Ropers Can't Tie Knots

Kissing Ridge Cowboys #3

by R.M. Neill

I’ve got 99 problems, but a fake marriage shouldn’t be one of them.

Hunter Burke

Everyone knows my grandfather was a less than savoury human, but I didn’t think he’d stick it to me in new ways after he died.

I need a husband to claim my inheritance and the sexy new lawyer in town volunteers to step in.

A fake marriage is the easiest solution to my problem.

Besides, it’s only temporary, and it comes with perks.

It’s a simple business transaction. No feelings and no fuss.

He’s city and I’m country. He’s Lexus and I’m a beat-up pickup truck. We couldn’t be more different if we tried.

So why does my chest hurt when I think of him leaving when our time is up?

Gabe Davis

Hunter Burke needs help and I’m just the guy to do it. We have a mutually beneficial deal and it’s practically foolproof.

Pretending to be married to the smoking hot cowboy is no hardship. He’s pure sex appeal on horseback.

What is hard, though, is faking how much I’m liking farm life.

Horses are actually cool, and even the groundhog has grown on me. Porch swing chats are my new favourite thing and my city life is rapidly becoming a distant memory.

This arrangement has an end date, and divorce papers approaching way too quickly. We were supposed to leave feelings out of this, but I think I’m breaking that rule.

I want to keep my husband.

How do I convince him we aren’t so different at all and his chest pain might be love?



Ropers Can’t Tie Knots is a fake marriage, opposites attract, strangers to lovers romance between a cowboy with barbed wire around his heart and a lawyer searching for a place to fit. Chats on the porch in the rain, pining for your husband and so much swoon you’ll need to read laying down.

Genres: M M Romance, Westerns, Contemporary, Romance, Found Family, Forced Proximity, Gay

289 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 26, 2025

About the author

RM is an introverted Canadian author who likes to write about love while freezing in the winter.

Her mission is to always make you swoon and snort laugh, sometimes even in public.

She talks to her cat, Moon, and sometimes people. She married her prince charming, who often inspires her characters, but still can't place dirty clothes in the hamper.

When she's not writing swoony men to fall in love with, she's in her garden providing mosquitoes with an alternative food source. She can also be found inventing new swear words on the golf course.


You can find her on facebook or visit her website rmneillauthor.com

Reviews

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful book in the Kissing Ridge Cowboys series. I was looking forward to Hunter and Gabe's story because I knew it would be hot, but also emotional. It fulfilled all my expectations and more.
Hunter was deep in debt due to some restrictions regarding his grandfather's inheritance. He had worked hard for the ranch and was willing to do anything to keep it. Then there was Gabe, a city lawyer who had quitted his job and had moved to the country to be near his best friend but also to try and find a place to fit in and start a new life.
It was inevitable. I mean, it was obvious from the previous books how much these two wanted to get down and dirty. A fake marriage is all they needed to get to know each other, spend time together and realise that it wasn't just lust what was going on between them.
I thought it was nice of Gabe to offer to marry Hunter. He needed a place to stay but that wasn't the reason to do it, or not the main one. Gabe wasn't a hook-up guy and he really liked Hunter, he was set to show the cowboy what a wonderful life they could have together and he did indeed.
I must say that I fell in love with Hunter when they started living together. He kept his promise and helped Gabe set his law business and it flourished allowing him to stay at Kissing Ridge and start a new life as he had wanted. But it wasn't just that, Hunter started showing his true self with Gabe. The cowboy was caring, loyal and someone Gabe could depend on.
I loved these two. They were amazing, funny and perfect because they complemented each other: Gabe being a sunshiny cinnamon roll and Hunter being a grumpy and scared-of-developing-feelings cowboy.
I've enjoyed this series very much and I keep wondering about Diamond, will he have a story?

[Book Binge: Reviews by Melissa DaSilva · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another great addition to the series. Loved getting to see past characters in this one and loved the fake to real relationship progression. Definitely recommend.

[Book Lover · Rating 5 out of 5]

ℛℴ𝓅ℯ𝓇𝓈 𝐂𝐀𝐍’𝐓 𝐓𝐈𝐄 𝐊𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐒 // A Kissing Ridge Novel 2 // ℛℳ 𝒩ℯ𝒾𝓁𝓁

🤠 Review 🤠

A grumpy cowboy and a lawyer who needs a new place to call home yes please and thank you. I had been waiting a good cowboy love story and let’s just say R.M. Neill delivered.

Hunter our grumpy cowboy who is just trying to stay afloat after the hot mess his POS grandfather made for him. It made you understand why Hunter was such a grump. Hunter just wants to be loved but doesn’t think he deserves it.

Gabe on the other hand is a ball of sunshine that has wanted a piece of Hunter from the moment he first saw him. He has tried but couldn’t get through. Then friends suggested a roommate situation with Gabe needing a place to stay.

