Review: Boy Blue by Jackie North 4 of 5 stars

Boy Blue by Jackie North
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Blue tries to escape his life by hopping a freight train, chasing freedom with two new companions. But a blizzard leaves him injured and without his memory. He’s found by Wolfe, a solitary man with a difficult past, who must decide whether to leave the stranger in the snow or take him in — a choice that could change both their lives.

I loved this story and all its hurt/comfort, amnesia, age gap, mutual rescue, found family, small‑town vibes and snow. Wolfe was wonderfully gentle with Blue, giving him exactly what he needed to recover from both the trauma he’d been running from and the accident that stole his memory. His focus on the basics of cleanliness, food, warmth, safety that made every moment feel tender and grounding. I especially loved that even once Wolfe realised who Blue really was, he didn’t push or interfere; he simply waited for Blue to remember in his own time. A beautiful, emotional story with a perfect ending. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: Melissa : Dr. Richards' Littles® 35 by Pepper North 3 of 5 stars

Melissa : Dr. Richards' Littles® 35 by Pepper North
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Melissa enjoys her dog‑cleaning job, even if her life feels a bit dull. Rocky, a retired boxing champion turned gym owner, has success but not love — so he turns to the PLAYTIME app hoping it can finally match him with someone special.

This was a sweet novella as Melissa finally found her forever Daddy, with an easy warmth to their connection that made the story charming from the start. The undeniable pull between them sat nicely alongside the danger and drama of the threat Melissa faced, giving the plot a bit of extra tension. There were plenty of emotions and feelings, even if, given the short length, they were quicker and more high‑level than in a longer book. A gentle, enjoyable read. This was an MF story with mature content and a BDSM-like DDLG dynamic.

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Review: The Cowboy and the Wheelman by Jackie North 4 of 5 stars

The Cowboy and the Wheelman by Jackie North
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In Farthingdale Valley, Hudson, deeply wounded by betrayal, struggles to open his heart after being freed from a brutal chain gang. His fellow survivor, Ty, exudes optimism and believes in the valley's transformative power. Determined to rebuild trust, Ty endeavours to break down Hudson's emotional barriers. As they find solace in the valley's comforts, the possibility of love emerges—if shattered trust can be restored.

I loved this story of the two men who were damaged by their time in prison and a chain gang there but were able to find comfort and happiness together. There were a lot of big feelings and emotions in this story which were clear and easy to understand. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: A Christmas for Beck: A Farthingdale Christmas Spinoff by Jackie North 3 of 5 stars

A Christmas for Beck: A Farthingdale Christmas Spinoff by Jackie North
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Bad Boy Beck is doing his best to get over his old friend Jonah ditching him for another guy. He hates Christmas! He also hates being a third wheel, so instead of joining Royce and Jonah on their romantic tropical cruise, he's going by himself into the mountains to stay at a resort hotel in one of those ski towns. He's got a nice room at a fancy hotel (complete with time reserved in their rooftop hot tub), and plans to enjoy a little "me" time. While making his way up to Steamboat, the only thing he'll have to watch out for is other idiots who have no idea how to drive in a blizzard. Oh look, there's one now! Some dumb guy in an Audi. He's about to go off the road and into a frozen lake. 

Beck saves him. It gets get complicated from there because the guy he saved is handsome and smells like a dream. Then it get even more complicated because that same guy has a whole family waiting for him to show up.

