs up toward the end, and the various siblings and parents have their own more or less romantic issues to battle with. Does anyone still doubt this is becoming a soap opera of grand proportions? I certainly don’t, and I have to say that I enjoy this one a lot more than many of its brethren on TV!

One of the things I enjoyed most in the previous book was how much Riley and Jack have grown as characters and as a couple. As it turns out, they need every ounce of that sometimes hard-won maturity to deal with their grandest adventure yet: the addition of another child to their group of three. And not just because it turns out there are three instead of just one "applicants" for the position, but mostly because of the additional complications, issues, and surprises they have to deal with as they embark on what sounds like a simple decision. "Let's become daddies again" turns into lots of stress and quite a few planned as well as a couple of unforeseen projects.

Thank God the one thing both Riley and Jack can rely on is their love for each other. They're as hot as ever when they find a moment to themselves, be it in bed, the barn (the scene of some very, very hot imagined and real encounters), the newly added pool, or anywhere else lust and desire overcomes them. All the planning and running around to get things done cannot distract these two from the thing they need the most: each other.

As ever, the variety of subplots and events is great and makes sure I was never bored. The issues of surrogacy and adoption are handled sensitively, as is the addition of a child with learning difficulties to the mix. If you like the Campbell-Hayes men and want to know what's going on in their lives, if you enjoy romantic soap operas and ever-unfolding drama, and if you're looking for a great read with lots of heat between loving husbands as well as deeply felt love and affection for their growing DD ranch family in the heart of Texas, don't miss this book! The next installment can’t come quickly enough!


NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Profile Image for ♥️Victoria ♥️ ♥️love books♥️.
837 reviews69 followers
October 15, 2015
Overall book rating 3/5 Stars
Audio book - N/A
Book Cover 3/5 Stars


I was actually a bit disappointed with this book. The jumping form one month the the next gave the illusion you miss information. I like to know everything - I know why it was done I get that but it feels like I missed a part of everything, and I just didn't like it.

I know they are two males having twins but they were a bit unorganized with everything from the renovation of the house up to the delivery of the twins.

Profile Image for Nic.
Author 44 books368 followers
October 16, 2013
Texas Family really is about family! The story is much focused on Jack and Riley and family they are looking to build. They already have one daughter and are now looking at surrogacy and adoption.

The previous book very much had a soap opera feel with lots of drama and action and new characters. This book has a slower pace and more of a sense of domesticity. I actually liked the dose of reality as the men faced their doubts about choosing the right surrogate, their worry throughout the pregnancy and their concern about raising their children in a household such as theirs - busy lives, full careers, and yes, the two dad's issue. There is also a special needs child who they take into their hearts.

You definitely do need to read this series in order to follow the back stories and to know who the characters are - but that's actually a good thing because who would want to miss any of it?! I appreciated the fact that the author didn't rehash the previous story lines to bring new readers up to speed but still allowed these stories to continue into the new book.

We were provided with a glimpse of the issues that Eden was facing with Sean, continued concerns about Beth's health and got to see a little bit (maybe not enough?) of Eli and Robbie.

But rest assured, although we see Jack and Riley largely in the role of fathers - school visits, doctor's appointments, family functions - they are still hugely passionate with each other - the barn especially plays a key role both in Jack's fantasy and in one particular encounter!

This is one of those stories where reading is really like spending time with old friends which makes for warm and fuzzy reading.

3.5 stars

One final comment...on a side note, and totally unrelated to my enjoyment of the story itself is the cover. I LOVE the pics of Jack and Riley and have always thought these men were so appealing on the covers of all the book in the series. They don't disappoint on this cover either (totally gorgeous) but I wasn't overly excited by the kids. I found they had a slightly old-fashioned feel but more than that, thought they maybe gave away the plot just a little too much - it wasn't hard to guess how things would turn out.

Many thanks to the author who provided a copy of this book in return for an honest review.

I now publish all my m/m reviews on my blog so if you want to see all my m/m reviews in one place come visit at Because Two Men Are Better Than One!
Profile Image for Le letture di Anya.
462 reviews23 followers
December 13, 2020
RECENSIONE DI SILVIA M.

Riley e Jack sono pronti ad allargare la
famiglia così come il ranch, ma nuove conoscenze li porteranno a fare scelte inaspettate.

La pittura della nuova stalla era un po’ sbiadita, a tre anni dall’incendio che aveva distrutto quella precedente. Hayley non era ancora tornata, eppure all’interno un piccolo esercito di muratori stava costruendo un nido per i bambini. Suoi e di Riley. Alla fine, l’eccitazione prevalse dentro di lui.


