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Bristlecone Springs #2
Marry Me, Maybe?
Hudson Granger was mine for one summer.
And one summer was enough to ruin me for anyone else.
On my father’s ranch, we worked side by side.
Rode hard. Kissed harder.
Between sunburns and sweat, he became my everything.
I told him I loved him before I left for university.
A month later, he married a woman and built a family.
I should’ve let him go.
But the land keeps us tied together.
Now we speak in silences sharp as barbed wire.
Every glance feels like a bullet.
Every day, I hate him a little more.
Every day, I remember how it felt to love him.
Then his world falls apart—wife gone, a three-year-old depending on him, and Hudson barely holding himself together.
And just like that, I’m caught in his gravity again.
Four years ago, we loved each other at the wrong time.
It nearly destroyed me.
Now, with a child between us and old wounds ripped open, do I dare to trust him again?
Marry Me, Maybe? is a second-chance romance about a man who couldn’t believe he was worthy of love and the choices that shattered the one person who already loved him. It’s hurt/comfort wrapped in enemies-to-lovers, tangled with single-dad sweetness, and set in a small town where gossip beats the speed of light. Along the way, expect a flamboyant wedding planner, a no-nonsense sheriff, an infamous hen with her own TikTok following, and two stubborn men learning that love doesn’t always come at the same time, but it’s worth fighting for when it finally does.
Marry Me, Maybe is best read after Aisle Be the Groom by Sage Abbott. Other books in this world include Dear Daddy, Please Love Me by Gianni Holmes.
And one summer was enough to ruin me for anyone else.
On my father’s ranch, we worked side by side.
Rode hard. Kissed harder.
Between sunburns and sweat, he became my everything.
I told him I loved him before I left for university.
A month later, he married a woman and built a family.
I should’ve let him go.
But the land keeps us tied together.
Now we speak in silences sharp as barbed wire.
Every glance feels like a bullet.
Every day, I hate him a little more.
Every day, I remember how it felt to love him.
Then his world falls apart—wife gone, a three-year-old depending on him, and Hudson barely holding himself together.
And just like that, I’m caught in his gravity again.
Four years ago, we loved each other at the wrong time.
It nearly destroyed me.
Now, with a child between us and old wounds ripped open, do I dare to trust him again?
Marry Me, Maybe? is a second-chance romance about a man who couldn’t believe he was worthy of love and the choices that shattered the one person who already loved him. It’s hurt/comfort wrapped in enemies-to-lovers, tangled with single-dad sweetness, and set in a small town where gossip beats the speed of light. Along the way, expect a flamboyant wedding planner, a no-nonsense sheriff, an infamous hen with her own TikTok following, and two stubborn men learning that love doesn’t always come at the same time, but it’s worth fighting for when it finally does.
Marry Me, Maybe is best read after Aisle Be the Groom by Sage Abbott. Other books in this world include Dear Daddy, Please Love Me by Gianni Holmes.
500 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 7, 2025
35 people are currently reading
121 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
October 9, 2025
⭐️
4.5 stars rounded up!
⭐️
Okay so this does warn for this, but I'll go into detail about Hudson with someone else (that results in a child) while he and Matty have just started their...situationship, as it were. It's referred to as cheating a few times, and Matty considered it cheating for awhile, but it's more complicated than that it isn't quite cheating.
It's still, at the end of the day, not a great thing for Hudson to have done, especially keeping it a secret afterward too - would he have ever told Matty about it if Heather hadn't gotten pregnant? Who knows. BUT it isn't actually cheating, at the end of the day.
Here's the details:
So was it cheating? No, it really wasn't. Would it hurt and feel like a betrayal anyway, especially when Hudson didn't tell Matty about it afterward and then Matty had to find out when Heather was pregnant a few months later? Yeah. It also didn't help that Hudson married (or thought he did) Heather right after he found out and told Matty and that was that.
Hudson didn't think he was good enough for Matty, but also he felt every child should have their mother in their lives.
Despite it not being cheating, there's still hurt and things break between them. Matty is rightfully hurt and angry for 4 years after the fact. He is pretty nasty toward Hudson when he sees him but honestly I understood that, and Hudson didn't get to act like the victim.
As much as I get that it wasn't cheating, it was still shitty and Hudson still broke them apart with his choices anyway. It doesn't have to be cheating to be hurtful and shitty.
But it not being cheating is essential to them being able to try at a relationship again, so that's important to me (also I hate MCs cheating on each other so I wouldn't be able to read this is that had happened. Like say they were together all summer and both were getting serious by then and then Hudson slept with Heather outta nowhere - that would 100% be cheating and unforgivable to me.) and for their second chance.
So while some might be more inclined to call it cheating, I don't think it is, and it made it so it was something these two could work through and get past. And their second chance is made clear what it is from the get go and that they're all in this time.
Also, Hudson never even does anything with Heather after they get "married" and he's celibate those 4 years he and Matty are apart. It sucks because by the time the Heather being pregnant bomb was dropped, Hudson was all in with Matty, but it was too late. Although even then Matty would have been open to them being together if Hudson hadn't got and "married' Heather. So even then, Matty would have forgiven him, it seems.
So the first half of this is the "hatred" part between them - one sided, of course - and then truths coming out and them finally getting back together.
The second half is them building their relationship back up and it was wonderful to see.
I was invested in most of it, but I did give .5 stars off because it started to get a bit too long near the end, and even a bit too much sex. Even having several sex scenes in the end that was the lead up to their wedding and the start of their honeymoon was a bit too much. I was started to just get a bit tired of the sex scenes by then before it thankfully ended.
I really loved these two together, but there were plenty of sex scenes and we were just starting to edge on too much by the end. And while I loved their rebuilding of their relationship, I don't think we needed quite as much as we got. Maybe like just 50 or so pages less would have been fine.
Otherwise, though, this was wonderful and I loved it.
Also, I saw some other reviews thinking that Gray's head injury was something he got and then the next day he was fine - nah, y'all clearly didn't read the first book. There's. more time between when he hurts his head and when he gets better, it was just skipped over in this story as it wasn't relevant to Matty and Hudson's story all that much.
I liked Matty in the first book and I was wondering what was going on between him and Hudson, so I was happy to dive into their romance in this book. It's messy, but they climb out the other side stronger than ever, with their daughter Ivy by their side.
Some people seem to really dislike kids in their romance stories, but I don't. I adored Ivy, she was so sweet.
This also moved forward in redeeming Matty's mother and Carter, his brother - although it made a lot of progress with Matty's mother, Carter is another story. It gave a start to it. I don't know if I want a book with him as an MC, though. He was pretty damn awful, so...idk, a lot of redemption would be needed before I cared about him as an MC.
As it is, there are plenty of other characters who need a love story, and I can't wait to get more. I don't know who will be the next MC's, but there's at least two pairings already lined up their own stories, and I can't wait to get them!
Until then! 😘
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
My Ratings for the Bristlecone Springs Series:
✨ Aisle Be The Groom: 5 stars (my review)
✨ Marry Me, Maybe?: 4.5 stars
Okay so this does warn for this, but I'll go into detail about Hudson with someone else (that results in a child) while he and Matty have just started their...situationship, as it were. It's referred to as cheating a few times, and Matty considered it cheating for awhile, but it's more complicated than that it isn't quite cheating.
It's still, at the end of the day, not a great thing for Hudson to have done, especially keeping it a secret afterward too - would he have ever told Matty about it if Heather hadn't gotten pregnant? Who knows. BUT it isn't actually cheating, at the end of the day.
