Book Review: Outcast Cowboys by Sarah Masters

Title: Outcast Cowboys
Author: Sarah Masters
Genre: Contemporary Romance, M/M Romance
Sensuality Rating: Erotic
Source: review copy provided by publisher
Published: July 21, 2015 by Pride Publishing

Ross decides to start a new life away from the grim belly of London, England, unable to stomach being a cop any longer. He tells himself he’s moving miles away to find himself a bed partner, but he’s lying. He has to. Facing up to the real reason he’s leaving isn’t something he can handle. His last undercover job proved too much—his life was at risk—and if he stays in London he’ll likely end up dead. Nightmares plague him, his subconscious unable to switch the past off. So he moves to a ranch in America, thinking the new surroundings and different lifestyle will help him to heal—and to forget. What he soon realizes is he’s jumping from the frying pan into the fire…

Joe’s passion—that of caring for the horses—is the only thing that keeps him sane. He’s a surly man, and for good reason—a reason he hasn’t told a soul. Folks think he’s mean and unapproachable and suspect him of committing murder. More than once. Locals assume that Joe got let off the hook. Nothing could be further from the truth, but Joe lets people think what they will. He’s done with their speculation and sly looks.

When Ross and Joe meet, tension is rife. The air between them prickles with animosity as well as sexual tension. Both have a past they can’t get over. Both have skeletons in their closets they wish would turn to dust. And both have to make a decision. Can they cast their fears aside and trust each other, or have the terrors they’ve experienced ruined them for love?

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Reviewed by: J9

In a Nutshell: Unusual gay romance with a strong mystery and excellent long ending.

Why I Read This Book: Synopsis caught my attention.

What I Liked: Ross and Joe are both lonely men who connect with each other. I loved the early part of the book when Ross (and readers) aren’t quite sure if Joe is a good guy or not…this tension is well done and kept my attention. Once Ross trusts his instinct that Joe is a misunderstood loner, Ross (and readers) are totally invested in the developing relationship. Joe’s innocence and desire for emotional connectivity are romance gold. The scene where someone at Joe’s family’s ranch accuses him of wrongdoing and Ross goes to find him is emotionally laden and sexually intense.

I can’t spoil the ending but I loved it. The men’s emotional denouement comes at about 75% in so we get lots of after-story which I loved. Readers see how Ross helps Joe but also how Joe in a way rescues Ross from his demons. Add in the epilogue of Ross and Joe’s life together and I was a happy reader!

What I Didn’t Like: This book has a sadness to it, almost a gothic touch with Joe’s family. It didn’t ruin the book at all but just more of a reader-beware thing if dark reads aren’t your thing.

IMO: Enjoyable read with strong leads in a sexy and emotional romance.

J9’s Rating: