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Sulfur Springs #5

Disarming My Destiny

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US Marshal Bishop Jones has known heartache unlike someone his age should. After losing his only parent, he’s found himself completely and utterly alone with only his dog for company. Working long hours and being new to the area doesn’t give many opportunities for him to get out and meet someone.

Veterinarian Xander Garrison has devoted his life to four-legged critters. Between his vet clinic and the animal shelter he helps his mother run, he doesn’t have a lot of free time. But the lonely nights are getting longer and he wants more than just a warm body from the latest hookup. He wants a partner and lover he can count on.

There is an obvious attraction between the two men but the animosity Xander has toward Bishop is stronger than a rawhide bone. But when Bishop needs Xander’s help with a case, Xander sees a new side of the deputy and wonders if he was too quick to judge. Can their attraction disarm the locks around their hearts? After all, destiny and one tiny little furball have something else in mind.

Disarming My Destiny is the fifth book in the Sulfur Springs series. This is a Men of Crooked Bend spin-off, but it isn’t a requirement that you read that series to enjoy this one. Familiar faces will be seen, but this series takes you off of the ranch and into the lives of those in Sulfur Springs. While each book will focus on a different couple, you should read them in order. Each book contains sexually explicit material between two men and is intended for adults over 18.

222 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 25, 2019

125 people are currently reading
83 people want to read

About the author

Taylor Rylan

89 books500 followers
M/M PNR Romance Author 📖
Multitasker
Coffee addict ☕️☕️☕️
Loves unicorns, dragons, pets, and HEAs 🦄🐱🐶🐱🐱🩷

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5 stars
219 (49%)
4 stars
148 (33%)
3 stars
70 (15%)
2 stars
7 (1%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Profile Image for Denise H..
3,250 reviews272 followers
October 25, 2025
Reread Sept. 25, 2025

***** I am loving this author's stories !
Here we find out about the mystery of U.S. Marshall, Bishop,

who we met in the previous book, as Adrian's work partner. In this tale, Bishop shows us where Bishop has been going, and it's sad. He gains an adorable Havanese, black and white dog, Oreo.
Xander, the local Veterinarian

doesn't understand why Bishop got a dog if he was just going to send her to doggy day-care everyday. Oreo...


They have misunderstandings and when the confusion clears, Xander's drunken texts get Bishop's attention.
This leads to some scorching hot play in the sheets, the floors, tub and more. Our manly men take turns pleasuring each other, enjoying the same types of play, and Xander really likes Bishop's "uniform"...

I like all of the characters, the town, the interesting story about the horse caper, and our hot men show us how terrific they are going to be as a match made from destiny.
(we know the horses are saved, but we don't know who the bad guys were, but it's in the next book)

Highly recommend the series, Sulfer Springs, and the Men of Crooked Bend.
ENJOY !


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Profile Image for Trio.
3,627 reviews209 followers
January 25, 2020
Disarming My Destiny is now available as an audiobook narrated by Michael Dean.

The fifth book in Taylor Rylan’s Sulfur Springs series, Disarming My Destiny can be read as a standalone. In fact, this is only my second book by Ms. Rylan and I didn’t have any trouble following along. References to characters from previous stories are nicely explained, and I enjoyed the story the whole way through.

It’s clear Taylor Rylan has a wonderful time building the animosity between the two main characters. Xander suffers from open mouth-insert foot disease and his awkward, unprofessional, slightly creepy remarks leave Bishop cold. Even though the sexual chemistry is there between these two from the start, it takes them a while to build a friendship. But once they start… wowza!

There’s a great supporting cast in Disarming My Destiny. I enjoyed Xander’s staff at the vet hospital, and his mother is wonderful. Plus Ms. Rylan fills the story with colorful descriptions of the charming Wyoming communities and the beauty of this part of the country. (And bonus points for a super cute pup.)

Michael Dean’s performance is truly fantastic. The emotion he brings to the opening scenes is impressive, and very moving. Mr. Dean does a wonderful Southern drawl for Bishop, and frankly I could listen to him read to me all day long with this sultry accent. It’s also clear he’s having a blast doing it, which makes for a very fun audiobook experience.


an audiobook copy of Disarming My Destiny was provided to me for the purpose of my honest review
Profile Image for Kelly ~Booktrovert~.
724 reviews
March 29, 2019
Disarming My Destiny is book number 5 in the Sulfur Springs series.

I'm honestly not sure who I loved more, Bishop or Xander.

Loved the chemistry between the two MC's even if they fought it a little at first.

A mix a of sweet and sexy. I adored this read.

4 big stars!