Here's the details:
So was it cheating? No, it really wasn't. Would it hurt and feel like a betrayal anyway, especially when Hudson didn't tell Matty about it afterward and then Matty had to find out when Heather was pregnant a few months later? Yeah. It also didn't help that Hudson married (or thought he did) Heather right after he found out and told Matty and that was that.
Hudson didn't think he was good enough for Matty, but also he felt every child should have their mother in their lives.
Despite it not being cheating, there's still hurt and things break between them. Matty is rightfully hurt and angry for 4 years after the fact. He is pretty nasty toward Hudson when he sees him but honestly I understood that, and Hudson didn't get to act like the victim.
As much as I get that it wasn't cheating, it was still shitty and Hudson still broke them apart with his choices anyway. It doesn't have to be cheating to be hurtful and shitty.
But it not being cheating is essential to them being able to try at a relationship again, so that's important to me (also I hate MCs cheating on each other so I wouldn't be able to read this is that had happened. Like say they were together all summer and both were getting serious by then and then Hudson slept with Heather outta nowhere - that would 100% be cheating and unforgivable to me.) and for their second chance.
So while some might be more inclined to call it cheating, I don't think it is, and it made it so it was something these two could work through and get past. And their second chance is made clear what it is from the get go and that they're all in this time.
Also, Hudson never even does anything with Heather after they get "married" and he's celibate those 4 years he and Matty are apart. It sucks because by the time the Heather being pregnant bomb was dropped, Hudson was all in with Matty, but it was too late. Although even then Matty would have been open to them being together if Hudson hadn't got and "married' Heather. So even then, Matty would have forgiven him, it seems.
So the first half of this is the "hatred" part between them - one sided, of course - and then truths coming out and them finally getting back together.
The second half is them building their relationship back up and it was wonderful to see.
I was invested in most of it, but I did give .5 stars off because it started to get a bit too long near the end, and even a bit too much sex. Even having several sex scenes in the end that was the lead up to their wedding and the start of their honeymoon was a bit too much. I was started to just get a bit tired of the sex scenes by then before it thankfully ended.
I really loved these two together, but there were plenty of sex scenes and we were just starting to edge on too much by the end. And while I loved their rebuilding of their relationship, I don't think we needed quite as much as we got. Maybe like just 50 or so pages less would have been fine.
Otherwise, though, this was wonderful and I loved it.
Also, I saw some other reviews thinking that Gray's head injury was something he got and then the next day he was fine - nah, y'all clearly didn't read the first book. There's. more time between when he hurts his head and when he gets better, it was just skipped over in this story as it wasn't relevant to Matty and Hudson's story all that much.
I liked Matty in the first book and I was wondering what was going on between him and Hudson, so I was happy to dive into their romance in this book. It's messy, but they climb out the other side stronger than ever, with their daughter Ivy by their side.
Some people seem to really dislike kids in their romance stories, but I don't. I adored Ivy, she was so sweet.
This also moved forward in redeeming Matty's mother and Carter, his brother - although it made a lot of progress with Matty's mother, Carter is another story. It gave a start to it. I don't know if I want a book with him as an MC, though. He was pretty damn awful, so...idk, a lot of redemption would be needed before I cared about him as an MC.
As it is, there are plenty of other characters who need a love story, and I can't wait to get more. I don't know who will be the next MC's, but there's at least two pairings already lined up their own stories, and I can't wait to get them!
Until then! 😘
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
My Ratings for the Bristlecone Springs Series:
✨ Aisle Be The Groom: 5 stars (my review)
✨ Marry Me, Maybe?: 4.5 stars
Currently reading
October 5, 2025This is an updated version to address a question that has arisen from a couple of ARC's. The common thread is that readers are skipping book 1 which is recommended before reading book 2.
The first part of Marry, Me, Maybe? runs on the same timeline as book 1. As a result professional judgment was used in not reiterating events that have no impact on book 2 but happened in book 1. As it is the same timeline, these events may appear only as much as it is relevant to the current book. Readers who follow the recommendation to read book 1 first will not have this question.
Content Warning for Marry Me, Maybe? can be found in the spoilers.
The first part of Marry, Me, Maybe? runs on the same timeline as book 1. As a result professional judgment was used in not reiterating events that have no impact on book 2 but happened in book 1. As it is the same timeline, these events may appear only as much as it is relevant to the current book. Readers who follow the recommendation to read book 1 first will not have this question.
Content Warning for Marry Me, Maybe? can be found in the spoilers.
October 4, 2025
After reading the first book in this series and already knowing the basics behind Hudson and Matts fall out, I was a bit hesitant to start reading. Especially since Matt seemed to be a very one dimensional character: impatient, very easy to jump to negative conclusions and just not very interesting.
In this book we get a more detailed explanation of why Matt behaves like he does and also how different he really is. I also think this is one of the first books I read with a character who is so open about loving sex at such a young age. Not sure if all the references to the former foreman were that necessary but still.
I liked a lot about this book. (Not the disappearing mother and interfering other mother of course, why are women always either complete angels or incredibly bad parents in this subgenre?) The love Hudson has for his daughter, the way Matt wanted to take care of them. The very present smut 😬🤣
And that was just the thing: they get together pretty quick, and all seems to be working out around 50%. So… what happens in the rest of the book? I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop. And… that doesn’t happen. So that was really nice about this story: even after the whole will they won’t they is over half way through the book, the rest is lovely without getting boring. And not just because it wasn’t so smutty. There’s still a lot more going on, it’s just not unnecessary drama. So this book was a lot closer to 5 stars than to 3 stars for me. (Not totally 5 stars though because of the cliches that were used in a lot of situations and the one dimensional side characters). Oe and I need to add one thing: a grown man who makes up the pet name “Huddlebug” 🤣😍 And another very though guy apparently liking that? Very, very cute (and probably not realistic) 🤣❤️
Anyway, I might reread again (and then not right after the first one because that took away some of the shine too because it made me dislike Matt too much). And I definitely recommend this book because it’s so lovely.
Thanks to GRR and the author for the ARC!
In this book we get a more detailed explanation of why Matt behaves like he does and also how different he really is. I also think this is one of the first books I read with a character who is so open about loving sex at such a young age. Not sure if all the references to the former foreman were that necessary but still.
I liked a lot about this book. (Not the disappearing mother and interfering other mother of course, why are women always either complete angels or incredibly bad parents in this subgenre?) The love Hudson has for his daughter, the way Matt wanted to take care of them. The very present smut 😬🤣
And that was just the thing: they get together pretty quick, and all seems to be working out around 50%. So… what happens in the rest of the book? I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop. And… that doesn’t happen. So that was really nice about this story: even after the whole will they won’t they is over half way through the book, the rest is lovely without getting boring. And not just because it wasn’t so smutty. There’s still a lot more going on, it’s just not unnecessary drama. So this book was a lot closer to 5 stars than to 3 stars for me. (Not totally 5 stars though because of the cliches that were used in a lot of situations and the one dimensional side characters). Oe and I need to add one thing: a grown man who makes up the pet name “Huddlebug” 🤣😍 And another very though guy apparently liking that? Very, very cute (and probably not realistic) 🤣❤️
Anyway, I might reread again (and then not right after the first one because that took away some of the shine too because it made me dislike Matt too much). And I definitely recommend this book because it’s so lovely.
Thanks to GRR and the author for the ARC!
October 14, 2025
4,5 stars
Marry Me, Maybe is the second book in the Bristlecone Springs series by Sage Abbott. This is the story of Hudson and Matty. I loved their story. Their story was full of feels, sweet, sexy and very well written.
