This is the second in JL Langley's Ranch Series. The first was The Tin Star. Though the main characters from each make appearances in the other, the two novels stand alone.
Shane is the foreman of the Broken H, and Native American. The Hunter's took him in off the street when he was just 16. Grayson was 3 when Shane arrived. They grew up together as friends. But, Gray left home shortly after reaching adulthood when his feelings for Shane changed and were apparently not reciprocated. Gray went to college, and returned to his small town to become the Sheriff. After his father suffers a heart attack, Gray realizes he must return home and confront his feelings for Shane.
This is a very good M/M romance. In "The Tin Star," the couple faced prejudice from the community and vicious rejection from close family, but that does not factor in here. The Hunters are accepting of the relationship, and most of the town has adjusted thanks to the couple from the previous book. Shane and Gray need to overcome a 13 year age gap, a malicious accusation, and small town gossip. This novel doesn't have as much drama as the first (no attempted murder!), but the romance is well developed and the main characters are quite likeable. There is frequent hot and explicit sex, and the history between the two men makes their relationship feel real. Also nice is the fact that Shane isn't your typical romance alpha male - he's over 40 and still sexy and playful! The dialog is well done, and there is a good bit of humor. Those that read the first book will find comfortable familiarity with the setting and secondary characters. While it wasn't quite as good as the first novel, I enjoyed it enough that I purchased the paperback even though I have the e-book. My only gripe is that the publisher cropped the men's faces off the cover on the paperback. Highly recommended.
