Rating: 4.5🌈
After leaving the deep south of Savannah for the mountains of Colorado, author Aimee Nicole Walker’s brings us her book two in her series about a ranch offering redemption and a second chances .
In The Fortunate Son , Walker introduces Rory Snyder, son of a politician running for governor, who’s in need of sanctuary and a place to renew himself. That his first impression of himself is less than stellar has its roots inside a troubled family relationship and self image.
Rory is a complicated character, one that starts out with one persona then consistently reveals his real identity and true personality as his interactions within the ranch, particularly those with Ivan Gallagher , allow trust and growth. And love.
Ivan Gallagher is a lovely character, a resident of Redemption Ranch we’ve met before. Now we get in-depth Ivan as well as additional ranch stories, like those from Harry and Dylan , which will help light the way towards happiness for our main couple.
Ivan’s redemption includes learning to let go of his past and reconnecting with his family. This is a believable and important element. It inspires a similar one to happen with another person. Both moments are very different yet emotional and powerful.
As always with Walker there so many great scenes and intriguing side storylines. Most swirl around Ivan. His three cats are amazing. Yes, I’m a sucker for wonderful animals in a story, especially if they’re layered in and realistic, as they are here. Brava.
Also the honey and beekeeper aspect to Ivan’s personality. It’s his passion. My only wish is that it had been more fully integrated as regards to the actual work, the bees themselves. Much is made of an incoming new queen bee but that scenario vanishes. Then a tour for Rory is given of Ivan’s honeyland but instead of bees we get a feeling of a weird gnome garden. It’s a missed narrative opportunity , one that rarely happens with this author.
The romance between Ivan and Rory ends up encompassing everyone on the ranch and it’s a found family celebration of warmth, acceptance, and love full of friendship, hilarity, support and deep emotions.
I really love this series and book. Next up is the founding head of the ranch and Rory’s brother, Nick. Should be fabulous. I can’t wait.
I’m highly recommending this but read the entire series in the order they are written.
Redemption Ridge:
✓ Guys Like Him #1
✓ The Fortunate Son #2
â—¦ Saints Like Him #3 – October 19,2023
Buy Link:
The Fortunate Son (Redemption Ridge Book Two)
Blurb:
Ivan Gallagher’s first and only attempt at love nearly cost him everything—his reputation, family, and even his freedom. Needing an outlet for his pent-up passion, the gruff foreman turns his beekeeping hobby into a successful business. Just when he’s on the verge of taking his liquid gold to the next level, a granted favor transforms his orderly life into a sticky mess.
Rory Snyder was born with a silver spoon in his mouth, but wealth couldn’t spare him from loss and heartache. Finding himself at the center of a dangerous media storm, the social media influencer seeks refuge at Redemption Ridge. Too bad the Viking-sized Ivan seems impervious to Rory’s charms because he could use a sexy distraction from the chaos threatening to ruin his life.
Predawn collisions in the hallway lead to revelations, explorations, and something far sweeter than honey. Soon, living in the moment becomes living for the moment. But for how long? A future seems impossible for the humble foreman and the fortunate son until a common nemesis makes Ivan and Rory realize what they truly stand to lose.
The Fortunate Son is book two in the Redemption Ridge series. Though each story features a different couple, reading the series in order is essential. The Fortunate Son contains mature themes and is intended for adults.
Content Warning: homophobia, underage alcohol addiction, and intentional overdosing are briefly discussed in this book, though no graphic descriptions are used.
Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words 