Marry Me, Maybe is the second book in the Bristlecone Springs series by Sage Abbott. This is the story of Hudson and Matty. I loved their story. Their story was full of feels, sweet, sexy and very well written.
October 7, 2025
4.25 stars. Oh boy, Matt/Matty hates Hudson! He broke his heart four years ago and what he did is unforgivable!
Hudson is one of the hands at Gray’s farm. You can find Gray and Ozzie’s story in book one.
Matty returned to the farm after university. He’s the heir to the farm; he runs it together with his dad.
Damn, Hudson is still working there and he has to undergo all the venom Matty throws at him.
Hudson knows he hurt him, Matt told him he loved him just before he left for university. Hudson married a woman a month later and started a family. Matt will never forgive him, that’s for sure!
The glue to their quarrels is Hudson’s three-year-old daughter, Ivy, an adorable little girl.
Hudson’s wife left them suddenly, and he and Ivy end up in a crisis. Matty, Ozzie, and Gray are there for them.
After some hurtful interactions between both men, Matty understands he has to listen to what Hudson has to say.
A lot is going on in this story, it’s not only about Matty and Hudson. There are a few other matters passing the stage.
It’s a widely written story, and I loved that the hostility lasted longer than just a few pages. I felt sorry for Hudson, Matty loves hard but also hates hard.
Family matters, old pains, hurtful experiences from the past, small town life, it’s all here, and all entertaining. The story, for me, was a bit dragging after 50%, but that was quickly over.
I loved the down-to-earth attitudes from most characters, and the decent amount of respect.
The writing was wonderfully done, it was clear and entertaining.
Review also on Love Bytes LGBTQ reviews
Hudson is one of the hands at Gray’s farm. You can find Gray and Ozzie’s story in book one.
Matty returned to the farm after university. He’s the heir to the farm; he runs it together with his dad.
Damn, Hudson is still working there and he has to undergo all the venom Matty throws at him.
Hudson knows he hurt him, Matt told him he loved him just before he left for university. Hudson married a woman a month later and started a family. Matt will never forgive him, that’s for sure!
The glue to their quarrels is Hudson’s three-year-old daughter, Ivy, an adorable little girl.
Hudson’s wife left them suddenly, and he and Ivy end up in a crisis. Matty, Ozzie, and Gray are there for them.
After some hurtful interactions between both men, Matty understands he has to listen to what Hudson has to say.
A lot is going on in this story, it’s not only about Matty and Hudson. There are a few other matters passing the stage.
It’s a widely written story, and I loved that the hostility lasted longer than just a few pages. I felt sorry for Hudson, Matty loves hard but also hates hard.
Family matters, old pains, hurtful experiences from the past, small town life, it’s all here, and all entertaining. The story, for me, was a bit dragging after 50%, but that was quickly over.
I loved the down-to-earth attitudes from most characters, and the decent amount of respect.
The writing was wonderfully done, it was clear and entertaining.
Review also on Love Bytes LGBTQ reviews
December 12, 2025
Ok so big fan of the overall dynamic, and I knew I was in for it when Hudson and Matty pretty much resolved 99% of the issues by the 50% point, but there was something about the pacing that didn't work for me idk i also felt like individually they were both going through so much outside of each other, it just felt like a lot!
October 6, 2025
Hudson is a single father to a 3 year old little girl, Ivy. Her mother, his wife, is no longer in the picture and Hudson is ok about that. However he needs to work very hard to afford all of the specialized care she needs. Now one of her speech therapists is leaving and he needs a new one and they are more expensive but he will do everything and anything for his little girl. Hudson has not had a simple life the last four years. He works on a ranch and four years ago he fell for Matthew, the ranch owner's son. They were in deep love for the summer and then Matty went back to school and Hudson had a relationship and the next thing he knows she is pregnant. He does the right thing and he marries her. He has no relationship with his own family due to things that happened when he was younger and the fallout was too much for him to respect his parents. He respects Gray and the ranch he is running but now that Matty is back and taking a bigger piece of running the ranch this adds more to Hudson's stress.
Matty runs into Ivy in the grocery store and she is all alone. He knows that Hudson is her father and she for some reason trusts Matty to keep her safe. He does what all do and buys her sweets. When Hudson catches up to Ivy she does not want to leave Matty's arms. So Matty tells him to continue his shopping and he will watch her. Matty does not know what draws him to Ivy for she represents a bitter time in his life. He could not believe Hudson got married while so soon after he left for college. Matty is not completely oblivious and he notices in the groceries that Hudson buys himself minimal and Ivy gets the best of everything. When he stops in at Hudson's house he looks around and realizes things are not as he expected. Hudson is struggling to stay afloat and the apple of his eye needs for nothing. Matty makes a choice.
Will Hudson accept the help of Matty? Will they decide to pick up where they left off? What does Matty find out about Hudson's marriage? Will Hudson hear a story about Matty he can not let go? Does Hudson share his difficult past with Matty that includes not only his parents, but Matty's own mother? Will Gray be okay with Hudson and his son? Can the two of them form a bond that can not be broken by anyone or thing? Does Ivy get the parents she always needed?
This series is brilliant! I am waiting for the next book in the series and feel we are getting some hints as to who is going to be next.
Matty runs into Ivy in the grocery store and she is all alone. He knows that Hudson is her father and she for some reason trusts Matty to keep her safe. He does what all do and buys her sweets. When Hudson catches up to Ivy she does not want to leave Matty's arms. So Matty tells him to continue his shopping and he will watch her. Matty does not know what draws him to Ivy for she represents a bitter time in his life. He could not believe Hudson got married while so soon after he left for college. Matty is not completely oblivious and he notices in the groceries that Hudson buys himself minimal and Ivy gets the best of everything. When he stops in at Hudson's house he looks around and realizes things are not as he expected. Hudson is struggling to stay afloat and the apple of his eye needs for nothing. Matty makes a choice.
Will Hudson accept the help of Matty? Will they decide to pick up where they left off? What does Matty find out about Hudson's marriage? Will Hudson hear a story about Matty he can not let go? Does Hudson share his difficult past with Matty that includes not only his parents, but Matty's own mother? Will Gray be okay with Hudson and his son? Can the two of them form a bond that can not be broken by anyone or thing? Does Ivy get the parents she always needed?
This series is brilliant! I am waiting for the next book in the series and feel we are getting some hints as to who is going to be next.
October 16, 2025
MY OPINION: This is the second book in the series. I am glad I read these in order but I don’t think it is necessary. We do see quite a bit of Gray and Ozzie from book one and the knowledge of their past is helpful.
In this book, we are being told the story of the Gray’s younger son, Matty. He had spent a summer with one of the ranch hands, and his heart got involved. Unfortunately, Hudson hadn’t taken it seriously, and by the time he realized the feelings were there for him too, his heart had been broken. Plus there was the little problem of Hudson getting someone pregnant.
Most of the book is four years later, and they give it a second chance. The chemistry is still there and their hearts still call to each other. Hudson finds himself a single father struggling and Matty finds himself wanting these two to become part of his family. Together the three of them find a path that is filled with love, and patience.
One of the things that I think make this story unique is that where the book would typically end with an HEA, Sage takes us through what happens next. It was wonderful to see how their love turns into being dads. After the ‘I love yous’ we see them settle into a life as dads, how they fix damaged relationships, and slice-of-life moments where there is fear and hurt.
Reading the parts after falling in love was a nice change from a typical romance book. It added quite a bit of length, but the pacing is so perfect you don’t notice. There are a lot of times I want to know what happens next, and this gives us a lot of that. I really enjoyed this book, and can’t wait for the next one.
