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Burned & Bound
It was one kiss and a promise of tomorrow…
WEST
Loving Jackson Myles almost cost me my life. I ran, going wherever the wind took me. I did things I’m not proud of to survive.
When I inherit my half of Double Arrow Ranch, I mean to sell. I want nothing to do with Jackson or that place. But my dad’s will requires I work the ranch for one year or I’ll forfeit the sale.
Only Jackson isn’t some soft and sweet kid anymore. He’s hard edges and rough antics, and he takes nothing from no one—including me. As I start to unravel, dragged down by the memories of Double Arrow Ranch, Jackson is there to pick up my pieces. But do I want him to?
JACKSON
I loved West McNamara. I loved him when he kissed me, I loved him when he vanished in the middle of the night, and a part of me still loves him. But I hate him for all the same reasons.
When West inherits his half of Double Arrow Ranch, he can’t sell it without working the ranch for one year. That means I’m stuck with him.
But this West isn’t the kid I knew. He’s tortured and broken, tattooed with the secrets of seventeen years lost between us. As I learn his secrets, can I reconcile the best friend I lost with the broken man in front of me?
**Burned & Bound is a standalone novel with a guaranteed HEA wrapped up in a heavy emotional story. The content is meant for readers 18+ so please read responsibly.
WEST
Loving Jackson Myles almost cost me my life. I ran, going wherever the wind took me. I did things I’m not proud of to survive.
When I inherit my half of Double Arrow Ranch, I mean to sell. I want nothing to do with Jackson or that place. But my dad’s will requires I work the ranch for one year or I’ll forfeit the sale.
Only Jackson isn’t some soft and sweet kid anymore. He’s hard edges and rough antics, and he takes nothing from no one—including me. As I start to unravel, dragged down by the memories of Double Arrow Ranch, Jackson is there to pick up my pieces. But do I want him to?
JACKSON
I loved West McNamara. I loved him when he kissed me, I loved him when he vanished in the middle of the night, and a part of me still loves him. But I hate him for all the same reasons.
When West inherits his half of Double Arrow Ranch, he can’t sell it without working the ranch for one year. That means I’m stuck with him.
But this West isn’t the kid I knew. He’s tortured and broken, tattooed with the secrets of seventeen years lost between us. As I learn his secrets, can I reconcile the best friend I lost with the broken man in front of me?
**Burned & Bound is a standalone novel with a guaranteed HEA wrapped up in a heavy emotional story. The content is meant for readers 18+ so please read responsibly.
546 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 22, 2024
About the author
A. Winchester
27 books114 followersWord Nerd, Connoisseur of adventures of a literary nature, Would die first in a Supernatural episode.
I’m an author, reader, and most importantly, a nerd. I love all things superheroes, demon hunters, and long-running movies and tv shows. I enjoy diving deep into characters and their stories, journeying with them while figuring out who they are. It’s the goal I have for all the characters I create and hope you find a way to connect with them.
I’m an author, reader, and most importantly, a nerd. I love all things superheroes, demon hunters, and long-running movies and tv shows. I enjoy diving deep into characters and their stories, journeying with them while figuring out who they are. It’s the goal I have for all the characters I create and hope you find a way to connect with them.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
January 2, 2025
You know how I get annoyed when I feel like one MC is trying harder than the other? Well. This book is Jackson giving 180% and West coming in strong at -20%.
This.....shouldn't have been a romance. Or maybe it just wasn't. To me.
It's not even West's fault. That man needed intensive long-term therapy the likes of which required a three book arc at minimum to be believable.
He's so broken that he needed help more than he needed romance. It was clear from chapter one, and I wish Jackson hadn't needed to break himself at the altar of West before it became clear to him.
Brief background.
West was abused physically and emotionally by his father growing up, and it seems every adult in their shit town knew about it but were too much of cowards to do anything about it(despite the lies they tell themselves otherwise)
He watched his mom commit suicide, got the homophobic beating of a lifetime from his father at 17/18 and ran away from home. A series of unfortunate events end up with him in jail for armed robbery,and he later leaves as a survivor of a 9 man gang rape and a murder for self defense.
Jackson was pushing Sisyphus' boulder from the jump. Ex best friend returns after 17 years away, shortly thereafter he discovers it wasn't because West abandoned him after their kiss. And everyone he trusted had known and kept it away from him because ✨reasons✨.
Cue the biggest 'I can Fix Him' campaign of the century. Except, he couldn't. Because love isn't a magic cure. But he tries.
And tries.
And tries.
And tries.
Spoiler alert: He fails every time.
Until he's the one who's broken. And West can't deal. Because he can hardly deal with his own issues. I WANT to have grace for him, I do. Because he's had a rough time of it.
But I'm going to be honest, it was hard not to be disappointed. I wish he'd found it himself to come through at least once. I GET why he couldn't. Didn't stop me wishing he could have.
So here we are. Started with two MCs. One okay, one broken. By the end, they're both broken.
On the plus side, Jackson never once said anything he didn't mean, for better or for worse(usually for worse)
“I ain’t saying you have to. I’m saying we were robbed of a chance to find out, and if you ever wanted to find out… that door is open on my end.”
“I do trust you. I walked into this thing with you knowing full well that at the end of this year together, you’re going to break my heart."
Maybe my issue overall was that the last 10% of the book had SO much going on that I couldn't buy the authenticity of what was being claimed.
90% in, I told myself there's no wayyyyyy this doesn't have a book two. There's no way this can be wrapped up in 10%.
Maybe if the last bit had been as well paced as the first 90%, I'd have loved this.
As it is, I would love this as a story of healing. The depictions of West's suffering? Harrowing.
Do I like this as a romance? Do I root for these two to be together by this stage of their lives? No.
And it's that much sadder that I don't even blame West for it. It's just what it is.
Is there a word for a romance that's mostly sad then ends with a 'jk, they lived happily ever after'?
This is a tragedy that forgets itself by the end.
This.....shouldn't have been a romance. Or maybe it just wasn't. To me.
It's not even West's fault. That man needed intensive long-term therapy the likes of which required a three book arc at minimum to be believable.
He's so broken that he needed help more than he needed romance. It was clear from chapter one, and I wish Jackson hadn't needed to break himself at the altar of West before it became clear to him.
Brief background.
West was abused physically and emotionally by his father growing up, and it seems every adult in their shit town knew about it but were too much of cowards to do anything about it(despite the lies they tell themselves otherwise)
He watched his mom commit suicide, got the homophobic beating of a lifetime from his father at 17/18 and ran away from home. A series of unfortunate events end up with him in jail for armed robbery,and he later leaves as a survivor of a 9 man gang rape and a murder for self defense.
Jackson was pushing Sisyphus' boulder from the jump. Ex best friend returns after 17 years away, shortly thereafter he discovers it wasn't because West abandoned him after their kiss. And everyone he trusted had known and kept it away from him because ✨reasons✨.
Cue the biggest 'I can Fix Him' campaign of the century. Except, he couldn't. Because love isn't a magic cure. But he tries.
And tries.
And tries.
And tries.
Spoiler alert: He fails every time.
Until he's the one who's broken. And West can't deal. Because he can hardly deal with his own issues. I WANT to have grace for him, I do. Because he's had a rough time of it.
But I'm going to be honest, it was hard not to be disappointed. I wish he'd found it himself to come through at least once. I GET why he couldn't. Didn't stop me wishing he could have.
So here we are. Started with two MCs. One okay, one broken. By the end, they're both broken.
On the plus side, Jackson never once said anything he didn't mean, for better or for worse(usually for worse)
“I ain’t saying you have to. I’m saying we were robbed of a chance to find out, and if you ever wanted to find out… that door is open on my end.”
“I do trust you. I walked into this thing with you knowing full well that at the end of this year together, you’re going to break my heart."
Maybe my issue overall was that the last 10% of the book had SO much going on that I couldn't buy the authenticity of what was being claimed.
90% in, I told myself there's no wayyyyyy this doesn't have a book two. There's no way this can be wrapped up in 10%.
Maybe if the last bit had been as well paced as the first 90%, I'd have loved this.
As it is, I would love this as a story of healing. The depictions of West's suffering? Harrowing.
Do I like this as a romance? Do I root for these two to be together by this stage of their lives? No.
And it's that much sadder that I don't even blame West for it. It's just what it is.
Is there a word for a romance that's mostly sad then ends with a 'jk, they lived happily ever after'?
This is a tragedy that forgets itself by the end.
January 7, 2025
West + Jackson 🖤
Friends to enemies to lovers | Trauma | Broken Man | HEA
I am so stuck with how to rate this right now. This had the potential to be one of my favorite books. I absolutely loved most of it. However, at around 90% it all went to hell. It made me want to stop reading it entirely. I'm going to continue to sit with my thoughts and may change my rating later.
West has a shit ton of trauma. Most of his behavior and responses were completely justified and understandable. But then it got to a point where he was only taking and not giving to the one person who was always there for him and that's not okay. Jackson only needed back maybe 25% of what he gave to West but instead he got nothing.
Trauma explains behavior but it doesn't excuse it. There's still a responsibility there.
⚠️ possible spoilers below in detailed tropes and trigger warnings
Tropes:
Childhood best friends to enemies to lovers
Bull rider
Horse whisperer
Strict roles
Mental health rep
C-PTSD rep
Broken man
Equine therapy
Pierced nipples
Pierced 🍆
Touch aversion
TWs:
Child abuse on page by a parent
Violence
History of multiple brutal rapes
History of sexual assault by a doctor
History of incarceration
Hospital stay
Severe injury
Fear of hospitals
PTSD
AA meetings
Alcoholism
Panic attacks
Feelings of unworthiness
3rd act breakup
Betrayal (no cheating)
Friends to enemies to lovers | Trauma | Broken Man | HEA
I am so stuck with how to rate this right now. This had the potential to be one of my favorite books. I absolutely loved most of it. However, at around 90% it all went to hell. It made me want to stop reading it entirely. I'm going to continue to sit with my thoughts and may change my rating later.
West has a shit ton of trauma. Most of his behavior and responses were completely justified and understandable. But then it got to a point where he was only taking and not giving to the one person who was always there for him and that's not okay. Jackson only needed back maybe 25% of what he gave to West but instead he got nothing.
Trauma explains behavior but it doesn't excuse it. There's still a responsibility there.
⚠️ possible spoilers below in detailed tropes and trigger warnings
Tropes:
Childhood best friends to enemies to lovers
Bull rider
Horse whisperer
Strict roles
Mental health rep
C-PTSD rep
Broken man
Equine therapy
Pierced nipples
Pierced 🍆
Touch aversion
TWs:
Child abuse on page by a parent
Violence
History of multiple brutal rapes
History of sexual assault by a doctor
History of incarceration
Hospital stay
Severe injury
Fear of hospitals
PTSD
AA meetings
Alcoholism
Panic attacks
Feelings of unworthiness
3rd act breakup
Betrayal (no cheating)
Read
January 11, 2025DNF - no rating.
