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A review by mjlovestoread
Stirring Spurs by M.A. Wardell
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
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
This is my first book from M.A. Wardell and I definitely picked a great one! Stirring Spurs is sweet, funny, heartfelt and has plenty of steam to keep Boone Adams and Wylie Anderson as well as myself, very happy. It's a shorter story but still manages to offer up wonderful feels as these two get to know each other over a few weeks and find the other is exactly what they didn't even know they needed.
I love the idea of a Rainbow Ranch where those who feel like they don't belong will always have a place with the Adams siblings. They run the ranch like a well-oiled machine, each having their duties that showcase their strengths and include opportunities for displaced teens a place to be themselves. I found it very interesting that all 4 siblings are queer in one way or another and it was beyond heartwarming how accepting they are of those who decide they may want a chance at a new life where no one will care who or what they are.
As Wylie takes what he thinks will be a 6-week gig at the most before he moves on to the next job, he finds himself instantly enamored by Boone and the way he is not only a fantastic cook but how well he takes care of everyone who crosses his path. Wylie's shyness only makes him more attractive to Boone who can be a force of nature, no doubt about it. But they balance one another and as they start to spend time together and Wylie starts to use Boone's amazing cake to entice a skittish horse affectionately named Noodles, it's just a matter of time before they declare just how much they love and admire the other.
The Adams/Rainbow Rance family dynamic is just so much fun to witness. They tease each other always with love and the best intentions for one another. They cherish and respect their animals in not having a traditional monthly rodeo but instead one that allows these magnificent creatures to simply be themselves however that may look. And with the way Wylie manages to bring Noodles out of its shell is truly beautiful and only endears himself not just to Boone but to the entire Adams family, including twin brother Beau.
I'm so glad I picked up this book. It's the perfect respite between heavier and much longer reads and showcases Wardell's talent for crafting full stories without having to be overly detailed. Although there is clearly a shorter 'courting' period for Boone and Wylie, I never felt short-changed in grasping their inner thoughts and deep feelings for one another. There's just enough in terms of emotions and secrets revealed that showed what they were all about and what kind of men they both are. Which is why I fell hard for these characters and look forward to more in the Rainbow Ranch series of books.
4 huge stars!
I love the idea of a Rainbow Ranch where those who feel like they don't belong will always have a place with the Adams siblings. They run the ranch like a well-oiled machine, each having their duties that showcase their strengths and include opportunities for displaced teens a place to be themselves. I found it very interesting that all 4 siblings are queer in one way or another and it was beyond heartwarming how accepting they are of those who decide they may want a chance at a new life where no one will care who or what they are.
As Wylie takes what he thinks will be a 6-week gig at the most before he moves on to the next job, he finds himself instantly enamored by Boone and the way he is not only a fantastic cook but how well he takes care of everyone who crosses his path. Wylie's shyness only makes him more attractive to Boone who can be a force of nature, no doubt about it. But they balance one another and as they start to spend time together and Wylie starts to use Boone's amazing cake to entice a skittish horse affectionately named Noodles, it's just a matter of time before they declare just how much they love and admire the other.
The Adams/Rainbow Rance family dynamic is just so much fun to witness. They tease each other always with love and the best intentions for one another. They cherish and respect their animals in not having a traditional monthly rodeo but instead one that allows these magnificent creatures to simply be themselves however that may look. And with the way Wylie manages to bring Noodles out of its shell is truly beautiful and only endears himself not just to Boone but to the entire Adams family, including twin brother Beau.
I'm so glad I picked up this book. It's the perfect respite between heavier and much longer reads and showcases Wardell's talent for crafting full stories without having to be overly detailed. Although there is clearly a shorter 'courting' period for Boone and Wylie, I never felt short-changed in grasping their inner thoughts and deep feelings for one another. There's just enough in terms of emotions and secrets revealed that showed what they were all about and what kind of men they both are. Which is why I fell hard for these characters and look forward to more in the Rainbow Ranch series of books.
4 huge stars!