Cover Image: Right Move

Right Move

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Member Reviews

Like the last couple of books in this series there was a lack of communication which led to a misunderstanding. I’m not a fan of that but these guys worked their issues out relatively quickly (at least in page time).

I really like George and Levi together…they suffered similarly in the past and don’t trust easily but find they can trust each other. They truly become friends and then lovers which helps form a better relationship.

We see most of the cast of characters as with all the books and it looks like there is a spin-off series coming up which I’ll probably visit.

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I really enjoyed the Clean Slate Ranch series, some books more than others. I do think it helps to read in order since all the characters overlap and you get to see future book couples first appear in previous stories.

I enjoyed George and Levi, although the story did feel like it kinda dragged at various points.

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The Clean Slate Ranch series has been iffy for me with most landing somewhere in the fair to middlin range. Until Right Move. A cowboy and a former figure skater - that's a combination I had to read, and I just loved Levi and George. Like the other books in the series, this one is a slow burn, a really slow burn, but it works for this couple. George is so introverted that Levi pretty much had to move slowly and take things at George's pace, and I loved that he was perfectly okay with that. Both of these guys have messy pasts - completely different kinds of messes, but things they've had to work through. Levi seems to have come out the other side of his own problems, at least for the most part, and while they may not have much in common in their lives, Levi is pretty darn perfect as a sounding board and gentle encourager for George. All things considered, I think it's safe to say this is my favorite Clean Slate Ranch couple. I will add that this book takes place during Thanksgiving - Christmas, so a lot of past couples from the series pop in and out. With that comes the occasional catch up paragraph, but even if you haven't read the earlier books, you'll be able to keep up with what's going on with this couple and their ready made family of spoiled felines.

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Levi and George were two wonderful but broken men, I really enjoyed watching this cowboy and figure skater come together. Their sweet, emotional romance is another great addition to the Clean Slate series.

*I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by NetGalley*

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I absolutely loved this MM romance.

Such a great book with a solid storyline and great characters.

I eagerly look forward to reading more from this author.

A definite recommend!

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What a wonderful, sweet story Right Move was. A.M. Arthur really brought out the “feels” in this story. I didn’t know who I loved more … the patient Levi or the introverted George. They both stole my heart and I hoped and wished for a beautiful HEA for both of them.

We previously met George in Hard Ride and he was a total enigma to me. Now we get to read his story, understand why he panics around people and watch him come into his own. There couldn’t be a better match for him than the loner Levi. That’s the kind, sweet, understanding, loner Levi. As their lives start intertwining, as George starts understanding his feelings, wants and needs and as Levi helped him through the minefield of life, you couldn’t help but cheer them both on. Watching the two of them fall in love, make their way into each other’s lives and finding a way to make it work was wonderful. They truly fit together like a glove.

A.M. Arthur knows how to write a story that will both warm and break your heart. She brings her characters to life and makes us feel like we are part of their world. You feel gratitude that she let you into their lives, into their world and you feel honored that she allowed that. Her stories have a way of bringing out the best and worst in her characters and then turning everything around to show how love, understanding and trust are what makes these relationships work. I always look forward to a Clean Slate Ranch story. I know that I will have a few laughs and a whole lot of love throughout the story.

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This was my first book by A.M. Arthur and I honestly did not know it was going to be a male / male romance. But I really liked the story and the writing so I enjoyed the book overall. Levi is a cowboy that used to ride on the rodeo circuit until his brother died in a freak accident making Levi spiral down a dark path of drugs and alcohol. The book starts off with him taking a fresh start at a 2nd chance at life where he immediately suffers a big heartbreak (unfortunately). A year later he meets George, a former champion figure skater that suffers from severe panic attacks brought on by the immense pressure placed on him to succeed in the figure skating world. Watching their relationship grow was heartwarming. They each had issues they had to overcome, but witnessing them learning to trust each other was gratifying.

This is the 6th book in the series and I have not read the other 5 books. Characters from the other 5 books are mentioned, but I did not feel lost not reading their stories. However, now I really do want to go read the other 5 books.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The opinions stated above are mine without biases.