This was a nice story with Beck meeting Alex and how their relationship developed. It was all a bit fast and there was nothing about feelings and so I was bemused by the ending. It was also quite abrupt and left me with questions about what happened next. Easy to read and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: The Cowboy and the Hacker by Jackie North 3 of 5 stars

The Cowboy and the Hacker by Jackie North
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Cal made a coding mistake that got him arrested and far away from Preston, his horrible boyfriend. After over a year in jail, he’s touch-starved and afraid. Not of doing his parole in the wilds of Wyoming, but that Preston will come and force him back to Denver. In the valley, when Cal is assigned to Zeke Malloy’s team, his luck starts to change because Zeke is patient and kind, both with the horses and with Cal. Cal doesn’t trust anyone now, except Cal’s crush on Zeke starts with a single word of kindness. A warm touch. And the smile in those green eyes. After a horse fell on him, Zeke’s bronc riding days are over. His girlfriend wants a buckle-wearing man, not a broken one, and leaves him. Zeke finds he doesn’t care that he’s alone now. But he can’t stop thinking about the time Galen Parnell asked him out, as if there was something Galen saw in Zeke. Was he gay? When Zeke starts to work with Cal Tamalin, the only parolee on his team, he begins to think maybe Galen had been on to something. Getting close to Cal can only spell disaster, and surely Zeke’s had enough of those, right? He shouldn’t take the risk, but doesn’t think his heart can resist the biggest blue eyes Zeke has ever seen.

I enjoyed this story with the abused Cal who did what he needed to escape Preston and Zeke who recognised the signs of abuse and fear in Cal and so treated him with care and kindness. I loved that working together led to care, affection and then love. I loved the story end. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: The Cowboy and the Dealer by Jackie North 4 of 5 stars

The Cowboy and the Dealer by Jackie North
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Galen Parnell is the type of guy who would stop at a four way intersection, even at midnight with nobody around. Obadiah "Bede" Deacon is a drug dealer who was sentenced to five years in prison. Newly released with a broken heart that simply won’t heal, Bede is now a free man. But now he needs to decide whether to return to his old life, wheeling and dealing drugs. His other option is to remain in the Fresh Start parole program, digging up knapweed and sleeping in a tent each night, all while doing his best to figure out what the hell his team lead’s problem is. His team lead is Galen. He’s got eyes full of disdain, a mouth full of truth, and he does not like ex-cons at all. Doesn't like that they're getting a free ride in the valley, when he’s been working hard for years and is still broke. Galen thinks his biggest problem is keeping his job in the valley long enough to pay off medical bills after his dad died last spring. That, and getting new tires for his truck. What Galen’s actual problem which is so hard for him to admit, is that even with his preconceived notions about the kind of men he’s in charge of (criminals, all) he’s unable to remain blind to the fact that they're people, too. Especially Bede. Who, in spite of the fact that he’s a freaking drug dealer, is smart and funny and the kind of dark and handsome that is Galen’s favourite kind of eye candy. The summer is turning into a disaster. A deliciously confusing whirlwind of discovery disaster.

I enjoyed this story as another cowboy team lead discovered that the ex-cons are people and worthy of love and affection. I loved the analysis of their thoughts, behaviours and emotions as their relationship developed. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: The Cowboy and the Outcast by Jackie North 3 of 5 stars

The Cowboy and the Outcast by Jackie North
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

On the run for two years from an abusive family situation, Kell searches for a safe harbour. Instead of that happening, Kell gets arrested, but, unbelievably, amidst the horrors of prison, there shines a glimmer of hope. Marston’s life is a mess. Everything he touches crumbles to dust. A second chance comes in the form of a job with the Farthingdale Valley New Start Program, except the two parolees assigned to him don’t even show up, so the job is a disaster from the get-go. Temptation appears to Marston in the form of a particular ex-con: skinny, foul-mouthed, unable to keep up with the other prison-hardened parolees. Now he’s Marston’s responsibility. Marston has failed at everything else - he knows he’ll fail at resisting temptation. Can’t sleep. Can’t touch. Can’t have. Kell and Marston are lonely, until they find each other. Can they make love last?