There are plenty of stand out moments. Hudson’s daughter is adorable, and the two men caring for her are sweet as can be. There is a little overlap between these books in the timeline, so we see Ozzie and Gray from a little bit of a different perspective. This is a gossipy small town, which is addressed. You also have a single dad, an age gap, and it’s all country. Matty is the boss’s son, which also creates prejudice amongst the other hands. It is worth noting that this book is SPICY. Plenty of moments between these two; they simply can’t keep their hands off each other, and we are privy to a lot of it.
Overall, it's a great book, and you should put it on your TBR; you won’t be disappointed in the writing or the story.
In this book, we are being told the story of the Gray’s younger son, Matty. He had spent a summer with one of the ranch hands, and his heart got involved. Unfortunately, Hudson hadn’t taken it seriously, and by the time he realized the feelings were there for him too, his heart had been broken. Plus there was the little problem of Hudson getting someone pregnant.
Most of the book is four years later, and they give it a second chance. The chemistry is still there and their hearts still call to each other. Hudson finds himself a single father struggling and Matty finds himself wanting these two to become part of his family. Together the three of them find a path that is filled with love, and patience.
One of the things that I think make this story unique is that where the book would typically end with an HEA, Sage takes us through what happens next. It was wonderful to see how their love turns into being dads. After the ‘I love yous’ we see them settle into a life as dads, how they fix damaged relationships, and slice-of-life moments where there is fear and hurt.
Reading the parts after falling in love was a nice change from a typical romance book. It added quite a bit of length, but the pacing is so perfect you don’t notice. There are a lot of times I want to know what happens next, and this gives us a lot of that. I really enjoyed this book, and can’t wait for the next one.
There are plenty of stand out moments. Hudson’s daughter is adorable, and the two men caring for her are sweet as can be. There is a little overlap between these books in the timeline, so we see Ozzie and Gray from a little bit of a different perspective. This is a gossipy small town, which is addressed. You also have a single dad, an age gap, and it’s all country. Matty is the boss’s son, which also creates prejudice amongst the other hands. It is worth noting that this book is SPICY. Plenty of moments between these two; they simply can’t keep their hands off each other, and we are privy to a lot of it.
Overall, it's a great book, and you should put it on your TBR; you won’t be disappointed in the writing or the story.
October 2, 2025
This book was... a LOT.
This is Matty and Hudson's romance. Matty is Gray's other son (the one whose fiance he DIDN'T sleep with), and Hudson is a ranch hand. They had a summer fling when Matty was 18. After which Hudson got a local girl pregnant & married her because of the child. The story begins when Matty returns to the family ranch 4 years later - after college. He and Hudson were in love, and Hudson ruined it with the marriage. There's a LOT of emotion A lot of angst and pining and jealousy and anger from both of them. A lot of twists and turns to finally get to the truth. It takes a good 50-60% of the book before they reconcile. Once they do, the spice is high, and they slide bumpily along into their hard won HEA.
This is the 2nd in the Bristlecone Springs series - the same townfolk from the first book show up here again. Gray and Ozzie play a large part in this story as well (with just a bit of Carter). It is suggested that you read the first book before you read this one, and while it certainly helps (Gray and Ozzie's back story is important), it might be possible to dive into this one without having done that - but you SHOULD read the 1st one because it's darned good. This is second chances and found family.
There's a child in this book - Ivy. She's 3. And it's the child that's the reason I gave this book 4 stars instead of 5 (well, the child and the part where Gray gets kicked in the head by a horse, but is apparently 100% fine the next day...yeah, no.) Ivy spends the first 60% of the book almost mute. But she starts to talk for the rest of it...and she never shuts up. You know how a parent or a grandparent is so enamored by their child that it's all they can talk about/all they can think about? The last part of this book felt that way. Yes, your child is cute, but no, I do NOT need to see/hear every single thing that child says/does, because while YOU are fascinated with them, the rest of us are not. Anyhow, just my opinion - I felt the last half of the book suffered from too-much-Ivy.
Anyhow, I'm looking forward to the next book.
This is Matty and Hudson's romance. Matty is Gray's other son (the one whose fiance he DIDN'T sleep with), and Hudson is a ranch hand. They had a summer fling when Matty was 18. After which Hudson got a local girl pregnant & married her because of the child. The story begins when Matty returns to the family ranch 4 years later - after college. He and Hudson were in love, and Hudson ruined it with the marriage. There's a LOT of emotion A lot of angst and pining and jealousy and anger from both of them. A lot of twists and turns to finally get to the truth. It takes a good 50-60% of the book before they reconcile. Once they do, the spice is high, and they slide bumpily along into their hard won HEA.
This is the 2nd in the Bristlecone Springs series - the same townfolk from the first book show up here again. Gray and Ozzie play a large part in this story as well (with just a bit of Carter). It is suggested that you read the first book before you read this one, and while it certainly helps (Gray and Ozzie's back story is important), it might be possible to dive into this one without having done that - but you SHOULD read the 1st one because it's darned good. This is second chances and found family.
There's a child in this book - Ivy. She's 3. And it's the child that's the reason I gave this book 4 stars instead of 5 (well, the child and the part where Gray gets kicked in the head by a horse, but is apparently 100% fine the next day...yeah, no.) Ivy spends the first 60% of the book almost mute. But she starts to talk for the rest of it...and she never shuts up. You know how a parent or a grandparent is so enamored by their child that it's all they can talk about/all they can think about? The last part of this book felt that way. Yes, your child is cute, but no, I do NOT need to see/hear every single thing that child says/does, because while YOU are fascinated with them, the rest of us are not. Anyhow, just my opinion - I felt the last half of the book suffered from too-much-Ivy.
Anyhow, I'm looking forward to the next book.
October 11, 2025
We first met Matty in book 1 of the series - he's the son of one of the MCs/brother of the absent fiance - and he was a pretty unlikable dude. He's got a chip on his shoulder the size of a boulder, and he's hiding behind his hurt and his anger and using them as an excuse to lash out. His primary target? Hudson Granger - a ranch hand he shared one incredible summer with before Hudson broke his heart by marrying a woman from town. This book doesn't shy away from pain, regret, or the hard work of forgiveness (no apology and everything works out just fine here). This is heartbreak and healing, and raw, believable emotion.
Considering how unbelievably cruel Matty is to Hudson in the beginning of this book, his transformation into a lovable character is an amazing feat by the author. Some of his actions in the first third of the book made me furious. I wanted to throw my kindle, or yell at Matty myself. Hudson's humiliation and hurt will make you physically ache for him, and you'll question why he allows himself to be treated that way. But under Matty's hate and Hudson's need for penance, there's a razor-sharp tension between them, and their past is a constant ghost in every scene. That's what makes Matty's redemption arc so satisfying. Watching him finally stop trying to hurt Hudson, watching him figure out that he was also hurting himself, was one of the more cathartic turns I've ever read.
This isn't a light and fluffy romance. There's an HEA, for sure, but along the way, they will nagivate grief and trauma, shame and fear, and how all of that can twist love into something painful. But their love story also shows how love, patience and a little bit of self-awareness can help untangle the pain and uncover something honest and long-lasting. Their happy ever after is hard-earned, deeply real, and incredibly healing.
The author built on the emotional groundwork and backstory from the first book, so you have to ready it first. But if you like your romances filled with redemption, hard-earned HEAs, and second chances that hurt before they heal, this is the book for you.
[I received an advanced copy of this book. All reviews and ratings are my own.]