Would I read again? Yes
Profile Image for Paula.
110 reviews18 followers
May 4, 2021
Corny but well written.
Profile Image for Helen.
1,006 reviews4 followers
September 28, 2020
Loving these books

Finally Bishop gets his story, and we find out about his back story. He's not what we all thought, that's all I'm saying.

Xander who's rude, blunt and wrong has a lot of apologising to do.

Great book, great story, narration is always great. Recommend you all read this series.
Profile Image for Denise GremoryKohta.
4,270 reviews7 followers
February 11, 2022
I love this series!!!

Okay I love all of them. These guys had a journey that’s for sure. I enjoyed every bump and twist. I like that the three towns show up in each of the books even if it’s just a mention. I do like the Marshall aspect and was curious on how the case went.
Profile Image for M.
1,347 reviews12 followers
April 1, 2021
3.5 Stars

I liked bishop but Xander was such a judgmental asshole, like imagine if your vet told you that you shouldn’t have pets because you were late to pick up your animal? Like I’d honestly lose my shit, but I digress LOL.

Profile Image for Kirstin.
2,113 reviews19 followers
January 12, 2020
I have really enjoyed the couples in this series. They are all so very different, yet perfect for each other.

This was the story of Xander, the vet, and US Marshal Bishop. There was a fun age gap, and I enjoyed the fact that there was a bit of enemies to lovers at the start.

There was so much to enjoy about this story. It just flowed so well, with dual POV's and both MC's coming together for a common work goal. I think for me, I was hoping for a bit of angst. There was very little, if any.

Michael Dean is fantastic in his performance. Bishop's southern accent was spot on and Xander's voice was deep and raspy. I never had an issue distinguishing who was speaking, which speaks highly of the narrator.

Overall, this was a fun, charming story of two men who had a rough start, but quickly found their happily ever after.
Profile Image for Gabbi Grey.
Author 84 books266 followers
January 19, 2020
The Marshal gets his HEA (an audio review)

I liked the character Marshal Bishop Jones in the last instalment of the Sulphur Springs series. He seemed a bit flaky but he was there for his partner and his machinations led to Adrian and Cody getting together. In this book the two men are there in the background, supportive of Bishop. When Bishop finally opens up to Adrian about all the shit that’s going on in his life, Adrian is a little pissed about having been left out of the loop for so long, but he’s on board with helping his partner make the best of his new reality.

Xander Garrison is a vet who loves animals. Now, most vets probably do, but Xander also gets invested in the lives of his patients. Neglectful and abusive pet parents rank right up there with people he’d love to see punished. His clinic also runs a doggie daycare and his favorite is a Havanese named Oreo. He knows he shouldn’t have favorites, but she’s just such a sweet dog that he can’t help loving her. Now, the owner is another story. Oreo spends far too much time in care. Oreo’s owner clearly should never have gotten a dog. When Xander finally meets Oreo’s owner, he lets his disdain slip through.

Bishop already feels guilty enough about the time Oreo spends in daycare, but his job is highly demanding on his time and energy. But Oreo holds a special place in his heart and he can’t bear to let her go. And once he gets past the disdain from the vet, he discovers a man who is passionate about animals and very hot. There’s a lot of cat and mouse going on in this book and, as with the previous one, I kind of just wanted the guys to get together and get on with it. They did, eventually, so that was good.

I’m enjoying this series as it sometimes veers in unpredictable ways, which I like. I’m never quite sure who the next couple is going to be. I have my hopes for the next one, though. Quickly, although not lastly, Michael Dean (formerly Michael Pauley) narrates this series and he does an amazing job. I’m never disappointed with his performances.
Profile Image for Kate.
2,624 reviews6 followers
June 7, 2021
**********Contains Spoilers**********

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I loved the connection between Bishop and Xander, when they finally got their misunderstandings sorted out. Bishop had so much to deal with for the last 18 months which he kept from his partner Adrian, so Adrian just thought he wasn’t reliable and didn’t hide his feelings how he wasn’t happy being stuck with a rookie again. Xander thought that Bishop was a horrible pet owner since he always put his dog Oreo, which happened to be his dad’s dog but since his dad was suffering from Alzheimer’s he couldn’t take care of him, in Doggy Daycare but really he loved Oreo with all his heart since she’s all he has left of his dad. He was just extremely busy going back and forth to Texas to visit his dad and with work commitments and he really hated the thought of leaving her at home by herself all day. I really liked Ezra and Bishop’s interactions and they made me smile, when Bishop would pick up Oreo. I loved how Bishop finally opened up to Adrian and Cody about what had been happening with his dad and then getting Oreo. I also loved how much Xander secretly loved Oreo and that when Oreo got sick and Bishop brought her back to Doggy Daycare because he was busy with a case that Xander took her home with him for the weekend, and doted on her. It was so cute how Bishop carried her in his arms constantly lol she’s such a princess. I’m looking forward to reading Alex and Travis’s book. I’d definitely recommend this book, series and author
Profile Image for Amber Fueston.
1,540 reviews10 followers
January 7, 2020
While I love both Bishop and Xander this one just wasn't doing it for me. I'm not sure if I am starting to get burnt out (I have been binge reading this author for a few weeks) or if its just this particular story. Xander was very rude in the beginning and it made him almost unlikable. Thankfully he was able to turn this around though. I still wasn't really feeling the connection between the two. It felt a little too forced and they were both a little immature at times.

