Unfortunately, the ARC copy of this book was riddled with so many errors that judging how while this version will compare with the final is very difficult. Not only were there the expected editing errors; entire sections of the book came completely out of leftfield almost as if a proceeding scene would later be added that would (hopefully) explain some of the non sequiturs. Normally, I would not comment on the need of editing in an ARC but I believe that at least some of the confusion is due to how the author chose to layout the story.

Regarding the story itself, I felt that the relationship between Colt and Avery was very unusual and not in a good way. For the majority of the book, Colt is not in the right head space to be getting into a relationship, but that is not that unusual, lots of romances have that problem. The problem is that Avery prides himself in always doing what is best for Colt, as his Dom that is his job, but he lets himself do too many things that are against Colt’s best interests. The sex was still exciting, so for those looking for BDSM heat, they will likely be satisfied. Those that enjoy stories that deal with family reunification after a disastrous coming out will likely also enjoy that aspect of this story.

My favorite part of this series so far hasn’t been the romantic relationships but rather the close friendship between Mack, Reyes and Colt. I enjoyed their ups and downs but how there is always a sense of support. While there are large problems with this story, there is still enjoyment to be found in reading it and so I can recommend it to fans of BDSM and second chance romances.

2.5 stars--I was a little on the fence about reading Roped In. I enjoyed the first book of the Clean Slate Ranch series, but didn’t love it. That reminder coupled with the second book’s blurb mentioning a D/s relationship had me wavering because it certainly isn’t my favorite dynamic. In the end, my curiosity over the ranch, the new ghost town, and this group of characters convinced me to give this series another chance. Unfortunately, even ignoring the fact that BDSM isn’t my trope of choice, Roped In didn’t work all that well for me.

Though this book is billed as a standalone, I think the existing secondary relationships and conflicts would make this a difficult book to jump into. I liked Colt as a secondary character in Wild Trail and his secret that came out at the end of it left me intrigued as to how he and Mack’s friendship would fare. Avery was more of a wild card, but the few glimpses I got of him were interesting, especially the idea of he and Colt’s past relationship. Going into Roped In, I had hopes for a lot of chemistry and emotion in this couple’s second change romance, but I found it lacking, instead the book primarily focused on the BDSM arrangements and how these fit with a long-term relationship. There was a lot of back and forth between the men, especially regarding Avery’s ability to trust Cole. Between the lack of a strong connection and the wishy-washy commitment, I simply wasn’t invested in the couple.

My interest in Roped In also wavered due to the writing and narrative style. The timeline and writing was much choppier than I’d expect from this author. I typically like alternating third person point-of-views, but Roped In flipped back and forth between Avery and Cole mid-chapter and I often lost track of who was narrating at the moment. Considering I read an ARC, there is a chance those jumps were cleaned up before publication, but seeing as to how much the style pulled me out of the book, it bears mention.

I’m certain plenty of readers will enjoy Roped In, but for me this one fell flat. I’m still really interested in Reyes and Miles, so I may venture back to Clean Slate Ranch yet, but I wouldn’t say I’m pulling at the bit (pun entirely intended ;) ).

I knew Colt and Avery were going to find their way back to each other, and I am so glad they did.

Lots of work out, of course, so many obstacles, so many tainted memories and so little communication and too much expectation -- no wonder it takes so long.

The kink Is intense and well written. I agreed with Avery's secret worries that Colt wanted 'sir' more than he wanted Avery. But sheesh, just ask a question or two, kid! It's a sure fire way to find your answers!

I enjoyed seeing both boys sort through their family dramas, and knew that being there for each other during these tough times would bring them closer together, and show their building trust. It is a really convincing element of the story.

I liked how much we interacted with the other characters, and look forward to Reynes's story next. If you like Arthur's angsty books, then this is going to please you, I think.

Thanks Carina press and Netgalley for advanced copy. Out on May 21.

Roped In is book in A.M. Arthur’s Clean Slate Ranch series. There’s always something so engaging about this author’s work that keeps me coming back for more. This was no exception!

Colt has some massive guilt weighing him down. Having the one person who he knows can comfort him just out of reach only adds on to it all. But Colt isn’t ready to miss the opportunity to reunite. I enjoyed Colt in the first book, and this one he isn’t’ the charming rogue that he first appeared. Granted, that’s still there, but this book focuses on Colt rebuilding friendships and reestablishing old connections. Colt’s journey twisted me up inside.