Considering how unbelievably cruel Matty is to Hudson in the beginning of this book, his transformation into a lovable character is an amazing feat by the author. Some of his actions in the first third of the book made me furious. I wanted to throw my kindle, or yell at Matty myself. Hudson's humiliation and hurt will make you physically ache for him, and you'll question why he allows himself to be treated that way. But under Matty's hate and Hudson's need for penance, there's a razor-sharp tension between them, and their past is a constant ghost in every scene. That's what makes Matty's redemption arc so satisfying. Watching him finally stop trying to hurt Hudson, watching him figure out that he was also hurting himself, was one of the more cathartic turns I've ever read.
This isn't a light and fluffy romance. There's an HEA, for sure, but along the way, they will nagivate grief and trauma, shame and fear, and how all of that can twist love into something painful. But their love story also shows how love, patience and a little bit of self-awareness can help untangle the pain and uncover something honest and long-lasting. Their happy ever after is hard-earned, deeply real, and incredibly healing.
The author built on the emotional groundwork and backstory from the first book, so you have to ready it first. But if you like your romances filled with redemption, hard-earned HEAs, and second chances that hurt before they heal, this is the book for you.
[I received an advanced copy of this book. All reviews and ratings are my own.]
October 19, 2025
Marry Me Maybe - Sage Abbot
5/5
I discovered Sage last year when I read The Nerd -& The Ex-Con. I read the first book of this series with Matt’s father and absolutely knew I had to read this book. I didn’t think was going to like this book as much as I did. I will say that you need to read the first book before getting into this one because it does feature Gray and Ozzie’s story.
In the beginning, Matt is such a grump but what do you expect from him. He is so angry at the world because the love of his life (in Matt’s eyes) cheated on him and married the woman he got pregnant four years ago. I normally don’t like cheating in a story, but man, when you get to learn what happens and down to the nit and gritty, this book sucks you in so hard!
Hudson’s wife leaves him with their daughter and that’s when things start to get rough. I got so mad at Matt when Hudson had found out because Matt was being ridiculous.
When the two do get together and I feel like Ivy, Hudson’s daughter, had a huge part in it, I fall so in love with this book. All Matt wants to do is take care of Matt and Ivy.
I love how Matt called Hudson called Huddlebug like that is probably the cutest nickname known to be. Also, the spice scenes…. My goodness, I was not expecting it to get hot in here like that!
God, the scene that broke me was when Gray what happened to his son. He felt like the worst father. Also, I loved how well Ozzie was with Ivy and how welcoming Ozzie and Gray were to bringing in Hudson and Ivy. I don’t like Hudson’s parents because what they did to him was just god awful.
I have a feeling we might get a redemption arc with Matt’s brother and I’m so here for it. Also, there are so many characters in this book that I want books for. I loved all the side characters even Ms. Cluck. That hen had me laughing so much and that wedding scene had me giggling.
I could go on and on about this book, but I’m going to say is read it! This book was so good that I devoured it in a day and a half.
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.
5/5
I discovered Sage last year when I read The Nerd -& The Ex-Con. I read the first book of this series with Matt’s father and absolutely knew I had to read this book. I didn’t think was going to like this book as much as I did. I will say that you need to read the first book before getting into this one because it does feature Gray and Ozzie’s story.
In the beginning, Matt is such a grump but what do you expect from him. He is so angry at the world because the love of his life (in Matt’s eyes) cheated on him and married the woman he got pregnant four years ago. I normally don’t like cheating in a story, but man, when you get to learn what happens and down to the nit and gritty, this book sucks you in so hard!
Hudson’s wife leaves him with their daughter and that’s when things start to get rough. I got so mad at Matt when Hudson had found out because Matt was being ridiculous.
When the two do get together and I feel like Ivy, Hudson’s daughter, had a huge part in it, I fall so in love with this book. All Matt wants to do is take care of Matt and Ivy.
I love how Matt called Hudson called Huddlebug like that is probably the cutest nickname known to be. Also, the spice scenes…. My goodness, I was not expecting it to get hot in here like that!
God, the scene that broke me was when Gray what happened to his son. He felt like the worst father. Also, I loved how well Ozzie was with Ivy and how welcoming Ozzie and Gray were to bringing in Hudson and Ivy. I don’t like Hudson’s parents because what they did to him was just god awful.
I have a feeling we might get a redemption arc with Matt’s brother and I’m so here for it. Also, there are so many characters in this book that I want books for. I loved all the side characters even Ms. Cluck. That hen had me laughing so much and that wedding scene had me giggling.
I could go on and on about this book, but I’m going to say is read it! This book was so good that I devoured it in a day and a half.
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.
October 11, 2025
Matty and Hudson's romance was an emotional second chance story. The two of them had fiery chemistry from their first meeting, but life threw them some curveballs that set them on different paths. One of the things I really enjoy about second chance romances is watching the leads work through and forgive each other for the events that originally caused their separation. In Hudson and Matty's case, that pain was especially potent since neither man had communicated beyond grunts and growls in the four years they'd been apart but forced into proximity. Ironically, it was Hudson's daughter Ivy who became the bridge for the softening of their tension, and once Matty's protective nature was unleashed I knew there was no way he could walk away from the pair of them. Matty and Hudson's love for each other ran deep, and it was really cathartic to see them get to a place where they could move on and reconnect as partners. Their stolen steamy moments were hot as heck, and I don't think it's possible for two souls to burn more brightly in each other's presence than they did. Beyond their romantic love, seeing Matty and Hudson be Daddies to sweet little Ivy was the most precious thing in the world. I could not get enough of their family time, and seeing the way the three of them healed the scars on each other's hearts was wonderfully uplifting. I won't say that Hudson and Matty's romance was completely smooth sailing -- they had some bumps in the road as they reestablished their bond and learned more about each other's pasts -- but at its core this book was a sweet and happy journey. After building up their foundation, Matty and Hudson's romance felt solid for the remainder of the book, and the focus became about the two of them securing the future they wanted for themselves.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
October 15, 2025
I would like to thank GRR for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
I really enjoyed this second installment in the Bristlecone Springs series! Marry Me, Maybe? was exciting, dramatic, full of feelings, and all of my emotions were squeezing my insides.
I'm not usually a "single-dad" romance kinda gal, but Ivy was the sweetest most darling little one, and Matt being the biggest softie for her made me M E L T ! The town and the ranch showed UP in this book, and I was very moved by how substantial each aching inch of security and safety that Hudson and Ivy received made my insides feel like I was the one being saved from despair.
My heart was burning and in constant shivery quivers going along with Matt and Hudson's love journey. It was so tough but so soooo good when they got their second chance at their happily ever after.
I'm choking up rn thinking about Hudson going at his excruciating life the way he had to because his family were toxic trash-holes, and both his daughter and Matt's mothers were hideous humans. But I rode the rollercoaster of heightened emotions because Sage/Gianni delivers soap-opera drama like nobody's business and I went full-throttle into the spiral!
The HORSES and RANCH + hero-action also added to the list of things that were amazing to read, with hurts to heal, honour to defend, justice to be had, new love stories on the horizon, all kinds of scum run out of town, BESTEST-DAD ENERGY GALORE, and the kind of HEA that had me crying for more Bristlecone Springs as soon as this romance wrapped!
Hitched with Benefits (Bristlecone Springs Book 3) can't come soon enough, because this sweet and sexy, heart squeezing romance was hurt/comfort scrumptious and I'll always say YES to more of everything this was!
I really enjoyed this second installment in the Bristlecone Springs series! Marry Me, Maybe? was exciting, dramatic, full of feelings, and all of my emotions were squeezing my insides.
