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Split Rock Ranch #0.5
Something Undeniable
Micah Avery has called Split Rock Ranch home for most of his life—it’s one of the few places he can be totally himself without worry or judgment. The ranch, the horses, and the people are Micah’s future, and he couldn’t be happier. The fact that it’s also home to the ranch manager he’s determined to marry one day is icing on the cake . . . all he needs is for Ryan to notice him.
Ryan Astor came to Split Rock Ranch at a time when he was desperate to start over. It was just supposed to be a stop on the road, but instead he found a home and a family—that family includes Micah, the sweet kid who’s been the ranch mascot since before he was tall enough to see over the stall doors. Ryan’s finally found his place, and he can’t imagine wanting anything to change.
Then little Micah Avery grows up. And Ryan’s suddenly confronted with a whole mess of feelings and desires he never expected. Now he needs to decide if he can give in to what they both want without jeopardizing everything they have.
Something Undeniable is a slow-burn, 37k-word novella with an age gap, mutual pining, and plenty of heat. It’s the first book in the Split Rock Ranch series, but can be read as a stand-alone story.
Ryan Astor came to Split Rock Ranch at a time when he was desperate to start over. It was just supposed to be a stop on the road, but instead he found a home and a family—that family includes Micah, the sweet kid who’s been the ranch mascot since before he was tall enough to see over the stall doors. Ryan’s finally found his place, and he can’t imagine wanting anything to change.
Then little Micah Avery grows up. And Ryan’s suddenly confronted with a whole mess of feelings and desires he never expected. Now he needs to decide if he can give in to what they both want without jeopardizing everything they have.
Something Undeniable is a slow-burn, 37k-word novella with an age gap, mutual pining, and plenty of heat. It’s the first book in the Split Rock Ranch series, but can be read as a stand-alone story.
182 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 6, 2022
280 people are currently reading
474 people want to read
About the author
Rory Maxwell
9 books72 followersRory Maxwell discovered romance novels on her mom’s bookshelf when she was probably too young to be reading them—the reward for being a nosy kid with great reading comprehension. The magic of a dial-up internet connection led her to the wonderful world of MM fanfiction a few years later and she fell in love with the genre. In 2019 she woke up with a plot bunny, opened a word doc, and started trying to figure out how this writing stuff worked.
Rory grew up outside of Washington, DC, moved away, and then came back for reasons she doesn’t fully understand. An artist and writer, she always has too many exciting ideas and not nearly enough free time. One day, she hopes to escape to the mountains and open an LGBTQIA+ friendly bed and breakfast where she can work from home and write as much as she wants. In the meantime, she splits her time between her day job and writing MM romance with heart, heat, and happy endings.
Get Updates: www.rorymaxwellwrites.com/newsletter....
My website: www.rorymaxwellwrites.com/
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Rory grew up outside of Washington, DC, moved away, and then came back for reasons she doesn’t fully understand. An artist and writer, she always has too many exciting ideas and not nearly enough free time. One day, she hopes to escape to the mountains and open an LGBTQIA+ friendly bed and breakfast where she can work from home and write as much as she wants. In the meantime, she splits her time between her day job and writing MM romance with heart, heat, and happy endings.
Get Updates: www.rorymaxwellwrites.com/newsletter....
My website: www.rorymaxwellwrites.com/
Facebook Sneak Peeks: www.facebook.com/rory.maxwell.writes
More places I’m social: https://linktr.ee/rorymaxwellwrites
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews
January 6, 2024
This year, I've vowed to read more new and new-to-me authors. It's not going well, but it's only January so we'll see.
This novella has potential. I love ranches and cowboys and horses.
But when I say this book has ZERO NONE NADA relationship development, I mean it.
The story begins when Micah is 15 and the ranch manager, Ryan, is 27. Micah has a crush on Ryan and vows to marry him someday. Micah's best friend calls Micah "jailbait," which, come on, that's not really funny, is it?
The book jumps three years forward, so now Micah is 18 and getting ready to head to college. On his last day in town, he kisses Ryan.
Then the book jumps another three years. Now Micah is 21, and the story is 80% over. There's one chapter where Micah and Ryan hook up, and all of a sudden they're in love. Then there's the epilogue and they're getting married.