These 2 together were nothing but fire. The way they came together but tried hard to not catch feelings. The way they feel hard for each other was nothing but perfection.

Want a great cowboy romance with lovable horses, a not so scary groundhog named Lewis, loyal friends and a swoony dancing date, then this is the story to jump right in

Please ✔️ TRIGGER WARNINGS before jumping in. If you have none then just jump in 😉.

What to expect // Trope
🏳️‍🌈 MM Romance
💜Cowboy w/ barbed wire around his 💜 x Lawyer searching for a place to fit in
🪻 Fake Marriage
😈 Pining for your husband
💜 Strangers to Lovers (more)
🪻 A not so scary groundhog named Lewis
😈 High Heat
💜 2 amazing horses
🪻 Hurt // Comfort
😈 🍑 Worship // Dirty Talk
💜 Possessive MC’s
🪻Hot Swoony Dancing Date
😈 Loyalty MCs
💜 Hot Dogs Fix Everything
🪻 Forced Proximity
🔝 Strict Top // ⬇️ Strict Bottom = Yes

Find Edit 👇🏼
🦄 IG: @love.2.readallmmromance

[Vinnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

YAAAAAAY! I'm so freaking pleased with how Hunter's book turned out. Ever since reading "Alec", I had been left wondering how Hunter was going to make things right with Alec, but I was also curious about what direction his life would take him in. After seeing that he was an established character in the Kissing Ridge Cowboys series, I knew he was going to get his chance to tell his story and I was READY.

And here enters our sweet, nerdy, city-boy cinnamon-roll, Gabe. His willingness to support Hunter in his time of great need in exchange for a half-baked reason to "learn country life" from him was laughable...but so very adorable. Honestly, the romance was the cutest slow. Usually, fake marriages lead to a boat load of miscommunication, but the jumps in time between setbacks helped keep this book from being too angsty for too long. The honesty Hunter and Gabe showed each other was a delight, and ultimately lead to one of my favorite romances in the series!

I am over the moon at the result of Hunter needing to set things right with Alec. No spoilers, but it's exactly what I wanted to see, and it did my heart some good. Thank you, R.M. Neill, for the closure I needed. I'm excited to read Diamond's book someday!!!

[Kim Stone · Rating 4 out of 5]

New to me author and I haven't read any of this series. This is a MM romance story of a fake marriage. The main characters are Gabe a former city-based lawyer, and Hunter a local cowboy with an inherited problem for his farm. As a new resident of the small-town Gabe will be hiring a room from cash strapped Hunter, but Hunter needs a husband to claim a will benefit. They start as a fake marriage but fall in love with each other. Great story with great secondary characters.

[Fernanda Parente · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute book, an arranged marriage that become a real marriage.
Hunter and Gabe are so hot and steamy together...insane chemistry since the beginning
And all the friends from the previous books help them, even Alec, Hunter's ex

And Diamond...please we want...no, I need Diamond book

Highly recommend this book

[Julia Toth · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was so great to be back in Kissing Ridge. I've been excited to read Hunter and Gabe's story and I was not disappointed. I loved their connection. They both fought their feelings for each other, Hunter more so than Gabe, but it was great to see them finally give in. I loved how they went from roommates to more. I really enjoyed how Hunter helped Gabe, the city boy acclimate to country life, and Gabe took to it like a duck to water. I loved how supportive Gabe was of Hunter.
This felt like such a quick and easy read. It was lighthearted, with little to no angst, set in a great little town with cowboys who are on the rodeo circuit. It was great to see Jackson, Riley, Griff and Jamieson again. And special mention to Dixie, Mack and Lewis. I loved how wary/unsure Gabe was of approaching them, but how he ended up visiting with them daily.
Saddle up, wear your cowboy boots and hat and let's go to Kissing Ridge!

[Cynthia M Brow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ropers Can't Tie Knots is the third book in the Kissing Ridge Cowboys series. Although this book can be read as a standalone the characters from book two are a part of this book. This is the story of Hunter and Gabe who we have met before. This was such a good story with a fake marriage as the answer to a problem. I loved both the guys and watching them grow together. This story has everything I need in a cowboy romance. I would definitely recommend this book and series.
received a free review copy