This was mainly a writing style issue for me. Super short chapters and there are 101 chapters. A lot of italics. Inner monologue style of telling information that doesn't really feel natural, who is the MC telling this to? Too many internal questions asked while in the MCs head.
I am not good at describing why a writing style doesn't work for me, so take that with a big grain of salt.
First person dual POV, heavy topics, check the thorough CWs behind spoiler tags if you're unsure.
Author-provided CWs were detailed and plentiful, which is great!
CWs:
This was mainly a writing style issue for me. Super short chapters and there are 101 chapters. A lot of italics. Inner monologue style of telling information that doesn't really feel natural, who is the MC telling this to? Too many internal questions asked while in the MCs head.
I am not good at describing why a writing style doesn't work for me, so take that with a big grain of salt.
First person dual POV, heavy topics, check the thorough CWs behind spoiler tags if you're unsure.
Author-provided CWs were detailed and plentiful, which is great!
CWs:
January 1, 2025
4.25⭐️
“Are you sure you want this, Jackson? I wouldn’t be mad if you didn’t.”
“I told you that if you’d asked me years ago to leave with you, I would’ve,” he replied seriously. “You mean more to me than that ranch ever will, West. Always have, always will.”
This book was a 5 star until the last 20%, which lowered my rating. I'll start by saying that Jackson deserved better, and by that, I mean he deserved a better treatment than what he got.
“Why do you care so damn much about what happens to me?”
“I’d rather go through hell with you, West, than watch it destroy you.”
From the beginning, I knew West was a character carrying a lot of emotional weight, and he didn’t deserve anything that happened to him. I was and still very protective of him, so much so that I hated anyone who went against him, like Jackson at the beginning before he learned the truth. However, once he found out the truth, he made it his mission to take care of him, protect, and make West feel safe. He maintained this behavior throughout the entire book. Even when West treated him poorly or pushed him away, Jackson understood, was incredibly patient, and never asked for more than West could give. So, where’s my problem with this book? It’s when the story focuses entirely on West and forgets about Jackson even after what happened to him.
“Running away from me was the escape he needed?” Fuck, I even hated saying the words. Had I really been that bad for him?
“Maybe… just maybe, Jackson, this isn’t about you.”
BITCH, IT WAS NEVER ABOUT HIM!! Everything Jackson did was for West, thinking about his comfort, making him feel good, and always putting West’s needs above his own. But what about Jackson’s feelings? Do they not matter? I get it. I’ve understood it from the very beginning and never blamed West because I understood he was hurting and didn’t know how to cope, and I’m not mad that West sought help, I fully support that. What bothers me is the way he went about it and his complete lack of consideration for Jackson. He was in the hospital, physically and emotionally broken, and I expected a conversation with him before leaving. That’s all. I’m putting this on the author not on West.
“You good, baby?” Jackson asked.
I smiled at him, at the man who inspired me to be better. Who showed me just how good my life could be and saw me, even when I couldn’t see myself. At the man who so fiercely believed in me that I knew I could do anything. “Yeah, I’m good, cowboy.”
And I was. I loved our life at West Haven. I loved Jackson. But most of all… I loved me.
That being said I was so proud of West, he came really so far and he deserved so much better from everybody except his mother and Jackson and yes, I still hate everybody who knew and did absolutely NOTHING or the bare minimum to protect that baby.
“Are you sure you want this, Jackson? I wouldn’t be mad if you didn’t.”
“I told you that if you’d asked me years ago to leave with you, I would’ve,” he replied seriously. “You mean more to me than that ranch ever will, West. Always have, always will.”
This book was a 5 star until the last 20%, which lowered my rating. I'll start by saying that Jackson deserved better, and by that, I mean he deserved a better treatment than what he got.
“Why do you care so damn much about what happens to me?”
“I’d rather go through hell with you, West, than watch it destroy you.”
From the beginning, I knew West was a character carrying a lot of emotional weight, and he didn’t deserve anything that happened to him. I was and still very protective of him, so much so that I hated anyone who went against him, like Jackson at the beginning before he learned the truth. However, once he found out the truth, he made it his mission to take care of him, protect, and make West feel safe. He maintained this behavior throughout the entire book. Even when West treated him poorly or pushed him away, Jackson understood, was incredibly patient, and never asked for more than West could give. So, where’s my problem with this book? It’s when the story focuses entirely on West and forgets about Jackson even after what happened to him.
“Running away from me was the escape he needed?” Fuck, I even hated saying the words. Had I really been that bad for him?
“Maybe… just maybe, Jackson, this isn’t about you.”
BITCH, IT WAS NEVER ABOUT HIM!! Everything Jackson did was for West, thinking about his comfort, making him feel good, and always putting West’s needs above his own. But what about Jackson’s feelings? Do they not matter? I get it. I’ve understood it from the very beginning and never blamed West because I understood he was hurting and didn’t know how to cope, and I’m not mad that West sought help, I fully support that. What bothers me is the way he went about it and his complete lack of consideration for Jackson. He was in the hospital, physically and emotionally broken, and I expected a conversation with him before leaving. That’s all. I’m putting this on the author not on West.
“You good, baby?” Jackson asked.
I smiled at him, at the man who inspired me to be better. Who showed me just how good my life could be and saw me, even when I couldn’t see myself. At the man who so fiercely believed in me that I knew I could do anything. “Yeah, I’m good, cowboy.”
And I was. I loved our life at West Haven. I loved Jackson. But most of all… I loved me.
That being said I was so proud of West, he came really so far and he deserved so much better from everybody except his mother and Jackson and yes, I still hate everybody who knew and did absolutely NOTHING or the bare minimum to protect that baby.
December 24, 2024
Wow. Just...
I had to sit with this one, y'all. It's one of those rare books that I want to immediately start all over again.
Winchester is by far my favorite author, especially after this book.
Burned and Bound is a deeply emotional story about West, a largely traumatized adult with touch aversion and CPTSD from a life absolutely no one deserves to live. His story was FELT. And Winchester did this character so much justice. So much. I felt like I was living his pain and trauma right along with him. However, it was done in such a way that while you gain a deep understanding of someone who may be living with both "disorders", you see someone deeply desperate to escape its clutches. I'm often iffy about disability rep in most books because I have a degree in Disability Advocacy and am disabled myself. While I know this is not everyone's experience with either of these disorders, it is on par symptom-wise with folks I do know who unfortunately have to live with it. It's so beautifully, heartbreakingly written, and I think Winchester did a phenomenal job of writing West.
Then there's Jackson. If I could ever find a Jackson in real life, I would NEVER let them go. The absolute love and devotion this man showed was nothing like I've ever read. His patience and empathy showed no bounds.
I don't want to give anything away at all, so let me just tell you this. I've read thousands of books over my lifetime, and this one... No seriously THIS one... Just made my all-time favorite read. Not just favorite read of the year. Of all time.
I implore you to pick this one up and get your tissues ready. This book needs to be read.
I am so honored to have received an ARC of this book. Thank you, Addison.
I had to sit with this one, y'all. It's one of those rare books that I want to immediately start all over again.
Winchester is by far my favorite author, especially after this book.
Burned and Bound is a deeply emotional story about West, a largely traumatized adult with touch aversion and CPTSD from a life absolutely no one deserves to live. His story was FELT. And Winchester did this character so much justice. So much. I felt like I was living his pain and trauma right along with him. However, it was done in such a way that while you gain a deep understanding of someone who may be living with both "disorders", you see someone deeply desperate to escape its clutches. I'm often iffy about disability rep in most books because I have a degree in Disability Advocacy and am disabled myself. While I know this is not everyone's experience with either of these disorders, it is on par symptom-wise with folks I do know who unfortunately have to live with it. It's so beautifully, heartbreakingly written, and I think Winchester did a phenomenal job of writing West.
Then there's Jackson. If I could ever find a Jackson in real life, I would NEVER let them go. The absolute love and devotion this man showed was nothing like I've ever read. His patience and empathy showed no bounds.
I don't want to give anything away at all, so let me just tell you this. I've read thousands of books over my lifetime, and this one... No seriously THIS one... Just made my all-time favorite read. Not just favorite read of the year. Of all time.
I implore you to pick this one up and get your tissues ready. This book needs to be read.
I am so honored to have received an ARC of this book. Thank you, Addison.
January 21, 2025
Sigh... I really wanted to love this. The book had a promising start and I was actually excited because of the themes it would explore. I am very sad to say that overall it didn’t work for me, but I’ll highlight the positive and negative aspects. Heads up that this review is VERY long, I just had many thoughts.
The plot is about West, a man that hides from his past until he is called to the ranch where he lived with his family. Except he wants to avoid it at all cost because of the memories from said place and the fact that he left Jackson behind, the person that used to be his best friend and he has loved since forever. West will have to confront his past, Jackson's feelings and choose between running away again or fighting agaisnt his own self-deprecating behaviour.
The idea is really geat. I’m always interested in reading a story about a character's healing journey. It's not easy work due to the topics. While the intention is good, I feel that the technical aspects needed more polishing. I thought the writting style was nice, but my problem starts with the book's structure, because it has around 100 chapters but the content from each one is way too short. This has a negative effect on the story because the scenes are cut off abruptly after barely being set up, with no transitions between them, then pass onto a new one or a different POV. It is the reason I wasn’t able to get emotionally invested. It made it feel almost mechanical, when the story has great potential of tugging heartstrings.
Another thing is that the continuation between the scenes felt like a whiplash at times and repetitive at others. The majority of the book goes like this: West suddenly gets into a crisis, he lashes out and hurts Jackson, Jackson doesn’t mind and goes to find West after he avoids him, everything is forgiven. Rinse and repeat. I understand the purpose could be to present how damaged West is, but my problem is that Jackson became a punching bag, a tool, a character with no soul because he didn’t react to any of it- He is constructed with a savior complex, which would’ve been interested if that had being addressed, but it only ends up in making him help West, without acting like a character on his own.
Speaking of West, he was a very dislikeable MC. This is something I wouldn’t mind because I enjoy flawed MCs, but his development didn’t feel organic. I think the intention was to portray him as self-destructive as possible, but . It’s not believable. Everything about their relationship felt very in the surface because Jackson .
It got to a point where I wasn’t rooting for them. The book was supposed to make me want them together, but I didn’t. I would've preferred if this was written in a single POV so we could follow West more and actually dive deep into his behaviour, because it’s treated only as the result of trauma, saving him from all responsability. He is a grown man but he behaved like a child, and the narrative also treated him like one.
There’s also the fact that they didn’t really have chemistry for me, their development should’ve felt gradual and organic, but it felt like a cycle, until he makes that decision near the end. It could’ve worked better if West , but it came out of nowhere. While I really like the idea of still felt too abrupt. Please, dear authors, don’t be afraid of showing rather than telling, especially if you will . It's a waste of an opportunity to build up angst and it feels lazy.
I can’t believe I’m saying this about a 600 pages long book but, it needed more, or at least scrap some of the repetitive scenes in favor of a better progression. Why not have West That would have felt more like genuine love, but that change near the end just sealed the deal for me that West doesn’t deserve Jackson, since he would rather hurt him for no reason. I wouldn't have a problem with this because I enjoy unhealthy dynamics, but the point of the book wasn't that and it shows.
