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wonderingjay's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
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? Yes
5.0
teereadsbooks's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
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? It's complicated
4.0
I enjoyed this one, although it did feel somewhat reminiscent of Steadfast by Sarina Bowen, and I think I like this better. This was a slow burn that I actually liked. There was very aggressive flirting, but they also built a friendship along the way. My biggest issue with some slow burns is how repetitive the back and forth can be before they finally get together, but I did not get that here, which I greatly appreciated. I will say that the pacing was a little off for me at times, especially with the overarching story of Kieran's revenge. He mentions it in the beginning, and then it's not really addressed much until about halfway through the book. I was still able to keep with it because of the relationship building in the first half of the book. Overall, it's a great read, and I'm interested to see where the story goes with book two.
kjnrose's review
5.0
This book was such an excellent start to a new series. Redemption Ridge seems like an absolutely wonderful place and I loved the story. Can't wait to see what comes next for these great characters.
lindseymiddlemiss's review
4.0
Grumpy/sunshine redemption MM romance
When Kieran leaves jail with nothing to his name and goes to Redemption Ridge Ranch, he's only looking for revenge for his wrongful conviction. But then he meets the sunny blond equine specialist. Finley is on a hiatus from men, having been hurt by his penchant for broken souls. And both their plans start to unravel.
This is an enjoyable MM romance, sweet, steamy, with good characterisations, funny moments and a believable found family vibe.
In this you'll find:
When Kieran leaves jail with nothing to his name and goes to Redemption Ridge Ranch, he's only looking for revenge for his wrongful conviction. But then he meets the sunny blond equine specialist. Finley is on a hiatus from men, having been hurt by his penchant for broken souls. And both their plans start to unravel.
This is an enjoyable MM romance, sweet, steamy, with good characterisations, funny moments and a believable found family vibe.
In this you'll find:
naranjadia's review against another edition
3.0
I liked the beginning, but the last 1/3 seemed like campy hijinks in a way that didn’t come of as intentional.
littlesyd85's review
Had trouble getting into this one. Moved a bit slow for me. The characters lacked the depth I’m used to from this author.
petra_reviews_mm's review against another edition
3.0
2.5*
I love hurt/comfort, slow burn, mysteries and romance books set in the middle of nowhere. But here I am, at chapter 19 (I finished the book before posting this review), kinda pissed that I even bothered reading the book.
Okay. So. The blurb was intriguing. I even decided not to read that many reviews (normally I read ton of them) and just went with it. I like the premise of a felon seeking revenge and eventually finding love. The whole setting seemed to be my vibe. I love secluded places, surrounded by forests and such…
But at 30 %, I was actually thinking of DNFing the book. There was barely any romance (I know this is a slow burn but I just did not feel the chemistry, only the aching dicks were present), the mystery was also nonexistent. The first half of the book felt like a set up for the whole series: who does what at the ranch, who does not do what at the ranch, who cooks, washes the dishes… what does the city look like, the bookstore, there is a casino, there is a sect (which, btw, is kinda pointless? It goes nowhere? Guess it will be important for the other books but I wish the author thought of some storyline for the cult, not just mention it further in the epilogue)… blah blah blah. And our guys had boners like teenagers. Constantly rubbing one out...
At like 60 %, the guys start acknowledging something… only for the author to throw us a scene that satisfies us but then is like: “sucks to be you, losers!” and giving us a cold shower when the romance becomes angsty. It gets worse, but I’ll mention it later.
The mystery?... was a joke. I thought there would be more investigating, digging, more involvement from our MCs. But no. The whole mystery plotline is fucking explained to us. Just through a conversation. Wtf. And that’s it. So the guys can go fuck their brains out. Oh, well… let the sex be over in one page. I feel like the author here put much effort into jerk off sessions or blow jobs or the fore play. The sex was mediocre, ngl. I wish both exes were more present. They usually just appeared (they did not really talk) and then disappeared, and then there was some convo about them like: “yeah, that was my ex… piece of shit.” … and no confrontation whatsoever.
Overall, the books is not that bad. There is some romance, which in the end became really OTT (the forehead touches, the constant confessions and romantic babbling) and sappy. Finley is just a one-dimensional character (if you forget about the way he behaves during sex), everybody loves him and he fucking cries all the time. At the end, I just wanted to slap him so that he gets a grip. He does not have to cry/tear up/have glistening eyes at every (barely) tender moment.
Hurt/comfort – I expected more. Finley’s ex is always just mentioned as he is out the scene. Kieran’s trauma is also at the background and resurfaces only for our guys to bang/make out after.
I love hurt/comfort, slow burn, mysteries and romance books set in the middle of nowhere. But here I am, at chapter 19 (I finished the book before posting this review), kinda pissed that I even bothered reading the book.
