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4.08 AVERAGE
4.08 AVERAGE
Minor spoilers ahead … maybe … not sure ...
This is the first book by Fox that I’ve read and the first chapter had me uncertain about what I was in for. But I loved the way Kess thought of Rowdy and the flirty – and naughty – interactions between the two. After that, there was no way I wasn’t going to keep reading :)
They’ve been dancing around each other for a long time but Kess has decided it’s finally time to do something about it. And the more he interacts with Rowdy, the more he discovers. And the more he wants to discover. With love, patience, and care, he gets to the heart of the man he’s coming to love.
Rowdy struggled so much with the scars from his childhood as well as the understanding & acceptance of his sexuality. And to protect himself he’s created this persona that hides the real him. He has people that love him and people that he loves, but even the ones closest to him don’t know his secrets. But once Kess decides to find out his truths, he has to decide how much he’s willing to trust him.
Pure Country is jam packed with enjoyable characters – from Kess and Rowdy, Emery & Woody & Stevie, to Jaxson & Skylar (so looking forward to his story with Kit!). Fox does a wonderful job of developing them and giving them time to come into themselves, which leads to so many swoony, steamy, funny moments. Found another author whose works are going onto my TBR list!
(There’s a lot here that I’m probably not the person to talk about. Sexuality is individual and the spectrum is wide & ever changing and it is awesome to have this reflected in stories. But since I’m not a member of the community, I can’t say that the representation in this book is well done or not, although other reviews suggest it is. I can say I LOVED that the representation is there at all and how it covers so much with care. It’s refreshing to see it handled in what feels like a straightforward, honest, and heartfelt manner.)
**I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.**
This is the first book by Fox that I’ve read and the first chapter had me uncertain about what I was in for. But I loved the way Kess thought of Rowdy and the flirty – and naughty – interactions between the two. After that, there was no way I wasn’t going to keep reading :)
They’ve been dancing around each other for a long time but Kess has decided it’s finally time to do something about it. And the more he interacts with Rowdy, the more he discovers. And the more he wants to discover. With love, patience, and care, he gets to the heart of the man he’s coming to love.
Rowdy struggled so much with the scars from his childhood as well as the understanding & acceptance of his sexuality. And to protect himself he’s created this persona that hides the real him. He has people that love him and people that he loves, but even the ones closest to him don’t know his secrets. But once Kess decides to find out his truths, he has to decide how much he’s willing to trust him.
Pure Country is jam packed with enjoyable characters – from Kess and Rowdy, Emery & Woody & Stevie, to Jaxson & Skylar (so looking forward to his story with Kit!). Fox does a wonderful job of developing them and giving them time to come into themselves, which leads to so many swoony, steamy, funny moments. Found another author whose works are going onto my TBR list!
(There’s a lot here that I’m probably not the person to talk about. Sexuality is individual and the spectrum is wide & ever changing and it is awesome to have this reflected in stories. But since I’m not a member of the community, I can’t say that the representation in this book is well done or not, although other reviews suggest it is. I can say I LOVED that the representation is there at all and how it covers so much with care. It’s refreshing to see it handled in what feels like a straightforward, honest, and heartfelt manner.)
**I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.**
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Pure Country is the second book in Kelly Fox’s Central Texas series. If you enjoyed Rough Country, you’ll recognize the characters Rowdy and Kess in this installment. Pure Country tells a sweet, romantic story about two friends who share an instant bond, but are afraid to next time because one of them is keeping a secret.
Storyline: One night at Kess’s party, they share a kiss that leads to confusion between them. Rowdy has been keeping a secret from Kess and is hesitant to reveal the truth because only one person truly understands who Rowdy is. Kess realizes that Rowdy is likely not interested in settling down and starting a family. He understands that Rowdy is more of a player than anything else, while Kess has always wanted a stable life with a family of his own. As a result, Kess decides to move on and begins going on dates, even though he often finds himself thinking about Rowdy.
My Thoughts: I enjoyed reading the book by Rowdy and Kess, but it took me a little while to really get into it. The first two chapters almost made me put the book down, but I persisted because I was determined to find out how Rowdy and Kess would achieve their happily ever after. I’m glad I stuck with it because their happy ending was truly worth it, especially after all the truths were finally revealed between the two of them.
Rowdy was such a sweetheart in this story. I don’t want to spoil it by revealing what he does in his free time, but I do wish he hadn’t kept a secret, particularly from his cousin, Woody, who was completely unaware. Instead, Rowdy allowed everyone to believe he was doing something else.
I loved Kess’s character because he sensed that something was up with Rowdy. However, he showed patience towards him. When Kess eventually discovers the truth, he doesn’t pressure Rowdy. Instead, he understands him better. I loved how Kess didn’t pressure Rowdy either when it came to being intimate with one another after the truth came out.