I nostri ragazzi sono pronti per un nuovo importante passo avanti, ma saranno preparati a quello che la vita gli regalerà?

Continua sul nostro blog:

https://leletturedianya.altervista.or...
Profile Image for Pixie Mmgoodbookreviews.
1,206 reviews43 followers
October 11, 2013
4 1/2 Hearts

Review written for MM Good Book Reviews

This story is part of a series and must be read in order. Jack and Riley have decided to extend their family, they go the surrogacy route but every step of the way they find something new to worry about. Nothing ever goes smoothly for them so they are just waiting for something to go wrong, but things seem to just fall into place. As they prepare for the extended family they meet a little boy with learning difficulties and both Riley and Jack fall under his charm, but with the surrogacy under way can they hope to adopt the sweet little boy as well?

Ohhh this is a beautiful mix of family, hope and steamy sex, mixed together to give us another incredible story in the Texas series. Riley and Jack are hopeful but their nerves keep getting the better of them, they lean on each other as they go through the process of surrogacy and getting ready for a larger family. Their relationship is as strong as ever, with them always making time for just them, or for Hayley and their other relations, making sure that none of their family is left out.

This is a very normal story for Jack and Riley, nobody is out to get them and there are no unexpected surprises or enemies. We just see a couple moving forward with their lives, facing the normal strain, stresses and worries of extending a family while juggling the lives they already have. We see the continued love and support between Riley and Jack and the explosive sex and sensual love-making that they enjoy oh so much.

We also see Beth and Steve and what is going on with their lives, we see Eden and Sean going through a rough time and we also see Robbie and Eli and their happiness. We are introduced to a couple of new people that we will see in a future book and I really can't wait to see what is coming next, R.J. Scott has a way of bringing these characters to life and making us care about what happens to them.

I recommend this to those who love cowboys and city slickers who are in love, adorable children, celebrations and joy, hot sex, sweet moments and a pure happy ending.
Profile Image for Don Bradshaw.
2,427 reviews105 followers
October 11, 2013
Jack, Riley and the rest of the extended Campbell-Hayes family were in full swing in this newest installment in RJ Scott's terrific Texas series. Jack and Riley decided that they wanted another child and after jumping through all the hoops decide to have Rebecca be a surrogate mother for them using Jack's sperm. Rebecca is a wonderful character who was so calm while the guys were absolutely losing it. Rebecca and her husband Peter are also foster parents to a young special needs boy Max. Not ones to do anything in a small way, Riley and Jack decide to try to adopt Max. This story was filled with emotional ups and downs, some comedy and mostly the love that holds these wonderful characters together. We see changes in the other characters and even add a new character, Liam. There are some big changes in store for the Double D and our two favorite dads. Ms Scott can't write the next book quickly for me.
Profile Image for R.J..
Author 306 books2,710 followers
Read
December 16, 2017
Profile Image for Dallison.
1,082 reviews9 followers
October 14, 2013
Thank you Miss Scott for giving us another glimpse of this fantastic family. I wished it was longer. I REALLY LOVE THIS SERIES.
Profile Image for Giada.
867 reviews13 followers
June 17, 2021
3,5 stelline