What the what? Lol
That's not a story - that's a bunch of interrupted scenes; a fast read, yes, but entirely underwhelming.
This novella has potential. I love ranches and cowboys and horses.
But when I say this book has ZERO NONE NADA relationship development, I mean it.
The story begins when Micah is 15 and the ranch manager, Ryan, is 27. Micah has a crush on Ryan and vows to marry him someday. Micah's best friend calls Micah "jailbait," which, come on, that's not really funny, is it?
The book jumps three years forward, so now Micah is 18 and getting ready to head to college. On his last day in town, he kisses Ryan.
Then the book jumps another three years. Now Micah is 21, and the story is 80% over. There's one chapter where Micah and Ryan hook up, and all of a sudden they're in love. Then there's the epilogue and they're getting married.
What the what? Lol
That's not a story - that's a bunch of interrupted scenes; a fast read, yes, but entirely underwhelming.
October 27, 2022
3.5 rounded up
So this was a pretty decent debut novella. Enough that I am interested in more from this series. The blurb for the next makes it sound like it’s an MMM with the couple from this novella so that’ll definitely be an interesting dynamic.
I love age gap. The flow of the writing was good. For a novella it hit all the marks for me. Looking forward to more from this author.
So this was a pretty decent debut novella. Enough that I am interested in more from this series. The blurb for the next makes it sound like it’s an MMM with the couple from this novella so that’ll definitely be an interesting dynamic.
I love age gap. The flow of the writing was good. For a novella it hit all the marks for me. Looking forward to more from this author.
dnf
October 9, 2022DNF at 54%
Two and a half year time jump at 54% is such a big no for me.
Two and a half year time jump at 54% is such a big no for me.
November 15, 2022
Timing is everything
Ryan and Micah never were on the same page timing wise until years later. There is a 12 year age gap so there are reasons.
This was a good start to a series. I’m definitely curious about a lot of the side characters. This was a novella and technically it was a slow burn BUT the book was so short that you didn’t have to wait too long.
What made this 3 stars ⭐️ instead of 4 was the fade to black HEA sex scene. Meh. Not a fan of that at all. This is a new author for me so I’ll read book 2 to see if that sort of behavior happens in the next book in the series. I hope not!
Ryan and Micah never were on the same page timing wise until years later. There is a 12 year age gap so there are reasons.
This was a good start to a series. I’m definitely curious about a lot of the side characters. This was a novella and technically it was a slow burn BUT the book was so short that you didn’t have to wait too long.
What made this 3 stars ⭐️ instead of 4 was the fade to black HEA sex scene. Meh. Not a fan of that at all. This is a new author for me so I’ll read book 2 to see if that sort of behavior happens in the next book in the series. I hope not!
August 16, 2023
I really enjoyed this love story. Ryan and Micah were irresistibly sweet. It was’t ground breaking age gap story, but it was well written and certainly entertaining. I’m sorry that I’ll have to pass on the next book because I just don’t care for three ways. I’m strictly a one on one kind of guy, but if you like that then I fill sure it will be a good read.
Read
August 11, 2022I have been lucky enough to beta read this wonderful novella, and I think everyone is going to fall in love with Micah and Ryan. I can't wait for the rest of the books in the series!
October 19, 2022
4.5 stars. Micah lives at Split Rock Ranch, he’s happy, he loves the ranch with the people who are his family.
Micah was just fifteen when he knew he would marry the twenty-seven years old Ryan Astor, the new ranch manager.
Must be the sun going to his head.
There are a few jumps in time, the first is one of three years, the second two and a half, and the last one a year.
What happens in between is absolutely lovely, the atmosphere was warm and full of joy, heartache, love, and pining, a lot of delicious pining.
I can’t tell what happens with Ryan and Micah because it would take away all the charm of this super adorable read. Know that at some point Ryan understands Micah is a grown-up guy who wants him.
Ryan is stubborn, in his opinion Micah is off-limits, period.
What everybody on the ranch already knows and is right under his nose, took Ryan somewhat longer to acknowledge that Micah is everything he wants and yearns for.