Then there’s Avery. He never really had a connection—sexual or otherwise—until he meets Colt. Having Colt leave him high and dry is only one of the issues keeping Avery back from a new relationship with Colt. I really appreciated the aromantic/asexual/demisexual rep that was Avery. It was well done, in my opinion.

The BDSM scenes were icing on the cake. I loved the little insights into how Colt and Avery met (although switching the POV was a little off-putting, for me). I love second-chance romances, and I really enjoyed this one. I’m really looking forward to Miles’s story.

4 stars!

I have to say I really enjoyed book one in the Clean Slate Ranch series, but book two was not as good, the final third of the book was a bit better. I learnt a lot about bondage and how it can be used as an emotional stress reliever for some people as well as a sexual exercise. There was a lot of repetition with Avery having same doubts over and over, I also found the fluffy way they talked a bit much at times. I did hope throughout that Colt and Avery could make a go of things and overall it was a good read. I will be looking out for the next in the series.

Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Carina Press for a copy in return for an honest review.

3.5 stars rounded up on here since I loved the last quarter of the story so much!

This is the second story in the Clean Slate Ranch series and I gotta say, I really love this group of characters! We met Colt and Avery back in the first book of the series. Colt was on the same SWAT team as Mack, and now they work on the ranch alongside their other friend, Reyes. Those who read the first story know of their friendship and past and how they are linked.

Avery was called to the ranch to be a historical consultant and help with the renovation and preservation of the deserted town they discovered on the ranch property. He and Colt were together back when Colt was still with the SWAT team, but their relationship fell apart. When they reconnect on Clean Slate Ranch, the emotions are still are there, but that trust has been broken, and the two must work to get back on the same page together.

I really liked Colt and Avery, although I do wish that Avery hadn't been so conflicted over wanting Colt, and then being unsure if Colt wanted Avery or just the Dom he used to have. I'm glad we got the flashbacks we did to give a bit more substance to their relationship, but Avery just didn't seem like a...strong dom? If that makes sense. I really liked that the author touched on his sexuality a bit.

To me, this didn't feel as strong as the first book in the series, and I can't really give a reason as to why. I think I got a bit...bored in the middle, skimmed a bit, and then the last quarter of the story really got things back on track. I can't wait for the stories for the rest of the guys we've met here, I think Reyes and Miles are next, yay!

Also - as usual, the formatting on Carina Press ARCs is just horrible! It makes it VERY hard to read and understand when a new character is talking and a new paragraph should have started. They really need to address this! This did not affect my rating since I know it's the way they are sending the files out, but wow, it can be hard to read.

I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ FOUR-STAR ✩ REVIEW ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩

> > Judging a Book by it's Cover < <
Two men, in varying degrees of undress, standing in a warm and comforting pose, out on the open ranchlands. The neutral colors and illustrated look give it a softer look.
I did not read the synopsis prior to selecting this title, having read the first book in the series and wanting to continue reading them...

.
> > Looking Deeper < <
POV ~> Third person, varied tense.

Colt has been struggling silently for years now, but taking a bullet for a man he thinks of as a brother amplifies those struggles. He feels alienated and is suffering from nightmares and anxiety. Seeing Avery again, his ex-boyfriend and former Dom that he's never stopped loving, only complicated Colt's subconscious thoughts and tangles the nightmares worse.
Avery's hired on to help accurately restore the Bentley Ghost Town. Bumping into Colt reignites a passion inside Avery that only Colt has ever managed to light. They both have baggage, issues, and passion. Complications are plenty. Do they have they resolve to work it out this time around?
Colt and Avery were taken to several locations during this story. They did not stay on the ranch the whole time. Their past history was provided nicely and there was nothing amiss. There was good cast interaction with the other ranch staff and friends, as well as various family types. Chemistry was never their problem but the compatibility had a few trust-issue speed bumps. Dialogue was strong and smart. Their interactions were good, although I often questioned why the Dom was so inwardly insecure sometimes when he should have spoken up more openly sometimes. The conclusion is solid and satisfying but the final question makes no sense from a logistic point... I know, it's FICTION and does not NEED to have all the answers, but still, that was just my personal hangup at the end.
Overall, I still loved the book and found it to be an emotional addition to the series. I look forward to the next in the series.
.
Rating: [R] ~ Score: 4.15 ~ Stars: 4
==========================
⭐ ⭐ **** Disclosure of Material: I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and the Author/Publisher with the hope that I would voluntarily leave unbiased and unsolicited feedback. I was not asked, encouraged, or required to leave a review - nor was I compensated in any way. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising". ***** ⭐ ⭐