One last pet peeve from me that appears here is some misogyny, specifically in Jackson’s thoughts and dialogue, I felt that those scenes from the third act were unncessary. I’m guessing it could be part of the western genre, but I rather not have them anywhere near me. It's not even treated as character development, it's just there to make fun of women and have a jealousy moment.
Since I don’t like ending reviews in total negative light (when it’s possible), I want to add some things I got from this book that I truly enjoyed: the "baby" petname Jackson used for West (it’s adorable), the sex scenes (great narration, I even felt some actual chemistry in them) and their exploration of past abuse, the idea from the ending. The finale felt like the right one for this type of story, I just wish the execution from the rest would’ve been better.
-This was an ARC review.
Tags: (might miss some of them)
-POV: first person
-Content warnings:
-Elements:
-Kinks:
-Sexual act(s):
-Dynamic:
The plot is about West, a man that hides from his past until he is called to the ranch where he lived with his family. Except he wants to avoid it at all cost because of the memories from said place and the fact that he left Jackson behind, the person that used to be his best friend and he has loved since forever. West will have to confront his past, Jackson's feelings and choose between running away again or fighting agaisnt his own self-deprecating behaviour.
The idea is really geat. I’m always interested in reading a story about a character's healing journey. It's not easy work due to the topics. While the intention is good, I feel that the technical aspects needed more polishing. I thought the writting style was nice, but my problem starts with the book's structure, because it has around 100 chapters but the content from each one is way too short. This has a negative effect on the story because the scenes are cut off abruptly after barely being set up, with no transitions between them, then pass onto a new one or a different POV. It is the reason I wasn’t able to get emotionally invested. It made it feel almost mechanical, when the story has great potential of tugging heartstrings.
Another thing is that the continuation between the scenes felt like a whiplash at times and repetitive at others. The majority of the book goes like this: West suddenly gets into a crisis, he lashes out and hurts Jackson, Jackson doesn’t mind and goes to find West after he avoids him, everything is forgiven. Rinse and repeat. I understand the purpose could be to present how damaged West is, but my problem is that Jackson became a punching bag, a tool, a character with no soul because he didn’t react to any of it- He is constructed with a savior complex, which would’ve been interested if that had being addressed, but it only ends up in making him help West, without acting like a character on his own.
Speaking of West, he was a very dislikeable MC. This is something I wouldn’t mind because I enjoy flawed MCs, but his development didn’t feel organic. I think the intention was to portray him as self-destructive as possible, but . It’s not believable. Everything about their relationship felt very in the surface because Jackson .
It got to a point where I wasn’t rooting for them. The book was supposed to make me want them together, but I didn’t. I would've preferred if this was written in a single POV so we could follow West more and actually dive deep into his behaviour, because it’s treated only as the result of trauma, saving him from all responsability. He is a grown man but he behaved like a child, and the narrative also treated him like one.
There’s also the fact that they didn’t really have chemistry for me, their development should’ve felt gradual and organic, but it felt like a cycle, until he makes that decision near the end. It could’ve worked better if West , but it came out of nowhere. While I really like the idea of still felt too abrupt. Please, dear authors, don’t be afraid of showing rather than telling, especially if you will . It's a waste of an opportunity to build up angst and it feels lazy.
I can’t believe I’m saying this about a 600 pages long book but, it needed more, or at least scrap some of the repetitive scenes in favor of a better progression. Why not have West That would have felt more like genuine love, but that change near the end just sealed the deal for me that West doesn’t deserve Jackson, since he would rather hurt him for no reason. I wouldn't have a problem with this because I enjoy unhealthy dynamics, but the point of the book wasn't that and it shows.
One last pet peeve from me that appears here is some misogyny, specifically in Jackson’s thoughts and dialogue, I felt that those scenes from the third act were unncessary. I’m guessing it could be part of the western genre, but I rather not have them anywhere near me. It's not even treated as character development, it's just there to make fun of women and have a jealousy moment.
Since I don’t like ending reviews in total negative light (when it’s possible), I want to add some things I got from this book that I truly enjoyed: the "baby" petname Jackson used for West (it’s adorable), the sex scenes (great narration, I even felt some actual chemistry in them) and their exploration of past abuse, the idea from the ending. The finale felt like the right one for this type of story, I just wish the execution from the rest would’ve been better.
-This was an ARC review.
Tags: (might miss some of them)
-POV: first person
-Content warnings:
-Elements:
-Kinks:
-Sexual act(s):
-Dynamic:
January 20, 2025
3,7 ⭐️ rounded up I think
It’s a good story. The kind of story I usually like.
But I really would have wanted for the writing to be more.. refined. I mean it wasn’t awful but it wasn’t exceptionally good either.
This author doesn’t shy from banality and tries to convey the depth by using more emotional wording. And more often than not - it misses the mark and detracts from the depth this story could have had.
Also. Using italic to underline words and phrases is so SO annoying. I want to decide for myself which sentences or words are important and not have them spoon-fed to me by the author.
That said. I enjoyed the book and could push through the few annoyances. Wes’s story is tragic and I was happy to see him dealing with his trauma seriously.
It’s a good story. The kind of story I usually like.
But I really would have wanted for the writing to be more.. refined. I mean it wasn’t awful but it wasn’t exceptionally good either.
This author doesn’t shy from banality and tries to convey the depth by using more emotional wording. And more often than not - it misses the mark and detracts from the depth this story could have had.
Also. Using italic to underline words and phrases is so SO annoying. I want to decide for myself which sentences or words are important and not have them spoon-fed to me by the author.
That said. I enjoyed the book and could push through the few annoyances. Wes’s story is tragic and I was happy to see him dealing with his trauma seriously.
January 8, 2025
3.5⭐️
2.5🌶️
Y’all This Book Was Really Good. West And Jackson Were Really Amazing Thought Out Characters I Appreciated So Much. Some Things That Bothered Me Tho Was Some Things In This Book Dragged A lot And It Was Pretty Slow For Some Parts Where I Had To Speed Read. But The Ending Was Really Sweet. So If You Guys Want A Really Emotional Book With A Hard Fought HEA, Definitely Check This Book Out. It’s Definitely Not A Favorite Fir Me But I Still Recommend It Anyways💕🫶
2.5🌶️
Y’all This Book Was Really Good. West And Jackson Were Really Amazing Thought Out Characters I Appreciated So Much. Some Things That Bothered Me Tho Was Some Things In This Book Dragged A lot And It Was Pretty Slow For Some Parts Where I Had To Speed Read. But The Ending Was Really Sweet. So If You Guys Want A Really Emotional Book With A Hard Fought HEA, Definitely Check This Book Out. It’s Definitely Not A Favorite Fir Me But I Still Recommend It Anyways💕🫶
December 31, 2024
Absolutely devoured and loved this book!!
January 4, 2025
This book. This is a heavy hitter of the emotional kind. The author does an amazing job with giving you these deep emotions without ever giving you explicit scenes of what West went through. But don’t let that fool you, it is an emotional roller coaster and just the eluding to what West had been through was a hard pill to swallow. Watching West struggle and drown and fight his demons was soul crushing and heartbreaking and the most devastating experience. Everyone deals with trauma differently and West? He never dealt with his. He just buried it and that didn’t work (and I don’t think it truly works for people). Jackson, man Jackson just loved West hard and fierce. Jackson loved West enough for the both of them, he believed in him for the both of them, but it was never enough. It was enough to eventually open West’s eyes and make him realize he wanted better and to fight for it and that was such a profound and powerful moment. Taking this journey with them, and it does feel that way, was such a wild roller coaster of emotions. I understood West on such a profound level and it hurt me as much as fueled me. And Jackson just made me believe in soulmates, in true love. I cried several times, I wanted to hurt people so many times for what West went through and I agreed with Jackson on his belief of what adults allowed to happen to a child. This book is heavy but there are light and bright moments. There is so much love and resilience and fight. It’s inspiring and beautiful and heartbreaking. Be aware of the triggers, this type of book isn’t for everyone though it might make you understand an abuse survivor, an addict, an alcoholic. And while everyone’s journey is different, it still might help everyone be a little more patient and understanding. This author did an amazing job and I love these two men. I was sad to see them go but over joyed at their ending.
January 7, 2025
“𝙄’𝙢 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙩𝙤 𝙮𝙤𝙪, 𝙗𝙖𝙗𝙮.”
“𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙗𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧, 𝙘𝙤𝙬𝙗𝙤𝙮.”
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: ❤️🔥❤️🔥
Wow ya'll, I got my first hurt/comfort on 2025 and it took my breath away! I haven't felt emotions like this since Every Breath After (iykyk) and I had to sit for awhile after i finished to just process the emotions.
❥ Dakota 'West' McNamara is burned by his trauma, not only by childhood, but by an awful event that occurred in his early adult life. West does the best he can, but he can't seem to run away from his past and the ranch and boy he let behind.
❥ Jackson Myles!!! Ugh, this man is everything. He's our cranky bull-riding, cowboy boss man who takes over the ranch. Love lost and bitterness take over and turn a once loving and happy kid into a grumpy asshole, and things only get worse when his old best friend and one great love come back into town.
❥ I loved the progression of this book. We get a small snippet of the friendship between West and Jackson, but that's all we need to know that these two were meant to be something more. When West comes back into town, it's a straight up hate-hate relationship between the two. As always, there's a thin line between love and hate, and these two teeter that edge constantly.
❥ It's clear to Jackson that the West he once knew and loved is dead and gone *cue Timberlake song* and once Jackson gets more understanding, he flips a switch in order to help his old friend. Jackson is a SAINT ya'll. A patient, loving saint who tries his hardest. However, he can only meet West as far as West wants to meet himself.
❥ West really tries and I loved that for him. For any survivor of trauma and abuse, the road to healing and recovery is never easy. I felt West and his pain through those pages and it was so raw.
❥ Their journey and their love is hard fought battle. I screamed, I cried, I was angry and bitter but that last 10% wrecked me in the best way. THIS is how you do hurt/comfort. THIS is how real love stories work, and how timing is everything. Amazing amazing book!
“𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙗𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧, 𝙘𝙤𝙬𝙗𝙤𝙮.”
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: ❤️🔥❤️🔥
Wow ya'll, I got my first hurt/comfort on 2025 and it took my breath away! I haven't felt emotions like this since Every Breath After (iykyk) and I had to sit for awhile after i finished to just process the emotions.
❥ Dakota 'West' McNamara is burned by his trauma, not only by childhood, but by an awful event that occurred in his early adult life. West does the best he can, but he can't seem to run away from his past and the ranch and boy he let behind.
❥ Jackson Myles!!! Ugh, this man is everything. He's our cranky bull-riding, cowboy boss man who takes over the ranch. Love lost and bitterness take over and turn a once loving and happy kid into a grumpy asshole, and things only get worse when his old best friend and one great love come back into town.
❥ I loved the progression of this book. We get a small snippet of the friendship between West and Jackson, but that's all we need to know that these two were meant to be something more. When West comes back into town, it's a straight up hate-hate relationship between the two. As always, there's a thin line between love and hate, and these two teeter that edge constantly.