Overall, I give the book 3.5 stars. It had such a sweet story between two people who were perfect for one another but had secrets that needed to be revealed first. Pure Country also had a great LGBT+ representation, including demisexual and asexual/aromanticism, which I haven’t read either in an LGBT+ book before until now. Thanks to the Author Agency for introducing Kelly Fox to me because now I need to check out Kelly’s backlist.
Single/Dual POV: Dual POV
Standalone/Part of Series: It’s an interconnected standalone book in the Central Texas series, but trust me, you’ll want to read these books in order. Start with Woody/Emery’s book – Rough Country, and you’ll be introduced to Rowdy and Kess there.
What to Expect:
✓Small Town Romance
✓Opposites Attract
✓Age Gap
✓Friends to Lovers
✓Secrets
✓Small Town Romance
✓Opposites Attract
✓Age Gap
✓Friends to Lovers
✓Secrets
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
✍︎ 𝙵𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚗𝚍𝚜 𝚃𝚘 𝙻𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚜
✍︎ 𝙲𝚒𝚝𝚢 𝙱𝚘𝚢 𝚇 𝙲𝚘𝚠𝚋𝚘𝚢
✍︎ 𝚂𝚒𝚣𝚎 𝙳𝚒𝚏𝚏𝚎𝚛𝚎𝚗𝚌𝚎
✍︎ 𝙳𝚎𝚖𝚒𝚜𝚎𝚡𝚞𝚊𝚕 𝚁𝚎𝚙
✍︎ 𝙸𝚍𝚒𝚘𝚝𝚜 𝙸𝚗 𝙻𝚘𝚟𝚎
✍︎ 𝙵𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚍 𝙵𝚊𝚖𝚒𝚕𝚢
✍︎ 𝙽𝚎𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚋𝚘𝚛𝚜
✍︎ 𝙰𝚐𝚎 𝙶𝚊𝚙
✍︎ 𝚂𝚎𝚌𝚛𝚎𝚝𝚜
✍︎ 𝙿𝚒𝚗𝚒𝚗𝚐
✎ This is the first book I’ve read from this author and let’s just say,I can’t wait for the next book in the series and the tidbits I got about the next couple already has me hyped up and intrigued.
✎ Rowdy is a soft,kind,sweet,selfless man with a good heart but he’s been lying to the people he love by creating a false image for himself,to protect himself from people finding out the real him because of his fear of rejection.
✎ Kess is an accomplished man who decided to move the country side,just like his bestfriend did,and that’s where he met the beautiful and hot cowboy he later on started having a flirty “friendship” with,but Kess will come to realize that he wanted more than just friendship.
✎ This book was so sweet and the relationship between the two characters was so beautiful.The way Kess made sure Rowdy felt safe and allowed him to lead when it came to s&x was such an amazing thing,he had patient and did not pressure him into anything and he kept on reassuring him anytime he saw a hint of doubt or insecurity from him.Both of them deserve to be happy and I’m so happy Rowdy finally got to be with someone who cherishes him and will go above and beyond for him.
✎ The way the author went about the Demi and Aro-ace rep was brilliant and she needs to be applauded for that.The education and talk about the the matter was handled sensitively and accurately.The side characters were phenomenal,the found family element was so sweet and the love story was beautiful.
ℂ𝕒𝕟𝕥 𝕨𝕒𝕚𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕟𝕖𝕩𝕥 𝕓𝕠𝕠𝕜.♡
This story was a lot different than I expected. I expected a straight forward romance and what I got was a much deeper, emotional story. I loved the impact that Rowdy was having on other youth and ensuring that they feel seen, safe, and represented. The story itself progressed pretty slowly, but I liked that Kessler took the time to figure out Rowdy and what he needs and adjusted his approach to fit that, even if it was unexpected. There was a lot of emphasis in their story about consent and not being afraid to voice what Rowdy did or did not want and I really liked that Kess took the time to prove to Rowdy that he was in it for the long haul. Overall, a really good story with some fun side characters.
Ugh this book was so good! We’ve got Rowdy, a 25-year-old cowboy with a heart of gold but a lot of walls up, living in a cabin on his cousin’s preserve. He’s all about taking care of the wildlife but is super secretive about his own emotions. Then there’s Kessler, a 38-year-old city lawyer who seems like he has it all but is actually lonely and craving something real. Their slow-burn, banter-filled friendship turns into something way more, and it’s just chef’s kiss.
The chemistry between Kess and Rowdy is next level, from their flirty text threads to their awkward yet adorable drunken kiss. Rowdy might try to act tough, but he’s a total cinnamon roll underneath, and Kess is the guy who sees through all that. The way he shows up for Rowdy, despite his own emotional baggage, makes my heart melt.