[Julie Underhill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ropers Can’t Tie Knots by R. M. Neill is the 3rd book in her Kissing Ridge Cowboys series. It is the story of a cowboy with a lot on his plate and a lawyer looking for what is missing in his life and how they find love as they help each other solve their problems. Hunter Burke is a cowboy who is struggling to hold his ranch together after his grandfather dies. All he ever wanted to do was make him proud but after his parents and grandmother died his grandfather was worse than ever, and put as many roadblocks in his way as he could after he came out. This included filling his will with stipulations that made it hard to figure out so Hunter almost lost everything as he waited to get money from it. When he finally did it was a relief and he could start looking to what he wanted to do in the future but there was a second trust that had to wait until he had money to try to figure it out too. Gabe Davis was a lawyer in the city and when he was passed over for a partnership after working for his firm for 10 years, he knew it was time to move on. His best friend Riley was in Kissing Ridge in Alberta Province and there just so happened to be a law practice for sale there. Gabe jumped on it and was so happy to be reunited with Riley and his friends there. When they were celebrating he ran into a cowboy at the bar who interested him but he declined his advances, even though he made sure he made it to his car safely. It just so happened that that cowboy was Hunter and his best friend Jackson was Riley’s partner. Gabe needed a place to stay and Hunter had extra room at his ranch so he agrees to rent it to him. He shows up and is scared of the animals but knows this is the place he needs to be. During the dinner Hunter made for them they talk and he finds out about the second trust and says he will look it over. When he does he discovers that in order to receive the money Hunter has to be married and it will be doled out in increments at 3 months, 6 months, and a year as along as he stays married. If he doesn’t do this the money will go to an anti-gay charity and there is no way he wants this to happen. After talking to his friends, they suggest he asks Gabe to be his husband and he agrees. They have a short ceremony at the courthouse and return home where they discuss not being with anyone else during the year. They also decide they can be friends with benefits and that starts some steamy love scenes that end with each going to their own rooms. As time goes on, they get to know each other better. Hunter helps Gabe be less of a “city” lawyer and to fit in with their town so he can get more business. Gabe is supportive as Hunter starts his cowboy rodeo classes and returns to the rodeo as a roper. Gabe also starts getting friendly with all the animals on the ranch and Hunter teaches him to ride horses, and is especially happy when Gabe helps save one of them. During all this time they are getting closer and developing feelings for each other. Gabe got those for him early in the relationship and they only grow. But Hunter has a fear that everyone he loves will eventually leave him which has happened with family and in other relationships and it takes him a while to realize that he loves Gabe and that he is his person and he won’t leave. He finally tells Gabe about his insecurities and what happened to him and that he knows he loves him and wants to be with him. They decide to get a divorce, which gives Gabe some misgivings, and then to remarry with the love they now have instead of having a fake marriage. There are a few hoops to go through to get there but they do and start a very happy life together. I really enjoyed this story. Hunter has so many things going on and feelings from his past that color everything that it is amazing that he hasn’t fallen apart. But when Gabe enters his life everything changes. He’s able to make him happier than he’s ever been and to see that they could have a forever love. Gabe comes to Kissing Ridge to find what has been missing in his life and that is being with Hunter. Their friends and the animals on the ranch all play a big part in the story of getting them together and seeing that they need each other. I highly recommend this book, especially if you like cowboy stories about a man trying to keep his ranch going under adverse conditions and another man who is looking to change his life and how they come together to be just what each other needs.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been a delightful series so far, and honestly, who doesn’t love cowboys? Our cowboy this time is Hunter, a man who poured his life into his grandfather’s ranch, then got the shaft when he died. Struggling to keep the land, he lost everything else, but is finally going to recoup his costs so far under part one of the will. Part two is a little harder to accept — as a gay man, he must marry and stay married for a year to inherit the rest of the money to be able to rebuild his business and pursue his rodeo school. Problem is, he doesn’t want to marry, and does not know someone to have a fake marriage with, until his new lawyer roommate, Gabe, agrees to the scheme. Both agree it ends after a year, and it will be a friends with benefits situation until the divorce so the town doesn’t find out the truth. But, the more they learn about each other, the initial attraction they felt turns into something more, and the harder they fall. Both have challenging backgrounds that affects how they deal with the increased feelings, fearing the other will leave them brokenhearted at the end of the year, but with good advice from friends, and more honest and open communication, they figure out that they have met and married their forever person.
This is a pretty low angst story, at least from the outside, but the pressure they each put on themselves trying to figure out their own feelings and what the other is thinking leads to uncertainty for both. Neither have been lucky in love in the past, and trust is a hard thing to have in that situation. Since this is a romance, we know they get together at the end, but the journey is an interesting one. I really enjoyed the parts with Gabe interacting with the animals and overcoming his fears, I appreciated the support of best friends Jackson and Riley as sounding boards for Hunter and Gabe, I liked the character of Diamond and his perpetual upbeat attitude, and I loved Margie and her care for Hunter in the past and present. There is good world building for ranch and rodeo life, and I learned more than I needed to know about colic in horses —tmi!
This is a good series with well-written, interesting characters that overlap in the books, information about rodeos and ranch life that help create a better picture of challenges faced, and realistic situations (though not necessarily common, like the will in this one) that engage the reader. I’ve read all three books and can recommend them if sexy cowboys get you to sit up and take notice —love those hats and tight jeans! Looking forward to Diamond’s story next.
I received an ARC from the author and this is my voluntary review.