❥ It's clear to Jackson that the West he once knew and loved is dead and gone *cue Timberlake song* and once Jackson gets more understanding, he flips a switch in order to help his old friend. Jackson is a SAINT ya'll. A patient, loving saint who tries his hardest. However, he can only meet West as far as West wants to meet himself.
❥ West really tries and I loved that for him. For any survivor of trauma and abuse, the road to healing and recovery is never easy. I felt West and his pain through those pages and it was so raw.
❥ Their journey and their love is hard fought battle. I screamed, I cried, I was angry and bitter but that last 10% wrecked me in the best way. THIS is how you do hurt/comfort. THIS is how real love stories work, and how timing is everything. Amazing amazing book!
January 6, 2025
”I was so fucking tired. Tired of not sleeping. Of fighting. Of breathing. I was tired of living.”
Words cannot fanthom how i feel about this book, but i will try.
The story is about West and Jackson, childhood best friends who grew up together at Double Arrow Ranch owned by their parents as co-owners.
West is physically and mentally abused by his father for years. His mom comitted suicide before his eyes and on top of everything, he’s sexually assaulted at only 19 years old. After his dad discovers he’s gay, he beats him up to the point of West almost dying and flees home.
Jackson becomes a professional bull rider and tries to keep the ranch afload after some bad luck with sick cows. He always thought that West just left him and ran. Later he finds out the truth and is shocked and angry to learn about everything West went through.
”Your stables, your rules, West.”
I reiterated because i felt he needed to hear it.
This story is about 2 broken people. Jackson desperately wants to help West no matter what. Their story is slow burn with lots of emotional moments. They will forever live rent free in my heart. West and Jackson do get their HEA!
”You good, baby?” Jackson asked, his deep voice pulling me from my thoughts. I smiled at Jackson, at the man who inspired me to be better. Who showed me just how good my life could be and saw me, even when i couldn’t see myself. At the man who so fiercely believed in me that i knew i could do anything.
“Yeah, i’m good, cowboy.” And i was. I loved our life at West Haven. I loved Jackson. But most of all… i loved me.
🐎 PTSD
🐂 Slow burn
🐎 Sexual Assault
🐂 Physical Abuse
🐎 Cowboy x Biker
🐂 Comfort/Hurt
Words cannot fanthom how i feel about this book, but i will try.
The story is about West and Jackson, childhood best friends who grew up together at Double Arrow Ranch owned by their parents as co-owners.
West is physically and mentally abused by his father for years. His mom comitted suicide before his eyes and on top of everything, he’s sexually assaulted at only 19 years old. After his dad discovers he’s gay, he beats him up to the point of West almost dying and flees home.
Jackson becomes a professional bull rider and tries to keep the ranch afload after some bad luck with sick cows. He always thought that West just left him and ran. Later he finds out the truth and is shocked and angry to learn about everything West went through.
”Your stables, your rules, West.”
I reiterated because i felt he needed to hear it.
This story is about 2 broken people. Jackson desperately wants to help West no matter what. Their story is slow burn with lots of emotional moments. They will forever live rent free in my heart. West and Jackson do get their HEA!
”You good, baby?” Jackson asked, his deep voice pulling me from my thoughts. I smiled at Jackson, at the man who inspired me to be better. Who showed me just how good my life could be and saw me, even when i couldn’t see myself. At the man who so fiercely believed in me that i knew i could do anything.
“Yeah, i’m good, cowboy.” And i was. I loved our life at West Haven. I loved Jackson. But most of all… i loved me.
🐎 PTSD
🐂 Slow burn
🐎 Sexual Assault
🐂 Physical Abuse
🐎 Cowboy x Biker
🐂 Comfort/Hurt
January 7, 2025
West and Jackson forever 🖤
Y’all, THIS BOOK. I can truly say I was so unsure how this book was going to end. This story was so damn heartbreaking and emotionally-wrecked me. I really did not think we were going to get a HEA at the end of this. But it gets there and it is so dang deserved. THIS BOOK 😩
Burned and Bound is a childhood friends to enemies to lovers, second chance, MM cowboy romance. And this story toes the line between the darkness and hope. There are many HEAVY themes in this book. We get a lot of realistic trauma/mental health representation, within the topics of sexual assault and addiction. Like I said, this is a heavy one, but this story is about the journey and I am so glad I read it.
I won’t go into too much detail but West and Jackson were childhood friends. On the night that they finally reveal they have feelings for one another, West runs away. 17 years later he is forced to return to his home and confront his traumatic past and Jackson. After everything the world has put West through he truly is a broken man and after Jackson learns the truth of West’s past, wants nothing more than to put his best friend back together again. Individually, the characters of West and Jackson were fantastic. I felt them with my whole heart. But put these two together and you get a story of longing and heartbreak that rivals most.
I definitely recommend this book, but please be cognitive of the triggers ✌🏻
Y’all, THIS BOOK. I can truly say I was so unsure how this book was going to end. This story was so damn heartbreaking and emotionally-wrecked me. I really did not think we were going to get a HEA at the end of this. But it gets there and it is so dang deserved. THIS BOOK 😩
Burned and Bound is a childhood friends to enemies to lovers, second chance, MM cowboy romance. And this story toes the line between the darkness and hope. There are many HEAVY themes in this book. We get a lot of realistic trauma/mental health representation, within the topics of sexual assault and addiction. Like I said, this is a heavy one, but this story is about the journey and I am so glad I read it.
I won’t go into too much detail but West and Jackson were childhood friends. On the night that they finally reveal they have feelings for one another, West runs away. 17 years later he is forced to return to his home and confront his traumatic past and Jackson. After everything the world has put West through he truly is a broken man and after Jackson learns the truth of West’s past, wants nothing more than to put his best friend back together again. Individually, the characters of West and Jackson were fantastic. I felt them with my whole heart. But put these two together and you get a story of longing and heartbreak that rivals most.
I definitely recommend this book, but please be cognitive of the triggers ✌🏻
January 2, 2025
This was a beautiful, emotional story. The main reason I gave 4 instead of 5 stars was because it felt like most of the character growth happened off-page. We got an in-depth look at West’s struggles, but when it came time for him to learn and grow past them, all we got was a second-hand telling through Jackson. To be honest I’m not sure this even needed the dual POV. I’m not complaining because I live for that back and forth, but this was definitely mostly West’s story.
Overall, worth the read! I will be trying more by this author for sure.
Overall, worth the read! I will be trying more by this author for sure.
January 1, 2025
This was a great book to start off the new year! It was so real/raw dealing with the subject matter and how the characters navigated their relationships with themselves and each other. Not everyone’s HEA looks the same and that’s okay. This isn’t your typical romance and was such a heartbreaking story but the occasional volatile banter between these two angry men suited them perfectly. And Jackson is the sweetest grumpy cowboy ever!
January 1, 2025
This is a special book. Going to my favourites list. Also I hope to read more by the author soon. Their writing is very much in line with what I love to read and why I read romance. Super intense, emotional, great plot, unpredictable twists, realistic thoughts and reactions. I was really looking forward to it and it was even way better than I expected.
P.S. Due to my health I can't write a long review but I strongly agree with the other amazing 5 star reviews and if I could I would have written a special one myself.
P.S. Due to my health I can't write a long review but I strongly agree with the other amazing 5 star reviews and if I could I would have written a special one myself.
December 30, 2024
Wow…. I don’t give out 5 stars often but this is most definitely a 5 stars plus story! Full review to come after I process this amazing story.
Read
January 25, 2025Dnf at 62%. Might come back to it? Just feels like we are going nowhere at this point
January 12, 2025
4.5 stars. Really loved this story of a severely traumatized man and the man who loves him unconditionally, and their struggle. Heartwrenching and beautiful, and lots of loveable animals included!
January 6, 2025
It's not this book it's me? I may come back and finish it. It's just been on my "currently reading" shelf for too long and I'm just not getting back to it.
But, also.
There are 1,812 instances of a form of the word "fuck" in this book. That is about 4 per page. Don't believe me? Do you own the book? Open it and do a search for fuck.
I'll wait.
Done? Okay. This is a safe book for me (no OM action), and I really wanted to love it. But, using the word fuck or fucking every 5 lines or so does not an emotional reading experience make. It does not replace Showing emotion through reactions and decisions. It just. Starts. GRATING ON THE INNER EAR.
MC West has been THROUGH it. This poor man has been kicked out as a teen for being gay, on the streets, in jail, r@ped horribly in jail, living with alcoholism and dealing with the aftermath of his assault...not well. When he inherits half the ranch his a$$hole father kicked him off of, he's forced to go back and deal with...
MC Jackson. West's childhood best friend turned first love and sweetheart. Their families owned the ranch together for generations, with West and Jackson as the heirs. They'd barely admitted their feelings when West disappeared (as far as Jackson knows), and Jackson's been hurting and mad ever since (I think that's why he's such a rude, horrible, godawful grump these days? Which I'd get? But honestly, the man has the career he wanted as a winning bull rider, yet he's just inexcusably rude to everyone who works the ranch he and his MIA bestie now own together...)
Jackson being cold to West, I got. West disappeared, and Jackson had NO idea why, or that West's father was horribly abusive.
West being a dick to Jackson made zero sense to me. This is his one time best friend, who HE left behind (even though he could easily have gone to stay w Jackson...I did not buy his motive for just leaving without a word...but I digress...)
These two are f'd up, and I was kind of into it when they were still at odds, but, once Jackson learns the truth, I was both incredibly mad (at the "adult" figures who KNEW WHAT HAPPENED TO WEST, NEVER TOLD JACKSON, AND WROTE WEST OFF. Oh, my god, FUCK them, there's a good use for that word.
Anyway, West is dealing with alcoholism and not well. Jackson gives him an ultimatum about it (without offering any kind of support 🙄), and West is...trying. These two circle and circle...connect...but West is extremely touch averse (understandably)...they have so much hurt to work through. But West doesn't seem to remember all the good times he and Jackson had as kids turned maybe first loves. There's no fondness for Jackson on that front, and that was weird. In fact, he doesn't seem to remember a lot of things about growing up on a ranch (like he's weirded out by carrying around bull semen? That'd be...pretty typical on a cattle ranch?!).
And the story was going okay (I mean, super dramatic, really working through West's issues), but...somehow it just never lit up for me? I feel bad, because this book IS safe for me, they aren't interested in any others now that they know what happened, and West's situation is heartbreaking. Jackson stepping up in some truly amazing ways was awesome.
But it's just falling flat? I don't know. I'll probably finish it. Sometime. But I'm hanging out at 76% and not inspired.
I hear it has a doozy of a dark moment ending though.
Anyway, there is an HEA, there are definitely no others or cheating, and for most, it's a terrific hurt/comfort, cowboys, very hard fought second chance romance. I'll fucking be back.
But, also.
There are 1,812 instances of a form of the word "fuck" in this book. That is about 4 per page. Don't believe me? Do you own the book? Open it and do a search for fuck.
