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For rancher, Ezra James, life is pretty simple. He wakes before dawn and spends his day working with the cattle he loves. For twenty years, the EZ Does It ranch has been enough to drown out his loneliness and guilt. To the world, he appears impervious to everything. The only chink in his armour - the man who owns the clothing store in town.

Palmer 'Wyn' Wynfield caught Ezra's eye the first time the rancher stepped foot in the store. Though Ezra knew his large size intimidated others, his little self-confidence was shattered when Palmer backed away in apparent fear. In a moment of self-preservation, he referred to Wyn as Mr. Fancy Pants. That was six years ago, and he's never been forgiven.

An early morning phone call changes all that. Though the line is scratchy, Ezra definitely hears the words he's been waiting to hear for years. "I need you."

Reader Advisory: This book is best read in sequence as part of a series

93 pages, ebook

First published April 1, 2008

13 people are currently reading
286 people want to read

About the author

Carol Lynne

251 books1,196 followers
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.

erotic & gay romances

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5 stars
420 (29%)
4 stars
505 (34%)
3 stars
437 (30%)
2 stars
72 (4%)
1 star
11 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
Profile Image for Mountie.
165 reviews
August 9, 2010
The people over in the M/M Romance Group requested that those of us who give 1 star to a book explain why. I know that there are many people who read Ms. Lynne's work and are happy, unfortunately I am not. If you enjoy reading Ms. Lynne's work, please continue to do so. If you have never read one of Ms. Lynne's works please try her out. May I suggest Cattle Valley: Sweet Topping as this is the best book I have found in any of her series.

I'd like to explain my 1 star. The blurbs to a book is what draws me into buying and this book started with such a promise; an interesting story line and a wonderful idea, and characters I had met in previous books. I find Ms. Lynne always always has such wonderful story ideas. I have read about 6 of Ms. Lynne's works and start each one hoping that the writing will finally match the promise given in the blurb and once again it is the quality of the writing, particularly the dialogue that makes me dislike the book.

The dialogue is wooden, the writing does not evoke in me any "Oh that was wonderfully worded" moments, which I love to have when reading. I felt disconnected from the story, it never pulled me in which was sad because I wanted to enjoy the characters in this book. I read the book to the end because I wanted to find out what happened. Sadly though, I was left with a bitter taste in my mouth. The story line had such promise, the book could be so much more if the writing, the pure craft of writing and the use of words were better executed. I needed more, way more to pull this story out of the 1 star category.
Profile Image for Kay.
1,934 reviews124 followers
February 24, 2012
We met Wyn in the first book of this series as the man who had been stalked by his ex-lover. It’s been months now since all that, and Wyn has been called home when his father passes away and he’s faced with selling the family ranch. When the hometown locals gang up on Wyn because of his lifestyle, Wyn reaches out to Ezra to come and help him. For too long the two had avoided their attraction and growing love for one another, but Wyn’s call is just what Ezra needs push them into the relationship he’s been wanting. But there are more challenges in store for them, when Ezra’s ranch foreman tells Wyn to backoff in no uncertain terms.

This story shows how the scars of abuse are not always on the surface but can run deep. Wyn is resolved to never lose himself to another’s possession and proves that true love is worth fighting for.
Profile Image for Chappy.
2,208 reviews112 followers
March 7, 2015
A nice quick read and I find myself really getting into this series. Books 1 and 2 weren't that great but 3 and 4 were much better.

Ezra is a mountain of a man who was using his gruff exterior to keep everyone at bay. Wyn has had some troubling relationships in the past and is a little weary to get involved again.

These 2 older guys are smoking hot together.
Profile Image for Penumbra.
1,195 reviews20 followers
March 9, 2017
Rough Ride is the fourth book in the Cattle Valley series. It stars rancher Ezra James, who we briefly met in book two, and Palmer ‘Wyn’ Wynfield, who we met in book one. He runs a local clothing store. This is told in third person from both Ezra and Wyn’s povs.



Profile Image for Gabis Laberladen.
1,240 reviews
October 12, 2018
Darum geht's:

Wyn muss in seine verhasste alte Heimatstadt zurück, um die Farm seines verstorbenen Vaters zu verkaufen. Noch immer ist der Ort nicht gerade schwulenfreundlich und ein paar Einheimische lauern Wyn sogar auf und verprügeln ihn. Ein großer, starker Freund als Hilfe an seiner Seite wäre perfekt. Deshalb traut er sich doch, bei Ezra anzurufen. Seit ihrem Kuss an Weihnachten sind sich die beiden aus dem Weg gegangen, doch Wyns Hilferuf lässt Ezra sofort zu ihm eilen.