[Rae_Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book three in the Kissing Ridge Ranch series and easily my favourite so far.

We’ve met both MCs before, Gabe is Riley’s hotshot lawyer friend from the city, and Hunter is Jackson’s rodeo partner with a quiet intensity and a whole lot of emotional depth.

When Gabe decides to leave his big-city life behind and move to the country, he ends up renting a room from Hunter. Cue forced proximity, cowboy tension, and a whole lot of swoon.

Hunter’s financial struggles have been hinted at in earlier books, but here we get the full story: his homophobic grandfather is dangling the family ranch over his head, forcing him to jump through hoops to keep what’s rightfully his. The final blow? A clause that says Hunter must be married to inherit, or the money goes to an anti-gay charity.

Since they’re already living together, Gabe agrees to a fake marriage to help Hunter access the inheritance. But things get complicated when they agree to stay exclusive for the year to sell the lie… and neither of them is willing to go without.

What starts as a practical arrangement quickly turns into something deeper. Feelings sneak in, boundaries blur, and suddenly it’s not just about the ranch, it’s about risking their hearts.The spice is present but not overpowering, just a few scenes that aren't overly graphic, but enough to keep the tension simmering.

The emotional arc is where this book shines. Gabe is finding his footing in small-town life and realizing how much he loves the slower pace and tight-knit community. Hunter, meanwhile, is learning to let someone in. His past is marked by grief, he’s lost the people he loved most, and that pain has made him wary of connection. Watching him slowly open up to Gabe is tender, raw, and beautifully written.

And while the story is packed with heart, it’s also surprisingly funny at times, with witty banter and light moments that balance the emotional depth perfectly.

Overall, this is a sweet, low-angst contemporary romance with just enough spice and plenty of heart. If you love fake marriage tropes, emotionally guarded cowboys, and small-town charm, Ropers Can’t Tie Knots will absolutely rope you in.

Rating: 4⭐️
Spice: 2🌶

[Marion · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Kissing Ridge Cowboys series and it is another great read. I have been enjoying this series to date and this book is no exception. This is the story of Hunter Burke and Gabe Davis. Hunter is a cowboy who is struggling to keep his ranch afloat. Ever since he came out his father had been putting road blocks in his way and he did it again in death. Gabe is a lawyer who has moved to Kissing Ridge to start anew. After working for the same firm in the city for 10 years, he is passed over for partnership. The writing is on the wall. He needs to start anew so why not where his best friend lives. He buys a law practice and dives right in. Hunter and Gabe have friends in common, so when Gabe needs a place to stay, Hunter offers to rent him a room. While having dinner together, Hunter finds out about the second trust that his father has created. Being a lawyer, Gabe offers to look it over. It is then that Hunter learns of his father's evil conditions. In order to receive the money which Hunter desperately needs, he needs to be married or the money will go to an anti-gay charity. The marriage must be at least one year in duration as the payments will be doled out quarterly. Gabe and Hunter come to an arrangement. One fake marriage with benefits for one year. It will allow Hunter to get his desperately needed money and let Gabe become more of a local to the community and a lawyer that the townsfolk might choose to help them. This is their story. The book is well written and easy to read. I loved watching how they went from strangers to so much more. Building trust between them one conversation at a time. They won't have a problem staying together for the year, but they might have a problem leaving. What happens when you fall in love with your fake husband? Do you take the chance to go for more or do you accept just what you have now? I received a complementary advanced review copy of this book from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review. I really enjoyed this book. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.

[Mvm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ropers Can’t Tie Knots, the third book in R.M. Neill’s Kissing Ridge Cowboys series, is another beautifully written story that blends humor, heartache, and romance in the best way.

Hunter, a cowboy shouldering the weight of his grandfather’s passing and the responsibility of the ranch, finds himself in an impossible situation. The trust fund tied to his inheritance comes with strings—he must marry and stay married for a year, or the money goes to an anti-gay charity his homophobic grandfather selected. Enter Gabe, a big-city lawyer who’s tired of corporate grind and looking for something real in small-town Kissing Ridge. Their solution seems simple: a fake marriage that helps them both.

But what starts as a practical arrangement quickly transforms into something deeper. Between Hunter’s financial struggles, the pressure of family expectations, and the tender yet hilarious ways Gabe tries to shed his city habits, the story becomes much more than just a marriage of convenience. It’s about finding love, healing past wounds, and learning to let someone in when it feels scariest.

R.M. Neill’s signature witty banter and lighthearted moments perfectly balance the emotional depth of Hunter and Gabe’s journey. The fake marriage trope shines here, layered with themes of found family, resilience, and true acceptance. The exploration of emotions—both the tender and the painful—is handled with care, making their eventual growth and love all the more satisfying.