Okay. So. The blurb was intriguing. I even decided not to read that many reviews (normally I read ton of them) and just went with it. I like the premise of a felon seeking revenge and eventually finding love. The whole setting seemed to be my vibe. I love secluded places, surrounded by forests and such…
But at 30 %, I was actually thinking of DNFing the book. There was barely any romance (I know this is a slow burn but I just did not feel the chemistry, only the aching dicks were present), the mystery was also nonexistent. The first half of the book felt like a set up for the whole series: who does what at the ranch, who does not do what at the ranch, who cooks, washes the dishes… what does the city look like, the bookstore, there is a casino, there is a sect (which, btw, is kinda pointless? It goes nowhere? Guess it will be important for the other books but I wish the author thought of some storyline for the cult, not just mention it further in the epilogue)… blah blah blah. And our guys had boners like teenagers. Constantly rubbing one out...
At like 60 %, the guys start acknowledging something… only for the author to throw us a scene that satisfies us but then is like: “sucks to be you, losers!” and giving us a cold shower when the romance becomes angsty. It gets worse, but I’ll mention it later.
The mystery?... was a joke. I thought there would be more investigating, digging, more involvement from our MCs. But no. The whole mystery plotline is fucking explained to us. Just through a conversation. Wtf. And that’s it. So the guys can go fuck their brains out. Oh, well… let the sex be over in one page. I feel like the author here put much effort into jerk off sessions or blow jobs or the fore play. The sex was mediocre, ngl. I wish both exes were more present. They usually just appeared (they did not really talk) and then disappeared, and then there was some convo about them like: “yeah, that was my ex… piece of shit.” … and no confrontation whatsoever.
Overall, the books is not that bad. There is some romance, which in the end became really OTT (the forehead touches, the constant confessions and romantic babbling) and sappy. Finley is just a one-dimensional character (if you forget about the way he behaves during sex), everybody loves him and he fucking cries all the time. At the end, I just wanted to slap him so that he gets a grip. He does not have to cry/tear up/have glistening eyes at every (barely) tender moment.
Hurt/comfort – I expected more. Finley’s ex is always just mentioned as he is out the scene. Kieran’s trauma is also at the background and resurfaces only for our guys to bang/make out after.
missysreadingcorner's review
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I'm upset by how much I disliked this book because I'm usually a fan of Walker's style. Everything about this plot line was predictable from Cash being a good guy to realizing Finley and Kieran stumbling upon a sting. Finley falling for the stereotypical "broken" man after having his heart broken by similar men was such an eye-rolling event for me. I also felt Finley should've nipped Ivan's crush in the bud way before getting involved with Kieran because he knew what his feelings were.
Everything I enjoyed about the book had little to do with Finley and Kieran themselves. I enjoyed Cash and Ivan. I enjoyed Rub and the animals. I enjoyed Finley's crazy yet caring family. Despite this disappointing read, I'm hoping the next book will be better because Ivan deserves better. I just hope Finley and Kieran aren't featured as much from here on out.
Everything I enjoyed about the book had little to do with Finley and Kieran themselves. I enjoyed Cash and Ivan. I enjoyed Rub and the animals. I enjoyed Finley's crazy yet caring family. Despite this disappointing read, I'm hoping the next book will be better because Ivan deserves better. I just hope Finley and Kieran aren't featured as much from here on out.
kaitlin_durante's review
5.0
[I received a digital arc for an honest review]
Guys Like Him by Aimee Nicole Walker is the first book in her new series Redemption Ridge. Kieran Sullivan has been waiting twenty months in jail to be let out and get revenge on the man he believes perpetuated it all. He is now hired at Redemption Ridge and all he has to do is find evidence to bring down the ranch’s owner, Cash. He never expects to be enamored instantly by the equine supervisor Finley Ashe. Finley has a bad record of trying to fix broken men so when Kieran shows up as his newest assistant he knows he’s in trouble. Kieran tries his best to keep his distance from Finley but their connection proves too strong to deny. But will his ulterior motive for being on the ranch destroy what they are building together.
Kieran Sullivan’s backstory broke my heart. He was never given a chance to thrive and instead was taken advantage of around every turn. Kieran knows he should steer clear of Finley because he needs to focus on investigating Cash and because he believes he isn’t good enough for the sunshiney man. Finley proves to be so much more than good looks and Kieran can’t help but become not only physically involved but also emotionally.
Finley had never heard Kieran laugh before and was too eager to experience it to worry that he was the butt of the joke. He pulled his hand back, and laughter tumbled from Kieran’s mouth. It was rich and thick like honey on biscuits, and Finley wanted to lick him up.
Finley Ashe has a bad track record of trying to reform the bad boy. He has not been successful so when he meets the recently released Kieran he thinks history may repeat itself. But Kieran is nothing like men from Finley’s past and Finley decides early on that everyone deserves someone in their corner. He proves to not only be a bright light in Kieran’s life but also a driving force in trying to right the wrongs of the past. Finley and Kieran have so much chemistry that the two coming together is an explosion of heat and adoration.
He was compassionate, intelligent, quick-witted, and competent in everything he did. Finley was the most gorgeous person he’d ever met– inside and out.
Set in Colorado, Guys Like Him, is a strong and beautiful start to the Redemption Ridge series. My heart immediately went out to Kieran who had struggled through so much and needed a strong partner in Finley. I loved seeing their flirtatious banter and moments turn into steamy and intimate scenes. The other workers at Redemption Ridge were great secondary characters and leave readers excited for more stories about them as well (I’m talking to you Ivan). There was just the right amount of angst, action and romance to keep me from being able to put the book down.