The story is full of precious moments, sweet tenderness, fun banter, many emotions, and yes again pining. The best of everything. The writing was wonderfully done, and enough developed. The characters are striking in their authenticity. The side characters are likewise wonderful.
The author created a beautiful, heartfelt, warm story with and very happy end!
I’m thrilled there will be another story with Micah and Ryan because I couldn’t get enough of them!
Read and reviewed for LoveBytes - LGBTQ bookreviews
Micah was just fifteen when he knew he would marry the twenty-seven years old Ryan Astor, the new ranch manager.
Must be the sun going to his head.
There are a few jumps in time, the first is one of three years, the second two and a half, and the last one a year.
What happens in between is absolutely lovely, the atmosphere was warm and full of joy, heartache, love, and pining, a lot of delicious pining.
I can’t tell what happens with Ryan and Micah because it would take away all the charm of this super adorable read. Know that at some point Ryan understands Micah is a grown-up guy who wants him.
Ryan is stubborn, in his opinion Micah is off-limits, period.
What everybody on the ranch already knows and is right under his nose, took Ryan somewhat longer to acknowledge that Micah is everything he wants and yearns for.
The story is full of precious moments, sweet tenderness, fun banter, many emotions, and yes again pining. The best of everything. The writing was wonderfully done, and enough developed. The characters are striking in their authenticity. The side characters are likewise wonderful.
The author created a beautiful, heartfelt, warm story with and very happy end!
I’m thrilled there will be another story with Micah and Ryan because I couldn’t get enough of them!
Read and reviewed for LoveBytes - LGBTQ bookreviews
October 10, 2022
4.25 pining heart stars
This book had everything I like in a romance. A great friends-to-lovers story with a lot of mutual pining and some good spice. Micah and Ryan had a lot of chemistry, things staying strictly PG (not even romantic) until Micah was eighteen. There was so much want and feelings between them. And all the found family background was very heartwarming with a few amazing side characters whose stories I'd really like to read about. I just wish we had more infos about Ryan's past and some scenes after Micah and Ryan got together - besides the epilogue - because this novella checked all my boxes otherwise💕
This book had everything I like in a romance. A great friends-to-lovers story with a lot of mutual pining and some good spice. Micah and Ryan had a lot of chemistry, things staying strictly PG (not even romantic) until Micah was eighteen. There was so much want and feelings between them. And all the found family background was very heartwarming with a few amazing side characters whose stories I'd really like to read about. I just wish we had more infos about Ryan's past and some scenes after Micah and Ryan got together - besides the epilogue - because this novella checked all my boxes otherwise💕
October 8, 2022
2.5 Stars upped to 3 because it's well put together and edited.
This started out well, it reminded me of books I used to read in the beginning of my journey into romance. It had a lot of building chemistry but then that chemistry dropped off a cliff at their first too sweet (even for a YA book) kiss scene to "connect them." After college, the chemistry fell off the first ledge of the cliff down the rest of the mountain. There is absolutely NO rebuilding of their connection post college. When they're finally going to be together, every man/woman and their dog has a bet on them being together, has something to say on the topic or growled because they're going to be an item soon... I gather. I don't see myself reading more of this series.
This started out well, it reminded me of books I used to read in the beginning of my journey into romance. It had a lot of building chemistry but then that chemistry dropped off a cliff at their first too sweet (even for a YA book) kiss scene to "connect them." After college, the chemistry fell off the first ledge of the cliff down the rest of the mountain. There is absolutely NO rebuilding of their connection post college. When they're finally going to be together, every man/woman and their dog has a bet on them being together, has something to say on the topic or growled because they're going to be an item soon... I gather. I don't see myself reading more of this series.
December 27, 2022
While cute, this just felt too bare bones for me. Too much of Ryan and Micah’s time together is off page, so I never really got the connection, especially from Ryan’s end.
I think this is a book that really could have benefited from just one POV, because otherwise it’s just the whole *these two both like each other but the older MC thinks the younger MC is too young to know what he wants*, which has been done many times before, and better. There was zero tension.
I could have done without Ryan calling Micah “kid”, especially in the same scene in which he gets him off.