This book is moving, funny, and heartfelt all at once. A wonderful continuation of the series with characters that stay with you long after you close the book. Looking forward to the next Kissing Ridge Cowboys story!

Thank you to the author for an advance copy of this book for review consideration. I am voluntarily leaving this review which is my honest, unbiased opinion.

[DebbieReadsBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Independent reviewer for Neon Rainbow, I was gifted my copy of this book.

This is book 3 in the Kissing Ridge Cowboys series and I have not read the other two books. I didn't feel I missed anything by not doing and I will come back to this point towards the end.

What I absolutely LOVED about this book, was the fact that even though they both knew this was a fake marriage, very quickly, they both wanted it to be real. And they come to this conclusion, together, way BEFORE time ran out and I LOVED that.

All too often, there is a huge drama about the end of a fake thing, and here, there is none, absolutely NONE of that. Oh there is some drama, but it's very minor and I really think it was needed.

Both Gabe and Hunter have a say, in the first person, in the present tense. *Insert gasp!* and oh my days, I did not notice til I was filing the book, on my shelves, and that Ms Neill, is very well played!

It's steamy in places, and quite funny in others. A bit grey with some trauma from them both in the past, but not really any dark. Obviously, there was no thrid act breakup and I really have to stress again, how much I loved that!

Back to the not having read the other books. I really did not feel I missed anything by not reading those two books, but not I WANT to go back and read them, if I can! I feel like I do need more of this small town of Kissing Ridge and the people in it, especially those who pop up here!

I wrote 4 stars at the top of the page, but I really cannot fault this book, so. . .

5 full and shiny stars!

*same worded review will appear elsewhere

[Carol (§CoverLoverGirl§) · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Hunter Burke, (also featured in previous books in Series) is facing losing his Ranch that he has spent years trying to make a viable business with his best friend Jackson. Still relying on Rodeo Riding to keep his head above water. Gabe has visited Riley his best friend last year and was introduced to Hunter and was immediately attracted to him. Jackson coerced Hunter into offering his spare room to Gabe, who has come to settle in Kissinger Ridge and set up his Law practice. Reluctantly he agrees.

When a lawyer delivered a bombshell in relation to his deceased grandfather’s will it seemed like the end of his dreams. The conditions Hunter has to fulfill is out of the question and he can’t afford legal fees to fight it. Again, Jackson come up up with a life line.

Gabe agreed with the suggestion and in return Hunter would help him by introducing him to all the local Ranchers and Farmers, who appeared wary of the city slicker in the fancy suit and flashy footwear.

Everything takes off from this point. Gabe had always fancied Hunter and was rejected, but things start to change when they are under one roof and preparing and eating dinner together. When Gabe first sees Lewis, he squeals and leaps up on the fence. That’s when Hunter’s hearts starts to melt.

I’m reading the series in sequence and Hunter and Gabe are now my favourite pair of MC’s, there are little hiccups cropping up occasionally the kept my heart thumping but RM Neill always promises all the good feels and HEA’s, and she delivered her in ‘Roper’s Can’t’ Tie Knots’.

Diamond, a barista, in their favourite coffee shop seems to be flirting with Gabe in particular but he’s the MC in the next book which won’t be available till early 2026.😞😭. Something to look forward to in New Year.

[Tara Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

MY OPINION: I love me a cowboy story. This is the third book in the series, and like the other two, I thoroughly enjoyed it. These are very western, with horses and groundhogs.

There is a fake marriage between the MCs, and they, of course, fall for each other in the process. Hunter is the cowboy who doesn’t want love and domestic bliss. At the same time, Gabe is the new guy in town, a ‘fancy’ lawyer who needed to get away from the city and try something new. This is the same Gabe we met in Riley’s story. You get to see Riley and Jackson often, since they are now best friends who are married to each other's best friends.

Like the other books, they are rodeo adjacent, but there are some great moments with the horses. Gabe loves the animals, but they are new to being part of his life. I enjoyed the way he became more country. Both men had to work through abandonment issues and find that communication is hard but effective.

Even before there was love, there was plenty of heat between them. Having to be married for a year, the only bedroom time they could have was with each other, so why not? The spicy turned to feelings turned to wanting forever. This was a very good slice-of-life country story. Both men were kind and had tiny friend groups. They integrate comfortably into each other’s lives, having a lot of similarities.

They make peace with their past and walk together into the future with a sweet HEA. A good series with great characters. I’m looking forward to the next one.

[GreenwingReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quoting another review: "These are very western, with horses and groundhogs." That alone is enough to get my attention! I've read every book in this series and all of them have been enjoyable, but this one might be my favorite. Gabe is a lawyer tired of the city life, so he moves to the country to be closer to his best friend Riley (an MC in a previous book). They're friendship is adorable and you can tell how happy they are to be living near each other again. Gabe is ready for a calmer lifestyle and to establish some roots, so he buys a law firm in town. I really liked Gabe. He is a genuine, kind man with a good sense of humor.

Hunter is best friends with Jackson, Riley's husband. So it's best friends who marry best friends. Hunter is a bit rough around the edges but has a good heart. He is desperately trying to save his ranch. His friends volunteer one of his spare rooms for Gabe to live in as he gets settled, much to Hunter's frustration. But it comes in handy when Gabe is there to help him out when Hunter learns he has to get married to save his ranch. Gabe is just the guy for the job and they agree to marry for a year, neither expecting the deep feelings that start to develop and the intense attraction between them.

Hunter and Gabe compliment each other really well. They fit together like puzzle pieces and it was sweet seeing them both learn to let go of some of their fear over relationships and learn to communicate with each other. The story is relatively low angst and fits in well with the books from the rest of the series.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best of the series so far

I've been waiting for Hunter's story since the the series started and R.M. didn't disappoint. He's a mess and relationship-averse but he didn't factor in Gabe, a city boy with shiny loafers and an impractical car who finds himself bewitched by Hunter's horses and... well, pretty much everything about Hunter.
Gabe is the obvious solution to Hunter's inheritance problems, and it doesn't hurt that each man thinks the other is sex on a stick but can they keep it casual for a year and part as friends? What do you think? When Gabe falls for farm life too.....
Hunter is a sweetheart when he lets you get to know him and Gabe is also lovely. Seeing them previously in the series (as Jackon's and Riley's best friends respectively) made me so impatient for their romance. The two of them were so sweet together, and so hot too. There were romantic moments between them that contrasted beautifully with the fear and uncertainty that both kept hidden from each other. The domesticity that crept up on them was also delightful, with little moments of quiet that they enjoyed together each day.
I couldn't put this down, I was so invested, and wanted to see their HEA yesterday. They were just delightful, Jackson and Riley were wonderful friends, Margie was perfectly perfect, and 'Legs' Diamond (ooooh, that makes him sound like a gangster, should be his nickname) got an unexpected reward(!) at the end. I'm hoping that R.M. doesn't keep up waiting too long for his story.

[LC · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think Hunter is the swooniest cowboy ever! I will need a reread of the Broken Horn Ranch series just to be sure though. 😉 R. M. Neill took a character that I originally disliked and wrote a story that made me love him. She used the words “burnt marshmallow” in her acknowledgments and that is such a perfect description of Hunter.

Hunter comes across as a closed off, stubborn cowboy. When Gabe comes into his life at just the right moment, a marriage of convenience is the right way to go to save his ranch. Love doesn’t quite work that way, it will bloom even if you’re not ready for it.

Gabe is a lawyer, handsome, friendly, and lonely. The man needs a family and when Riley’s adopts him and pushes him toward Hunter, the sparks fly. He falls fast for our cowboy and his horses. He makes Hunter feel things he never felt before, act in ways he’s never acted. These two are so sweet together with their counsellor and cowboy/doll nicknames.

This book brought me to tears and made me laugh. It is redemption for Hunter, if you’ve read Alec. It is a closing of that circle with both men coming together again and having a meaningful conversation. It is a sweet memory of My Saintly Demon with Charles and Dave making an appearance. It a reminder that family isn’t always blood, it is the friends we make and the friends that choose us in return. The characters that R. M. Neill writes bring me such joy. Her books make me smile and sometimes that’s all you need to make your day better.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Kissing Ridge series, a series that keeps getting better and better.

In order to fulfill the terms of his grandfather's will and gain ownership of the ranch he grew up on Hunter needs to get married, fast. The only problem, he needs a groom. Enter Gabe, the big city lawyer who's looking for a change. Gabe has been enamored with Hunter since the first time they met. And he's ready to step in to be what Hunter needs.

Another well written story, offering lots of emotion interspersed with amusing incidents. I could feel Hunter's pain as he struggles to accept his growing feelings for Gabe, who is trying hard to be patient as he slowly works his way beyond the walls that Hunter has had years to build. Once Hunter gives in, the romance they share is hot. I couldn't help but celebrate when Gabe finally broke through, because it was obvious Hunter reveled in his new found feelings. Instead of his frustration, it was joy, and a certain lightness of being he is finally able to experience.

An added bonus that made me smile is the cameo appearance of two favorite characters from one of Ms. Neill's other series. How could you not love a guy who takes payment in chocolate chip cookies.