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I constantly request any AM Arthur book I can get my hands on. Unfortunately, I always forget that I haven't read this series yet. I would devour it now and then review this one, but it isn't on KU. Sorry.

I can say that I am a huge fan of AM Arthur and I am sure this is a great book.

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It seems that with every book in this series, I find a new favorite couple. I think that Levi and George earned this title because the were both so broken, that they needed each other to totally mend.

As with all the books in this series, family is at the center. Through everything in their future and past, Levi and George have both blood and adopted family to turn to. Just one of the reasons I like this series so much. I’m a sucker for “found” families. *sigh*

Levi and George overcame a lot during their story and of course there was a little bit of miscommunication, but they eventually reached their HEA. I’m hoping that there’s more to come for the Clean Slate Ranch. ❤

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3.75 stars

Right Move is the 6th installation in the Clean Slate Ranch series. Now, I know, again, I'm super late to the whole bunch but I just couldn't help it. Sexy cowboys and an all-inclusive (and not just the food and drink kind) ranch with second chances on life and living abound? I mean, who could resist?

Levi Peletier is finally coming back to himself. After the sudden and traggic death of his brother, he and his life went way off the rails and he was doing- a lot- of stuff that was just bad and bad for him. But, he has seen himself through that mess and he's in a good place finally at the other end. George Thompson is also finally coming out of his protective cocoon. He was a competitive figure skating phenom in his younger years who had a great chance to go to the Olymics. But with a bad support system, an even worse coach, and an onset of social anxiety, he completely withdrew from that world and created his own protective bubble with his twin. Now that they have moved and have supportive and encouraging neighbors, George is finally starting to live again. While trying his best to curtain his extreme anxiety issues so at least his brother feels free and able to enjoy a social even, George agrees to go to a sort of potluck Thanksgiving feast. And if he happens to run into the seriously good looking older cowboy he met over the summer, well, bully for him.

George and Levi were super cute and sweet together. Levi with his life experience and sudden super awareness of forgiveness and the search of bettering himself, he couldn't have been a better match. Now, while I love that Levi braced most converstaions with very self-aware and therapeutic style of speech- which with my background in taking uber amounts of psychology classes in undergrad, was just awesome- created a safe space to express and be heard for George. BUT, because I'm a contrary little thing, I also felt that maybe, sometimes, things became a bit too safe or therapeutic in expression. What I'm trying to say is that sometimes it overarched or detracted from the passion? the steam? the grit that is life? idk. It just did. I loved it, it was good, but then sometimes is just was too much. George and Levi both had a lot of baggage to unpack. It wasn't an easy journey but they eventually worked through things. I wanted maybe a bit more resolution for George with his past evil coach and all, but at least he could start to leave the house and go on a date or two.

I know I am late to the party and I probably missed so many cross-references and cross connections with other stories. Don't get to up in arms, I'm going back to the beginning and going to do the series in order. I am absolutely down for all these lovelies and their HEA's.

*ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*

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The Clean Slate Ranch series is branching out. This time we get to know more about the twins in the upstairs apartment that we met in the previous book. And Levi, the trick rider we also met previously. This is part of a series, but can be read as a stand alone.

George and Orry are twins who are very quiet and keep to themselves. But, by association, get involved with the Clean Slate Ranch "family". A big Thanksgiving dinner and an injured cat bring George and Levi together. Even though George is a complete introvert and is bordering on agoraphobia and Levi is outgoing and loves the outdoors.

Levi slowly romances George without even meaning to, I don't think. But the calls and lunches are definitely romantic. Levi is hesitant because of the age difference and because George is so shy. But with Levi, he slowly comes out of his shell.

I really like how Levi was portrayed. He has done a lot of soul searching the past 4 years after a tragedy and you can tell by the way he speaks how mindful he is. "I hear you and I respect that". Very new age-y, hippyish, but it totally works for him.

Even though we got to know George, I don't feel like his story was fully told.

Ugh, sometimes when you are "friends" with an author, reviews can be difficult. There is nothing wrong with this book at all. It is written well, there is a good romance, hot sex, care and respect given to past traumas and current virginities. There are even cute cats. And even though I liked the book and will recommend it- especially for followers of the author and/or series, it might be time to put the Clean Slate Ranch out to pasture.