When history professor Avery returns to the Clean Slate Ranch, is a second chance with former SWAT officer Colt possible?  Honesty, communication and coming to terms with one's own needs and desires are major themes of this journey.
A complex story, there are all sorts of relationship dynamics, those between main character Colt and his former best friends and then the dynamic with his former lover, Avery.  Colt is lost without his best friends and thinking that the best thing might be to move on, when his former lover and dom comes to The Clean Slate.  
I absolutely enjoyed Wild Trail, book 1 in this series and I was anxious to rejoin the guys on the ranch.  Secrets were revealed during Wild Trail that may have irrevocably damaged the relationship between former best friends, Colt and Mack.  When Mack brought Avery to Wild Trail to maintain the historical accuracy while rebuilding the ghost town was difficult for Colt as his feelings for Avery are still bubbling under the surface.  The reverse from the expected dynamic between a SWAT officer and a history professor is interesting.  One would anticipate that the SWAT guy would be the Dom but that is not the case.  With Avery and Colt, how can a relationship ever work with their widely different backgrounds, occupations, and lifestyles?  
Avery's demi nature adds another layer to the story.  Colt was Avery's first and only; the one relationship of Avery's life and when Colt left, when Avery sent him away, years previously, there was no interest in anyone else.  It seems that Colt is it for him.  

A.M. Arthur is a one-click for me with the interesting stories and wide-ranging themes.

4.5 stars Colt and Avery.

A story with complex personalities and events in it. The growing to each other parts were with a realistic intensity done.

Colt and Avery broke up five years ago. There were insurmountable issues. Colt instant moved away and now they are facing each other... at the Clean Slate Ranch.
Their issues are the same, so how can they ever overcome them.

Wonderful dynamic, the versatile between them was so warm and beautiful to watch. The further in the story the more I loved how they interact, and the more I understand the fast
re-use of their Sir and pet names.
The Dom/sub parts were absolute magnificent and variously put together. I loved it to see a different approach to a D/s relationship.
For myself I had some trouble with the long distance. But in this journey it felt acceptable to do.
My heart reached out to both men, both complex and with defined characteristics
Sometimes i was a bit more on the #Colt-team but I totally understood Avery's pov.
Colt and Avery both beautifully flawed... it felt all real and honest with the right amount of emotions.
Good solid written story with a moderate pace. It was an extended story, else I would have read it in one breath.

Kindly received an arc from the publisher.
It's an arc so I assume there will be some more editing, because the transitions between the paragraphs weren't always clear.

First of all, I found it pretty much impossible to understand the beginning of the book without first reading the previous one so it is definitely not possible to read it as a standalone. It starts with some scenes that are more explained in the first book and it also gives a reason why Colt's ex comes to the ranch. 

The book deals with the restoration of the ghost town discovered in the previous books and features a lot of characters from the first one. Actually, I think they all appear at least in a small side role. 

I got an ARC copy through NetGalley so I will assume that formatting was not finalised yet as the jumps between Colt and Avery were not marked and it was sometimes hard to follow. But as it is an ARC, I did not factor that in the review. What was important though, was jumping between times for memories and for general story. While I can understand it, and it sometimes made it easier to figure out when a particular part was happening, it was still a bit annoying. 

I did like how Colt and Avery slowly built the relationship again. I would have liked it if they talked a bit more, but Colt seemed to trust Avery, as his Dom/Sir and as a person. Avery on the other hand had more doubts whether Colt just wants his Dom or him as a person, so that would be nice if it was a bit more dealt with. 

The fact that Avery was a responsible Dom, and the fact that he and Colt signed a contract when they started the whole BDSM thing was a huge plus, but not enough to really improve the rating much. 

I also liked that Colt, after being away from his family for a long, long time, went back and it was nice that some of the family members accepted him, his relationship with Avery. 

It was an okay-ish book, but nothing special or spectacular.

3.5 stars I have to preface I'm a big fan of A.M. Arthur's writing and typically enjoy her books. Unfortunately, Roped In fell short of it's mark, which is a bummer since the first Clean Slate Ranch book was good. The amount of angst between Avery and Colt became repetitive and annoying. The kink, while hot, was a little unbelievable based on the five year time gap between their relationship. The best part of the book was the secondary characters, and getting to see Mack and Wes again. Hoping we get Reye's' story next.