Thanks to RM Neill for a copy of this book. The thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Bluemoonchild · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ropers Can't Tie Knots is the 3rd book in RM Neill's Kissing Ridge series, and I get more and more invested in these stories with every installment. This book gives us the classic need to get married/fake marriage trope that I love, with a cowboy twist that I didn't know I needed. Hunter and Gabe's opposites-attract chemistry has been electric since the first book, but it absolutely jumps off the page here.

City lawyer looking for a change agrees to marry a rugged cowboy who doesn't do relationships, to help him get his inheritance. On the surface, it's a pretty simple plotline but there is so much more to both of these men, and the slow unraveling of their arrangement into real, undeniable love kept me hooked and made it impossible to stop reading. Add the small-town charm, the found family vibes, and some truly laugh-out-loud moments, and this book was addictive. But it was the emotional turmoil woven deeply into the banter and the heat that made this story truly shine.

If you love fake marriage romances filled with heart, humor and heat, this book - this SERIES - should be at the top of your TBR.

[I received an advanced copy of this book. All reviews and ratings are my own.]

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars!

This is book three in the author’s Kissing Ridge Cowboys series and features a friends with benefits, fake marriage romance.

I felt for Hunter so much, he wanted so bad to make his grandfather proud of him only for his grandfather to completely screw him over in his will. What a complete and utter a-hole!! Forced to marry in order to receive the funds to save his family’s land, he and his roommate, a city boy lawyer who was renting a room in Hunter’s house, agreed, in a mutually beneficial situation, to marry for a year so that he would be able to receive his inheritance to save his home. At the end of that year, they agreed they would divorce.

During their time together feelings grew on both sides despite Hunter being a little fearful of loving someone and then losing them—not to mention Gabe not being all that enthralled with country life. Despite all that, (and his jerk of a grandfather!) they won their hard earned HEA.

There wasn’t a whole lot of angst or drama, which I enjoyed, but it was so, so sweet. I LOVED these two together and their tight knit friend group and look forward to seeing more of them in future books. 4.5 stars!

I received a copy of this book from Neon Rainbow but am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The rancher takes on a city slicker lawyer😉

This Canadian author was new to me and I really liked the Canadian rural setting. Its a fake relationship for inheritance situation that turns on a dime almost immediately, and though the two men don't exactly settle into acknowledged love for a good while, living together on Hunter's ranch brings plenty of cozy moments of domesticity. I would say the steam alternates with the romance in about equal parts.

There's a whimsical element in the resident groundhog, a bit of drama with the livestock and a good transition arc for lawyer Gabe, who has to learn his way around country life and to fit in. He's the more emotionally open of the two men. Hunter has some abandonment issues that affect them.

While I liked their story, I felt it dragged on a bit too long and the whole divorce issue didn't resonate with me. I was also baffled by Hunter's first mention of former man in his life Alec late in the story and Gabe not asking anything about him.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.

[SNik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Third in series (Kissing Ridge Cowboys), can be read as a standalone but might be more fun if read in order. Fake marriage. Mature characters. Dual POV.

Hunter agrees to rent a room to Gabe at the urging of their friends, and when the lawyer helps him figure out he needs to be married to inherit the rest of his inheritance, he barely hesitates before asking Gabe for a little more help. Gabe agrees to a fake marriage, it will be good for business to have Hunter’s connections around town, but feelings start to evolve from attraction.

It is clear from the start why Hunter avoids relationships, and he and Gabe clearly set the rules for their fake relationship, sex but no feelings. I really appreciated that both men fall equally for the other, and that while Gabe becomes comfortable with country life, Hunter tries to bring a little romance to their time together. Gabe and Hunter are likable characters, both having endured loss in their lives, but something about being with each other clicks for them and a swoony connection becomes hard to ignore. A lovely read with great secondary characters and honest communication between Gabe and Hunter. 4.5 rounded up

[Nancy Lockett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book features Gabe Davis and Hunter Burke as the MC's and has opposites attract and fake marriage tropes. Each of these men was featured in the previous book since each of their best friends are together as a couple. Gabe quits his job and moves from the big city to Kissing Ridge to take over a law practice but is having difficulty keeping clients due to the local farmers and ranchers not trusting a "city" lawyer. Hunter has inherited in grandfather's ranch but his grandfather tied up all the funds to run the ranch until Hunter marries due to his grandfather and him not getting along. They each confide their problems to each other and decide upon a marriage of convenience to assist each other. Hunter will introduce Gabe to the other ranchers and guide him on how to fit in better and Gabe will help Hunter obtain the money for the ranch over a years time. What starts as a marriage of convenience soon turns into real feelings. However, Hunter needs to stop being afraid of being deserted and Gabe needs to learn how to communicate what he wants from the relationship. This was a sweet and relatively low angst read.
I received a free ARC of this book.