The slow build-up, the support, and the raw vulnerability both characters bring to the table is everything. If you love grumpy-sunshine dynamics, banter that gives you butterflies, and characters who grow and open up in the most satisfying ways, you NEED to read this. Rowdy and Kess are a perfect match, and by the end, you’ll be rooting for them like crazy. This book definitely gives those sweet, warm fuzzy feelings.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
“𝐼𝓃𝓋𝒾𝓉𝑒 𝓂𝑒 𝒾𝓃, 𝑅𝑜𝓌𝒹. 𝒯𝑒𝓁𝓁 𝓂𝑒 𝓌𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓌𝒶𝓃𝓉.”
The number one thing that will have me hooked so fast is banter and the banter between Rowdy and Kess had me hooked from chapter one.
Kess is a big time city lawyer that is making a move to country life. Rowdy is the walking believe nothing of what you hear and half of what you see, he is the best but he is hiding a lot of himself from those closest to him due to many factors.
The chemistry banter and connection is obvious from the beginning. When Kess finally breaks down Rowdy’s walls the communication is top tier THAT PARKING LOT SCENE! I went from OMG how sweet OMG fans myself.
Kelly is a new to me author and will not be my last. This can be read as a standalone I wish I would have read Rough Country first which is Emery (Kess Best Friend) and Woody (Rowdy’s cousin) only because I absolutely love them and Stevie. I was still able to enjoy these two and I cannot wait for Sky!
~~What to Expect~~
🎸City Boy X Cowboy
🎸Friends to Lovers
🎸MM
🎸Close Proximity (Neighbors)
🎸Age Gap 13 Years
🎸Mutual Pining
🎸One Bed
🎸Secrets
🎸Small Town
~~Quotes~~
💚 Everything you’ve shown me tonight, I like. I want. And I am happy—thrilled, actually—to take the scenic route with you.
💚 When you’ve got something special, it’s hard to hide.
💚 Our value was already fixed, and not dependent on what others thought of us.
The number one thing that will have me hooked so fast is banter and the banter between Rowdy and Kess had me hooked from chapter one.
Kess is a big time city lawyer that is making a move to country life. Rowdy is the walking believe nothing of what you hear and half of what you see, he is the best but he is hiding a lot of himself from those closest to him due to many factors.
The chemistry banter and connection is obvious from the beginning. When Kess finally breaks down Rowdy’s walls the communication is top tier THAT PARKING LOT SCENE! I went from OMG how sweet OMG fans myself.
Kelly is a new to me author and will not be my last. This can be read as a standalone I wish I would have read Rough Country first which is Emery (Kess Best Friend) and Woody (Rowdy’s cousin) only because I absolutely love them and Stevie. I was still able to enjoy these two and I cannot wait for Sky!
~~What to Expect~~
🎸City Boy X Cowboy
🎸Friends to Lovers
🎸MM
🎸Close Proximity (Neighbors)
🎸Age Gap 13 Years
🎸Mutual Pining
🎸One Bed
🎸Secrets
🎸Small Town
~~Quotes~~
💚 Everything you’ve shown me tonight, I like. I want. And I am happy—thrilled, actually—to take the scenic route with you.
💚 When you’ve got something special, it’s hard to hide.
💚 Our value was already fixed, and not dependent on what others thought of us.
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
4.25 stars
This book started off with a bang! A bang I wasn't sure was going to jive with my mood at the time. It was glamorous, older, millionaire, city boy lawyer moving to the country who's pining for his poor playboy friend. Both had been pining after each other for years. I was skeptical the first few chapters.
However! After that initial crazy house party, we get to know Rowdy a little bit more and my goodness the depth to this man! The lengths he's gone to in order to portray one thing while actually being another is astonishing (it all makes sense eventually). Kessler figures something is rotten in the state of Denmark and starts to peel back the layers to Rowdy and eventually figures out that he's very different from what he's come to know over the years. It only makes him want him more.
I appreciated the Demisexual rep for Rowdy and the journey that he takes with Kess. Kess is so patient and loving with him. The relationship kinda goes from 0 to 60 REAL FAST, but they've known each other for years, so it makes sense.
There is no third-act break up, but don't mistake that for meaning no drama. There's a whole heart-warming story revolving around Jaxon and Sadie that really was almost everything to me. While I loved Rowdy and Kessler, I found myself continuing to read to find out what is happening with them. And this book also sets up Kit and Skyler in the next book (which looks like it's gonna be a scorcher!).
This is the 2nd book in the Central Texas series and while it can be read as a standalone I'd suggest going back and reading Rough Country because Woody and Emery and Stevie (the real star of the show, folks) are in this book A LOT. I haven't read the first and had no problem keeping everything straight, but I feel like there's more background on Kessler and Rowdy that might've laid the foundation for me a bit better. I will be going back to read the first and I'm gonna mark my calendar for book 3 now since I've kinda fallen in love with everyone in this series.
