Reviewed by Jen
TITLE: Head Above Water
AUTHOR: Andrew Grey
PUBLISHER: Self published
LENGTH: 107 pages
RELEASE DATE: December 17, 2024
BLURB:
Cowboy Hazard Wagoner is happy working on the H and L ranch. It’s a great place to live and it’s his home. Hazard will do nothing to jeopardize that, even if he has had his eye on the handsome oldest son, Bryce, for a long time.
Bryce Maverick has known he will take over the family ranch practically since the day he was born. Still, he longs for a life outside their small ranching community. But when his father becomes ill, responsibility and duty settle on his shoulders, and it doesn’t help that his younger brother isn’t pulling his weight. The one surprising bright spot is Hazard.
Bryce and Hazard seem to realize their attraction at the same time and Bryce needs the support. Taking over the ranch is hard enough, but a severe dry spell threatens to force him to sell his cattle early and could put the entire operation in jeopardy. Finding a new water supply is key. And it’s Hazard who makes a longshot effort that could change everything for the ranch, as well as any future they might have.
REVIEW:
It’s been a hot minute since I’ve read an Andrew Grey story, but what I remember is that he consistently produces solid romances, and this one also fits that bill. Hazard is the long-standing ranch hand content to keep his head down and do an honest day’s work. His mom is also employed by the ranch, so that’s another reason he is content to be there. Maverick is the heir of the ranch who is forced to take over when his father gets cancer. Ranching isn’t his dream, but he wants to do what he can to keep the ranch running until his father is better. There are some issues to overcome regarding the cattle and the ranch, but Hazard is committed to helping solve them. It is through this effort that he and Maverick discover their mutual attraction.
There is a small amount of drama concerning Maverick’s younger brother, but aside from that, the angst level is pretty low. I enjoyed the water project and how that all played out and how the guys were able to explore their relationship in a setting not usually conducive to two men together. Nice that they received very little pushback from the surrounding players as well.
All in all, while this story doesn’t blow you out of the water, this was another solid short story romance that can easily be read in one sitting. Mr. Grey remains at the top spot of this category and I don’t see that changing anytime soon.
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