A cowboy Daddy and a big city boy.Ripley Ellis never intended to return to Bluebird Ranch. The day his father kicked him out for being gay was the day he shook the dust off his cowboy boots and moved to the city. But thanks to his homophobic father, the only way he can claim his inheritance is to return. He has to stay for one year, but that doesn’t mean he has to like it.The life of a rancher … like it.
The life of a rancher isn’t an easy one. Reed Warner knows that. He also knows that there is no other life for him. It’s all he’s ever wanted. Now that he’s retired from the rodeo, he’s ready to make his dreams come true. There’s only one problem—Ripley. The sassy city boy just inherited the ranch Reed is planning to buy.
If they can put aside their differences and work together, they may both find exactly what they’re looking for.
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Finding home & pajama parties
Ripley is sassy, flamboyantly practical, and determined. I adore him and Jinji. They’re both so cute. Reed, well, I’m pretty sure he’s the reason people “save a horse.” He’s sexy, commanding and forceful. He and Ripley are like oil and water when they first meet and I love that dynamic. It always makes for delicious tension and explosive chemistry. Ripley and Reed don’t disappoint as they are on fire.
“One thing you can count on, I’ll always give you what you need.” Ripley wants someone who makes him feel safe and loved; whereas, Reed has been looking for a boy he can care for and take care of. These two gave me all the feels. Ripley’s story, especially broke my heart. Luckily, he and Reed pieced it back together with their goats, tenderness and amazing, intense connection. Also, Reed gives the very best gifts. They made me laugh, made me sigh, and made me fall in love. Jacki James writes the most magical towns and River Gorge is no exception. I can’t wait to return.
Randall Ellis Jr. was raised on his mother’s family ranch by his caring mother and a distant all-business father. When the mom passed away and “Randy” got caught in a compromising act with a neighbor boy, he was kicked out by his dad.
Randall Ellis Jr. left the ranch for the big city and took with him the money his mom left him along with the deed to half the ranch. He also took her maiden name as his new first name and Ripley Ellis, city boy, is doing just fine. He’s got his friends, his Maltipoo puppy, his you-tube followers, and a fresh new manicure… even if there’s no “significant other” yet. But the old homophobe dies and leaves a will deeding the rest of the ranch to the boy if he agrees to live there for a year. Otherwise it will be “donated” to a right wing homophobic church.
Of course, the town (like the rest of the country), has changed and the small town that Randall Jr. left is not the town Ripley returns to. Several of Ripley’s school chums have come out. The new coffee shop in town has a rainbow flag in the window. The ranch has several gay ranch hands, and a gay foreman who are happy to be out of the closet now that the old curmudgeon is gone.
On it’s own this is a fun, fast, low-angst read of coming home, and finding a few “friends of Dorothy” in the old hometown. Of course, it does make one want to read the other books in the series just to spend time with these guys. I enjoyed it… Even if I am now gonna have to search You-tube for “goats in pajamas”
How did I miss this series? I’m in love with the men of River Gorge. The chemistry and emotions are tangible. I adored it. Also little goats in cute pjs for the win!!
Ripley had me in stitches he also had my heart squeezing out a couple of tears here and there.
Reed well I’m not sure what to say about that cowboy
Perfect gentleman
Perfect Foreman
Perfect daddy
Ripley had thought he left his past behind him – He had recreated himself – He was living the life – He was empty
Reed thought the ranch would be his – He was prepared to turn it into his dream – He was wrong
These two – Reed was just so smooth(?) the way he handled the evolution of their relationship … sigh
Ripley – I loved his quirky little heart!
If you are looking for a sweet romance with a slightly rambunctious boy – a little angst and a loving daddy
This is where you want to be
Cowboys & horses & goats in pajamas? Uh, yeah…
This is a wonderful, feel- good book. I became involved in the character’s lives from the first pages. The world is alive & vibrant, filled with people you want to care about. There is snark & sass, assumptions, hunky cowboys, great friends, a hot pink Jeep, and goats in pajamas. How can you not love it!
Ripley fled to Dallas after his father threw him out – for coming out. Now he is back on the ranch fulfilling the terms of his father’s will; to stay there for a year. He never counted on Reed. Reed is the ranch manager. He wants to make the ranch his, hoping Ripley will sell it to him after his year is up. He is attracted to the snarky, flamboyant Ripley, underestimating him at every turn. But they are made for each other. Reed wants a boy to be his, and Ripley wants a Daddy of his own.
Reed and Ripley get a lot of help on their road to HEA. Old and new friends, horses, internet videos, and goats in pajamas. Yes, in pajamas. Oh, and a hot pink Jeep. Both men will learn not to assume. You will be drawn in to their Daddy/ boy dynamic. You will love this book.
This book contains adult themes and language, mm sex and is intended for mature readers only.
Ripley is unapologetic of who he is. Reed is a Daddy who can’t deny his craving for Ripley. They get off on the wrong foot but the attraction is too much to resist. And I love how sweet Reed is with Ripley who is struggling with loss and trying to find himself. They are so sexy hot, funny and loveable together. Love them. And I really hope we get Frankie’s story soon.
Love reading about Reed and Ripley and their misconceptions of each other
Go to show never judge a book by its cover. Another og my go to books.