As far as I am concerned, Andrew Grey has done it again. This novel is the magical combination of a farm in suburbia, a man who surprisingly inherits it but has a few health issues that don’t make it easy for him to work it, the fact that he has no idea how to run a farm in the first place, and the addition of a hunky former ranch hand who has been through hell but has a heart of gold. The result is the story of two men fighting for the right to lead the lives they want, a wonderful, sweet romance, and some hilarious laugh-out-loud moments when some of the characters’ snarkiness pops out and puts everything back into perspective. Above all it’s a message of hope for those who face an uphill battle—Brighton, who limps after a bad accident, and Tanner, who stutters when he gets nervous, don’t let anyone get them down. Not when they are fighting life’s injustices by themselves, and definitely not once they pool their resources!

Brighton doesn’t expect to inherit his grandfather’s farm, the last piece of land not converted to a mall or used to build condominiums. He loved his grandfather, who took him under his wing after Brighton’s parents died, but he has o idea how to run a farm. With his sister Briana (who is a total hoot) as his only support, he sets out to battle the family intent on him selling the land – led by the truly awful Aunt Vera. I couldn’t wait for her to get her comeuppance! Once Brighton settles in the house, makes his reacquaintance with the sheep and goats and the pony, and finds Tanger to help him run everything, he begins to be attached to the place. It takes him a fairly long time to find a way to keep things running—and make enough money for him to survive, but the solution is a nice twist and a great way for him and Tanner to bond outside the bedroom.

Tanner is a bit out of his depth in the city. After some horrible things happen to him in Montana he has lost his self-confidence. He is very happy when Brighton hires him, and determined not to mess things up. he is a hard worker, determined to make a success of himself, and when he starts to fall for Brighton, he fights his emotions tooth and nail. I could see why he reacts that way, but it was still hard to watch him deny what was going on. Luckily he eventually sees sense, but the problems aren’t over once Brighton’s family rallies for a second wave of attacks. Tanner is a wonderful supporter for Brighton, a generous and tender lover, and exactly what Brighton (and the farm) need.

If you like stories about men who have not led an easy life, if fighting the odds and figuring out a way to solve all kinds of issues sound like an interesting story, and if you’re looking for a read full of great characters, a meanie villain, a sweet romance, and some creative thinking to get things done, then you will probably like this novel as much as I did. I really, really enjoyed it!


NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
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