Release Day Review: Roped In (Clean Slate Ranch #2) by A.M. Arthur
For Colt Woods, Clean Slate Ranch is home. The dude ranch in Northern California helped him heal from a devastating breakup. So when his ex-Dom, the man who broke his heart, waltzes onto the ranch, Colt doesn’t know how to deal.
A research job at a nearby ghost town brings history PhD Avery Hendrix to Clean Slate. He’s not in town forever, but it doesn’t take long for him to feel the familiar draw to Colt. When they find out they’ll be sharing a cabin on the ranch, it’s all Avery can do to stop himself from bending Colt over a saddle right then and there.
In such close proximity, Colt’s and Avery’s old feelings come galloping back. Soon Colt is doing his master’s bidding again and loving every moment of it. And the pair may be in for the ride of their lives—if the dedicated professor and his rugged cowboy can learn to trust again.
This book is approximately 88,000 words
One-click with confidence. This title is part of the Carina Press Romance Promise : all the romance you’re looking for with an HEA/HFN. It’s a promise!
Carina Press acknowledges the editorial services of Alissa Davis
4 stars!
Roped In is the second story in the Clean Slate Ranch series. Colt and Avery's story is a second chance romance. While you probably could read this one as a standalone, I would recommend reading the first book as the aftereffects of several events in Wild Trail are felt in this book.
I enjoyed the first book and was really looking forward to reading Roped In. Colt had a massive amount of guilt holding him down. His closest friends are holding him at arm's length after he revealed devastating information, he's still recovering from being shot, and his ex is currently working at the nearby ghost town. I felt for Colt. I don't know how anyone would deal with the guilt he felt. Though he's now free of his secret, he feels like he's losing the only family and friends he has. Colt is a good man who made mistakes and is trying to rectify them.
Avery is an interesting character. I liked him and thought he was a good fit for Colt. His doubts about renewing their relationship were valid, but I wished he would have been more direct with Colt about his biggest fear. I also thought that the mentions of Avery's sexuality and eventual conversation with Colt about it were awkward. I understand Avery not wanting or needing a label, but the number of mentions followed by a quick dismissive conversation seemed at odds.
Avery and Colt had great chemistry and they complimented each other well. The first part of the book was a good lead into building up their trust and relationship. It made sense that Colt was going to have to show Avery that he could deal with the long-distance aspect of their relationship, but the times they are together after Avery left the ranch were not what I had hoped. While I'm happy that both Avery and Colt settled things with their respective families, it felt like they went from one confrontation to another.
All in all, I liked this book and am really looking forward to to the next one. Miles and Reyes both seem to have secrets, and I am so ready to find out what they are.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by the author for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
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