I'm not usually a "single-dad" romance kinda gal, but Ivy was the sweetest most darling little one, and Matt being the biggest softie for her made me M E L T ! The town and the ranch showed UP in this book, and I was very moved by how substantial each aching inch of security and safety that Hudson and Ivy received made my insides feel like I was the one being saved from despair.
My heart was burning and in constant shivery quivers going along with Matt and Hudson's love journey. It was so tough but so soooo good when they got their second chance at their happily ever after.
I'm choking up rn thinking about Hudson going at his excruciating life the way he had to because his family were toxic trash-holes, and both his daughter and Matt's mothers were hideous humans. But I rode the rollercoaster of heightened emotions because Sage/Gianni delivers soap-opera drama like nobody's business and I went full-throttle into the spiral!
The HORSES and RANCH + hero-action also added to the list of things that were amazing to read, with hurts to heal, honour to defend, justice to be had, new love stories on the horizon, all kinds of scum run out of town, BESTEST-DAD ENERGY GALORE, and the kind of HEA that had me crying for more Bristlecone Springs as soon as this romance wrapped!
Hitched with Benefits (Bristlecone Springs Book 3) can't come soon enough, because this sweet and sexy, heart squeezing romance was hurt/comfort scrumptious and I'll always say YES to more of everything this was!
October 18, 2025
ARC Review:
Marry Me Maybe is book 2 of the Bristlecone Springs Series. I recommend reading book one for a better experience. This one follows Hudson and Matty. Lovers to enemies to lovers.
Before reading I knew there was going to be a lot of heartbreak but goodness it was so sad. I couldn’t help but feel for them.
Hudson is 6 years older than Matty they met 4 years ago when Hudson started working at the ranch. Matty immediately was attracted to him knowing he was special they had a summer fling that ended up breaking both of their hearts. Hudson at the time was running from a past he was ashamed of. He didn’t feel worthy enough. Confused about his feelings and not feeling worthy he got drunk and slept with the town wh*re. She ended up pregnant and he married her right away breaking Mattys heart. Through out the years his only priority was his daughter Ivy, he was struggling financially, and ended up being a single parent. He was going through a lot and Matty being at the ranch and being so hateful and cruel didn’t help at all. Matty was hurting and he was latching out. Those interactions were so heartbreaking. When Matty finally decides to hear Hudson out and start over it opens old wounds and he discovers Hudson’s past. It’s tough they got a lot to work on plus some obstacles in their way but they definitely don’t give up. Their journey was long, there was a lot of hurting which made their HEA so worth it.
Oh and Hudson’s little girl? She’s just adorable and has everyone wrapped around her little fingers.
Marry Me Maybe is book 2 of the Bristlecone Springs Series. I recommend reading book one for a better experience. This one follows Hudson and Matty. Lovers to enemies to lovers.
Before reading I knew there was going to be a lot of heartbreak but goodness it was so sad. I couldn’t help but feel for them.
Hudson is 6 years older than Matty they met 4 years ago when Hudson started working at the ranch. Matty immediately was attracted to him knowing he was special they had a summer fling that ended up breaking both of their hearts. Hudson at the time was running from a past he was ashamed of. He didn’t feel worthy enough. Confused about his feelings and not feeling worthy he got drunk and slept with the town wh*re. She ended up pregnant and he married her right away breaking Mattys heart. Through out the years his only priority was his daughter Ivy, he was struggling financially, and ended up being a single parent. He was going through a lot and Matty being at the ranch and being so hateful and cruel didn’t help at all. Matty was hurting and he was latching out. Those interactions were so heartbreaking. When Matty finally decides to hear Hudson out and start over it opens old wounds and he discovers Hudson’s past. It’s tough they got a lot to work on plus some obstacles in their way but they definitely don’t give up. Their journey was long, there was a lot of hurting which made their HEA so worth it.
Oh and Hudson’s little girl? She’s just adorable and has everyone wrapped around her little fingers.
October 8, 2025
This is a story about Matty and Hudson Granger, two former lovers whose passionate summer romance ended in heartbreak, only for fate to bring them back together years later. Matty fell deeply in love with Hudson while they worked on his father's ranch, but a month after Matty left for university, Hudson married a woman and started a family. This betrayal left Matty emotionally scarred. Although they have been estranged and filled with mutual resentment, they remain tied to the same land. Four years later, Hudson's world collapses: his wife is gone, and he's left with a three-year-old child. Matty is pulled back into Hudson's life and his orbit of pain. The summary sets up a dramatic second-chance romance, questioning whether Matty can risk trusting Hudson again after the past near-destroyed him, especially now that a child is involved.
I loved this story with the two men who were perfect for each other but kept apart due to expectations or real life events. Now after reconnecting they have a second chance and Hudson's daughter Ivy was at the centre. A very adorable story which will make you smile. All of the characters at Bristlecone Springs are wonderful and I can't wait to find out what happens next. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.
I loved this story with the two men who were perfect for each other but kept apart due to expectations or real life events. Now after reconnecting they have a second chance and Hudson's daughter Ivy was at the centre. A very adorable story which will make you smile. All of the characters at Bristlecone Springs are wonderful and I can't wait to find out what happens next. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.
October 19, 2025
Ever read a book and you just wanted it to never end? This book was like that for me. I loved Matty, Hudson and Ivy. The three of them were just so perfect together.
I didn’t like Matty much in the first book because he was such a jerk to his dad, Ozzie, and especially Hudson. But reading his story, I can totally understand why he was like that. Losing the love of your life and seeing him every day wasn’t easy for him.
That still doesn’t excuse his behavior but I understand it better. He was broken hearted and didn’t know how else to vent his anger. He loved Hudson so much it hurt.
Hudson realized too late how much he loved Matty but he couldn’t change his current situation. His daughter, however the circumstances of how she came about, was everything to him. He would do anything to make sure she was safe and happy.
It sucked they were apart for four years but without that time separated, they wouldn’t have their beautiful daughter. It all happened the way it was supposed to and that’s something they could never regret.
I lover their journey back to each other. It wasn’t easy for Matty to forgive Hudson and rightly so but he also knew that his love for Hudson would never fade. It took them a while, but it was worth the wait.
I’m so in love with this series. I can’t wait for the next book!
I didn’t like Matty much in the first book because he was such a jerk to his dad, Ozzie, and especially Hudson. But reading his story, I can totally understand why he was like that. Losing the love of your life and seeing him every day wasn’t easy for him.
That still doesn’t excuse his behavior but I understand it better. He was broken hearted and didn’t know how else to vent his anger. He loved Hudson so much it hurt.
Hudson realized too late how much he loved Matty but he couldn’t change his current situation. His daughter, however the circumstances of how she came about, was everything to him. He would do anything to make sure she was safe and happy.
It sucked they were apart for four years but without that time separated, they wouldn’t have their beautiful daughter. It all happened the way it was supposed to and that’s something they could never regret.
I lover their journey back to each other. It wasn’t easy for Matty to forgive Hudson and rightly so but he also knew that his love for Hudson would never fade. It took them a while, but it was worth the wait.
I’m so in love with this series. I can’t wait for the next book!