I'll wait.
Done? Okay. This is a safe book for me (no OM action), and I really wanted to love it. But, using the word fuck or fucking every 5 lines or so does not an emotional reading experience make. It does not replace Showing emotion through reactions and decisions. It just. Starts. GRATING ON THE INNER EAR.
MC West has been THROUGH it. This poor man has been kicked out as a teen for being gay, on the streets, in jail, r@ped horribly in jail, living with alcoholism and dealing with the aftermath of his assault...not well. When he inherits half the ranch his a$$hole father kicked him off of, he's forced to go back and deal with...
MC Jackson. West's childhood best friend turned first love and sweetheart. Their families owned the ranch together for generations, with West and Jackson as the heirs. They'd barely admitted their feelings when West disappeared (as far as Jackson knows), and Jackson's been hurting and mad ever since (I think that's why he's such a rude, horrible, godawful grump these days? Which I'd get? But honestly, the man has the career he wanted as a winning bull rider, yet he's just inexcusably rude to everyone who works the ranch he and his MIA bestie now own together...)
Jackson being cold to West, I got. West disappeared, and Jackson had NO idea why, or that West's father was horribly abusive.
West being a dick to Jackson made zero sense to me. This is his one time best friend, who HE left behind (even though he could easily have gone to stay w Jackson...I did not buy his motive for just leaving without a word...but I digress...)
These two are f'd up, and I was kind of into it when they were still at odds, but, once Jackson learns the truth, I was both incredibly mad (at the "adult" figures who KNEW WHAT HAPPENED TO WEST, NEVER TOLD JACKSON, AND WROTE WEST OFF. Oh, my god, FUCK them, there's a good use for that word.
Anyway, West is dealing with alcoholism and not well. Jackson gives him an ultimatum about it (without offering any kind of support 🙄), and West is...trying. These two circle and circle...connect...but West is extremely touch averse (understandably)...they have so much hurt to work through. But West doesn't seem to remember all the good times he and Jackson had as kids turned maybe first loves. There's no fondness for Jackson on that front, and that was weird. In fact, he doesn't seem to remember a lot of things about growing up on a ranch (like he's weirded out by carrying around bull semen? That'd be...pretty typical on a cattle ranch?!).
And the story was going okay (I mean, super dramatic, really working through West's issues), but...somehow it just never lit up for me? I feel bad, because this book IS safe for me, they aren't interested in any others now that they know what happened, and West's situation is heartbreaking. Jackson stepping up in some truly amazing ways was awesome.
But it's just falling flat? I don't know. I'll probably finish it. Sometime. But I'm hanging out at 76% and not inspired.
I hear it has a doozy of a dark moment ending though.
Anyway, there is an HEA, there are definitely no others or cheating, and for most, it's a terrific hurt/comfort, cowboys, very hard fought second chance romance. I'll fucking be back.
December 21, 2024
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️/5
WOW. Where do I even begin? I had to sit with my thoughts after reading this, because this story was FELT in every sense of the word. This was the BEST book that I have read all year and it’s rare that I want to reread a book so quickly, but this book will forever have a place in my heart. This was a truly emotional journey about a survivor's healing and how that affects his relationships that absolutely wrecked me, but also put me back together piece by piece on the way to a hard won happily ever after.
As always, please check your TWs because your mental health matters.
🐴MM Cowboy Romance
🐂Mental Health Representation
🖤Trauma Healing
🐴SA Survivor MMC
🐂Bull Riding Cowboy MMC
🖤Second Chance Romance
🐴Grumpy Meets Grumpier
A kiss shared between childhood friends gave the promise of a future together…
For West McNamara, loving Jackson Myles was the easiest decision he’s ever made and brought joy to his very being. Growing up together on Double Arrow Ranch, it was hard not to notice the cowboy whose smile consumed his every thought. When one kiss changes their dynamic, West feels joy and the possibility for happiness in his future. But that kiss? It almost cost West his life. With no means to fight, West ran, and for seventeen years has done whatever is necessary to survive. But, in a cruel twist of fate, West inherits his half of Double Arrow Ranch and wants to sell. West wants nothing to do with the ranch, or Jackson, but his dad’s will requires he work the ranch for one year or he’ll forfeit the sale.
Jackson loved West before their kiss, when they kissed, after their kiss, and when West disappeared without a trace. A part of Jackson still loves West, while another part of Jackson hates West for all of these reasons. Knowing West is coming back to deal with his inheritance of the ranch, Jackson finds himself stuck with the one person he hates to love and his anger is barely contained.
When Jackson and West see each other again after seventeen years, West finds that Jackson isn’t the same sweet cowboy he once knew. Jackson is rough around the edges, has a mean streak, and doesn’t tolerate nonsense from anyone–West included. Jackson finds that West isn’t the kid he used to know–West is broken and trying to find any means of escape from the secrets he harbors. As West struggles with his demons and memories unlocked by being back at Double Arrow Ranch, Jackson is there to pick up the pieces…but is that even possible?
West and Jackson’s story is one that is heartbreakingly beautiful, raw, gritty, emotional, strenuous and deeply moving, but worth every feeling you experience because you will fall in love with these characters. West is an extremely traumatized man with touch aversion and CPTSD from a life no one should have to live, and underneath Jackson’s grumpy exterior, he is a solid foundation of love, patience, support and devotion. The lower level of physical spice/steam in the dynamic between Jackson and West was fitting and appropriate given the inner turmoil West faced and the struggles with living with both of his disorders. The realistic portrayal of touch aversion and CPTSD had me living West’s pain and trauma right along with him. I broke many times while reading West’s story and the events in his past that shaped him, and was systematically put back together when Jackson consistently showed up for West in whatever way West needed, without hesitation. While difficult, Jackson knew he couldn’t fix West, but was able to provide West a safe harbour and the space he needed until West was ready to address things himself.
Thank you so much to Addison for providing me with an ARC of Burned & Bound and sharing West and Jackson’s story with us, the honor was all mine.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️/5
WOW. Where do I even begin? I had to sit with my thoughts after reading this, because this story was FELT in every sense of the word. This was the BEST book that I have read all year and it’s rare that I want to reread a book so quickly, but this book will forever have a place in my heart. This was a truly emotional journey about a survivor's healing and how that affects his relationships that absolutely wrecked me, but also put me back together piece by piece on the way to a hard won happily ever after.
As always, please check your TWs because your mental health matters.
🐴MM Cowboy Romance
🐂Mental Health Representation
🖤Trauma Healing
🐴SA Survivor MMC
🐂Bull Riding Cowboy MMC
🖤Second Chance Romance
🐴Grumpy Meets Grumpier
A kiss shared between childhood friends gave the promise of a future together…
For West McNamara, loving Jackson Myles was the easiest decision he’s ever made and brought joy to his very being. Growing up together on Double Arrow Ranch, it was hard not to notice the cowboy whose smile consumed his every thought. When one kiss changes their dynamic, West feels joy and the possibility for happiness in his future. But that kiss? It almost cost West his life. With no means to fight, West ran, and for seventeen years has done whatever is necessary to survive. But, in a cruel twist of fate, West inherits his half of Double Arrow Ranch and wants to sell. West wants nothing to do with the ranch, or Jackson, but his dad’s will requires he work the ranch for one year or he’ll forfeit the sale.
Jackson loved West before their kiss, when they kissed, after their kiss, and when West disappeared without a trace. A part of Jackson still loves West, while another part of Jackson hates West for all of these reasons. Knowing West is coming back to deal with his inheritance of the ranch, Jackson finds himself stuck with the one person he hates to love and his anger is barely contained.
When Jackson and West see each other again after seventeen years, West finds that Jackson isn’t the same sweet cowboy he once knew. Jackson is rough around the edges, has a mean streak, and doesn’t tolerate nonsense from anyone–West included. Jackson finds that West isn’t the kid he used to know–West is broken and trying to find any means of escape from the secrets he harbors. As West struggles with his demons and memories unlocked by being back at Double Arrow Ranch, Jackson is there to pick up the pieces…but is that even possible?
West and Jackson’s story is one that is heartbreakingly beautiful, raw, gritty, emotional, strenuous and deeply moving, but worth every feeling you experience because you will fall in love with these characters. West is an extremely traumatized man with touch aversion and CPTSD from a life no one should have to live, and underneath Jackson’s grumpy exterior, he is a solid foundation of love, patience, support and devotion. The lower level of physical spice/steam in the dynamic between Jackson and West was fitting and appropriate given the inner turmoil West faced and the struggles with living with both of his disorders. The realistic portrayal of touch aversion and CPTSD had me living West’s pain and trauma right along with him. I broke many times while reading West’s story and the events in his past that shaped him, and was systematically put back together when Jackson consistently showed up for West in whatever way West needed, without hesitation. While difficult, Jackson knew he couldn’t fix West, but was able to provide West a safe harbour and the space he needed until West was ready to address things himself.
Thank you so much to Addison for providing me with an ARC of Burned & Bound and sharing West and Jackson’s story with us, the honor was all mine.
January 5, 2025
3.5 stars
This book is a little difficult for me to rate. I knew going into it that it would have heavy subject material and it was not your typical romance. The traumas that West endured absolutely broke him. I thought his touch aversion and PTSD were accurately portrayed, and West's journey to recovery was long (as it should be). But because that journey was the main focus for 90% of the book, it was not only emotionally draining but it felt repetitive to have to read the same scenes over and over again.
West wanted a "normal" relationship with Jackson, but during intimate moments his skin would start crawling, he'd have panic attacks and the demons in his head would win, tipping him over the edge. His coping mechanisms were to either drink or run away from Jackson until the voices in his head quieted down. Jackson was practically a saint and tried so hard to help West by giving him space, researching how to live with a sexual assault survivor, and just taking good care of him in general by making sure he ate, had a safe place to sleep, and by telling West he was loved. These cycles seemed to repeat themselves with West having a meltdown, blaming himself for being broken and questioning why Jackson would even want him. Jackson would then try everything in his power to help West get past his demons but every meltdown had Jackson despairing because he couldn't seem to help West, didn't know what else to do for him, and he questioned if his love would even be enough.
Everyone in their small town seemed to know that West was being abused by his dad, but no one stepped in to help him get out of that situation. It bothered me that Jackson's parents and his foreman Mickey hid the real reason why West left town, and just let Jackson hate West for 17 years instead of telling him the truth so he could find West and help him. So much of West's trauma could have been avoided and they hid it all from Jackson.
After all that Jackson did for West and the treatment he endured when West would resent Jackson's attempts at helping him, it bothered me as well that West abandoned Jackson in his greatest time of need. Jackson was fighting for his life in the hospital and facing tremendous difficulties in his recovery and West just left without saying a word. And again, Jackson's mom knew where West was going and nobody said a word to Jackson for 8 months. Why? I get that West could barely take care of himself, but why was it so difficult to simply tell Jackson that West was leaving to get psychiatric help? Their letters could have been exchanged while Jackson was recuperating and could have given him a reason to get back on his feet again. Instead Jackson felt disappointment and hate that West abandoned him once again and it ended up delaying his recovery.