I think this is a book that really could have benefited from just one POV, because otherwise it’s just the whole *these two both like each other but the older MC thinks the younger MC is too young to know what he wants*, which has been done many times before, and better. There was zero tension.
I could have done without Ryan calling Micah “kid”, especially in the same scene in which he gets him off.
September 30, 2022
The good
+ Ryan not showing an ounce of romantic/sexual interest in Micah before he was of age, and most of their relationship progress happening with Micah in his twenties
+ Micah's courage at his going-away party
+
+ All the people around the ranch. They all had their own personalities
+ Micah asking his dad for help when he had trouble during his studies
+ Ryan pining for Micah too
+ Micah's extensive plan to
The neutral
o I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. My review remains honest and unbiased
o I would have liked it if the book had a little more time with Micah and Ryan being together, or
The bad
- Micah had real doubts about whether college would make him happy, but nobody took his doubts seriously. Everyone just told him to go. But it's fine to not go to college, and nobody told him that or really listened to his concerns
- First I love yous were off-page :(
Quotes
x "I'd miss you, but a year of long distance is nothing."
x "I'd wait as long as you asked me to."
Mutual pining. Do I have to say much more? Books like this can be risky with the crush of the younger guy starting before he comes of age, but Ryan doesn't feel anything romantic or sexual until Micah is of age. And they don't get together until Micah is in his twenties. So really, there's no reason not to try this book. Would recommend if you're looking for some good old pining where neither man doubts the other is it for them.
+ Ryan not showing an ounce of romantic/sexual interest in Micah before he was of age, and most of their relationship progress happening with Micah in his twenties
+ Micah's courage at his going-away party
+
+ All the people around the ranch. They all had their own personalities
+ Micah asking his dad for help when he had trouble during his studies
+ Ryan pining for Micah too
+ Micah's extensive plan to
The neutral
o I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. My review remains honest and unbiased
o I would have liked it if the book had a little more time with Micah and Ryan being together, or
The bad
- Micah had real doubts about whether college would make him happy, but nobody took his doubts seriously. Everyone just told him to go. But it's fine to not go to college, and nobody told him that or really listened to his concerns
- First I love yous were off-page :(
Quotes
x "I'd miss you, but a year of long distance is nothing."
x "I'd wait as long as you asked me to."
Mutual pining. Do I have to say much more? Books like this can be risky with the crush of the younger guy starting before he comes of age, but Ryan doesn't feel anything romantic or sexual until Micah is of age. And they don't get together until Micah is in his twenties. So really, there's no reason not to try this book. Would recommend if you're looking for some good old pining where neither man doubts the other is it for them.
October 16, 2025
“I’ve had so many dreams that started this way. I can’t believe this is really happening. So, I need you to either pinch me and wake me up or kiss me and keep me forever.”
3.5 stars. Not much to say about this one, other than I really liked it, more than I expected! A really simple and cute age gap ranch romance, where Micah, who works as a hand on the ranch helping with the horses, falls hard and helplessly for the new ranch manager, Ryan. A few years later, Ryan starts noticing him and reciprocating the feelings, and it's all really cute and sexy. The only real conflict is Micah trying to decide whether he wants to leave the ranch to go to college, and a bit of misunderstanding and jealousy in the latter half. For the most part, it's very low-stakes and feel-good. I'm always a sucker for this kind of hero worship that matures into actual love. A teensy bit taboo too, because of the age gap. And even though I wish this were longer, it doesn't suffer for its shortness, like a lot of novellas tend to. It helps that I know it's a prequel, kinda, and there's a full length novel where Micah and Ryan get involved in a poly relationship.
In any case, this works well as a standalone. It's fun and sexy, with great atmosphere and some interesting side characters I wouldn't mind reading about. I like the ranch setting and the found family vibes with the rest of the cast. And I hope we get to see more of the horses. (Something I would only say about a book; never in real life.) I'll probably read their next book pretty soon. This was just a great, quick little read; a perfect palate cleanser after reading some heavier stuff.
August 12, 2024
I’ve read a couple books by this author out of order so thought I’d start at the beginning. Overall this was an enjoyable story but when I finished I thought back and realized it wasn’t as great as I was hoping.