I enjoyed this story of the two men who each had their own challenges but together found love even if they had a few battles to fight to get there. The two men felt very real and I was fully invested in both of them and their relationship. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: The Cowboy and the Hoodlum by Jackie North 3 of 5 stars

The Cowboy and the Hoodlum by Jackie North
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A job in the valley provides the break Royce so desperately needs from his regular life. Fresh air, plenty of sunshine, and hard work? That’s the ticket. Evenings around a campfire? Sign him up. But when a new group of ex-cons arrives, ex-cons he’s responsible for, Royce realises he is woefully unprepared. Not for the task of being team lead, he’s fully capable of that. No, it’s the bad in one particular bad boy that he is drawn to. The challenging mind beneath that messy dark hair, the slouch, and the long legs in grease-stained blue jeans and disreputable black motorcycle boots. It’s more than Royce is prepared to resist. The bad boy in question, Jonah, has a telling I don’t care shrug that reveals a heart-stopping vulnerability and now all is lost as Royce falls hopelessly in love.

This was a nice story but I found myself increasingly annoyed with both men. Jonah was very confusing with his relationship with his best friend (or was he) and the so-called bi-awakening of Royce which was almost bypassed. So I wanted to like it much more than I actually did. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: The Cowboy and the Rascal by Jackie North 4 of 5 stars

The Cowboy and the Rascal by Jackie North
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

First, you have to trust. Then comes trust in return. Then comes love. Gabe’s working hard to save up to buy his own cattle ranch. That dream is years in the future, but he’s a patient man. For now, he’ll be the first team lead in the valley’s ex-con rehab project. The idea is, put a parolee to work for a summer and he’ll have a leg up on the rest of his life. Blaze, who’s just been released from prison after serving two years for a crime he did not commit, is among the first group of parolees to enter the program. Nobody believes he’s innocent, including Gabe. After all, all ex-cons are just liars, right?

This was a nice story of how Gabe won over Blaze using the same techniques he would use on a skittish horse and had the reward of love. I liked the exploration of Blaze's family and his prior treatment. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.

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Review: Malted Milk by Pepper North by Paige Michaels 3 of 5 stars

Malted Milk by Pepper North by Paige Michaels
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Maya Rodriguez is trying to dodge her matchmaking mother and hopes to find her dream Daddy. When she drops a stack of plastic glasses in the restaurant Deke Monroe steps in to help by abandoning his lunch and knows that she is the little for him. The spark of attraction in her eye will keep him visiting the restaurant every day until she gives him a chance.

This was a sweet story with shy Maya being brave and giving Deke a chance to prove to her that he is her dream Daddy. Her meddling mother didn't help them but it was a lesson to us all that our family is just as likely to sign us up to things as anyone else. I liked that they talked and that communication was clear between them It also helped when Deke was trying not to pressure her into doing anything. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MF story with mature content with a BDSM-like DDLG dynamic.

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Review: The Trail Boss and the Brat by Jackie North 4 of 5 stars

The Trail Boss and the Brat by Jackie North
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Quint was badly betrayed in the past and so has closed off his heart and not trusting anyone. Then Ashley doesn't follow rules especially any rule that stops him from getting what he wants. Can a rugged heart find love again?

I enjoyed the story of the two men who are so right together even if they butt heads over rules and actually following them. I loved how over time Quint was able to hone Ashley into a better person and that Ashley was able to wear Quint down to see what they were to each other and that they could have it all. Easy to read, feel and understand. This is an MM story with mature content and some spanking.

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Review: The Cook and the Gangster by Jackie North 4 of 5 stars

The Cook and the Gangster by Jackie North
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Levi worked hard to have a corner of the world where he can hide from his past doing fourteen-hour days in the ranch's kitchen. When Cassidy is cutting onions in his restaurant's kitchen he sees a clip of a documentary on TV he sees his old friend Levi who he has been looking for for years. The next day he is travelling to Wyoming to take up a job as a chef at the guest ranch. When Cassidy shows up in his kitchen, Levi’s world is turned upside-down.

I loved this story of the two friends who were separated by events that were only known by a limited number of people. I loved that Cassidy kept on looking for Levi and never gave up until a coincidence meant he was found. Their relationship had a rocky start at their first second meeting but I loved the way that they were able to reconnect and that the love that was there before was always there and had never died. A really sweet romantic story. This was lovely to read, feel and understand. This is an MM story with mature content and a sweet HEA.