For some reason a lot of little things kept jumping out at me. I'm not sure why this particular book caused it because its mainly more general things with the author I guess. This author has a serious hard on for pizza. The characters are constantly eating it. From pizza places to frozen ones it seems like they have it almost once a day. Another thing that struck me is that every character is a switch. It's not a big deal it just seems unlikely given the number of gay men in these towns. Pretty much everyone in these towns are also bi or gay. That doesn't seem to pick at me the same way though. I'm not sure why. Only 2 more books to go in this series though so I'm not giving up on it.
1,017 reviews
March 27, 2019
I freakin loved this latest book in the Sulfur Springs series!!! We have met Bishop before and was given the impression that he was a love em and leave em type of guy. That was so far from the case. He spent every available minute spending time with his dad. Bishop has the softest heart and the most lovable nature all he wants is someone to love and love him back. Xander is a vet and a very good one. He is very passionate about his animals and isn't afraid to let someone know if he thinks that they are a crappy pet owner....and that is exactly what he did to Bishop. They both get off on the wrong foot but when things come to light and Xander realizes that he was wrong about Bishop he knows that he needs to apologize. That leads to some drunk texting that are hilarious but Bishop now knows that the attraction he feels for the vet isn't one sided. I loved their story so much and dare I say this is my favorite so far in the Sulfur Springs series!!! I can't wait to read more from this talented author and I highly recommend this book to all...well done!!!!
Profile Image for L.D..
1,578 reviews1 follower
December 28, 2020
Disarming My Destiny is the fifth book in the Sulfur Springs series. I suggest reading the other books in the series for maximum enjoyment.

Like the fourth book in the series, Disarming My Destiny focuses on the love story of one of the U.S. Marshalls who were investigating a case within the Sulfur Springs area. The romance and characters were enjoyable, if conventional, but the actual mystery and law enforcement side was strange. It felt like the author did not have a good grasp of what U.S. Marshalls actually do and instead just wanted a cool federal law enforcement agency to throw into the story. It took a bit to suspend my disbelief on that end. When it came to the romance part of the book, that was well done and fun to read about.
Profile Image for ANNBOOKSHELF.
1,111 reviews14 followers
May 16, 2020
This is a great book for one to reflect do you really know what your disinterested going through? You can change a life & your own - acts of kindness!

This is a wonderful story of a family bonds and a horrific diseases that can even make that difficult to hold onto. IS Marshall Bishop has returned to small town & staying with his work partner. What is difficult is Bishop is giving & not getting much in return. Dr. G. Xander has been recruited to work on a case per Bishops request. This is a challenge of impressions & digging yourself out of the pile of poop. Roller coaster journey. More reviews @my2centsbooklover Thank you!
Profile Image for Jane.
145 reviews19 followers
March 28, 2019
Reading this book I was blown away! Having read about Xander pop in and a little bit of Bishop in previous stories, this book focusing on their relationship made me so happy! Three things that made me laugh and smile while reading this book: (1) OREO!!, (2) Ezra's nickname for Bishop when he comes to pick up Oreo from doggy day care, and (3) when Xander and Bishop finally take a chance and lean on each other! I would highly recommend this book if you are a fan of the Sulfur Springs series to read this book and fall in love with Bishop and Xander!

Profile Image for Patti.
989 reviews7 followers
August 6, 2019
Awesome. May contain spoilers.

