





Genres: Contemporary Romance, M/M Romance
Published by Carina Press
Released on December 11, 2017
Pages: 384
Format: eARC
Source: NetGalley
The Delight
It’s been a few years since I picked up a book by this author. I love her work and the way I get the feels about her characters and their romance. So, who knows why I’ve been a drifting fan, but one look at this book and series and I was instantly in need- cowboys, dude ranch, opposites, and even the hint of back country trouble… Saddle up!
Review
Wild Trail starts a series of books set on a Northern California dude ranch. Mack and Wes got their story first. Mack can’t stand actors after one broke his heart and Wes can’t stand the sight of a Stetson and cowboy boots after his acting career and love life went up in smoke when an actor portraying a cowboy destroyed it all. And, city meets country when this pair clash first thing. Though, both side eye each other as a fast vacation fling until Wes heads back to the city.
As with others of her books, there are layers. The background of the characters including the minor characters was well-developed. I’m pretty sure all three cowboys and maybe another ranch guest are going to feature in their own books. I enjoyed the activities at the ranch and the world there, the bit of suspense caused when someone wants to buy out the acreage behind the ranch for mysterious reasons and stuff gets dangerous out there for some.
This was a slow-burn that didn’t lack for chemistry. Mack and Wes are wary of getting entangled, but they both have a type and the other one is it. There’s some mild kink in that Wes likes him some bear-daddy and Mack wants to grab the flirty brat and redden his backside before the pair tumble into bed or sleeping bag. The big is it something special and should they trust it combined with will he stay or will he go was just enough angst not to become irritating and just enough outside plot to balance things and show them with their friends and family and how it all could work.
I will admit that the set up was too pat and good-golly was I getting impatient by the time the pace finally picked up. This one definitely had the First in Series struggles going on. But, once it did get moving? Spicy hot male loving and other action had me squirming and flipping pages quickly. I’m not sure who is next and I don’t really care since I liked all the guys. They’re all so different so I like that the setting will be the same, but the romances will be personal to each guy.
All in all, I was well-satisfied by my reunion with a good author and a new book/series to love on. Fun setting at the dude ranch and I will always be there for the cowboys and western activites. Those who enjoy slow-paced, slow-burn, but spicy hot m/m contemporary romance should give this a look-see.
I rec’d this from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
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I’m not a big m/m reader but I hope you’ll love all the other novels in the series
Thanks, Melliane! I am definitely looking forward to more cowboy loving. 🙂
I’m not a big cowboy series readers but this does sound good except for the predictability at one point. Glad you enjoyed!
I had a good time and yes, you must love cowboys for this one. Though, the setting was more guest ranch with a horse rescue so maybe others would enjoy it, too.
Sounds good but the one face looks photoshopped…
Been a while since a read a m/m story. I should haunt one down. Same with g/g.
Ha! I may have stared an embarrassingly long time a few times. 😉
Oh, you must go hunting, Carole. I need to snag an f/f soonish, too.
I am glad you enjoyed this one.
Yes, it was a good time. Thanks, Nadene!
I hadn’t heard of this one but it does sound like a good book. Glad you enjoyed it.
I think her books must be more low-key because I only see them now and then. It was a good one and I look forward to the rest of the series.
OK. It sounds like I need to pick this one up. I love it when a story takes place on a ranch and it’s not just a backdrop. I want to read about the hard work that goes into the life as much as I do the characters! I’m glad this one was a win for you, Sophia. Love how you described the kink. LOL
Great review! 🙂
It’s a dude ranch so their work is a little different, but yes, it was fun to see it all happening with the romance and other activities mixed in. Hope you like it if you get the chance.
LOL, I thought it was fun, but I know others want to know if there are kinks in play.
This sounds pretty good despite the slow start. I am glad you enjoyed this one, Sophia Rose!
Thanks, Carole! It ended up being pretty good once it got going.
I do love this author and I really enjoyed this one as well. I wasn’t a HUGE fan of the second book, but I’m very much excited for the third book. 🙂
-Lauren
http://www.shootingstarsmag.net
Woohoo! Glad you liked it, too, Lauren.
Oh… good to know about book two. Lowering expectations. 🙂