Short Take Reviews: The Circle B Ranch Series | Books #0.5 - #4

  

My love for Kennedy Fox continues as I make my way through another series by the writing duo. Having read and loved the Roommates Duets series and the Bishop Brothers series, it was time to move on to the Circle B Ranch. This is a second generation series, featuring the (now grown) kids of the couples in the Bishop Brothers series. I'm so hooked on this ever-growing family and their lives at the sprawling Texas ranch they call home.

ROPING THE COWBOY

Circle B Ranch #0.5

Format: Kindle

Trope(s): Enemies to lovers

Braxton, a new ranch hand at the Circle B Ranch, and Katarina, owner of the local bakery, have a steamy one night stand. The next morning Katarina is embarrassed, kicks Braxton out, and proceeds to act like he doesn't exist. When Braxton retaliates by insulting her bakery offerings, it's all out war. What ensues is a battle of wills and a game of one-upmanship. I wasn't a fan of the pranks they played on each other (it felt pretty juvenile) but there was no denying their chemistry. While neither of the lead characters were Bishop's, this novella was still a fun way to kick off the series and provided a great set-up for Riley Bishop's story in the next book. 3.5 STARS

HITCHING THE COWBOY

Circle B Ranch #1

Format: Kindle

Trope(s): Accidental Vegas wedding

The last thing Riley Bishop expected to get in Vegas was married. But a night of partying and a dare from his best friend resulted in just that. He was even more surprised when Zoey showed up at the ranch several weeks later, wanting to give their relationship a try instead of following through with the annulment. I loved how Riley was so much like his father (Alex from Taming Him, Bishop Brothers #1). Like his father before him, he was steadfast in his feelings for Zoey and was all-in from the beginning, never doubting despite their unorthodox beginning. I wish that Zoey had shared her secret from the start, rather than Riley being blindsided late in the game, but his willingness to be there for her once he had time to adjust made me love him even more. 4 STARS

CATCHING THE COWBOY

Circle B Ranch #2

Format: Audio

Trope(s): Brother's best friend

Diesel has been in love with Rowen Bishop for as long as he can remember. Unfortunately, she is his best friend's sister and decidedly off-limits. When Rowan returns to the ranch after college graduation she finds herself spending time with Diesel and seeing a side of him she's never known. Just as a relationship is on their horizon, Diesel's past catches up to him and changes everything. For years Rowan and Diesel's relationship had been based on sarcasm and insults, and flirting on Diesel's part. Over time, she came to see that Diesel had always been there for her, always looking out for her. Diesel could be a goofball and something of a man-child, but there was nothing childish about his feelings for Rowan. When Diesel manned up to deal with his past (after some initial denial), it went a long way in showing what kind of man he was. 4 STARS

WRANGLING THE COWBOY

Circle B Ranch #3

Format: Kindle

Trope(s): Age gap

Maize Bishop does all the cooking and baking at the Bed & Breakfast on her family's ranch. Her one rule: she never, ever hooks up with anyone who works on the ranch. Gavin has retired from the rodeo and just accepted a position at the ranch. He and Maize meet at the bar and share one night together, but when he shows up at the ranch she pretends not to remember him. Gavin gives her space for a while but enough is enough and he's determined to break down her walls. I struggled a bit with Maize because she gave new meaning to the word stubborn. The way she ran hot and cold with Gavin was unfair and I was glad when Gavin drew the line, took a step back, and made her come to him and woo him for a change. He was steady and mature and wasn't willing to play games. I appreciated his calm demeanor when dealing with Maize's sometimes fiery temper. 4 STARS

BOSSING THE COWBOY

Circle B Ranch #4

Format: Kindle

Trope(s): Single dad, workplace romance

Elle Bishop is on track to become a veterinarian and juggles an internship with Dr. Connor Wallen while attending veterinary school. Elle battles her attraction to Connor even though he is grumpy, taciturn, and sometimes downright rude. Connor has been through a contentious divorce and custody battle and now all he wants is more time with his young daughter. The only way to continue working with Elle is to deny his attraction to her and keep his distance. When Elle graduates and is hired by Connor, the close proximity only intensifies their feelings for one another. The storyline with Connor's daughter really captured my heart and his love and devotion to her was so moving. Seeing Elle and Connor finally admit their feelings to each other had me practically cheering and I appreciated how they became such a team when it came to doing what was best for Connor's little girl. My only quibble was that the first half of the book felt like a rehash of events that took place in previous books, and it was almost the 50% mark before the narrative caught up to where things left off in book #3. 4 STARS

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