Mmm, hot and delicious. Ex marine, turned Deputy US Marshall, Bishop is lonely, working long hours. His father had just passed and he now had a small dog he couldn't bear to part with. Local vet, Xander thinks Bishop is irresponsible, leaving poor Oreo at the doggy day care for so long. But he doesn't have all the facts. Until Bishop requires the vet's help for a case. After a drunken mishap from Xander, the pair begin to get to know each other. A beautiful story. What started as animosity turned into love. I loved it and I love this series.
1,552 reviews12 followers
January 13, 2020
I had been curious about Bishop, and finally his mystery is revealed. As we get to know him, we see him circling around Xander, his cute dog Oreo's vet. They actually dance around each other for a while before finally taking a chance on each other, but when they finally do, sparks fly!
I cannot say they are my favourite couple in the series, but the book was really enjoyable nontheless.
I love this series by Taylor Rylan and Michel Dean is one of my absolutely favourite narrators, so this book obviously did it for me!
2,321 reviews8 followers
January 22, 2020
I love this story and it is a great addition to his incredible series. Bishop has been through a lot and now the only thing he has is his dad's dog Oreo. When he meets Xander, the vet, there is an instant attraction for them both but lots of animosity also. I love seeing them grow closer slowly as they work together on one of Bishop's cases. Xander's drunk texts are awesome!! The narrator does a spectacular job with the story and portraying the characters. I voluntarily reviewed a gifted copy of this audio book.
Profile Image for Toni K.
630 reviews8 followers
March 12, 2020
So so stupid, boring and unsexy. I never met such inconsistency between ratings, reviews and content. I wonder if I read the same book as others. This was supposed to be a sexy read, but I'm at 75% and they have only kissed!! They slept in the same bed but jerked off separately!!! Why? And don't get me started on the dog! It's mentioned more than the MCs combined. It got really repetitive by page 50. And to have endured more than 100 of this boredom is a feat. The MCs have good foundation but are more superficial than the dog. And I'm sick of the dog.
Profile Image for Donna.
461 reviews5 followers
February 27, 2021
Hot Hunk Hearts

Veterinarian Xander has been fantasizing about Deputy Hunk since the first time he's brought his adorable little dog into his clinic for day care, but he wished he didn't have to wait after closing for her to be picked up. US Marshal Bishop noticed the hot doc when he rushed in, late again, to take his dad's diminutive legacy home. Assuming they dislike each other becomes awkward after drunk texts and they find themselves working together to find missing horses. Doc feels old, but Deputy feels the heat, will they find each other?
90 reviews
March 28, 2019
Communication is the Key

Ask before you access. Poor Bishop has been painted as a man whore by his partner at work and a delerilic doggie daddy at doggie daycare. Communication at finding true Happiness.

Taylor Rylan has given us a treat in Disarming My Destiny. Bishop and Xander's story was a joy to read as we revisited Sulfur Springs. Pick it up for your next weekend read.
Profile Image for TL Travis.
Author 94 books624 followers
May 19, 2019
Bishops story is a familiar one

An age old classic of “don’t judge a book by its cover.” Just because someone drops off their pet for daycare doesn’t mean you can assume why. Behind the scenes, ones life is full of complications and they do their best to take care of their loved ones. In more ways than one.

Great story, I can’t wait to read Ezra’s.
Profile Image for M..
476 reviews2 followers
March 1, 2020
AUDIOBOOK 5 ⭐️
Overall performance 5 ⭐️
Book content 5 ⭐️

By far my favorite of this series. This book made me laugh and was a whole lot of fun. It was so refreshing not having to deal with the major insecurities most of the younger main characters (Hawk, Tristan, Cody) had in the previous books.
5,704 reviews39 followers
March 27, 2019
bishop and xander are amazing.. sexy and wonderful.. fun and broken.. very good story.. this author is amazing.. this is a one click purchase for anyone and this series is everything that is amazing in the world. haha. love love love

87 reviews
March 29, 2019
Awesome read

As always Taylor, you left me cheering on both of these wonderful guys. I can't wait to read more about Bishop and Xander, along with the rest of the growing cast. I also look forward to hearing "Pinky's" story hopefully.
Profile Image for Courtney Turner.
1,716 reviews4 followers
April 6, 2019
Amazing

Bishop and Xander are so sweet they make your teeth hurt! I always love Taylor’s book because they are low angst. You can’t help but love a story that is so full of love that you feel so happy at the end. Who knew a drunk text would turn into an amazing love story?
Profile Image for Teal Wolf.
3,414 reviews26 followers
April 11, 2019
Great story

Bishop and Xander are great characters and their story is amazing.... sweet, sexy and fun. I loe them together and I love Oreo! This addition to the Sulfer Springs series by Taylor Rylan is definitely a wonderful and recommended read.
750 reviews3 followers
April 21, 2019
Good book

Bishop and Xander, a Marshall and the Veternarian.
Bishop keeps his dog Oreo at Xanders doggie daycare. Xander thinks that Bishop is not the best doggie Daddy. Until Bishop needs Xanders help with a case. Sweet story and hot guys!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews

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