Enjoyable read.
I haven't read this author before, and I'm keen to go back and start from the beginning, find out more about this world.

Story 3 stars C
4 stars for narration by Greg Boudreaux B

I've noticed a trend with this series, but I was hoping I was wrong. Each story seems to have gotten a little more melodramatic, and a little more sappy-sweet. The basic plot of Lucky Break is good, and the setting, a dude ranch in California, is unique enough to be an interesting change of pace from ball sports, military, or boardrooms.

The story is interesting and it mostly held my interest, with details of the daily running of a dude ranch and the interactions of the large cast of characters. The weakness here is a good plot that rambles around losing focus, and two protagonists that spend 95% of the book not being totally honest with each other. I personally don't see how one person could think they could build a life with another if they are unwilling to share the most formative events of their lives. This isn't so much a "big misunderstanding" trope as a "I have traumatic secrets I can't share" trope. Several of the books in the series have that same plot device, and I guess I'm tired of it. I was over the lack of transparency by the 60% mark, and still had about 4 hours to go on the audio. For most of the book I liked the characters, but by the end I honestly thought I'd be fine if they went their separate ways.

Greg Boudreaux is a favorite narrator of mine, but while I still enjoyed him on this book, it wasn't his strongest performance. His voice acting, the way he puts the emotions into his voice, is excellent as always, but he was less careful than usual keeping his character voices separate, an for the first time I had to back up at several spots to figure out who was speaking. I also have noticed that over the course of the series he has used the same, or very similar, character voices for several recurring characters, which adds to the confusion at times when there are group conversations,which happens often.

Another great addition to the Clean Slate Ranch series from A.M. Arthur. I love that Shawn has been given his own story after getting to know him a bit in the previous book in the series.
Shawn has a distressing story in his past which has led, in part to him living out of his car whilst working at the Ghost Town. He's very self reliant, extremely reluctant to rely on others and slow to trust anyone. Circumstances lead to him becoming the cook at the ranch whilst their cook recovers form a broken arm and ending up with his own cabin. Next to him is Robin, a widower who has been recovering from his own heartache with the loss of his husband and having to leave his work and family behind.
There's a spark between the two men that is quick to ignite but Robin becomes his own worst enemy and Shawn takes a step back, needing the time to trust and become comfortable around the older man. This is a wonderful slow burning romance. It's great reading Shawn become a part of the Ranch family, making friends and settling into the community. There is a fair amount of lack of and miscommunication leading to troubles in the relationship between the MC's but even when the men don't help themselves, their friends rally round giving support and advice where needed. . There are a great group of characters on the Ranch and we also have some new arrivals that Robin has been missing for several years.
Definitely a great story for fans of this series and contemporary romance. Highly recommend.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and am happily giving a review.

great characters and plot, but it feels really awkwardly executed. I've enjoyed other books by this author, but this one just isn't as well written as other books. The dialogue is not great and it's very disappointing. I wanted to love this, but I'm struggling to finish and honestly am not sure I will, even though I want to see the happy ending for these characters.

This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance

Lucky Break was truly such an endearing story like this whole series has been. Now, this review will be much shorter because I forgot I hadn't reviewed it so hopefully, I remember what I need to. Now this story is a M/M love, there is something about seeing two men together in romance. I can't get enough of it. In this book, we see two people that have lived in some tough situations.

Our two main characters are:

-Shawn Matthews --is living in a not so good situation, he currently lives in his car so he can send all his money to help his grandparents. There was a scandal in his hometown where he was forced to leave. He is a cook on the Clean Slate Ranch

-Robin Butler-is a widower, talent with horses and a former rodeo star.

There is quite a bit of tension between these two especially at first, but we soon see the connection quickly form between these two. There is such an emotional feel to this book in a way that strikes a chord to the reader's heart pretty quickly. Their growth and learning to open up to each other is what is pivotal in their story. I got quickly hooked on this couple and wanting to see them overcome what they hold back and be open to love.

Overall I had a blast with this book and truly adored seeing the core of these characters and their love story unraveling was truly beautiful!!

A beautiful slow burn with amazing chemistry.

This is the first book I’ve read by AM Arthur and I was impressed with how well written it is. The book flows easily and there is great depth and layers to the main characters. It has all the feels, some scenes requiring a small cry, others resulting in a laugh but overall uplifting.
Both the main characters - Shawn and Robin - have unresolved past issues and they recognise the pain in each other. These issues are written in a very caring and understanding manner.
After a few bumps along the way and some miscommunication issues, these two broken men find their happiness together.
The secondary characters are engaging and I look forward to reading their stories. This can be read as a stand-alone and it made me want to read the established couples books. I highly recommend this book.