October 3, 2025
OH MY EFFING GOD! This book had all the feels and a spice level through the roof. Ever since I read the first book in this series, I've been thinking about what happened with side characters Matty and Hudson. Now with this book I know and it was everything I was hoping for. Matty and Hudson had an intense summerlong relationship 4 years ago that ended with Hudson married to a woman with a child on the way. The marriage was a huge mistake for Hudson but it also gave him his daughter Ivy. He knows he broke Matty's heart and that's why Matty is such a a-hole to him all the time on the ranch. Matty loved Hudson deeply and doesn't know how to let go of his rage about the betrayal. When Hudson's troubled wife leaves him, all of their feelings and past regrets come back with a vengeance. This book had me bouncing between crying and hot under the collar as these two MCs work through their baggage. And once they get together they are so devoted to one another and it's a joy to read. There are definitely some heavy themes her around family dynamics, substance abuse, and an SA in the past; so please heed the content warnings. But I was surprised with how deeply this story touched me and I am anxiously awaiting the next book in the series.
October 4, 2025
Book 2 in the bristlecone springs series.
It is recommended you read book one first however I jumped straight into this one and to be honest I didn’t really feel like I was missing too much.
This book follows Matty and Hudson as they find their way back to one another after four years. I didn’t like the way Matty treated Hudson at the beginning of this book he wasn’t the nicest person and everything was about him without any real attempt at trying to understand the whole picture.
Once they got over their rubbish I loved the relationship they built including the relationship Matty built with Ivy.
Matty and Hudsons relationship was hot it was swoony and had me at times giggling like a schoolgirl over a naughty word lol.
This story did have a couple things I would have liked if explained/included those are:
1. an injury sustained that seemed to magically fix itself the next day. There needed to be some more information about timing because that injury doesn’t seem like on that could have been that quickly resolved.
2. I really would have liked to see Hudson and his family make some kind of reconnection. There’s an attempt but it was oddly timed.
Who knows maybe the second one will be addressed more in the next book through them being side characters but we’ll see.
It is recommended you read book one first however I jumped straight into this one and to be honest I didn’t really feel like I was missing too much.
This book follows Matty and Hudson as they find their way back to one another after four years. I didn’t like the way Matty treated Hudson at the beginning of this book he wasn’t the nicest person and everything was about him without any real attempt at trying to understand the whole picture.
Once they got over their rubbish I loved the relationship they built including the relationship Matty built with Ivy.
Matty and Hudsons relationship was hot it was swoony and had me at times giggling like a schoolgirl over a naughty word lol.
This story did have a couple things I would have liked if explained/included those are:
1. an injury sustained that seemed to magically fix itself the next day. There needed to be some more information about timing because that injury doesn’t seem like on that could have been that quickly resolved.
2. I really would have liked to see Hudson and his family make some kind of reconnection. There’s an attempt but it was oddly timed.
Who knows maybe the second one will be addressed more in the next book through them being side characters but we’ll see.
October 7, 2025
Marry Me, Maybe? ARC Review:
Matty and Hudson 💜🤠
For one summer on Matty’s family’s ranch, Hudson became everything to Matty. Yet after he returns to college, Hudson marries a woman who is having his child. Four years later, the two are still in each other’s orbit since Hudson works for the ranch and Matty has returned after graduating from college. Though Matty is still filled with rage and heartbreak after Hudson’s betrayal, Matty sees how Hudson is struggling and begins to wonder if he could ever trust him enough to give Hudson another chance.
Matty and Hudson’s story is a heartbreaking second chance romance that hit me hard instantly. I had to get deeper into how Hudson thinks and feels before I stopped scowling at him in solidarity with Matty, but my heart broke for them both. Their story is complex, and hurts just as hard as they love. I was so happy to be back in Bristlecone Springs, seeing characters I love and some that make me think those I previously hated could possibly redeem themselves. I adored seeing this family heal some more and become larger than they were previously with the much needed additions of Hudson and Ivy.
I love this series with all my heart and can’t wait to see more from characters I love and those I am keeping an eye on.
5/5🌟
Matty and Hudson 💜🤠
For one summer on Matty’s family’s ranch, Hudson became everything to Matty. Yet after he returns to college, Hudson marries a woman who is having his child. Four years later, the two are still in each other’s orbit since Hudson works for the ranch and Matty has returned after graduating from college. Though Matty is still filled with rage and heartbreak after Hudson’s betrayal, Matty sees how Hudson is struggling and begins to wonder if he could ever trust him enough to give Hudson another chance.
Matty and Hudson’s story is a heartbreaking second chance romance that hit me hard instantly. I had to get deeper into how Hudson thinks and feels before I stopped scowling at him in solidarity with Matty, but my heart broke for them both. Their story is complex, and hurts just as hard as they love. I was so happy to be back in Bristlecone Springs, seeing characters I love and some that make me think those I previously hated could possibly redeem themselves. I adored seeing this family heal some more and become larger than they were previously with the much needed additions of Hudson and Ivy.
I love this series with all my heart and can’t wait to see more from characters I love and those I am keeping an eye on.
5/5🌟
October 7, 2025
Marry Me, Maybe? By Sage Abbott aka Gianni Holmes is about Matty & Hudson and dealing with the fall out of Hudson’s betrayal four years prior. Matty is feeling that his world has imploded with the shocking behavior of his brother Carter and his father falling in love with his Brother's Fiancé. It feels like no one takes vows or fidelity seriously anymore. Hudson, a ranch hand, has loved Matty since they first met but just took a little longer to realize it was the all consuming love he has for him and he ruined it with one drunken mistake. When Matty meets Hudson’s daughter Ivy, he finds that he can't hate this pretty,sweet girl who literally steals his heart just like Hudson had. This was the beginning of them both finding their way back to one another. I really loved this story of love, betrayal and the love of a daughter he should have had the chance to raise with Hudson instead of 4 years of anger, hatred, and love. Gianni really makes you feel a rollercoaster of emotions ranging from laughing, cringing and crying all the while rooting that they finally make the family they deserve.
September 30, 2025
Wow there was a lot going on in this one between both MCs, their previous partners, families, histories and the whole nosy-town situation. Matty and Hudson were made for each other but unfortunately, only one of them realised it during their few short months together before being apart for four long years. Having a child with another woman and getting married will do that to a relationship, but only if you let it, and Hudson did. He made his choices, which he justified to a point but it just delayed his relationship with Matty rather than cutting ties completely.
The MCs were combustible and once an opportunity arose for them to rekindle their romance, Matty - ever decisive - took his chance and held on tight. The addition of Ivy was great, she really bridged the gap between Hud and Matt in the beginning and was just a sweet addition to the story throughout. There was a lot to unpack in this one and it dragged a little for me like the first book, but overall I really enjoyed the characters and the story. I need to know what's up with the florist and the pastor now!
The MCs were combustible and once an opportunity arose for them to rekindle their romance, Matty - ever decisive - took his chance and held on tight. The addition of Ivy was great, she really bridged the gap between Hud and Matt in the beginning and was just a sweet addition to the story throughout. There was a lot to unpack in this one and it dragged a little for me like the first book, but overall I really enjoyed the characters and the story. I need to know what's up with the florist and the pastor now!
October 5, 2025
Hudson and Matty finally get their second chance. This love story was teased in the first book, and we got glimpses of the animosity between these two. The things a broken heart will do to you....
Hudson and Matty had their summer of love and fun 4 years ago. Matty was immediately attracted to Hudson and knew he was going after him. There summer *fling* ended in heartbreak and a surprise baby/marriage. Flash forward 4 years and both these men are hurting and still very much in love with the other.
When Hudson's wife runs off leaving him and his daughter Ivy, is this finally the chance he's been waiting for to reconnect with Matty. And Matty sure doesn't make it easy for him. The pain is still so fresh for him and his trust is shattered.
When these two finally reconnect, they have such a beautiful love story. The tenderness and love between these two men is amazing. And how much Matty loves Ivy is heartwarming.
