Nic Starr

This sequel is a great continuation of the Chicken Ranch series, focused on entirely new characters.For six years, since the death of his mother, Garrett has been raising his younger brother Vaughn, who is now 16 years old. Garrett is struggling to build the best life possible for Vaughn. He wants him to go to college and hopefully gain a football scholarship. When he loses his job and prospects don’t look good, he turns to the Chicken Ranch and a job he wouldn’t usually consider. He also continues to do many other jobs – cutting and selling wood and handyman work - on the side to earn extra money. He puts himself last.Garrett had high dreams for himself when he was younger. He was in love with Miller, his wealthier friend. He wanted to go to college and build a good life, to become what he viewed as a better person. “Maybe if his good fortune held out, he could make something of himself in college before Miller had the chance to realize he’d been slumming all these years with someone so far beneath him.”Miller had left Garrett when he was 18. Partly forced away after his father discovered he was gay. But Miller regrets losing Garrett. Although he has a successful career and money, he is not happy with his life and meeting Garrett again lets him see this. “Temporary hook-ups and good-time boyfriends had come and gone, barely more than placeholders while he strived for something real in his life, something that mattered. A relationship like the one he’d foolishly walked away from when he was young and dumb.”Both men are reluctant to voice their feelings and communication is not a strong point. They are unsure as to what the other is looking for from their relationship and things aren't made any easier by the obstacles thrown their way, particularly the threat of Garrett losing custody of his brother.As with the first book, I really enjoyed the way the story focused on the relationship of the two men and not so much the activities within the brothel. It was interesting to see how Garrett's working in the brothel was handled by Miller and by Garrett himself, once they had started seeing each other again.The family focus and the inclusion of Vaughn in the story was also a nice addition and well handled. There was some drama but it was realistic and not over-sensationalized.And there was some moments for the true romantics..“They aren’t the platinum and diamonds you deserve. Just plain gold bands. But I promise the sentiment behind them is stronger and will last longer than any precious metal. I’ve loved you since we were teenagers, and I can’t imagine a day when that will ever change. I don’t want to try. If you’ll let me, I’d like to spend the rest of my life proving it.”3.5 starsThis book was provided by the author in return for an honest review.