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Review: The Wrangler and the Orphan by Jackie North 4 of 5 stars

The Wrangler and the Orphan by Jackie North
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Quint saved Brody from Daddy Frank and he is now the wrangler at Farthinhgdale Ranch and only really understands horses, not people. Then he has a chance to save Kit from a fate similar to his own and so provides him shelter and protection. In Kit, Brody sees the scared young man he used to be. In caring for Kit, Brody is in over his head. But as Brody makes room in his heart for Kit, both their lives begin to change.

I enjoyed this story where their backgrounds had so many similarities and how Brody had to treat Kit just like a skittish horse and keep him calm while encouraging him to make progress. I enjoyed the way that their relationship slowly morphed into something different and that over time they developed love even though life was not always so happy and perfect. Easy to read, feel and understand this was definitely heartbreaking at times. This is an MM story with some mature content.

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Review: The Ranch Hand and the Single Dad by Jackie North 4 of 5 stars

The Ranch Hand and the Single Dad by Jackie North
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ranch hand Clay keeps busy with hookups at the local bar but while they used to be fun they just leave him empty. Austin is reeling after a difficult divorce where his wife took everything including his nine-year-old daughter Bea. Austin has no idea where his life is headed but is the new accountant at Farthingdale Ranch. He is distracted by Clay who is gay even though Autin is straight, so maybe he can be parked in the friend zone.

I loved this story with the gay cowboy falling for the straight man who has feelings that are not so straight after all. I loved how considerate Clay was of Bea and that he was quick to offer help and support whatever the problem was. This was a beautiful story of friendship and love. Easy to read, feel and understand. This is an MM story with mature content.

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Review: The Blacksmith and the Ex-Con by Jackie North 3 of 5 stars

The Blacksmith and the Ex-Con by Jackie North
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Jasper is the blacksmith on the Farthingdale Ranch in Wyoming and the last thing he wanted was to have his life interrupted by an ex-con but the ranch needs the tax benefits the programme will bring. Ellis is traumatised by his time in prison and can barely speak. He is about to be offered parole and knows he will hate working on the guest ranch but has no other option. It’s not love at first sight. It’s not hate at first sight, either, but something in between.

I enjoyed this story of the care that Jasper took over Ellis when he arrived and the empathy that he showed him. Ellis had definitely made some wrong decisions in his life and it was quite sad to see the sorts of things he had to cope with when he was incarcerated. I enjoyed the parallel between a little sucking something like a binkie or his Daddy with the actions of Ellis. I also liked the slow way that their intimacy developed. Easy to read, feel and understand I was thrilled when it ended with them in their own HEA. This is an MM story with some mature content.

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Review: The Foreman and the Drifter by Jackie North 3 of 5 stars

The Foreman and the Drifter by Jackie North
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Leland Tate is the manager of the Farthingdale Ranch and with everything at risk, he has to have some tough rules for everyone - no handouts, no fraternising and no drifters. When a young drifter called Jamie comes looking for a job all Leland wants to do it break those rules.

I enjoyed this story with the smitten Jamie and the resistant Leland who has difficulty handling personal relationships. I loved the way that the other staff ended up lecturing Leland and making him realise what a fool he had been. This was easy to read and the angst and romance were easy to feel and understand. This is an MM story with mature content.

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Review: Strike a Pose by Jackie North 2 of 5 stars

Strike a Pose by Jackie North
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Sid is a ranchhand at the Farthingdale Ranch in Wyoming earning money so that he can send his little sister to college. Then some models come there to shoot pictures and he meets Heston - a glamourous top-tier model from New York who just took his breath away.

I struggled a lot with this story. I found it hard to connect with the characters and how the showing of how a hat should be worn had led to a short modelling contract. I did enjoy the way that Sid was so protective of Heston and had moved him out to the ranch to recover. I did read the whole book but had thought of quitting part way through. Contains MM mature content.

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