I also felt the description of West's psychiatric treatment was rushed in the last 10% of the book. Almost the entire book focused on West's repeated feelings of worthlessness because he was so broken, and then suddenly there was a time jump where West finally felt more comfortable in his skin. I wish that part of his journey had begun much sooner so we could have witnessed his recovery instead of being told snippets of it through letters exchanged with Jackson.
I did love the ending though and was so happy that all their horses, cows and Ferdinand the bull were able to remain a part of their family. If you listen closely, you can almost hear Ferdinand bellowing through the kitchen window for his snacks :)
This book is a little difficult for me to rate. I knew going into it that it would have heavy subject material and it was not your typical romance. The traumas that West endured absolutely broke him. I thought his touch aversion and PTSD were accurately portrayed, and West's journey to recovery was long (as it should be). But because that journey was the main focus for 90% of the book, it was not only emotionally draining but it felt repetitive to have to read the same scenes over and over again.
West wanted a "normal" relationship with Jackson, but during intimate moments his skin would start crawling, he'd have panic attacks and the demons in his head would win, tipping him over the edge. His coping mechanisms were to either drink or run away from Jackson until the voices in his head quieted down. Jackson was practically a saint and tried so hard to help West by giving him space, researching how to live with a sexual assault survivor, and just taking good care of him in general by making sure he ate, had a safe place to sleep, and by telling West he was loved. These cycles seemed to repeat themselves with West having a meltdown, blaming himself for being broken and questioning why Jackson would even want him. Jackson would then try everything in his power to help West get past his demons but every meltdown had Jackson despairing because he couldn't seem to help West, didn't know what else to do for him, and he questioned if his love would even be enough.
Everyone in their small town seemed to know that West was being abused by his dad, but no one stepped in to help him get out of that situation. It bothered me that Jackson's parents and his foreman Mickey hid the real reason why West left town, and just let Jackson hate West for 17 years instead of telling him the truth so he could find West and help him. So much of West's trauma could have been avoided and they hid it all from Jackson.
After all that Jackson did for West and the treatment he endured when West would resent Jackson's attempts at helping him, it bothered me as well that West abandoned Jackson in his greatest time of need. Jackson was fighting for his life in the hospital and facing tremendous difficulties in his recovery and West just left without saying a word. And again, Jackson's mom knew where West was going and nobody said a word to Jackson for 8 months. Why? I get that West could barely take care of himself, but why was it so difficult to simply tell Jackson that West was leaving to get psychiatric help? Their letters could have been exchanged while Jackson was recuperating and could have given him a reason to get back on his feet again. Instead Jackson felt disappointment and hate that West abandoned him once again and it ended up delaying his recovery.
I also felt the description of West's psychiatric treatment was rushed in the last 10% of the book. Almost the entire book focused on West's repeated feelings of worthlessness because he was so broken, and then suddenly there was a time jump where West finally felt more comfortable in his skin. I wish that part of his journey had begun much sooner so we could have witnessed his recovery instead of being told snippets of it through letters exchanged with Jackson.
I did love the ending though and was so happy that all their horses, cows and Ferdinand the bull were able to remain a part of their family. If you listen closely, you can almost hear Ferdinand bellowing through the kitchen window for his snacks :)
December 31, 2024
Not for me - 2.5
This book was a 90% journey of mental illness and triggered episodes and 10% sprint of recovery. It never minimized the investment of recovery or how the mental illness will always be there.
But to be honest, I didn't really like either character. There was no space to. West was a constant spiral that ultimately had no room to be a person, and Jackson was an unflinching sacrifice to west's trauma. There was no room for either of them to really be a person, just stuck in their roles.
Honestly, Jackson setting aside each and every one of his needs left him hollow. And there was never any chance to fall in love with their love before they were just boiled down to victim and victim. West was a victim of his trauma, and Jackson was a victim of West.
It all just felt ukind and unfair to me. Both self harming in their own ways and hoping that it would work out.
The harm and trauma that Jackson endured was never validated, not really. He was just a saintly tool, serving only in the purpose of suffering for West. The fact that he was a strict top that just switched was never even vocalized. Then the fact that he was unintentionally* but still valid - physically abused by West to the extent that he was fully aware that there was a possibility of his own death at the hands of his love - and that not being a wakeup moment for both of them?
Jackson's only variety in character was a temper that was conquered immediately and without nuance each time it came up, which i belive was twice and both because he WAS abandoned by West without explanation. And both times he was abandoned were during huge pivotal moments in the foundation of his life experiences.
Jackson was martyred unapologetically. And it was an expectation that he endured this by his entire support system. The one moment anyone had any defense of his treatment was his buckle bunny friend when he was fighting for his life in the hospital, and that was expressed in a bitter way instead of a productive way.
Jackson was abandoned, abused, had his profession jeopardized, crippled, neglected, lied to by omission and manipulated, lost his one joy in bull riding, and probably faced public and parasocial backlash over his forced retirement and missing murderer boyfriend off page. He was also abandoned financially while he recovered from a life changing physical trauma, it was explicitly stated that they were likely losing the ranch, right around the time that West abandoned him again, and fighting to keep the ranch was another thing he endured when he should have been focused on recovery of his heart and body.
He never got the support he needed, and his very real need for that support was never even hinted at. And that loss of autonomy in his character makes him feel manufactured and flat and really i just find that very sad instead of something i could admire.
Tldr: Jackson did deserve better, and i never was given a reason to believe in their love.
This book was a 90% journey of mental illness and triggered episodes and 10% sprint of recovery. It never minimized the investment of recovery or how the mental illness will always be there.
But to be honest, I didn't really like either character. There was no space to. West was a constant spiral that ultimately had no room to be a person, and Jackson was an unflinching sacrifice to west's trauma. There was no room for either of them to really be a person, just stuck in their roles.
Honestly, Jackson setting aside each and every one of his needs left him hollow. And there was never any chance to fall in love with their love before they were just boiled down to victim and victim. West was a victim of his trauma, and Jackson was a victim of West.
It all just felt ukind and unfair to me. Both self harming in their own ways and hoping that it would work out.
The harm and trauma that Jackson endured was never validated, not really. He was just a saintly tool, serving only in the purpose of suffering for West. The fact that he was a strict top that just switched was never even vocalized. Then the fact that he was unintentionally* but still valid - physically abused by West to the extent that he was fully aware that there was a possibility of his own death at the hands of his love - and that not being a wakeup moment for both of them?
Jackson's only variety in character was a temper that was conquered immediately and without nuance each time it came up, which i belive was twice and both because he WAS abandoned by West without explanation. And both times he was abandoned were during huge pivotal moments in the foundation of his life experiences.
Jackson was martyred unapologetically. And it was an expectation that he endured this by his entire support system. The one moment anyone had any defense of his treatment was his buckle bunny friend when he was fighting for his life in the hospital, and that was expressed in a bitter way instead of a productive way.
Jackson was abandoned, abused, had his profession jeopardized, crippled, neglected, lied to by omission and manipulated, lost his one joy in bull riding, and probably faced public and parasocial backlash over his forced retirement and missing murderer boyfriend off page. He was also abandoned financially while he recovered from a life changing physical trauma, it was explicitly stated that they were likely losing the ranch, right around the time that West abandoned him again, and fighting to keep the ranch was another thing he endured when he should have been focused on recovery of his heart and body.
He never got the support he needed, and his very real need for that support was never even hinted at. And that loss of autonomy in his character makes him feel manufactured and flat and really i just find that very sad instead of something i could admire.
Tldr: Jackson did deserve better, and i never was given a reason to believe in their love.
December 31, 2024
3.5 stars, pretty good story
This is a really good story with great writing, which is what rounds it up to 4 stars. This story tugs at your heartstrings for both characters while they fight for their hard earned HEA, however I don’t really like the pacing of it, especially for the resolution.
West had many many many many issues as a result of a horrible childhood and even more horrific experiences after escaping his home. Throughout the whole story, you witness his struggles and the slow progress he makes while being back at Double Arrow and with Jackson again. That gave it a realistic feel to it, I couldn’t expect anyone to go through what West went through and start immediately making progress after nearly two decades with no help. West was a sweetheart underneath all that trauma, he just needed the help to be able to uncover it and discover who he was as a person and embrace it. Every time West went 2 steps forward it was like he went 2-3 steps back, and it really captured how hard he had to fight for a bit of normalcy. But this is also where my issues with pacing come in. Of course it would take a LOT of work for West to fight his demons, but for approximately 90% of the book it was the slow progress of West trying to overcome some of his trauma and then the setbacks. When West finally takes that step to make true strides in his recovery, all we get are little glimpses of him working through his problems and his accomplishments. I can’t help but feel a little cheated that we didn’t get to actually witness his fight to drag himself out of the darkness or his true growth in real time. It felt like mostly conflict and then a tiny sliver of conflict resolution, so it felt a bit unsatisfying after it was all said and done. The HEA is still nice, and it made me happy that West finally got to a point in his life where he could truly be happy and have a life worth living.
Jackson is really the star of this story. Everyone deserves a Jackson! Not only is his level of patience unmatched, but he’s the walking embodiment of “willing to burn the world down to make sure he’s warm.” As soon as he figured out the truth about West, he bulldozed through all the stops and dove right into being the best support system he could possibly be for the man he loved. Jackson deserved ALL the happiness and literally everything he ever wanted and all the amazing things. I understand how the sequence of events at the end pushed the story along, but the Jackson fan girl in me also felt like we still could’ve gotten to where the story needed to be without the literal worst thing happening to Jackson 😭 I just loved him so much in this story!
Special shoutout to all the animals! I loved the role they played throughout the story. As a cow lover, Daisy is obvi my fave but I love the redemption for Ferdinand 🥰
This really is a great story and the writing wove everything together nicely. I would check out this author again for sure.
This is a really good story with great writing, which is what rounds it up to 4 stars. This story tugs at your heartstrings for both characters while they fight for their hard earned HEA, however I don’t really like the pacing of it, especially for the resolution.
West had many many many many issues as a result of a horrible childhood and even more horrific experiences after escaping his home. Throughout the whole story, you witness his struggles and the slow progress he makes while being back at Double Arrow and with Jackson again. That gave it a realistic feel to it, I couldn’t expect anyone to go through what West went through and start immediately making progress after nearly two decades with no help. West was a sweetheart underneath all that trauma, he just needed the help to be able to uncover it and discover who he was as a person and embrace it. Every time West went 2 steps forward it was like he went 2-3 steps back, and it really captured how hard he had to fight for a bit of normalcy. But this is also where my issues with pacing come in. Of course it would take a LOT of work for West to fight his demons, but for approximately 90% of the book it was the slow progress of West trying to overcome some of his trauma and then the setbacks. When West finally takes that step to make true strides in his recovery, all we get are little glimpses of him working through his problems and his accomplishments. I can’t help but feel a little cheated that we didn’t get to actually witness his fight to drag himself out of the darkness or his true growth in real time. It felt like mostly conflict and then a tiny sliver of conflict resolution, so it felt a bit unsatisfying after it was all said and done. The HEA is still nice, and it made me happy that West finally got to a point in his life where he could truly be happy and have a life worth living.
