The Circle B Ranch series was a lot of fun and while I was sorry to see it come to an end, I loved spending time with these characters that I've come to know and love over the span of nine books (actually, thirteen books if you count the Bishop Family Origin series). While I had my favorites characters and favorite books, I always enjoyed spending time at the ranch with the Bishop clan and watching as the family expanded with new spouses and children. Here are my quick thoughts on books five through nine.
by Kennedy Fox
Series: Circle B Ranch #5
Tropes: Friends to Lovers, Fake Dating
There had been a lot of lead-up to Kenzie and Grayson's story. She hated the poor guy and he couldn't figure out why. I wasn't a big fan of their prank war (it felt childish and immature) but I really warmed to them both once they called a truce. When they started to open up and be vulnerable with one another, their relationship really started to develop. I loved Grayson's dogged determination to win Kenzie over, and I appreciated Kenzie's soft center underneath all the stubbornness and sass. 4 stars
by Kennedy Fox
Series: Circle B Ranch #7
Tropes: Love Triangle, Childhood Friends
Hadleigh had been best friends with the Bishop twins, Knox and Kane, all her life. When she and Knox took their harmless flirting to the next level, they kept their hook-ups under wraps. Things took a turn when Kane confessed his feelings for Hadleigh and she found herself caught between the two brothers. This was not one of my favorites in the series because I never felt a strong emotional connection between Hadleigh and the brother she ended up with. Instead, their relationship seemed based on the nonstop sexcapades and how far they pushed their boundaries and experimented. Still it ended as it should and provided a good set-up for the next book. 3.5 stars
by Kennedy Fox
Series: Circle B Ranch #8
Tropes: Age Gap, Sibling's Best Fried
Ivy was an introverted bookworm (fist bump for Ivy) and had a secret crush on Kane Bishop - who happened to be her sister Hadleigh's best friend. There were times the attraction seemed mutual, but the timing was always off. When Ivy finally made her move, Kane was right there returning her feelings. I loved how Ivy was able to be herself around Kane, and she felt seen and heard by him. Kane was a sweetheart and loved it when Ivy read to him (definite book boyfriend material) and it was so rewarding to see him finally find his person. 4.25 stars
by Kennedy Fox
Series: Circle B Ranch #9
Tropes: Friend with Benefits
At 30 years old and no romantic prospects in sight, Kaitlyn Bishop has given up on waiting for the right man. Desperate for a family of her own, she decides to move forward with having a child. She's floored when her best friend, Payton, offers his services. She's not sure it's a good idea, but her desire for a baby is strong enough that she's willing to take the chance. Naturally, they both develop feelings but are too stubborn to admit it. Kaitlyn's single-minded obsession with getting pregnant was a turn-off for me and it really overtook the story. I enjoyed Payton's back story and his devotion to Kaitlyn (even when she seemed blind to it). The epilogue that featured all the couples from the series was a real highlight. 3.5 stars
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