Such a great story of second chances, spicy times, soft moments, and so much more.
I received an advance review copy, and this is my honest review.
Hudson and Matty had their summer of love and fun 4 years ago. Matty was immediately attracted to Hudson and knew he was going after him. There summer *fling* ended in heartbreak and a surprise baby/marriage. Flash forward 4 years and both these men are hurting and still very much in love with the other.
When Hudson's wife runs off leaving him and his daughter Ivy, is this finally the chance he's been waiting for to reconnect with Matty. And Matty sure doesn't make it easy for him. The pain is still so fresh for him and his trust is shattered.
When these two finally reconnect, they have such a beautiful love story. The tenderness and love between these two men is amazing. And how much Matty loves Ivy is heartwarming.
Such a great story of second chances, spicy times, soft moments, and so much more.
I received an advance review copy, and this is my honest review.
October 21, 2025
When I was first introduced to Matty and Hudson in Aisle Be the Groom, I could tell their story was going to be good!! And I was right! This is a great second chance at love, Enemies to Lovers story. Matty fell hard for Hudson over a summer break from college. But as soon as he went back, everything fell apart. He found out not only was Hudson unfaithful to him, but his affair partner was pregnant and he was marrying her. Four years later, both men are working on the same ranch and are barely on speaking terms. Then Hudson's wife abandons him and their daughter, and things begin to change. As they get closer, more long-hidden secrets get exposed, and they see how outside sources partially derailed them. I loved being able to see scenes from another point of view, and while some of the characters do their best to amend, forgiveness is not automatic. My only complaint is that I have to wait so long for the next book!! I am hoping that the other Magnuson son, Carter, will get a shot at redemption
September 29, 2025
Hudson and Matty story was a rollercoaster of emotions, with betrayal, danger, unexpected development, secrets, heartache, suffering, insecurities, and a second chance at happiness.
They had a tumultuous past in which they hurt each other, misunderstandings and miscommunication that created a rift between them, plus those that interfered to keep them apart.
They take a chance in mending the fences, a long road to rebuild trust by being honest and revealing the truth about the past, their feelings, and themselves.
It also had forgiveness, reconciliation, sweet loving moments, as well as teasing and funny circumstances.
It was an interesting experience that would make emotional, happy and sad for the characters, as well flabbergasted when the whole picture is formed.
I enjoyed the story, and I’m looking forward to the next adventure.
* this is an ARC review and is my honest opinion
They had a tumultuous past in which they hurt each other, misunderstandings and miscommunication that created a rift between them, plus those that interfered to keep them apart.
They take a chance in mending the fences, a long road to rebuild trust by being honest and revealing the truth about the past, their feelings, and themselves.
It also had forgiveness, reconciliation, sweet loving moments, as well as teasing and funny circumstances.
It was an interesting experience that would make emotional, happy and sad for the characters, as well flabbergasted when the whole picture is formed.
I enjoyed the story, and I’m looking forward to the next adventure.
* this is an ARC review and is my honest opinion
October 7, 2025
I made the mistake of starting this last night at bedtime. I ended up staying up until nearly 1 am and it made me cry repeatedly. Then, I got up at 5 am for work and immediately finished it. I am exhausted, but this was a great read. I was so surprised by how much happened in this book! There was plot GALORE! I thought I must be close to being done when they were finally together and I looked and I was only at 50%! This story has a lot of meat on the bones. I must warn readers though...the first 20% was rough because Matty was a real douchecanoe. He was intentionally cruel and lashing out and it was really hard to read. Fortunately, his character took a HARD left and he became such a dedicated partner and upstanding family man and it was so wonderful to read. This series is off to a great start with two fantastic books!
***
I was provided with an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
***
I was provided with an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
October 8, 2025
OH MY GOD. This book was a grievous death to me better and worse. I was in suspense throughout Matty and Hudson story it is a mess, emotional, and pain that lingers. The burden of their past, the regrets and the love that they have been desperately trying to repress are really palpable.
I appreciate that the author has not shied away on this complex issues the heartbreak, the anger, and the healing. Guilt on the side of Hudson and the second chance of Matty, and his walls... all this hurt me and it healed me at the same time. And when they at last ceased fighting it? Whew. The romance was not real, and the reward justified all the tears and sighs I shed along the path.
There were darker themes in this book yet they were treated so delicately. It is emotional, spicy, and heartfelt an actual rollercoaster that made me cry but satisfied so much at the conclusion.
I am now officially obsessed with Bristlecone Springs series. I can never get enough of whose story will come second since I am not prepared to leave this world yet.
ARC reader
I appreciate that the author has not shied away on this complex issues the heartbreak, the anger, and the healing. Guilt on the side of Hudson and the second chance of Matty, and his walls... all this hurt me and it healed me at the same time. And when they at last ceased fighting it? Whew. The romance was not real, and the reward justified all the tears and sighs I shed along the path.
There were darker themes in this book yet they were treated so delicately. It is emotional, spicy, and heartfelt an actual rollercoaster that made me cry but satisfied so much at the conclusion.
I am now officially obsessed with Bristlecone Springs series. I can never get enough of whose story will come second since I am not prepared to leave this world yet.
ARC reader
October 15, 2025
Ooooh....this is such a great book !! The angst, the back & forth.....you'll certainly get whiplash !! Matt is so angry ....and when he sees that catalyst of his anger every day.....it's a wonder his blood pressure isn't through the roof !! But there are other demons chasing him. And Hudson ....that man has heart and really really does try to do the right thing. May not have started that way, but he did turn a new leaf. Unfortunately, it's hard to let go of those feelings & thoughts that hold you back. There's a lot of truths that come out....and really, Hudson's family....nu-uh, no way is that forgiven.... Overall, couldn't put the book down. Loved the characters, small town setting and the family/found family vibe. It's steamy but it's also honest and filled with drama and emotional ups'n'downs. And you really do need to read series in order ....on that note, can't wait for next in series !!
October 17, 2025
I typically love this author’s works under all pen names. You can count on heat, heart, and an outside the box romance. She’s a brave author, not afraid to go places you don’t always read about… and I’m there for it! So setting all that up to say, this read was okay for me. I just didn’t see where they had this great love 4 years ago.. more like a summer fling. I did get Matt’s anger as his ego was bruised. That man can hold a grudge! Now Hudson was living a hard knocks life, trying his best as a single dad… Matt did not make his life easier…until passion took over…then Matt was all about bettering Hudson’s and his daughter Ivy’s life. I did enjoy the prince and the pauper elements… and loved all the ways Matt swooped in… especially with Ivy when he first met her.
I read and enjoyed Aisle Be the Groom a bit more. Marry me is a solid 3*. Read it for the slice of life relationship… ranch style and all the steam.
I read and enjoyed Aisle Be the Groom a bit more. Marry me is a solid 3*. Read it for the slice of life relationship… ranch style and all the steam.
October 19, 2025
This little family went through a lot to come out on the other side together and loving one another intensely. Their story had it all. The love that was strong and the obstacles from parents - all of the parents except Matty father Gray - that were supposed to be well meaning but actually hurt as much as they might have helped. Hudson and Matty fell in love and then spent four years apart, but when Hudson's philandering wife leaves him and Ivy behind he and Matty finally have a shot at healing their past and heading towards a future that both really wants to one another. The bonus is Ivy, the child that Hudson adores and who easily captures Matty's heart. This was such an emotional story but also a story of resilience and the gratitude that came when this pair fights for what they want - a life together - and gets a chance to create it. I can't wait for the next book in this series.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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