Ammetto di essere particolarmente in difficoltà. Mi sto ritrovando tra le mani una serie che mi piace e allo stesso tempo, sopratutto in questi ultimi due volumi, mi sta lasciando perplessa per molti motivi. Questo libro per l'ennesima volta non mi ha convinta e nonostante non possa assolutamente dire che è brutto o sconsigliarlo... non mi ha colpito come avrebbe dovuto (e potuto). Il problema è che questa serie si sta spingendo sempre di più verso un lato più realistico e verosimile attaccandosi a vicende ed elementi della nostra vita, reali e tangibili e questo cozza completamente con il principio, l'inizio della serie, l'idea principale della serie. Eravamo abituati a una storia da telenovela che poteva fare concorrenza a "Il segreto" o "Dallas" con intrighi, tradimenti, figli illegittimi, fratelli assassini, ricatti e chi più ne ha più ne metta, mille personaggi in scena e vicende più intriganti ed appassionanti che ti tenevano incollato alle pagine per ore ed ore, vicende talvolta così assurde da non poter essere prese sul serio ma allo stesso tempo interessanti mentre ora ci si sta sempre di più spostando solo ed esclusivamente verso Jack e Riley raccontando le storie dei loro amici e parenti in modo superficiale e usandole come tappa buchi, spostando la storia su un piano più realistico e volendo a tutti i costi trasformare la trama principale con tutte le sue contraddizioni iniziali in una "storia di vita vera." Ne consegue che libri come questo siano più... pesanti e lenti...più realistici di sicuro ma anche meno digeribili per chi si era abituato ad un certo stile. Questo capitolo è sicuramente quello che al momento mi ha convinto di meno. Ci ritroviamo di fronte una scelta importante, quella della maternità surrogata per allargare la propria famiglia. Troviamo Jack e Riley alle prese con la novità ed intenti ad organizzare ogni singolo evento e questo... mi ha annoiato a morte, pagine e pagine di momenti che ho trovato noiosi e che potevano tranquillamente essere accorciati dando maggiore spazio anche al resto della famiglia, permettendo di svelare almeno qualche piccolo mistero rimasto irrisolto. Posso capire l'intento di voler mostrare il modo in cui si procede in un caso delicato come quello che devono affrontare i due coniugi e la loro famiglia ma in un libro di poco più di 150 pagine e di pura narrativa in cui sono aperte mille sotto trame beh... è parecchio snervante avere 20 pagine di incontri, dettagli, momenti puramente descrittivi su come, dove e quando arriveranno i gemelli ecc perché toglie spazio prezioso che poteva essere usato diversamente. Ad esempio abbiamo nuovamente a che fare con Robbie ed Eli e il loro rapporto non ci viene minimamente più presentato, sappiamo che si amano ma... oltre questo? Silenzio stampa. Steve e Beth? Ma si, vogliono un figlio, che sarà mai... dopotutto Jack aveva solo fatto mille pipponi e casini nel primo capitolo della serie per la salute della sorella cardiopatica mentre qui... sembra che tutto sia ormai perfetto e che Beth non sia una donna a rischio ed è come se non fregasse a nessuno, due pagine per dare la benedizione al nuovo pargolo e amen. Donna e Neil si sono sposati, altro da aggiungere? Ovviamente no. Jim e Sandra, I genitori di Riley? Ormai dispersi in missione e.. che dire di Sean? Cavolo, dopo lo scorso capitolo avevamo bisogno di scoprire qualcosa in più su di lui, sul perché fosse così cupo dopo essere tornato dall'Afghanistan e sopratutto su come avesse affrontato il dolore per la cecità da un occhio e....nulla! Si sorvola addirittura su un tentativo di suicidio! Il povero Sean cerca di suicidarsi e la vicenda viene chiusa in appena due paginette per poi essere ripresa per altre due in seguito e solo per dare un contentino e dire "vogliamoci tutti bene" . Si dedica in compenso 3000 pagine già solo alla scelta della madre surrogata e di tutti i termini e condizioni per la quale la coppia potrà partecipare al programma e bla bla bla. I fan della coppietta saranno sicuramente in estasi ma il bello di questa serie era per me proprio il fatto che i protagonisti erano i Campbell-Hayes al completo con i loro intrighi e casini! Ogni personaggio nei primi due libri aveva il suo spazio, era tutto molto corale ed appassionante qui siamo arrivati ad avere due unici protagonisti e altri personaggi tirati dentro a forza e poi abbandonati come cani in autostrada e la stessa cosa ahimè credo succederà anche con il dolcissimo Liam. Liam è la new entry e la scoperta di questo libro. Lo amo! È un ragazzo appena ventenne e preso come apprendista al D. Si vede che ha sofferto che porta un segreto (che posso già iniziare ad intuire visto i suoi modi e le sue insicurezze) che ha bisogno di una famiglia che lo aiuti a trovare la sua strada. Sul suo cammino compare come un fungo Marcus, ormai amico dei Campbell-Hayes dopo averli aiutati ad intraprendere la strada per la maternità surrogata. Visto il mood mi sento fin da ora di credere che ci ritroveremo di fronte i nuovi Robbie e Eli. Marcus protettivo che aiuta Liam, viene respinto, poi si, poi no, poi stiamo insieme ecc e poi via di Jack e Riley.... ho paura che Liam verrà rovinato dalle scelte dell'autore per l'ennesima volta e mi dispiace fin da ora. Spero di sbagliarmi. Insomma... non fraintendetemi, come serie merita di essere letta ed è molto piacevole ma per me... sta diventando abbastanza noiosetta e scontata senza il giusto focus sui personaggi e purtroppo le new entry che compaiono ad ogni capitolo come funghi non aiutano di certo. Spero di rimanere colpita in futuro in modo più positivo... per ora... meh. Avrei preferito che rimanesse coerente con i primi due capitoli. Inizi una serie da telenovela dove anche i morti resuscitano? Bene, rimani coerente! Vuoi una serie di vita vera? Inizia fin da subito a presentarcela come tale senza gli intrighi alla Beautiful e i cliché dei romanzi rosa! Mischiare i pezzi così per me è sbagliato e rovina l'atmosfera a tutti anche a chi magari apprezza sia le storie più superficiali sia quelle più mature ed introspettive mischiando elementi reali ad altri da fiction, una caduta di stile che spero possa essere se non corretta almeno resa più digeribile al lettore in futuro.
Profile Image for Tessi4M.
543 reviews22 followers
June 14, 2018
Ok, I'm out. I think...
This series started out as a five-star romance for me but this book was just everything and everyone drowning in kids. Several kids. And then more kids. All the time. Seriously - nothing but kids. Including following every detail of a surrogacy month by month. Yes, the blurb implied it, but I still thought there might be just a few pages here not about kids. If those pages were there, they sure went under in all the kids stuff.
The blurbs of later books in the series still sound really good, so maybe I'll try again at some point, but this book has definitely weaned me off this series for now.
Profile Image for Dani Elle Maas.
1,011 reviews14 followers
October 22, 2013
Let’s start with mentioning how great it was to finally see the story being there!