Jackson is really the star of this story. Everyone deserves a Jackson! Not only is his level of patience unmatched, but he’s the walking embodiment of “willing to burn the world down to make sure he’s warm.” As soon as he figured out the truth about West, he bulldozed through all the stops and dove right into being the best support system he could possibly be for the man he loved. Jackson deserved ALL the happiness and literally everything he ever wanted and all the amazing things. I understand how the sequence of events at the end pushed the story along, but the Jackson fan girl in me also felt like we still could’ve gotten to where the story needed to be without the literal worst thing happening to Jackson 😭 I just loved him so much in this story!
Special shoutout to all the animals! I loved the role they played throughout the story. As a cow lover, Daisy is obvi my fave but I love the redemption for Ferdinand 🥰
This really is a great story and the writing wove everything together nicely. I would check out this author again for sure.
January 5, 2025
A Heart-Wrenching Tale of Love, Redemption, and Healing
• Rating 5/5
• Romance 3/5
• Spice Level 2.5/5
• Writing Style 5/5
• Audio Narration N/A ( I really hope this will be one day in Audio)
A. Winchester’s Burned & Bound is a beautifully raw and emotionally charged standalone novel that will break your heart before carefully putting it back together. With its rich, character-driven story and an unforgettable romance, this book is a standout among contemporary M/M.
From the moment West returns to the Double Arrow Ranch, it’s clear he’s a man scarred by his past. His pain is palpable, his struggles are achingly real, and his emotional weight is expertly conveyed. West is a character you can’t help but root for, even when his trauma leads him to lash out or push people away. His journey to healing is messy but authentic, and it’s impossible not to feel fiercely protective of him.
Jackson, on the other hand, is the epitome of patience and devotion. His unwavering love for West, even after years of heartbreak and misunderstanding, is nothing short of extraordinary. He’s the kind of character who restores your faith in love—kind, steady, and deeply empathetic. Watching him support West, even when it means enduring moments where he feels overlooked, is nothing short of inspiring.
The chemistry between West and Jackson is electric yet tender, built slowly and deliberately. Winchester doesn’t rush their connection, giving the story the space it needs to explore their history, hurts, and eventual reconciliation. Their relationship feels raw and real, with moments of tension, vulnerability, and ultimately, healing.
Here we see the depth of West’s struggles and Jackson’s unconditional support set it apart. West’s pain is tangible and justified, and it’s impossible not to empathize with him. Unlike characters who might feel overly dramatic or undeserving, West’s story is one of resilience and survival, and Jackson’s dedication to him feels well-earned.
This book isn’t just a love story—it’s a testament to the healing power of compassion and patience. If you’re looking for a story with heart-wrenching emotion, layered characters, and a satisfying HEA, Burned & Bound will leave a lasting impression.
P.S. In my opinion this story shares some thematic similarities with other books (Oleander comes to mind) - Character wise especially. But the big difference between them is that there, Caspian (one of the mc’s – didn’t even deserved his own story, let alone his own hea – imo), here, West struggles are super real, and we can actually understand and feel them and I love this. Even if is not the typical romance, we can actually understand and feel together to the characters.
This is one of my top favs of 2024!
• Rating 5/5
• Romance 3/5
• Spice Level 2.5/5
• Writing Style 5/5
• Audio Narration N/A ( I really hope this will be one day in Audio)
A. Winchester’s Burned & Bound is a beautifully raw and emotionally charged standalone novel that will break your heart before carefully putting it back together. With its rich, character-driven story and an unforgettable romance, this book is a standout among contemporary M/M.
From the moment West returns to the Double Arrow Ranch, it’s clear he’s a man scarred by his past. His pain is palpable, his struggles are achingly real, and his emotional weight is expertly conveyed. West is a character you can’t help but root for, even when his trauma leads him to lash out or push people away. His journey to healing is messy but authentic, and it’s impossible not to feel fiercely protective of him.
Jackson, on the other hand, is the epitome of patience and devotion. His unwavering love for West, even after years of heartbreak and misunderstanding, is nothing short of extraordinary. He’s the kind of character who restores your faith in love—kind, steady, and deeply empathetic. Watching him support West, even when it means enduring moments where he feels overlooked, is nothing short of inspiring.
The chemistry between West and Jackson is electric yet tender, built slowly and deliberately. Winchester doesn’t rush their connection, giving the story the space it needs to explore their history, hurts, and eventual reconciliation. Their relationship feels raw and real, with moments of tension, vulnerability, and ultimately, healing.
Here we see the depth of West’s struggles and Jackson’s unconditional support set it apart. West’s pain is tangible and justified, and it’s impossible not to empathize with him. Unlike characters who might feel overly dramatic or undeserving, West’s story is one of resilience and survival, and Jackson’s dedication to him feels well-earned.
This book isn’t just a love story—it’s a testament to the healing power of compassion and patience. If you’re looking for a story with heart-wrenching emotion, layered characters, and a satisfying HEA, Burned & Bound will leave a lasting impression.
P.S. In my opinion this story shares some thematic similarities with other books (Oleander comes to mind) - Character wise especially. But the big difference between them is that there, Caspian (one of the mc’s – didn’t even deserved his own story, let alone his own hea – imo), here, West struggles are super real, and we can actually understand and feel them and I love this. Even if is not the typical romance, we can actually understand and feel together to the characters.
This is one of my top favs of 2024!
January 23, 2025
Burned &Bound
A. Winchester
Uh-oh…
I asked for a book that would break me, @neeshreads delivered me one.
Why am I putting myself through that again? Because I love to be broken and put together, apparently. Reading is healing.
This had such a long list of triggers, like I haven’t seen before. Whilst I only personally have one to look out for, this is always appreciated.
Then we had the dedication and the foreword. They had me at that, it didn’t take more for me to know that I’d love this. “F u c k normal”. Indeed.
Reading this kind of story is never easy. The author was right when saying this was no cowboy love story, no dark romance. It was everything. It was the story of two men who deeply care for each other but life dealt both of them a lot of bs. West’s story was heartbreaking in so many levels. Jackson was the most amazing and even more, he was the right person for West.
There was so much trauma in this book but also healing. Healing is not linear, it’s not easy, it has no timeframe. Neither has trauma and addiction. It’s not about one person giving more and one of them less. I understand a lot of the reviews. But I am asking myself, could West have given more!? He knew what was expected of him, but he didn’t know how to “deliver” of what was expected of him, how could he?
What I do like is that there are so many flaws still. Where others say they felt it wasn’t organic and real, it did for me. We all deal with trauma and we all know what we should do and what we’re expected to be but sometimes you can’t, even if it sounds like an excuse. If it was that easy, would we have trauma!? We would all be fine.
Did I agree with everything West did? No. Did some of the things he did went away without consequences? Yes. But we’re also dealing with a fictional story here. This is so difficult to rate and explain. And again, this is what I like, because this books makes you think and fell. It makes you doubt what’s right and wrong. Does it make sense to point a finger and blame?
I do think that West is a “product” of what was done to him. He was broken from an early age and the hits kept on coming. How can anyone expect him to deal with this in a healthy way? Did I love Jackson for the way he helped and cared!? Yes. Are there many people like him out there, probably not.
In the end, I enjoyed this a lot. This was my kind of read. There’s so much to this story, so much more than I can put into words right now. I am still digesting this.
A. Winchester
Uh-oh…
I asked for a book that would break me, @neeshreads delivered me one.
Why am I putting myself through that again? Because I love to be broken and put together, apparently. Reading is healing.
This had such a long list of triggers, like I haven’t seen before. Whilst I only personally have one to look out for, this is always appreciated.
Then we had the dedication and the foreword. They had me at that, it didn’t take more for me to know that I’d love this. “F u c k normal”. Indeed.
Reading this kind of story is never easy. The author was right when saying this was no cowboy love story, no dark romance. It was everything. It was the story of two men who deeply care for each other but life dealt both of them a lot of bs. West’s story was heartbreaking in so many levels. Jackson was the most amazing and even more, he was the right person for West.
There was so much trauma in this book but also healing. Healing is not linear, it’s not easy, it has no timeframe. Neither has trauma and addiction. It’s not about one person giving more and one of them less. I understand a lot of the reviews. But I am asking myself, could West have given more!? He knew what was expected of him, but he didn’t know how to “deliver” of what was expected of him, how could he?
What I do like is that there are so many flaws still. Where others say they felt it wasn’t organic and real, it did for me. We all deal with trauma and we all know what we should do and what we’re expected to be but sometimes you can’t, even if it sounds like an excuse. If it was that easy, would we have trauma!? We would all be fine.
Did I agree with everything West did? No. Did some of the things he did went away without consequences? Yes. But we’re also dealing with a fictional story here. This is so difficult to rate and explain. And again, this is what I like, because this books makes you think and fell. It makes you doubt what’s right and wrong. Does it make sense to point a finger and blame?
I do think that West is a “product” of what was done to him. He was broken from an early age and the hits kept on coming. How can anyone expect him to deal with this in a healthy way? Did I love Jackson for the way he helped and cared!? Yes. Are there many people like him out there, probably not.
In the end, I enjoyed this a lot. This was my kind of read. There’s so much to this story, so much more than I can put into words right now. I am still digesting this.
January 14, 2025
A man whose whole life has been a litany of abuse comes home to the only guy he ever loved. But West's recovery is a long, long road.
The biggest thing I will give this book credit for is a deep dive into the idea that recovery - abuse, addiction, whatever - is rarely a linear process. Relapses are common, backsliding and crashes happen, and pretending everything is fine and you don't need help before it actually is fine can become a disaster. Also that love is no substitute for a lot of therapy. And that sometimes putting on your own oxygen mask first looks like a betrayal, but is the one thing that keeps you alive to go on.
The pacing here is a bit choppy and uneven, especially at the very end. West is such a focus that major issues for Jackson were just blown off, in what was committed to the page. We got shortchanged with seeing Jackson's life and trauma, and missed the finally-forward resolution for West as well. That really needed to be on page, to keep this from being only about the pain (and yes, I wanted a long book to be longer, although there was some earlier stuff that could have been trimmed.). We do get our HEA although IMO the final slightly fairytale quality didn't match the previous gritty realism.
There is also a lot of inner dialog and sometimes West's past felt overdone for the angst. But I did like the up and down progression of his recovery and we got to see that he was trying, even when failing. Some folks may have a problem with the way Jackson has to meet West 90% of the way versus 10% over and over, but that felt realistic. I never quite fell all the way for these guys but I was invested in West's recovery.
The early motives of the secondary characters, although vital to the plot, were hard to reconcile with who they were, and their lack of accountability later was annoying. They put money over a child's life, and that should have had more consequences. There's a little misogyny here, at least in Jackson's POV, especially at the rodeo, that felt unnecessary but didn't grate too much. So minor quibbles here and there, and a very 2 steps forward and 2 steps back plot, but it did manage to keep my attention through a whole lot of pages. Recommended for those who love a deep angsty dive into one character, recovery realism, and can accept that sometimes a person is fighting too much of their own pain to have empathy left, even for someone they love.