OMG! What’s not to love about this book!? I’m from SF/Bay Area and I love books based in California. Kink, yes please. Exes to 2nd chances, yes please. This book checked off so many of my boxes! Can’t wait for the next book in this awesome series.

3.5 Stars Roped In is the second book in the Clean Slate Ranch series this is Colt and Avery’s story. I liked this story, there were some parts that were a bit of a miss for me in this one but not enough to detract from the overall story. A good read and I look forward to reading more.

This is the second book in a series and can be read as a stand-alone, although it is obvious which characters were featured in the first entry and I wished I had previously read their story. That said, I didn't totally see the chemistry between Colt and Avery and also didn't totally buy the reasons that broke them up and kept them apart. There were things I liked about this book, but I just didn't feel as much as I would have liked for the characters and their second chance/happy ending.

Thanks to Netgalley and Carina Press for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

I love Clean Slate Ranch - the ranch atmosphere, the west, the ghost town nearby, the cabins and horses and cowboys!

Unfortunately for me, this installment didn't live up to the first. It was still good, but the plot felt a little forced, Avery felt a little one note, and there was a lot of overly lovey dovey cliches that made it less believable. The first story had more of a narrative force driving the story, while this one really just seemed like a bunch of interactions between Avery and Colt and occasionally other characters but without an over-arching story or point to the novel. It also felt like a lot of stuff was repeated over and over, and probably could have been edited out. For example, Avery's wondering if Colt wanted HIM or just him as Sir was brought up time after time, and then a few more times just for good measure. It was distracting from the scenes and made it harder to keep an interest.

Also, I know that with an ARC, final formatting isn't always in place, but there were quite a few places where formatting and lack of proofreading left some glaring errors that pulled me out of the story in my head - the proofreading needed being mostly a lot of places where hyphens should have been used and weren't (example: on-the-go would be written as on-thego).

Overall, I really fell in love with Colt, and kinda want a Colt to myself (though I wouldn't be his sir... he'd be my sexy versatile cowboy!). I liked getting to see Mack and Wes again, and really can't wait to read Reyes' story. Hopefully he's up next.

Colt still recovering from being shot, and losing Macks friendship, he is totally lost. Nightmares plague him. Mack barely speaks to him. Refusing to let him back into his life. Colt also has to deal with Avery. His ex, the man he left with no explanation. His Dom, the love of his life.

Avery is the on the ranch helping restore the ghost town. When he finally allows himself to interact with Colt he realizes he still has deep feelings for him. When they are forced to share a cabin, the feelings both still have are reignited. Avery knows he will be going back home when the job is done. The pair didn't handle separation before very well and Avery has no reason to think it will be any different. Family on both sides comes into play, creating difficulties they have to get past.

The Dom/sub dynamic surprised me. I liked the characters, although at times they seemed younger than they were. The way the backstory was integrated was confusing at first but it helped to explain their interactions. These men together made for a sexy story. I don't really see this as a standalone. I think the first book in the series needs to be read before this one.

Colt Woods and Avery Hendrix were once in a D/s relationship and were in love. Colt was LAPD SWAT and Avery was working toward his PhD in American History while both teaching and consulting on his favorite topic: the Old West. Unfortunately, Colt not only refused to share a dark secret with his best friend, Mack, causing he and Avery to quarrel, but he also chose to resign his job and run away from his problems, leaving Avery behind.

Now, as Avery arrives at the Clean Slate Ranch to consult with Mack (book one -Wild Trail) about the ghost town he found and plans to restore, Avery is shocked to come face-to-face with his past as he sees that Colt is working at the ranch with Mack. This book deals with their renewed relationship—inevitable once they begin to talk again. They address unresolved issues from the past; Colt’s unveiling of the truth to Mack, and the repercussions from that; their own past inability to overcome the separation required by their professions; and their families of origin. In addition, they build and fortify not only their D/s relationship, but also their love and commitment to one another.

Is it easy? No way. But the author takes us through what happened in the past and what is happening in the present and offers hope for the future. Overall, I enjoyed the story, though I must say that there were so many sex scenes they became repetitive and less interesting.