I can wholeheartedly say that it was one I was looking forward to since I started to read the Texas series and found out there would be more.

To read this part you need to have read the first stories in the series.In all honesty it wouldn’t make sense if you didn’t.

For me knowing this part was going to be released it made me go back to the first three parts and re-read them. And it is fair to say I again fell in love with all the characters of the Texas family. Jack and Riley centre the first part and are also the MC of this story.

It is great to get reaquainted with the characters. I mean seriously what is not to love? You can love both Jack and Riley and Haley will steal your heart from the get go.

What I miss a little in the beginning of this story is the interaction with the rest of the characters introduced in the previous stories. I am glad that during the rest of the book that the others get settled easily. It’s good reading about Beth and Steve following their struggle of pregnancy while Jack and Riley struggle with their own surrogacy plans.

As the blurb says, we follow Jack and Riley in their struggle and wish to expand their family. When they find a surrogate in the form of Rebecca, who’s a mother, housewife and foster parent, they know they’ve found the perfect match.

On top of her own children she and her husband Peter share, she also is an active foster parent currently are taking care of a little boy named Max, who is struggling with himself but seems to open up to both Riley and Jack.

When Riley finds out that Max won’t be getting adopted by the Hendersons, he cannot dismiss his feeling that Max should come to live in their family. On top of getting ready to be fathers to newborn(s), he and Jack decide to make plans to see if they can work it out so Max can join their family.

And that is exactly where my critique lies in this story …

Where is that struggle? Where is the connecting with Max? Where are the meetings? I would have loved to read something about that. We get a little peek of that in the end when Miss Scott says they tried not to see him too much or get too close but we don’t read of any meetings except the one to established the feelings of Riley wanting to adopt him.

This story is easy to read and there is little to no drama.It’s written in a very nice way and the sexual tension and openness of the main characters is awesome. Their connection is above and beyond and you can only long for a love like theirs.

The story is hot and romantic while focusing on love and family. It takes you on a wonderful journey about wanting to be parents, creating a family within a family and included the nerves, obstacles and strains.

There was also a nice surprise in the end note of Miss Scott, saying to look forward to Liam and Marcus and their story. Liam being the new ranch hand Jack hired who definitely has his own story to tell and Marcus is the advisor the Campbell-Hayes used for setting them up with a surrogate.

I hope as Liam is living at the ranch, we get to see glimpses of the Campbell-Hayes family including Max during his and Marcus their story. For me that story cannot be published soon enough and hopefully many more…
Profile Image for Feel The Book.
1,739 reviews55 followers
October 11, 2019
Recensione a cura di Cleo per Feel the Book

Come già anticipato dal libro precedente della serie, questo si concentra sulla volontà di Jack e Riley di ampliare la famiglia tramite una gravidanza surrogata, seguendo passo dopo passo tutta la procedura necessaria e permettendo al lettore di capire come, almeno negli Stati Uniti, sia percepito come un modo perfettamente valido di avere figli non solo dalle coppie omosessuali. Per questo motivo ho trovato giusta la descrizione particolareggiata dei vari passaggi, con l’agenzia specializzata che seleziona sia le coppie che le madri surrogate, i colloqui individuali e lo scegliersi a vicenda. In una combinazione di risorse scientifiche e disponibilità umana, si arriva a concepire un bambino fortemente voluto, che alla nascita troverà ad aspettarlo dei genitori che hanno ben ponderato la decisione di averlo. Un bel messaggio, secondo me, che riesce a passare anche tramite un libro romance e ci mostra come questa sia la realtà di molte famiglie nel mondo, e non solo, ribadisco, di quelle omogenitoriali.

