Masked Riders by Parhelion

Jesse Putnam is sent by his aunt to discover if the masked figure tormenting a ranch holding of the family is a bandit or prank. His aunt sends along Wardley Bridger to assist Jesse. Posing as ranch hands the two men discover a blackmailing scoundrel. Along the way, Jesse and Wardley explore the pleasure they can give each other, though if they are caught, they could be hung.  

Masked Riders is my least favorite story of the three. The plot was interesting, but the characters lacked depth. Parhelion started the story with a sex scene, but after that the passion seemed to take forever to bear out. I wanted more passion and a little less plot in this story.   

Hung Up by Cat Kane

Billy is a rodeo rider going through a bit of bad luck. Spence is a rodeo vet trying to recover from a betrayal by someone he worshipped. The two men meet at a small country bar and Billy sets out to woo Spence. While Billy is wooing Spence, Billy’s sponsor suggests they bribe someone so Billy can get the best rides. Billy tells his sponsor to do what he wants as long as he leaves Billy out of it. It all blows up in Billy’s face and he risks losing all he loves, including Spence. 

Cat Kane created a tender story in Hung Up. Billy is incredibly likeable even when he is breaking the rules. Spence is a wounded soul afraid to trust again. When Billy succeeds in seducing Spence the scene is very hot. I will admit to tearing up when Billy’s betrayal becomes known. Hung Up is a beautiful story. 

Ricochet by BA Tortuga

Holt’s ex-lover shoots him in the face when Holt decides to leave the city and return to his country home. His best friend Teague shows up to bring Holt home and the two men reconnect on the long car trip. Holt is open about being gay, but he has no idea Teague is until he walks in on Teague being pleasured by another man. The attraction Holt and Teague have always felt for each other explodes and the men quickly fall into a relationship. When Holt’s ex shows up again, both men may lose their lives. 

Ricochet is a true winner of a story. The sexual relationship between Holt and Teague is enhanced by their lifelong friendship and love for each other. Holt’s parents add a certain element to the story that is hard to describe. They certainly add humor and love and acceptance. Holt’s mama is a hoot. I love grown women not shy about threatening big men. BA Tortuga is at her best with Ricochet.