5 stars for Kieran learning he is worthy and deserving of Finley Ashe.
Guys Like Him by Aimee Nicole Walker is the first book in her new series Redemption Ridge. Kieran Sullivan has been waiting twenty months in jail to be let out and get revenge on the man he believes perpetuated it all. He is now hired at Redemption Ridge and all he has to do is find evidence to bring down the ranch’s owner, Cash. He never expects to be enamored instantly by the equine supervisor Finley Ashe. Finley has a bad record of trying to fix broken men so when Kieran shows up as his newest assistant he knows he’s in trouble. Kieran tries his best to keep his distance from Finley but their connection proves too strong to deny. But will his ulterior motive for being on the ranch destroy what they are building together.
Kieran Sullivan’s backstory broke my heart. He was never given a chance to thrive and instead was taken advantage of around every turn. Kieran knows he should steer clear of Finley because he needs to focus on investigating Cash and because he believes he isn’t good enough for the sunshiney man. Finley proves to be so much more than good looks and Kieran can’t help but become not only physically involved but also emotionally.
Finley had never heard Kieran laugh before and was too eager to experience it to worry that he was the butt of the joke. He pulled his hand back, and laughter tumbled from Kieran’s mouth. It was rich and thick like honey on biscuits, and Finley wanted to lick him up.
Finley Ashe has a bad track record of trying to reform the bad boy. He has not been successful so when he meets the recently released Kieran he thinks history may repeat itself. But Kieran is nothing like men from Finley’s past and Finley decides early on that everyone deserves someone in their corner. He proves to not only be a bright light in Kieran’s life but also a driving force in trying to right the wrongs of the past. Finley and Kieran have so much chemistry that the two coming together is an explosion of heat and adoration.
He was compassionate, intelligent, quick-witted, and competent in everything he did. Finley was the most gorgeous person he’d ever met– inside and out.
Set in Colorado, Guys Like Him, is a strong and beautiful start to the Redemption Ridge series. My heart immediately went out to Kieran who had struggled through so much and needed a strong partner in Finley. I loved seeing their flirtatious banter and moments turn into steamy and intimate scenes. The other workers at Redemption Ridge were great secondary characters and leave readers excited for more stories about them as well (I’m talking to you Ivan). There was just the right amount of angst, action and romance to keep me from being able to put the book down.
5 stars for Kieran learning he is worthy and deserving of Finley Ashe.
writtenechoes's review
3.0
“I’m going to be the man who cherishes everything you are. I won’t make the same mistake as those other guys. They didn’t deserve you, but I will.”
Great premise, but it ultimately fell pretty flat. Kieran is just released from over a year behind bars. He gets a job at a place called Redemption Ridge where many ex-convicts go to work. It’s a ranch with horses and bees and a perfect view of a mountain range. That’s legit all I know about the place. Kieran meets Finley, the enigmatic sweet horse trainer at RR. The first 50% of the book is them being shy around one another and Kieran trying to figure out who set him up since he was wrongfully convicted of stealing a luxury car. Finley has a thing for bad guys but refuses to get involved with Kieran. It’s all pretty predictable. The romance was kind of lacking and these guys didn’t really talk a lot or have much in common besides their instalust for one another. I kind of found myself more intrigued by the mystery of who set Kieran up then by the romance. Which says a lot because I hate mysteries lol.
It was wrapped up pretty much how I thought it would be as well. While I wasn’t blown away by the romance or MC’s, the found family was nice and the setting too. But ultimately this had a lot going on. There’s the mystery of who set Kieran up and and a cult in town that Finley’s ex joined and there’s Kieran that wanted to be an artist but his family was also abusive … it was just a lot and I was just so bored.
I received an arc and this is my honest review.
Great premise, but it ultimately fell pretty flat. Kieran is just released from over a year behind bars. He gets a job at a place called Redemption Ridge where many ex-convicts go to work. It’s a ranch with horses and bees and a perfect view of a mountain range. That’s legit all I know about the place. Kieran meets Finley, the enigmatic sweet horse trainer at RR. The first 50% of the book is them being shy around one another and Kieran trying to figure out who set him up since he was wrongfully convicted of stealing a luxury car. Finley has a thing for bad guys but refuses to get involved with Kieran. It’s all pretty predictable. The romance was kind of lacking and these guys didn’t really talk a lot or have much in common besides their instalust for one another. I kind of found myself more intrigued by the mystery of who set Kieran up then by the romance. Which says a lot because I hate mysteries lol.
It was wrapped up pretty much how I thought it would be as well. While I wasn’t blown away by the romance or MC’s, the found family was nice and the setting too. But ultimately this had a lot going on. There’s the mystery of who set Kieran up and and a cult in town that Finley’s ex joined and there’s Kieran that wanted to be an artist but his family was also abusive … it was just a lot and I was just so bored.
I received an arc and this is my honest review.