Reviews

Desert Dreams by RJ Scott, V.L. Locey

nicki_theoverflowingbookcase's review

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4.0

With the first family that needs their help staying at the Mountain Vista Ranch, Joshua and Ryker have to not only deal with the family's demons but also the demons of their own making. But with love, respect and an open mind and heart the duo works through everything and comes out on the other end with a better sense of what true acceptance actually is. Once again RJ Scott and VL Locey take the reader on a journey that will stay with them long after the story ends. Filled with high emotions as well as a few laughs this was a great read.

mmromancereviewed's review

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5.0

4.5 Stars

Desert Dreams isn't a romance in the traditional sense... it's the continuation of Ryker and Jacob's story which was the basis of Owatonna book 1, aptly titled Ryker. With the characters playing strong roles throughout the series and crossing over heavily with the Harrisburg Railers, you probably won't consider this a standalone story if you're looking for a romance...

See the rest of my review at:

http://www.mmromancereviewed.com/2021/10/desert-dreams-by-rj-scott-and-vl-locey.html

I received an ARC to facilitate my review.

isalaur's review

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fast-paced

4.0

This novella gives us a look at where Ryker and Jacob are now. Set up on the ranch they have created to serve as a haven for LGBT people suffering from trauma, they are both nervous as they get ready to accept their first residents. Ryker is also worried about changes coming to the team and the rumors of a trade in the air.

When Jacob realizes they need to be concerned about security he contacts Ivan, who “knows people” and we can all imagine where that goes.

When trouble arrives it is traumatic for all concerned. 

This is a quick read that hits all the emotions. It has a sweet ending.

anintrovertrambles's review

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dark emotional hopeful inspiring fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75


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caramm's review

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challenging hopeful tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

cadiva's review

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4.0

This was a lovely visit with Jacob and Ryker now they've got their desert retreat for LGBTQ+ families at risk up and running.

It opens with a guest appearance of Jack Campbell-Hayes, which was a very nice surprise, and then goes on to show that these two are still very much in love and getting used to being married men.

I'm not going to go into the "suspense" element of the plot, it worked for me and I really liked the wee family that were introduced here.

I'm also totally down with the security updates which our favourite mad goalie Stan arranges for the pair after they realise that the vulnerabilities of the people the ranch is helping mean they need more protection.

All in all, it was a lovely return to the Owatonna world.

#ARC kindly received from the authors in return for an honest and unbiased review

relly's review

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4.25

 4.25 Stars

I think this one is my favourite of the series so far, which is funny as its the one that really doesn't have a lot to do with the hockey side. We still see Ryker and parts of the team but it is mainly set around the new ranch and it's first guests.

This one has some really funny moments that had me laughing out loud and then the next I was verging on tears as the book hit me right in the feels. The Russian security guard was an absolute highlight and I hope we get to see a lot more of him.

I love the idea of the ranch and how it's used as a tool to heal these kids. It's also a healing for Jacob as he is still dealing with the happening of the previous book. I liked that he has done the therapy but it is an on going process and this is still addressed. There is no miracle cure. Watching him connect to David and gain more confidence in what he was doing was lovely.

I also enjoyed seeing the team in their giving moods as they participated in the Trick or Treat for the family unit.

All in all a great addition to the series

 
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