I really didn’t feel the chemistry between Micah and Ryan. They both had the hots for the other but I never saw anything more than that. There were a lot of time jumps so didn’t get to see anything develop between them.
Again it was an enjoyable read but not enough for me to read the rest of their story in the next book. I don’t know that I would like to see someone else introduced to their couple. This was a quick read so if you’re interested still worth a try!
I really didn’t feel the chemistry between Micah and Ryan. They both had the hots for the other but I never saw anything more than that. There were a lot of time jumps so didn’t get to see anything develop between them.
Again it was an enjoyable read but not enough for me to read the rest of their story in the next book. I don’t know that I would like to see someone else introduced to their couple. This was a quick read so if you’re interested still worth a try!
August 20, 2023
Kindle note: this edition has no chapters menu, and it is ANNOYING.
And... DNF at 70%, because while most of this is pretty good, the fatal flaw is a compounded lack of communication. A writer gets to choose what happens. I get to disagree. Neither man has any excuse, but the younger one is just straight-up stupid about it and the resulting misconception. I like smart, observant people, as these two have been, up until now.
And... DNF at 70%, because while most of this is pretty good, the fatal flaw is a compounded lack of communication. A writer gets to choose what happens. I get to disagree. Neither man has any excuse, but the younger one is just straight-up stupid about it and the resulting misconception. I like smart, observant people, as these two have been, up until now.
October 9, 2022
Something Undeniable was off to a strong start - I loved seeing Micah taking a shot at what he wanted before leaving and Ryan being so sweet with him! Sadly things sizzled out for me, there were so many big time jumps and somewhere along these I felt like the connection and chemistry between Micah and Ryan went missing. I wanted to see their relationship develop but there wasn't a lot of it, and parts of it felt very rushed.
It was a sweet story though, with a bit of angst thrown in. There were also a lot of parts I liked; mutual pining, age gap, great characters and I loved the ranch set up. I just wanted a little more than I got here and the story didn't feel entirely complete - I still wonder about Ryan's backstory, there were hints but it was never disclosed what had happened before he ended up at the ranch.
I'm curious to see what the author can accomplish with a full-length novel, as novellas can be tricky, and I'll definitely check out the books coming in this series!
It was a sweet story though, with a bit of angst thrown in. There were also a lot of parts I liked; mutual pining, age gap, great characters and I loved the ranch set up. I just wanted a little more than I got here and the story didn't feel entirely complete - I still wonder about Ryan's backstory, there were hints but it was never disclosed what had happened before he ended up at the ranch.
I'm curious to see what the author can accomplish with a full-length novel, as novellas can be tricky, and I'll definitely check out the books coming in this series!
dnf
October 7, 2022No rating. I’m going to have to DNF this book at 67%…… it’s not really a bad book, but I have a severe loathing for books that have several multi year time jumps. There were two separate three year time jumps. The characters are not together during the first time jump because of the age of one and then the second happens after the two have been together.
I don’t know what it is about these types of books, but I really really don’t like them. They make me sad. I don’t really know how to explain it except that it almost makes me sad for lost time and heartache. I don’t particularly like much angst in my books either so I think it’s just a combination of things. A book that is a bit similar is arrows through archer where the book had really high ratings. But again in that one there was a multi year separation and so much heartache…. Books like these almost feel like second chance romances and I don’t like that trope either. So basically what I’m trying to say is if you don’t have a problem with multiyear time jumps, and the characters being with others during the story, this book might be for you.
I don’t know what it is about these types of books, but I really really don’t like them. They make me sad. I don’t really know how to explain it except that it almost makes me sad for lost time and heartache. I don’t particularly like much angst in my books either so I think it’s just a combination of things. A book that is a bit similar is arrows through archer where the book had really high ratings. But again in that one there was a multi year separation and so much heartache…. Books like these almost feel like second chance romances and I don’t like that trope either. So basically what I’m trying to say is if you don’t have a problem with multiyear time jumps, and the characters being with others during the story, this book might be for you.
October 1, 2022
Something Undeniable is a promising start to the series. There were many elements I liked:
I love age gap
Great setting with the ranch
Hot first kiss between Micah and Ryan
Wonderful cast of characters… I’m very curious about Izzy, Keagan, and Corey… and please let Archer have a bi-awakening!