Meine Meinung dazu gibt’s hier
Profile Image for Sandra.
1,781 reviews50 followers
December 5, 2019
piaciuto, buona storia e piacevole lettura
Profile Image for Jenna Byrnes.
Author 145 books77 followers
April 19, 2009
I did not want to start reading the latest installment in Carol Lynne's Cattle Valley series: Rough Ride. I have a job, I try to write every day, and there is the small matter of family (do they really need to eat again today?) I knew what would happen, and I was right. Once I fired up my ebook reader and hit the first page of Rough Ride, I was lost. Wyn phoned Nate and there I was, right back in Cattle Valley, a town that I love, and love to immerse myself in.

Rough Ride is the fourth installment of Carol Lynne's Cattle Valley series. I'd suggest reading them in order because the characters are so vivid, you won't want to miss a beat with this bunch. If you only have time to read one—pick any of them, because each is full of humor, a character driven plot, and enough m/m romance to melt your socks off. And I do mean romance. I've never felt like the good people in Cattle Valley are having sex just to get the scenes in there—these people are in love. Fortunately, when Carol Lynne is penning the tale, you can count on a happily ever after. The ending of Rough Ride is a 'don't miss' joy ride, but do yourself a favor, and start at the beginning. Just make sure you have plenty of time, because if you're like me, you won't want to put it down.
Profile Image for Jenny Wood.
Author 26 books309 followers
May 14, 2020
I loved Wyn from previous books, he deserved someone amazing like Ezra.
They seemed to dance around each other because of their first meeting they'd unintentionally hurt each others feelings. Of course, with the help of resident meddler Nate lol he gets Wyn talked into calling Ezra when he needs his help. Of course Ezra runs to help because he cares about Wyn.
I really enjoyed Richard too, my heart broke for him I know he gets his own book too but it's been so long since I've read these I'm really looking forward to reading about him again.
I just love this series, I love everybody in Cattle Valley, makes me wish they were all real so I could go visit and stalk some of them :P
I loved how Ezra was with Wyn, I love that he believed him about Smokey, I loved that he put Wyn first when it came to Smokey. And I loved how Wyn talked Ezra into forgiving him when he needed to. Although I wouldn't have been so forgiving, it just shows the kind of person Wyn is :)
I loved it!
On to the next!
Profile Image for Tonileg.
2,243 reviews26 followers
January 25, 2013
Wyn, Palmer Wynfield is a business man in Cattle Valley, he owns the clothing shop in town, but he is suddenly called away to take care of his dying father and sell his family's ranch in Oklahoma. Farmer Ezra James has been checking out Wyn since he first saw him, but has been gentle in his attentions because Wyn was clearly scared of his big size when they finally met. Now Wyn has asked Ezra to come to Oklahoma and help him settle his family affairs so he can go back to Cattle Valley and peace. Wyn's old hometown is a bigoted hate-filled place where he as to be very careful not to get jumped and attacked whenever he goes into town.
There are themes around domestic abuse (and it isn't just in hetero couples, but you find it anywhere there are crazy selfish violent people) and trust. I was surprised about the Smokey drama, but then again any hot person is going to get groupies no matter how uninterested they may be in a relationship.
117 pages in the paperback edition
2 stars
Profile Image for Don Bradshaw.
2,427 reviews105 followers
August 19, 2011
This was the story of Ezra and Wyn. It was nice to read a story about two older men finding true love after mistakes in their pasts. Wyn is still a little skittish after his abusive relationship with the old pastor. He is forced to return to a small town in Oklahoma to settle his father's estate but runs into some gay bashers. Wyn calls Nate to see if he'll come and help him but Nate suggests that he call Ezra. Both Ezra and Wyn have some chemistry so Ezra flies down to help. Ezra is a giant of a man standing an inch under 7' tall but the big man is bowed down by the memories of a failed hetero marriage that wound up with his wife's suicide. The story was typical Cattle Valley, you love them or hate them just like any soap opera. Ms Lynne has a fairly set formula for these books but for the most part they are addicting.
Profile Image for Shelby P.
1,320 reviews33 followers
July 31, 2013
This is my least favorite so far in the series. I didn't buy the connection between Ezra and Wynn. And there was too much sex. Seems like they just came together to have sex. I didn't like the plot either. I don't understand why the author felt it necessary to have Wynn scarred by the barbed wire fence. Hopefully the next in the series will be better than this one. I also wondered if we'll get a f/f story since women/lesbians do live in Cattle Valley, but you'd never guess it with the supporting characters.
Profile Image for Sarina.
766 reviews1 follower
March 3, 2017
4.5* Review written for Love Bytes Reviews.