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some kisses are worth waiting for and that's one kiss worth the wait

Whilst I loved the other 2 books in the series, I think this was my favourite. Gabe has been lusting after Hunter since Gabe first arrived in Kissing Ridge. Hunter always had that unapproachable vibe, but when Hunter needs help, Gabe steps up to help.
First up Hunter's grandfather was a nasty individual and I am glad that Hunter got the better of him. Whilst the start of their relationship was unconventional, you can see that there is a growing attraction between them and as time goes on the attraction grows. Watching Hunter rethink he opinion of Gabe and see Gabe in his element living with the animals had me smiling through out this book. I did laugh when he first came across Lewis.
Hunter and Gabe's backstories had me wanting to give them both hugs and how the loss and then grief played a part in both their lives
It was good see Riley and Jackson play important parts and all the way through I kept wanting Diamond's story. Reading this has also got me wanting to reread The Broken Horn Ranch series so much.
If you like cowboys brooding then pick up this book

[Dear Reader 0801 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when I thought I couldn’t love this series anymore, Hunter and Gabe enter the chat. I’ve enjoyed each of the prior stories but these two MCs just might be my favorites from this series. The grumpy Hunter who is dealing with issues from his grandfather’s ranch and Gabe who has come to Kissing Ranch for a change of pace and finds a whole lot more than he realized in the process.

This marriage of convenience read grabbed me from the start. I got a glimpse of them from prior books and felt they would make an interesting pair of MCs. Hunter is a tough character to get a hold on and he keeps Gabe at a distance in the beginning. Having fought to keep his grandfather’s ranch and coming up against one obstacle after another have taken their toll on him and he’s built up his walls.

Their marriage of convenience slowly turns into more and Gabe wears down those walls. The bits and pieces he learns about Hunter as he finds a change for himself was so enjoyable to read.

This series has been such a treat so far and loved reading the characters and their journeys. I’m looking forward to the next book and Diamond’s story after meeting him in this book.

[DMCechak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ropers Can’t Tie Knots - It’s A Deal

‘How can a single man move me to a lust that burns so hot one moment and then make me ache to hold him in my arms and wake up with him the next? Gabe and I kiss in the hallway, both of us moving to undress the other without the urgency of the last time, and it hits me like the ground when I’m bucked off a horse—I’m falling in love with this man.’

Swoooooon! RM Neill has once again roped us into a gosh-darn, sweet as honey cowboy romance, with Ropers Can’ Tie Knots, book 3 in her Kissing Ridge Cowboys series.

We’ve met Gabe and Hunter in previous books, but things truly heat up once Gabe is, unhappily, offered a room with grouchy Hunter. What Gabe is unaware of is that Hunter has been eyeing him up, and will try his hardest NOT to feel the feelings he is feeling toward Gabe.

This is not a quick and easy romance. Both of these men must fight their inner demons to come to a common ground, where learning how to communicate pulls them closer to their own happiness.

Wonderful cowboy romance!

[Cathy Brockman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Book 3 in the Kissing Ridge Cowboys.
These books are swoonworthy cowboy romances. The series is amazing but I think they stand alone ok. However I recommend you read in order as some of the guys appear in this one and you see how the 2 MC meet in previous book. Especially this one as we met Gabe in previous book.

I loved Hunter and Gabes story. Hunter is a grumpy closed off cinnamon roll. ( just don't tell anyone. ) Gabe is a big flirt thinking he bit off too much moving to the country.
Hunter is on the verge of losing everything due to a complicated will by his homeophobic grandfather
Gabe needs a place e to stay and one if Hunter's friends happily volunteers him.
Then just when Hunter thinks he has the will handled big twist. He has to be married.
There's so much going on in this one you gotta find something you love.
If you like cowboys. Cityboy/country boy, Fake Marriage, Opposites attract, Stranger to lovers, Grumpy/Sunshine, forced proximity and
a rodeo cowboy and a rancher rolled into one you and sexy city lawyer you will loove this!

[InsatiableSuccubooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ropers Can’t Tie Knots by R.M. Neill is book 3 in the “Kissing Ridge Cowboys” series. I hadn't read the previous books but I didn't feel like I was missing any backstory, though I will probably go back and grab them at some point.

Hunter needs to be married to fulfill the conditions of his 'phobic grandfather's will and Gabe needs an in to the ranch crowd who see him as too much of a city boy to hire. It felt like Gabe got on board the marriage of convenience shockingly easily, without much convincing, but it made more sense with time. Seeing how the town immediately took him more seriously, and seeing his attraction to Hunter helped me understand his motivation.

Hunter was hard for me to get behind at couch because of how he treated Gabe to start. However, once he fell, he showed his softer side and I warmed up to him.

Seeing Gabe become more confident as he found his place was really satisfying. He and Hunter felt forced to start, but by the the I was wholly convinced and behind them.