Easy reading… full story novella
On the flip side some misses for me:
I didn’t feel the connection between Ryan and Micah. I think it’s because there’s a lack of relationship development after a separation period. We see young Micah with a crush and physical attraction on both sides but nothing deeper… and even when they get together at the very end, it seems purely physical for Ryan and culmination of Micah’s hero-worship/crush. Epilogue gives us the HEA.
Another sticking point for me was we never got Ryan’s backstory. We are told he went to the ranch to get away from a bad situation and wanted a fresh start but nothing more!
Lastly, both guys, Ryan and Micah are with other people off page before they are officially together… no cheating but it’s very clear. It’s probably more realistic given the age and developmental difference but took away from any sense of romance.
So not an epic love story for me but I’m invested enough to read next in series.
I love age gap
Great setting with the ranch
Hot first kiss between Micah and Ryan
Wonderful cast of characters… I’m very curious about Izzy, Keagan, and Corey… and please let Archer have a bi-awakening!
Easy reading… full story novella
On the flip side some misses for me:
I didn’t feel the connection between Ryan and Micah. I think it’s because there’s a lack of relationship development after a separation period. We see young Micah with a crush and physical attraction on both sides but nothing deeper… and even when they get together at the very end, it seems purely physical for Ryan and culmination of Micah’s hero-worship/crush. Epilogue gives us the HEA.
Another sticking point for me was we never got Ryan’s backstory. We are told he went to the ranch to get away from a bad situation and wanted a fresh start but nothing more!
Lastly, both guys, Ryan and Micah are with other people off page before they are officially together… no cheating but it’s very clear. It’s probably more realistic given the age and developmental difference but took away from any sense of romance.
So not an epic love story for me but I’m invested enough to read next in series.
December 31, 2023
This was cute. A teenage crush that didn't go away with pining and a couple year separation, giving both characters time to grow apart from one another. I liked the side characters too. Third person POV.
January 1, 2025
4,5 stars.
Lovely! Just the right amount of hurt/comfort.
October 10, 2022
This is a sweet story featuring Micah, a young man who takes one look at the new ranch foreman and tells his best friend, “I’m totally gonna put a ring on it.” He is still in high school at that point when he first sees Ryan, who is twelve years older and recently hired on to manage the ranch where Micah has hung out and then worked at for most of his life.
All his attempts at flirtation go out the window as the older man avoids entanglements, especially with a “kid.” But when Micah finally graduates high school and is ready to leave for college in Boston, he manages to convince Ryan to grant him his first kiss before they say goodbye. It’s everything he ever imagined, but reality hits when he has to leave, and he realizes they can’t build a relationship through texting over such a long distance.
Three years later, Micah is back to finish his accelerated degree program with a ranch internship and to finally get the man who still holds his heart. Problem is that although Ryan also desires Micah, he assumes the friend Micah brought back with him is Micah’s lover. The author had fun with this misunderstanding trope and Micah’s friends did as well, once they got into the spirit of making Ryan jealous. Light-hearted banter, great camaraderie among a group of young men, and a strong but stoic hero make for a memorable story.
I enjoyed the characters, the age gap, and the long distance, slow-burn setup for this romance. And I really enjoyed the later chapters when Micah finally gets his man. There’s just the right mix of angst, sexual tension, longing, and hope that all comes together for a terrific epilogue that warmed my heart and brought a smile to my face. I’m looking forward to book two in this new series.
Note: A copy of the ARC was provided through http://www.rainbowbookreviews.com/boo...
All his attempts at flirtation go out the window as the older man avoids entanglements, especially with a “kid.” But when Micah finally graduates high school and is ready to leave for college in Boston, he manages to convince Ryan to grant him his first kiss before they say goodbye. It’s everything he ever imagined, but reality hits when he has to leave, and he realizes they can’t build a relationship through texting over such a long distance.
Three years later, Micah is back to finish his accelerated degree program with a ranch internship and to finally get the man who still holds his heart. Problem is that although Ryan also desires Micah, he assumes the friend Micah brought back with him is Micah’s lover. The author had fun with this misunderstanding trope and Micah’s friends did as well, once they got into the spirit of making Ryan jealous. Light-hearted banter, great camaraderie among a group of young men, and a strong but stoic hero make for a memorable story.
