Read my reviews of the previous books in the Rebel Sky Ranch series:
If you’ve read this far in the Rebel Sky Ranch series (which you should, because all the books are fantastic), you should know by now that you’re not getting out of here without shedding a few tears. In this book, Fox slams us with them from the very first chapter. Be assured that the rest of the novel is significantly lighter, but this flashback introduction is completely necessary context and well worth the emotional gut punch.
Overall, this book can be summed up the way I described it on Twitter:
“In which Warwick discovers his emotions and wants a refund, but Colt and Joaquin don’t have a return policy.”
Sometimes the emotions are angsty, and sometimes they are heartwarming. Mostly, Wick is kind of an idiot, and I absolutely adore him. Despite his obliviousness, his different relationships with Colt and Joaquin have been good for him. However, things get understandably complicated when all three of them now both work and live in the same close quarters. There is nothing conventional about the relationship arc that develops between these three characters, and though Fox doesn’t stint on the sexy bits, the emotional bonds that form between the men are just as important as the physical. I especially enjoyed Colt’s self-awareness of his wants, needs, and insecurities as much as I loved the counterpoint of Warwick’s complete lack of the same. Joaquin’s maturity balances both of the other men well, but he is just as much of a three-dimensional character as the others and not without his own depth.
An intense moment of external tension does occur in the latter part of this book, but overall, there is no single relationship dark moment between these three men. Instead, the story is interspersed with opportunities for them to grow closer and better understand the possibilities and depths of their relationship, both as three and as individual couples within.
Fox reminds us that this series is part of a larger universe by providing us with some cameos from previous series, both subtly and as more important secondary characters. It’s not necessary to have read the earlier books to understand what’s going on, but I love having that extra context that always creates a deeper and more intricate world.
I never thought I’d love a cowboy romance series as much as I love this one. I’ve already reread the previous books in this series multiple times, and I’m sure I’ll be spending more time with Warwick, Colt, and Joaquin in the future.
Disclaimer: I received an electronic review copy of this book from the author.
Rating: 5 (out of 5) stars. Cross-posted to Amazon and Goodreads.