La trama si concentra sul percorso intrapreso da Riley e Jack ma non trascura nemmeno il resto del loro gruppo di familiari e amici, che infatti ritroviamo con piacere, alcuni impegnati a loro volta a espandere la famiglia e altri, come Eden, ancora alle prese con drammi emotivi di non poco conto. Ci sono anche un paio di nuovi personaggi che fanno il loro ingresso e un loro futuro interesse reciproco è abbastanza prevedibile. Rivediamo inoltre Eli e Robbie, che ormai vivono insieme al ranch e hanno trovato un perfetto equilibrio di coppia, con il primo che continua a essere il più espansivo e ironico e l’altro che lo sostiene con la propria forza pacata.

Durante i mesi della gravidanza, sia Riley che Jack si preparano a diventare di nuovo genitori, insieme a Hayley che aspetta con gioia la nascita di un fratellino o di una sorellina, ma venire a contatto con la madre surrogata e la sua famiglia li metterà di fronte anche a nuove realtà. Capiscono che nei loro cuori c’è spazio per altri bambini e, facilitati dalla disponibilità economica di Riley, avviano un percorso di affido.

Ho giudicato questo dettaglio forse un po’ troppo forzato, non perché sia in contrasto con la personalità dei personaggi ma semplicemente, come molti altri avvenimenti in questa serie, per la rapidità con cui entrambi arrivano a prendere una decisione così impegnativa e per la facilità del raggiungimento dell’obiettivo che si erano prefissati. Per quanti ostacoli o drammi piombino nella vita di questi personaggi, la soluzione dà sempre l’idea di essere dietro l’angolo, e alla lunga è un espediente narrativo di cui l’autrice abusa.

Di sicuro è un romanzo piacevole e soddisfacente per chi ormai ama questa coppia di protagonisti, come sempre legati da una profonda intesa fisica e sentimenti profondi, ma forse inizia a sentirsi una certa ripetitività nelle situazioni e ci si augura che la serie arrivi a un finale, per non rischiare di vederla prendere una china discendente.

Editing a cura di Lilith.
Profile Image for Barb ~rede-2-read~.
3,749 reviews113 followers
November 4, 2013
I really love these guys and this fourth book in the series was so good that I want to find out where they live and go visit. Riley and Jack expand their family by using a surrogate mother to carry Jack's implanted embryos. In the meantime, the guys fall in love with Max, a young child who is being fostered by the surrogate mother's family and decide they'd like to adopt him. There's all kinds of emotional ups and downs in the story but no major crisis.

When I met the author recently, she told me to watch for the barn scene and she was right. It was sizzlin' and smokin' hot. I love to watch the interactions between this established couple and it was so nice to finally get to see them with their families and not in a huge emotional or physical crisis. Revisits of both Jack's and Riley's mothers and sisters as well as seeing Robbie and Eli brought some closure to my speculation about how they were faring in their lives. Two new characters, Liam and Marcus, are apparently going to get their own story soon and I can't wait to read it.

If you are a fan of this series, don't miss this one. It's a great "feel good" story. If you haven't read any of the others, by all means get started!
Profile Image for Sam.
967 reviews6 followers
November 1, 2013
3.5 stars (rounded up not down only because of my love for these two men - it's really not a 4 star book for me)

This was a great addition to the series, but it didn't satisfy me like the previous books. Jack and Riley are fantastic again: in love (viscerally so) and very loved up, but one minute I was happily reading along and then it was over. Something made me look at the page number when there were 20 or so pages left—I had thought I was maybe halfway—and at this point, no additions had been made to the family. The family did expand by the end and you learnt it would again in their near future, but... I suppose I felt I'd got to the top of the mountain (that 20 pgs to go point, which really should have been halfway) then instead of ambling down at a nice pace and enjoying the scenery I was made jump off the cliff and the ground came at me far too quickly. It was unsatisfying.