I enjoyed the characters, the age gap, and the long distance, slow-burn setup for this romance. And I really enjoyed the later chapters when Micah finally gets his man. There’s just the right mix of angst, sexual tension, longing, and hope that all comes together for a terrific epilogue that warmed my heart and brought a smile to my face. I’m looking forward to book two in this new series.
Note: A copy of the ARC was provided through http://www.rainbowbookreviews.com/boo...
October 8, 2022
This is an age gap, slow burn novella that feels simultaneously like a quick read and an immersive experience: it’s easy to get caught up in the layered feelings, the nuanced characters, and the oceans and oceans of pining. Seriously: the pining is real. I liked Ryan, and many of the supporting characters: the author has a nice touch with characterization and provides just enough detail to make people feel real. That said, I’m going to admit to some favoritism here: Micah was, for me, the heart of this story– his long-held feelings for Ryan are beautifully written and through them you can see who he is at his core and how his emotions grow and strengthen over time. While I would have liked to spend more time with the actual “together” part of the “*finally* got together” trajectory of this story, overall for me it was a highly enjoyable read. 4.5 stars.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
October 16, 2022
This book is a fun coming of age, age-gap romance. Micah begins the story as a 15 year old who has worked at Split Rock Ranch for years as a therapy of sorts to help him cope with his mother's death. Micah feels at home there, when not with his father, and he loves the ranch life. Ryan is a 27 year old man comes to work as the ranch manager. When Micah first sees Ryan he tells his best friend that Ryan is the man he will eventually marry. Ryan is unaware of Micah's feelings and only looks at him as a child. As the next few years go by, Ryan's feels don't dissipate. What will happen when Micah becomes an adult and finally catches Ryan's attention? How can they have a future when Micah's father plans for him to go away to college? This book has a beautiful slow-burn, forever type of love.
October 6, 2022
"I'd wait as long as you ask me."
Star Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
POV: Dual
HEA: Yes
Spice Rating: 3/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review
Overall Opinion
The pining in this book, soooo much pining! What an amazing debut book, it was so well written it all flowed perfectly! Witnessing Micah's feelings for Ryan over the years continue to grow and eventually be recipticated was just so good! The spicy scenes were super hot but not enough to take away from the plot, and the chemistry was out-of-this-world! Being a novella, it is a short read, but it wasn't rushed and leaves you feeling invested in the series! I'd also recommend checking out the bonus scene, so much spice!! Overall this was such a beautiful read and I cannot wait for the rest of the series!!
Read if you like:
❣️ M/M Romance
❣️ Age Gap
❣️ Mutual Pining
❣️ Novellas
❣️ Small Towns
❣️ HEA
Star Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
POV: Dual
HEA: Yes
Spice Rating: 3/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review
Overall Opinion
The pining in this book, soooo much pining! What an amazing debut book, it was so well written it all flowed perfectly! Witnessing Micah's feelings for Ryan over the years continue to grow and eventually be recipticated was just so good! The spicy scenes were super hot but not enough to take away from the plot, and the chemistry was out-of-this-world! Being a novella, it is a short read, but it wasn't rushed and leaves you feeling invested in the series! I'd also recommend checking out the bonus scene, so much spice!! Overall this was such a beautiful read and I cannot wait for the rest of the series!!
Read if you like:
❣️ M/M Romance
❣️ Age Gap
❣️ Mutual Pining
❣️ Novellas
❣️ Small Towns
❣️ HEA
October 9, 2022
Honestly, this book is wonderful so wonderful it seems that it was written just for me!
The writing is magnificent, the storyline is fabulous, so many feels!
Micha has known who he has wanted since he was 15 years old...
Ryan who is 12 years older is the Ranch manager.
The heat between them was sizzling!
The story of their relationship is so endearing that I couldn't put my kindle down.
Their story is written beautifully added with absolutely fantastic side characters.
I sincerely could not believe that this is Rory Maxwell’s debut novel!
Much more than 5 stars -- it's a book that I wanted to go on and on, bring on book two...