There’s just something about this series that I find comforting; its easy to fall into and the stories always leave me smiling by the end. This story in particular I have been eagerly awaiting ever since Nate helped Wyn out of an abusive relationship back in book one and I have to say, it did not disappoint!

Both Wyn and Ezra have been fixtures in the Cattle Valley books since the very beginning and I was thrilled to not only get the secret of Ezra’s past, but to see both men get the love and happy ending they both so desperately deserve. While neither man made the best first impression on the other, I’ve really enjoyed getting to see them working towards a relationship in fits and starts over the previous books; watching all the tiptoeing around and the meddling by Nate pay off in this book was well worth the wait. Ezra is a big man, I mean huge, and it was great to see him trying to be gentle with Wyn, both due to his past but also because he feels the man needs to be shown he’s cherished. On the flip side, I enjoyed watching as Wyn came out of his shell more and made it clear to Ezra that he could anything the other man could dish out and that he enjoyed a bit of rough when there was love and not hatred involved.

There wasn’t a lot of drama in this one but what was there was done well and added to the story instead of detracting from it; it also allowed Wyn a chance to take matters into his own hands in his determination not to be a victim again which I just loved. This really was totally worth the wait and is my new favorite for the series; if you haven’t visited Cattle Valley yet, I have to wonder just what you’re waiting for. :)
Profile Image for Barb ~rede-2-read~.
3,751 reviews113 followers
May 6, 2017
Short and sweet, this Cattle Valley ranch series is comprised of gay men who live in, or move to, Cattle Valley, a VERY gay-friendly town. This one features Wyn, the very well-dressed owner of the town's upscale men's store and Ezra, a man considered to be a quiet unfriendly bear of a man. Turns out Ezra has a heart and it beats for Wyn.

None of these stories are likely to win a literary award but when you're looking for something short, simple, and sweet, they're just the kind of candy to reach for.
Profile Image for Pamela Su.
1,168 reviews30 followers
June 2, 2017
Eventually, I'm going to start skipping the books and read the ones that mildly interest me.

This book was the one I was looking forward to reading. It didn't quite live up to my expectations but it was a pretty sweet story.
Profile Image for Karlo.
1,227 reviews
February 17, 2020
auch dieser Band ist eine gut geschriebene Kurzgeschichte,
sehr unterhaltsam und kurzweilig,
freu mich auf den naechsten Band
Profile Image for andrea moran.
2,126 reviews
December 4, 2020
Cattle Valley

It was a case of opposites attract with these two after their relationship got off to a poor start but I’m a sucker for a happy ending and this was a great one
Profile Image for Christy Roberts.
1,513 reviews49 followers
October 9, 2018
This was another excellent read. I have been waiting to read Ezra and Wyn's story since book one. The third book where Nate sent the Valentine's cookies basket had me even more intrigued.


Wyn was in the first book and owns his own clothing store. In this book it picked up before Gill and Kyle's wedding. Wyn went back to where he was from to take care of his dad. When his dad died he needed help with the Ranch so it could be sold. Most important he needed someone to scare the locals from messing with him since they didn't like him.


Thanks to Nate's suggestion and a phone call Wyn got his help in the form of Ezra. Ezra has been dealing with the guilt built up from twenty years over some one from his past. He has been wanting Wyn since the first time he saw him. Ezra even took care of Wyn when he got hurt at the ranch when he arrived.

I know that Wyn was still healing from his former boyfriend's abuse, but Ezra and he will work out all of the past problems just with the love they finally gave in to.


They are going to help Cattle Valley expand with the adventure of a night club and a friend they helped out back in Wyn's home town. Can't wait for Richard to show up. Hope there is book all for him down the road.

Half or over half of the book was set in Oklahoma, but the ending with more of Gill and Kyle's wedding was great. I also enjoyed the truck scene between them at the very end.