Thank you, Kelly Fox, and The Author Agency for this ARC.
This book started off with a bang! A bang I wasn't sure was going to jive with my mood at the time. It was glamorous, older, millionaire, city boy lawyer moving to the country who's pining for his poor playboy friend. Both had been pining after each other for years. I was skeptical the first few chapters.
However! After that initial crazy house party, we get to know Rowdy a little bit more and my goodness the depth to this man! The lengths he's gone to in order to portray one thing while actually being another is astonishing (it all makes sense eventually). Kessler figures something is rotten in the state of Denmark and starts to peel back the layers to Rowdy and eventually figures out that he's very different from what he's come to know over the years. It only makes him want him more.
I appreciated the Demisexual rep for Rowdy and the journey that he takes with Kess. Kess is so patient and loving with him. The relationship kinda goes from 0 to 60 REAL FAST, but they've known each other for years, so it makes sense.
There is no third-act break up, but don't mistake that for meaning no drama. There's a whole heart-warming story revolving around Jaxon and Sadie that really was almost everything to me. While I loved Rowdy and Kessler, I found myself continuing to read to find out what is happening with them. And this book also sets up Kit and Skyler in the next book (which looks like it's gonna be a scorcher!).
This is the 2nd book in the Central Texas series and while it can be read as a standalone I'd suggest going back and reading Rough Country because Woody and Emery and Stevie (the real star of the show, folks) are in this book A LOT. I haven't read the first and had no problem keeping everything straight, but I feel like there's more background on Kessler and Rowdy that might've laid the foundation for me a bit better. I will be going back to read the first and I'm gonna mark my calendar for book 3 now since I've kinda fallen in love with everyone in this series.
Thank you, Kelly Fox, and The Author Agency for this ARC.
This book showcases why Kelly Fox has risen to become one of my favorite authors.
The book is so much fun with just enough spice and feels. This is one of those books where you don’t need the spice because the plot is so good. I mean of course we get toe curling spice but we also get all the emotions. I don’t want to give too much away, but the way this book tackles the struggles of being honest about who you are and what you feel make it such a wonderful read.
Kess and Rowdy work really well together and the way both characters grow and evolve is a testament to the trust they have in each other. There are some surprises along the way that just made me gasp and think, Oh this makes so much sense. I won’t tell what they are though, you just have to read the book.
The guest character appearances from some of Kellys other series are hilarious and I love how all the series just keep on linking up. It makes me want to re-read the other books again.
Chapter 17. Before I say anything else at all about this book, Chapter 17. There's a reason why I love Kelly Fox books so much. We get absolute 🔥 love stories & a smokin hot shared universe... but Kelly Fox always writes from the heart, and Chapter 17. Well, it meant a lot to me. I felt seen in a very real way. Thank you for that.
But more about PURE COUNTRY with no spoilers.
Rowdy and Kess deliver. These two and this entire book were absolutely unexpected. I knew I'd have feelings - but Rowdy and his -------- & Kessler with his ----- ----. And the whole ---------- storyline. And the side characters! Skylar and Jaxon and Sadie AND KIT. Not to mention Woody and Emery & Stevie from book one.
Then there's the entire ------------ aspect. So much was because of his past, but the way it all played out was beautiful. His talk with Woody, after the _____ came out, while out with the horses, made me so emotional.
Honestly, PURE COUNTRY was a gift. Rowdy and Kess had a beautiful love story, and I was so happy to read it. And BTW, the spicy scenes slapped in this story. I was so here for it.
PURE COUNTRY comes out DECEMBER 11TH. You still have time to read book one, ROUGH COUNTRY. I highly recommend both!
But more about PURE COUNTRY with no spoilers.
Rowdy and Kess deliver. These two and this entire book were absolutely unexpected. I knew I'd have feelings - but Rowdy and his -------- & Kessler with his ----- ----. And the whole ---------- storyline. And the side characters! Skylar and Jaxon and Sadie AND KIT. Not to mention Woody and Emery & Stevie from book one.
Then there's the entire ------------ aspect. So much was because of his past, but the way it all played out was beautiful. His talk with Woody, after the _____ came out, while out with the horses, made me so emotional.
Honestly, PURE COUNTRY was a gift. Rowdy and Kess had a beautiful love story, and I was so happy to read it. And BTW, the spicy scenes slapped in this story. I was so here for it.
PURE COUNTRY comes out DECEMBER 11TH. You still have time to read book one, ROUGH COUNTRY. I highly recommend both!
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This book is a wonderful LGBTQ+ representation. I really enjoyed Kess and Rowdy’s story. I love reading about characters who overcome deep emotional trauma to become the best version of themselves,
and Rowdy certainly did just that. Kess’ patience and understanding with Rowdy is everything you want in a book boyfriend. These two men who seem an unlikely match on paper are actually the perfect complement to each other.