There's no doubt I'll read the next book. Happy to read Marcus and Liam's story even if I wish (so much) that it was to be Eli and Robbie's. I suppose all those loose ends may be touched upon or even tied up. Hope so.
Profile Image for Seiran.
429 reviews18 followers
March 9, 2014
I loved this book, it was wonderful. Jack and Riley have decided to have more children together and this story explains their exciting, and sometimes terrifying journey to get what they want. I loved Rebecca and what she meant to them, and her selflessness to help them complete their journey. Another bright spot is little Max and what he also means to Jack and Riley.

This book is the fourth book in this series and it has a different feel to it than the previous books. This one is more about family and being settled in your life and skin. The others had more of a soap opera feel to them. This book cannot be read as a stand alone, you do need to read the previous books or you will be a lost mess.
Profile Image for Cory .
729 reviews85 followers
October 21, 2013
I've been waiting for this book to come out in November and I was strolling along in Amazon last night and I saw that it was already out for over a week.....WHAT???!?

So I immediately bought it, chastised myself for not knowing it was out sooner, and stayed up reading and have now finished :)

Although I wish the book was longer, I really enjoyed it. As always, I love Riley and Jack! They had such a rocky start in their relationship and now they are just an awesome couple. They are so good for each other.

Looking forward to reading more about Liam in the next book. Back to the waiting game :)
Profile Image for LadySilka.
40 reviews4 followers
June 26, 2024
Ed eccomi qua, con il volume 4.

Devo dire, che soprattutto con questo libro, la serie ha perso man mano l'aria di telenovela, nel senso che si, le scene irrealistiche ci sono sempre ma senza essere TROPPE. Sono sicura che contribuisce il fatto che i libri durano molto meno. È fastidioso leggere 20 pagine di solo descrizioni? Si, e anche molto noioso, per questo non riesco a dare comunque più di 2.5 a questo libro.

Purtroppo il voto è motivato anche dal fatto che ogni volta che inizio un libro della serie, mi rendo conto che i personaggi si son scordati gli evvenimenti precedenti.

Nel primo libro c'è stata 'na tragedia per Beth incinta (personaggio più odioso di tutti, insopportabile) mentre qui 2 paroline sul secondogenito e via, come se Beth fosse diventata una persona sana.
Il matrimonio di Donna? Che ce frega, se non avessi letto i libri di seguito a questo punto manco me ne sarei ricordata, per quanto l'hanno (meglio dire non l'hanno) nominato. Robbie e Eli sono innamorati e tutto, ma quindi? Perché avere una'altra coppia secondaria per dimenticarsene nel libro successivo?

Questo era il libro che doveva farmi decidere se continuare con la serie o meno. Nonostante continui a non fare per me e a trovare 1000 difetti, arrivata a questo punto voglio capire che altro esce fuori, quindi continuerò (almeno quanto possibile).
Profile Image for Valeria  DePaula.
1,087 reviews6 followers
June 23, 2018
✔ Letto! Jack e Riley vogliono aumentare la loro famigliola di 3. È stata una bella esperienza avere la loro amata figlia, sentire l'amore incondizionato che solo i bambini ci possono donare e viceversa. Quindi si rivolgono a una madre surrogata. E tutto sembra andare alla grande... ma ragazzi, stiamo parlano della famiglia Campbell-Hayes. E i drammi dove sono? Semplice, arriveranno.
Il ranch Double D, insieme alla famiglia sta si aggiustando, crescendo e diventando più bello si possibile.
La famiglia è la sua estensione è il foco qui, i figli e l'amore per loro.
Bellissimo corto episodio per questa saga, che salvo i drama del primo, adesso stanno cercando di vivere come persone normali. Dove i soldi aiutano si, ma non sono tutti nella vita.
Vedremo un Jack calmo, saggio e una roccia dove lo stressato Riley trova sempre conforto e consigli. Sono amanti, sposi, ma soprattutto sono amici.
Per me è ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ e💋
Profile Image for Ruthie Taylor.
3,723 reviews40 followers
December 3, 2018
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~

This is the fourth book in the series, and I love just coming back to this every growing family at the D. In the beginning it was really just Riley and Jack, now their families are growing, and their direct family too.

There is something really lovely about following this couple through the ups and downs of life. Being so familiar with them, that it is easy to guess how each will react to events, and enjoying them still having the passion of their early days together. It is the mix of every day with great moments that makes for very enjoyable reading.

I love catching up with the wider family and seeing how they too are moving forward finding their way. And vey happy that Texas Christmas is lined up on my Kindle for my very next read!

Wicked Reads Review Team
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