Carol did it again with another great book in this series. I like how they all tie in together with the previous books. the ending was steamy hot with wyn sitting on Ezra going down the bumpy roaf
Profile Image for Anjali.
70 reviews13 followers
January 29, 2015
Definitely not for me.This book was not a good reading material for me.Liked how it started but after that story went downhill for me , let me justify even my !1 star cause I deliberated on giving none . Carol Lynne can write no doubt about it or else I wont have been able to finish this book ,but the story I like is where the romance develops slow steady and the character totally fall for each other not just the wham-bam sex and I am in love type.My assessment


Characters are Zero appeal
Story Plot line Zero appeal

In this book Palmer 'Wyn' Wynfield father died he goes to a homophobic town Pamona Oklahoma where he is roughed up by the locals cause he is gay. Palmer 'Wyn' Wynfield left Pamona and went to Cattle Valley became a successful cloth store owner long time back.Wyn calls Ezra for help to round up his fathers ranch .
Ezra James is a big person larger than life you can say who owns EZ Does It ranch . Ezra and Wyn shared one kiss at Christmas party long time ago and its amazing for that connection Ezra runs to save Wyn when the call comes . { people usually call friends and not just about strangers for help }.
Ezra intimidates the town helps Wyn sell animals and round up the ranch. In between Wyn meets with barbwire accident makes a friend Richard and irritates Ezra foreman cause of jealousy .

Every thing works out without a glitch and they get together happy and in love the end.
Profile Image for Amber "Epp".
1,134 reviews63 followers
June 13, 2014
I kind of think its funny that I am a straight female and yet I am reading gay romance I have never read gay romance before the reason I read this book originally is because I have a friend who is gay that is simply in love with this book series because he has told me all about this series (a lot) I figured I would give it a go well all I can is is my friend has fabulous taste (not that he would ever let me forget that for even a second)
I may be a straight female but I simply love the guys in the series I could not stop reading at one book I just had to know what was happening in Cattle Valley ... so far I have read the first 10 books in the series and the more I read the more I fall in love with this series I think its just wonderful I hope all people gay lesbian bi straight whatever find such a happy wonderful place to live in peace and joy
I am going to read this full series once I get a chance to as I simply have to know who winds up with who this is better than watching the soaps I just love it .. :)
448 reviews19 followers
August 14, 2011
The first time I say Ezra and Winn interact I thought are these two every going to get their act together. It was obvious from the way Ms. Lynne had written them that they were crazy about each other but attitude and preconceived notions were keeping them apart.

The little twist at the beginning of this one where Nate suggested Ezra's help was the perfect push both needed. Talk about a case of opposites attracting. These two are about as opposite as opposite can be but yet Ms. Lynn's creative skill has taken Ezra and Winn and made them into a totally believable loving couple.

Them there's the twist of what happened with their new friend at the club, and again with the jealous ranch hand when they got back home. Neither of which I was expecting but that really made the story come alive. I admit it. This is one of my favorite Cattle Valley love stories.
Profile Image for Melissa.
861 reviews6 followers
January 22, 2013
I was waiting for this book since the first book I read. Palmer Wynfield and Ezra James have a long-standing feud stemming from a verbal altercation a few years back and even though they have been getting along better these days. Ezra even kissed Wyn at the New Year's Eve party at the church!

When Wyn's dad dies and he has to go back to Oklahoma to get the ranch ready to sell, he encounters some problems with the townsfolk who don't like his lifestyle and beat him up. He calls Ezra to ask him to come help him since he's nearly 7 foot tall and built well and no one would bother him with Ezra there! Of course he comes and things go very well for them. I love these boys and how their relationship progresses.

They do have a few little hang ups along the way but the way they care for each other, you know they are it for each other! Great story!
Profile Image for Wendy❤Ann.
1,757 reviews48 followers
November 8, 2011
I love this series, but I wasn’t quite as enamored with this couple as the others I’ve read so far. I think some of the self-doubt made Wyn seem younger than what I perceived him to be and I just wasn’t feeling a strong connection with the main characters. I did enjoy getting a glimpse into the life of some of the returning characters and hope there is a story in the future for at least one of the new guys. I love the thought of a real Cattle Valley and so I read with the hope that maybe dreams do come true :)
Profile Image for Jay.
289 reviews2 followers
May 16, 2011
Wyn & Ezra, HOT.

What I did NOT like about this book: In book 3 it took you through Kyle and Gill's wedding. In book 4 with Wyn & Ezra you take a go through the middle of book 3 but with Wyn & Ezra. I think some of the stuff that is HEA for some of the characters should be more or a .5 book, than a next # book.

The rest of Book 4, I ADORED. Love the men, love Cattle Valley.

Profile Image for Tori Thompson.
947 reviews24 followers
January 2, 2014
I've liked Wyn for a couple of books now, and I was happy to see he got his man and story! This was a good book, the first half had a bit of drama, then not as much happened in the second half though. I can see set ups for more stories, and there were appearances by other characters, which was nice. Ezra and Wyn make a good couple, and the sex was hot.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews

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