The biggest thing I will give this book credit for is a deep dive into the idea that recovery - abuse, addiction, whatever - is rarely a linear process. Relapses are common, backsliding and crashes happen, and pretending everything is fine and you don't need help before it actually is fine can become a disaster. Also that love is no substitute for a lot of therapy. And that sometimes putting on your own oxygen mask first looks like a betrayal, but is the one thing that keeps you alive to go on.
The pacing here is a bit choppy and uneven, especially at the very end. West is such a focus that major issues for Jackson were just blown off, in what was committed to the page. We got shortchanged with seeing Jackson's life and trauma, and missed the finally-forward resolution for West as well. That really needed to be on page, to keep this from being only about the pain (and yes, I wanted a long book to be longer, although there was some earlier stuff that could have been trimmed.). We do get our HEA although IMO the final slightly fairytale quality didn't match the previous gritty realism.
There is also a lot of inner dialog and sometimes West's past felt overdone for the angst. But I did like the up and down progression of his recovery and we got to see that he was trying, even when failing. Some folks may have a problem with the way Jackson has to meet West 90% of the way versus 10% over and over, but that felt realistic. I never quite fell all the way for these guys but I was invested in West's recovery.
The early motives of the secondary characters, although vital to the plot, were hard to reconcile with who they were, and their lack of accountability later was annoying. They put money over a child's life, and that should have had more consequences. There's a little misogyny here, at least in Jackson's POV, especially at the rodeo, that felt unnecessary but didn't grate too much. So minor quibbles here and there, and a very 2 steps forward and 2 steps back plot, but it did manage to keep my attention through a whole lot of pages. Recommended for those who love a deep angsty dive into one character, recovery realism, and can accept that sometimes a person is fighting too much of their own pain to have empathy left, even for someone they love.
January 16, 2025
MM🌈
Dark
Childhood best friends to enemies to lovers
Hurt/comfort
Bull rider
Jackson and West grew up together on their families’ ranch. One evening at the age of 18, they share a kiss. When West gets home, his dad sees a hockey on his neck and beats the shit out of him, nearly killing him. West runs away. 17 years later, his dad dies and he is summoned back to the ranch to fulfill his father’s will condition.
While he was away, he was involved in an armed robbery and sentenced to prison. While there, he was gang raped by 9 men and then while in the hospital recovering, the doctor molested him. He is an alcoholic and has an aversion to any sort of touch.
During this time, Jackson had no clue about anything that happened to West. Nor the reason West left in the first place. He thought he left because he regretted the kiss. Come to find out, everybody important to him did know all these things. His mother, his father, the ranch boss. And everybody in town knew West’s dad was beating him on a regular basis growing up and no one did anything. West told Jackson that all his bruises were from being clumsy.
When West arrives back, he is living in hell. All the memories. He can’t even step foot into his old house. Along with everything else that happened to him, he witnessed his mother commit suicide at the age of 7. Jackson eventually finds out all that West has been through and tries to make peace. He lets him know he is in it for the long haul, if West wants him too.
There are a lot of breakdowns and shitty things that happen. You think things are on a good course and then Jackson is trampled by a bull putting him in ICU and ending his career. West can’t handle being in the hospital and breaks down some more and leaves without saying anything to Jackson, again.
8 months later, he gets a letter explaining where West is. And his fucking mom knew the whole time and didn’t say anything. Just let him stew thinking West left him for good. He was at a clinic for abused women undergoing extensive therapy, trying to better himself so he was worthy of Jackson’s love.
I don’t read trigger or content warnings because in my opinion they are just spoilers. I went into this thinking it was a lighthearted second chance love story with cowboys. It was that but a lot more complex than I was expecting.
Dark
Childhood best friends to enemies to lovers
Hurt/comfort
Bull rider
Jackson and West grew up together on their families’ ranch. One evening at the age of 18, they share a kiss. When West gets home, his dad sees a hockey on his neck and beats the shit out of him, nearly killing him. West runs away. 17 years later, his dad dies and he is summoned back to the ranch to fulfill his father’s will condition.
While he was away, he was involved in an armed robbery and sentenced to prison. While there, he was gang raped by 9 men and then while in the hospital recovering, the doctor molested him. He is an alcoholic and has an aversion to any sort of touch.
During this time, Jackson had no clue about anything that happened to West. Nor the reason West left in the first place. He thought he left because he regretted the kiss. Come to find out, everybody important to him did know all these things. His mother, his father, the ranch boss. And everybody in town knew West’s dad was beating him on a regular basis growing up and no one did anything. West told Jackson that all his bruises were from being clumsy.
When West arrives back, he is living in hell. All the memories. He can’t even step foot into his old house. Along with everything else that happened to him, he witnessed his mother commit suicide at the age of 7. Jackson eventually finds out all that West has been through and tries to make peace. He lets him know he is in it for the long haul, if West wants him too.
There are a lot of breakdowns and shitty things that happen. You think things are on a good course and then Jackson is trampled by a bull putting him in ICU and ending his career. West can’t handle being in the hospital and breaks down some more and leaves without saying anything to Jackson, again.
8 months later, he gets a letter explaining where West is. And his fucking mom knew the whole time and didn’t say anything. Just let him stew thinking West left him for good. He was at a clinic for abused women undergoing extensive therapy, trying to better himself so he was worthy of Jackson’s love.
I don’t read trigger or content warnings because in my opinion they are just spoilers. I went into this thinking it was a lighthearted second chance love story with cowboys. It was that but a lot more complex than I was expecting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2025
It's truly hard to put into words how much I loved this book and how much it means to me. It was a hard read in the way that it was hard for me seeing how much pain they were in (especially West) and just knowing you can't do nothing about it cause they are just characters in a book. They are real to me 💔😭.
I liked how long the book was. The author didn't rush and let the characters heal at their own pace. West and Jackson were so right for each other. They understood one another in a way no else would ever be able to. Jackson was so understanding and patient. He did everything he could to try and help West. Even when it didn't work or when West was adamant that he didnt want help Jackson never gave up on him. He was so loving.
"Loving West McNamara wasn’t hard. Watching him fight a war that I couldn’t protect him from was." Jackson was so in love with West this man would walk through fire for him.
My baby West😭. He was going through so much. His journey was slow and painful but it was HIS journey. When he was ready to get the help he needed he did everything he needed/could to get help. It was hard for him to accept any help at the beginning much less help from Jackson but that doesn't mean that he didn't see everything Jackson did for him. It was just hard for him to feel like he deserved anything good.
Their love story wasn't all flowers and sunshine but it was real and raw. Their journey was not easy but they fought and made it through. The love they have for each other never went away and by the end it felt like it got stronger. They got the happily ever after they truly deserved.
The real main characters of this are definitely their animals. They had so much characters and were one of the only things that got West through the worst moments.
I honestly don't even know if this review makes sense or if it's even good its hard putting what they went through into words. It hard saying how much I loved this book with everything in me knowing everything West went through. This book is going to stay with me for a long time.
I liked how long the book was. The author didn't rush and let the characters heal at their own pace. West and Jackson were so right for each other. They understood one another in a way no else would ever be able to. Jackson was so understanding and patient. He did everything he could to try and help West. Even when it didn't work or when West was adamant that he didnt want help Jackson never gave up on him. He was so loving.
"Loving West McNamara wasn’t hard. Watching him fight a war that I couldn’t protect him from was." Jackson was so in love with West this man would walk through fire for him.
My baby West😭. He was going through so much. His journey was slow and painful but it was HIS journey. When he was ready to get the help he needed he did everything he needed/could to get help. It was hard for him to accept any help at the beginning much less help from Jackson but that doesn't mean that he didn't see everything Jackson did for him. It was just hard for him to feel like he deserved anything good.
Their love story wasn't all flowers and sunshine but it was real and raw. Their journey was not easy but they fought and made it through. The love they have for each other never went away and by the end it felt like it got stronger. They got the happily ever after they truly deserved.
The real main characters of this are definitely their animals. They had so much characters and were one of the only things that got West through the worst moments.
I honestly don't even know if this review makes sense or if it's even good its hard putting what they went through into words. It hard saying how much I loved this book with everything in me knowing everything West went through. This book is going to stay with me for a long time.
December 26, 2024
This book was like trying to hang on to a bull for 8 seconds.
What a wild ride. West and Jackson's story was so beautiful and well written. I wish I could read it again for the first time all over again. This book is a reminder of why stories like these should be written. I felt so seen by this story, even though I haven't been through the exact experiences that West has been through, there were so many things I could relate to while reading it and I hope many other readers feel seen too. Whether it's from West's POV or Jackson's or both.
Getting to see Jackson's point of view, seeing how he struggled with the reality that he couldn't just love West enough to cure him or to take away all of his pain, because that's just not how mental health and healing from trauma works was perfect. I'm so glad we got to see the story from his perspective too.
It was so refreshing to watch the hard parts of the journey. To see the reality that healing is not linear written on the page. To see the struggles and know that West has a life long battle ahead of him and that's okay. It's okay to struggle, because small steps towards healing are still steps towards healing. You took them and that's what matters. West's journey is so heartbreaking and beautiful and I cried real tears for West and Jackson. For everything they survived together and for the hard fought future they carved out for themselves.
I could probably write a short essay on all the things I loved about this story, you can tell the author put her heart and soul into this story. I think everyone should read this book, but please read your triggers. West's journey is one of a lot of one small step forward and two giant steps backwards. There is some abuse that happens on page and much more that is talked about. Dark themes like abuse and addiction are dealt with in this story and your mental health matters.
Thank you to the author for allowing me to read and ARC of this story. I loved it fiercely!
What a wild ride. West and Jackson's story was so beautiful and well written. I wish I could read it again for the first time all over again. This book is a reminder of why stories like these should be written. I felt so seen by this story, even though I haven't been through the exact experiences that West has been through, there were so many things I could relate to while reading it and I hope many other readers feel seen too. Whether it's from West's POV or Jackson's or both.
Getting to see Jackson's point of view, seeing how he struggled with the reality that he couldn't just love West enough to cure him or to take away all of his pain, because that's just not how mental health and healing from trauma works was perfect. I'm so glad we got to see the story from his perspective too.
It was so refreshing to watch the hard parts of the journey. To see the reality that healing is not linear written on the page. To see the struggles and know that West has a life long battle ahead of him and that's okay. It's okay to struggle, because small steps towards healing are still steps towards healing. You took them and that's what matters. West's journey is so heartbreaking and beautiful and I cried real tears for West and Jackson. For everything they survived together and for the hard fought future they carved out for themselves.
I could probably write a short essay on all the things I loved about this story, you can tell the author put her heart and soul into this story. I think everyone should read this book, but please read your triggers. West's journey is one of a lot of one small step forward and two giant steps backwards. There is some abuse that happens on page and much more that is talked about. Dark themes like abuse and addiction are dealt with in this story and your mental health matters.
Thank you to the author for allowing me to read and ARC of this story. I loved it fiercely!
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