The one thing that really bothered me was the jump to use of present tense in flashback scenes. Since this is an ARC, the formatting wasn’t set up yet, so there were no marked scene breaks, making transition from one scene or location to another difficult to pick up on. And without those scene breaks, I’d suddenly come upon a passage where present tense was being used, disrupting the flow of my reading. I’d stop and then realize I was at a flashback scene where both the narrative and the dialogue used present tense. Honestly, I did not care for use of present tense in past scenes at all. In fact, I ended up skimming those segments, pulling key points and then moving along. If I was one of those reviewers who use gifs, I’d definitely insert one here that said “Nope!”

That was my major peeve, but overall, I enjoyed the story and I’d recommend it to those who enjoy cowboys, mild D/s and rope play, as well as to those who enjoy stories featuring smaller Doms—Colt is taller and more muscular than Avery. All in all, it was a nice story and sequel to Wild Trail.

The reason why I was interested in the story in the first place was because I like the author's "Belonging" series which was fairly well written with believable stories. This one however? Full of clichés and stereotypes and the author at times seem to not even understand what she's writing about. The repetitiveness of the story telling is cumbersome. We have to go through the same stuff again and again without any development. Maybe because the whole setup is unbelievable in the first place! Continuing where you left five years ago? Without having had any relationship in all these years? On both ends? I abandoned the book 1/3 in, just couldn't take it anymore. The contrived "sir' in the third person narration. Looking at A.M. Arthur's back catalogue, I am afraid she might be cranking out too many books in too short amounts of time. This one here would have also benefitted from a stronger editing hand but I doubt that it could have been saved. == I received an advance copy of the book ==

Well, let’s see…we’ve got cowboys, cops, and BDSM all wrapped up in one story. That’s a lot of heat!
Colt is at home at Clean Slate Ranch. Its remote location and the horses helped Colt head a broken heart. Colt is a former SWAT team cop who is carrying several deep secrets. In a SWAT situation gone very badly he accidentally killed his best friend Mack’s SWAT partner. On top of that, Colt is a submissive whose ex-Dom is out of his life and Colt thinks he can begin to heal working at the ranch, a completely different life than when he was a city cop. Ah, but such is not to be because who shows up at the ranch but his former Sir, Avery. The question becomes whether Colt and Avery can avoid each other and even more, do they even want to? Colt has to take the initiative because Avery refuses to hurt Colt again.
Avery has missed Colt to the core of his being. Colt moved away without saying a word which devastated Avery. Avery, a trained Dom who serviced other subs, not necessary including sex, has given up the BDSM lifestyle because he hasn’t found anyone who can replace his pet. With Colt back in his life, even if peripherally Avery has an itch that he needs to scratch. Avery and Colt move from sex to light bondage and are on a slippery slope back to the lifestyle that gave both men the satisfaction they needed to feel complete.
This is much entwined story that involves Avery and Colt, plus Mack and his lover Wes (from the first story), so you need to pay attention as you read. We did get to see, through back stories, how Sir and pet got together originally and we learn a little more about their families. Meanwhile, the ranch life and the jobs of the workers goes on. A ghost town and honest-to-god vein of gold, tourists, ranch guests, and lots of man loving provide the backdrop for this story of second chance lovers. It’s a wonderful story but I must remind you that you really need to read Wild Trail (book #1) first. It’s no hardship to do so as it is a delightful, easy read giving you the background for this slightly heavier book. Enjoy!

I liked this book and this story a lot but there were some pacing issues (which is why i gave it 4 stars) The book moves either too fast or too slow and then at the end it felt like everything was wrapped up too quickly and easily for everything that was going on for these two men. But overall the story is great and you really get into the emotional of what two men go through to love each other.

It is important to note that this is Book 2 in the series and really should be read after book 1.

Colt moved to Clean Slate Ranch after finding out that he killed his best friend Mack’s partner during a SWAT raid gone wrong, the emotional toll it took on him destroyed him and his young relationship with Avery. Now, years later, Avery is consulting on a project at the ranch and Colt has finally told Mack, that it was his bullet that killed his partner. Al Colt knows is that he wants Avery back in his bed because he never stopped loving him, and Mack back in his life because he is the only family he has.

Avery has missed Colt since he moved out of their shared apartment years ago without and word.. He gave up his BDSM lifestyle because no one could possibly hold a candle to his perfect pet, Colt. Now Colt is back in his life and wants more of the bondange they both crave.

This story is raw and real and beautiful, trust may be broken but with enough time and effort and love it can be rebuilt stronger than ever. I’m already looking forward to the next book in the series