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3.98 AVERAGE
3.98 AVERAGE
Kinda basic but I also loved getting a glimpse into Lucky, Heart, and Mason - and the parts about the service animals were really well done.
Ranger is a standalone novel by authors Nora Phoenix and K.M. Neuhold. Note that Ranger was a side character in [b:Heart|40934523|Heart (Ballsy Boys #3)|K.M. Neuhold|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1532452025l/40934523._SX50_.jpg|63821468], however, you can definitely read Ranger without having read it - in fact, I'll definitely be going back to read it now. This is a MM low angst, grumpy/sunshine romance with a guaranteed happily ever after. It's told from a first person dual point of view. You can expect a slightly grumpy veteran, a sunshiney animal trainer, a menagerie of adorable animals, and lots of steam and swoon. This book does touch on some sensitive topics, so please review the content warnings and take care of yourself while reading.
Synopsis: Since Ranger's honourable discharge from the Army Rangers, he's tried everything to combat his PTSD. He feels like he's losing his grip on his life. When his brother refers him to a program that provides service dogs for veterans, it feels like a long shot. Julian loves working with animals, and the time he's spent volunteering with a the veteran service dog program is so rewarding. When he first exchanges numbers with Ranger, he happily answers questions that are focused on Ranger's new service dog, Benny. Questions turn to conversation which turns to hanging out at each other's houses. Benny brings Ranger a new sense of purpose, but Julian's friendship gives him sunshine in what feels like a life filled with storm clouds. A natural disaster forces them together in unimaginable ways, but Ranger can't help but thinking his darkness might dim Julian's sun.
Okay, this book just made me happy. Simple as that. It was a nice easy read, and what really caught my attention was the fact that it was low angst and there would be lots of animals, including service dogs specially trained to assist recovering veterans. I was sold, and this story didn't disappoint!
This was a nice, easy, and steamy read. Although it dealt with heavier topics such as PTSD and finding love after grief, I think the authors handled it very well. Julian's quirky, sunshiney personality definitely helped offset some of the darkness. I don't think love cures all, especially mental illness and trauma, but I think Julian's presence in Ranger's life coupled with the sense of purpose Benny gave him helped change the course of his life. But he put the work in and their epilogue just made me so happy. Also, there is some tense moments during the wildfire. If you're an animal lover like I am and refuse to watch or read anything where "the dog dies," than never fear, all animals make it safely to the end of this story.
I would love to read more about Ranger's brother, and I'm definitely going to be going back to check out the entire Ballsy Boys series. It's clear that when Nora Phoenix and K.M. Neuhold team up, great books happen!
Synopsis: Since Ranger's honourable discharge from the Army Rangers, he's tried everything to combat his PTSD. He feels like he's losing his grip on his life. When his brother refers him to a program that provides service dogs for veterans, it feels like a long shot. Julian loves working with animals, and the time he's spent volunteering with a the veteran service dog program is so rewarding. When he first exchanges numbers with Ranger, he happily answers questions that are focused on Ranger's new service dog, Benny. Questions turn to conversation which turns to hanging out at each other's houses. Benny brings Ranger a new sense of purpose, but Julian's friendship gives him sunshine in what feels like a life filled with storm clouds. A natural disaster forces them together in unimaginable ways, but Ranger can't help but thinking his darkness might dim Julian's sun.
He’s Happy, and I’m Grumpy, and the fact that I’m using a fucking Disney movie as a reference is reason enough to make me even more depressed. Except it’s kinda funny, and I grin at Benny, who stares back with a goofy smile, his tail wagging.
Okay, this book just made me happy. Simple as that. It was a nice easy read, and what really caught my attention was the fact that it was low angst and there would be lots of animals, including service dogs specially trained to assist recovering veterans. I was sold, and this story didn't disappoint!
This was a nice, easy, and steamy read. Although it dealt with heavier topics such as PTSD and finding love after grief, I think the authors handled it very well. Julian's quirky, sunshiney personality definitely helped offset some of the darkness. I don't think love cures all, especially mental illness and trauma, but I think Julian's presence in Ranger's life coupled with the sense of purpose Benny gave him helped change the course of his life. But he put the work in and their epilogue just made me so happy. Also, there is some tense moments during the wildfire. If you're an animal lover like I am and refuse to watch or read anything where "the dog dies," than never fear, all animals make it safely to the end of this story.
I would love to read more about Ranger's brother, and I'm definitely going to be going back to check out the entire Ballsy Boys series. It's clear that when Nora Phoenix and K.M. Neuhold team up, great books happen!
I love how he’s careful in his moves, always signaling his intent by halting just a fraction, giving me time to mentally get ready…or to say no. Consent really is sexy, I’m telling you.
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A beautifully written story
I seemed somehow to have missed the Ballsy Boys series (scratching her head and checking her finances before going to Amazon). So I read this as a standalone and I am so glad I did, it is a very sweet well written story that had been well researched and it shows. Ranger and Julian are engaging and adorable, I loved all the animals, this is a story worth reading.
I seemed somehow to have missed the Ballsy Boys series (scratching her head and checking her finances before going to Amazon). So I read this as a standalone and I am so glad I did, it is a very sweet well written story that had been well researched and it shows. Ranger and Julian are engaging and adorable, I loved all the animals, this is a story worth reading.
emotional
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Almost DNF'd this several times. Not because it was bad, but I just... didn't care. The characters and concept were interesting enough, but I was never really fully immersed in the story. It read fine as a standalone, but also very much read like a book that is a spin-off and since I didn't read the original series I found myself frequently annoyed by the extra context I didn't quite have.
I very much enjoyed this story. Ranger is an honorable discharged Army Ranger who suffers from PTSD and survivors guilt. On top of it he found out his battle buddy and best friend who was killed in action was in love with him. And that led him to realize he might have been in love with the best friend too.
His brother convinced him to get a service dog, one that helps people suffering with PTSD. Benny is the sweet golden he adopts but even sweeter? Julian. Benny’s trainer.
It doesn’t take long for things to heat up between Julian and Ranger. And what was supposed to just be some casual fun, with a side of exploration for Ranger, turns into so much more.
I really loved everything about this book. From the MMCs to the side characters to the animal menagerie (who wouldn’t love a goat who is a master troll and a cockblocking deaf donkey?).
No cheating
No OM/OW drama
No breakup
His brother convinced him to get a service dog, one that helps people suffering with PTSD. Benny is the sweet golden he adopts but even sweeter? Julian. Benny’s trainer.
It doesn’t take long for things to heat up between Julian and Ranger. And what was supposed to just be some casual fun, with a side of exploration for Ranger, turns into so much more.
I really loved everything about this book. From the MMCs to the side characters to the animal menagerie (who wouldn’t love a goat who is a master troll and a cockblocking deaf donkey?).
No cheating
No OM/OW drama
No breakup
❤ 4.5 stars. A great start to the book as the two characters meet. Ranger and Julian become client and customer and progress into being friends. Benny is a huge help to Ranger without him even noticing. Written beautifully with all the details of what a service can do. Friends then to lover's when they get into a situation for a brief kiss. Hot sexy
Perfection
What do you expect when two of your all time favs write together? Perfection. And that's exactly what this book was. Ranger was such a sweetheart and so was Julian. And I loved all the animals.
What do you expect when two of your all time favs write together? Perfection. And that's exactly what this book was. Ranger was such a sweetheart and so was Julian. And I loved all the animals.
Pure fluff with a side of super cute animals and a smidge of PTSD. But *whispers* it was kind of boring.