The writing is magnificent, the storyline is fabulous, so many feels!
Micha has known who he has wanted since he was 15 years old...
Ryan who is 12 years older is the Ranch manager.
The heat between them was sizzling!
The story of their relationship is so endearing that I couldn't put my kindle down.
Their story is written beautifully added with absolutely fantastic side characters.
I sincerely could not believe that this is Rory Maxwell’s debut novel!
Much more than 5 stars -- it's a book that I wanted to go on and on, bring on book two...
April 27, 2025
Beautiful
For those readers looking for a romance set on a ranch, yet isn't a stereotypical cowboy romance. This is the book for you. You have Micah, who knows from the day he sets eyes on the new ranch hand. Ryan, he is his person. the age gap is enough that the time jumps are necessary to get the characters to the right place in their lives for something to be able to happen. both characters show a maturity in understanding the situation, and when able to get there, it's a beautiful thing to see play out. A well-written and played out story to hold your attention from the getgo. Will read more from this universe in the future.
For those readers looking for a romance set on a ranch, yet isn't a stereotypical cowboy romance. This is the book for you. You have Micah, who knows from the day he sets eyes on the new ranch hand. Ryan, he is his person. the age gap is enough that the time jumps are necessary to get the characters to the right place in their lives for something to be able to happen. both characters show a maturity in understanding the situation, and when able to get there, it's a beautiful thing to see play out. A well-written and played out story to hold your attention from the getgo. Will read more from this universe in the future.
October 6, 2022
Micah had a crush on Ryan, his ranch manager boss since he was 15. With a 12 year age difference, it took a while for Ryan to see Micah in that way. This was the sweetest little book with much angst on Micah's part to make his dreams come true. It took a long time for them to complete their union but it was worth the build up and waiting. I enjoyed this book and their friends betting on them. It's a most enjoyable debut from Rory. I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest opinion.
October 6, 2022
This short read starts off with Micah, who's is 15 at the beginning of the story, who thinks he knows who he wants to spend the rest of his life with. While Ryan doesn't acknowledge the crush until Micah graduates and gives him his first kiss at 18, when Micah is off to college. While the story had a lot of potential, the short novella didn't give both men enough time to truly get to know each other and build a relationship after Micah came home after graduation. A good premise.
February 5, 2023
Sort of a typical story, but well written and entirely enjoyable regardless. It was quick and cute and sweet. I'll admit that I'm super curious about Izzy now, though.
October 10, 2022
The piniiiiiiing!! I'm not a big fan of age-gap romances, and at first Micah being 15 and Ryan 27 squicked me out a bit. But there's nothing illegal going on here, and they don't actually hook up until LATER, so don't be afraid to read this one if you're also a bit iffy on the age-gap trope.
The mutual pining in this book is so delicious. I felt the ache in my chest and actually teared up a couple of times at the misunderstanding happening between Ryan and Micah. I just wanted to push their faces together and yell "Now kiss!" haha. I love their chemistry together - even though Ryan doesn't begin to even look at Micah in a romantic way at all until he's of legal age, their dynamic is older ranch hand and teenager with a crush was so cute. And then once the romantic tension start flowing both ways - woo! *fans self* Also, who knew just kissing could be so hot?!
It's hard to believe this is Rory Maxwell's debut! I'm definitely following and can't wait to read more of her work (please tell me Izzy will get his own book!!)
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are unbiased and my own.
Like this review?
Check out more of my reviews on my blog, Elley the Book Otter
The mutual pining in this book is so delicious. I felt the ache in my chest and actually teared up a couple of times at the misunderstanding happening between Ryan and Micah. I just wanted to push their faces together and yell "Now kiss!" haha. I love their chemistry together - even though Ryan doesn't begin to even look at Micah in a romantic way at all until he's of legal age, their dynamic is older ranch hand and teenager with a crush was so cute. And then once the romantic tension start flowing both ways - woo! *fans self* Also, who knew just kissing could be so hot?!
It's hard to believe this is Rory Maxwell's debut! I'm definitely following and can't wait to read more of her work (please tell me Izzy will get his own book!!)
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are unbiased and my own.
Like this review?
Check out more of my reviews on my blog, Elley the Book Otter
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