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I love this series so much. It makes me wish there were more queer Western romances. This book was as enjoyable as the rest of the series but also stands on its own well.

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Right Move is the sixth book in the Clean Slate Ranch series. I love this series, though each book is essentially a companion novel – it focuses on a new couple every time. I think it’s a good idea to read them in order so you get to know all the characters though. For example, the couple here – Levi and George- are introduced in the previous novel so you get some backstory that way.

I really enjoyed Right Move, but there were definitely some things that could have been better.

I liked Levi and George and how they both have their own baggage/past issues, but they help each other out
I always love seeing characters from previous books and getting updates on them and their lives
George is very much a shut-in, and while he’s come out of his shell a bit since the previous book (Hard Ride), I still felt some of his decisions seemed to happen quick. I don’t know that it’s unrealistic, because everyone is different, but it just seemed like George would need more time to change as much as he did
Levi’s past is mentioned a lot – and the “bigger reveal” if you will was handled really well. However, I did feel like everything moved pretty quick after that, which just seemed a bit odd since it had been alluded to up until that point.
I really liked how well Levi and George communicated. They didn’t always open up exactly when they should have, but there wasn’t a ton of drama between the two of them.
All in all, another great addition to the series! I definitely hope there will be more.

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A great audiobook and a great addition to the Clean Slate Ranch family.

It’s been nearly a year since I last visited the Clean Slate Ranch and I was delighted to get to visit there again. This is the first time that I’ve listened to one of the books in the series without having read it first. I got an advanced copy of the ebook from NetGalley but life got away from me and I didn’t get a chance to read it before release day. Then I was lucky enough to get a review copy of the audiobook from the publisher on release day so I listened to it instead of reading the ebook.

Regardless of the way that you experience this book I think you’re going to love it. This is definitely one of the sweeter stories in the series. Both of the MCs have been abused in the past so they take things real slow. I love a sexy story but I also enjoy ones that are more of a slow-burn without so much sexy time and this one was great.

We first met the MCs in book 5, Hard Ride, but you don’t need to have read that story to enjoy this one. The blurb really tells you what you need to know about the story so I’ll tell you how it made me feel.

Listening to Greg Boudreaux’s fantastic performance was an emotional experience. This is a bit unusual for me because for some reason audiobooks don’t usually get my emotions as involved with a story as they do when I read. This was not the case for Right Move. I laughed at the antics of the three cute kittens in the book and I cried when George and Levi finally bare their souls to each other. There’s a reason why Greg Boudreaux is beloved by fans of MM audiobooks; he’s fantastic.

I don’t know if there will be more books in this series but I really hope so. I’m not ready to leave the Clean Slate Ranch for good. I almost forgot, fans of A.M. Arthur’s Cost of Repairs, book one in the Cost of Repairs series, will enjoy the “easter egg” she slipped into this story. ❤ 🥰

A review copy of the ebook (via NetGalley) and the audiobook was provided by the publisher but this did not influence my opinion or rating of the book.

***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***

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Levi Peletier has taken a break from his nomadic life and is now working at the Bentley Ghost Town performing trick riding shows with his best friend, Robin. Levi grew up working in his family’s traveling rodeo and, after his brother died, Levi was lost for a while to addiction and self destruction. But now he has reconnected with Robin and is enjoying his new life in a tiny house on the ranch/ghost town property.

George Thompson was an elite figure skater until the pressure from his family and the abuse from his coach became too much for him and he gave it all up. He has spent the last seven years trying to put that life behind him and now lives as a virtual recluse with his twin brother, Orry. George has only just begun venturing out to do any socializing at all with his apartment neighbors and is taking baby steps toward re-engaging with the world. That is why he cautiously agrees to accompany Orry and some of their neighbors to a Thanksgiving dinner at the home of some friends who own the ghost town.

When George and Levi meet, they are drawn to each other’s sweet and quiet energy. George is still overwhelmed at the party, but Levi feels safe for him and the two start a friendship. When the pair end up spending a week together at Clean Slate Ranch, it draws them even closer and they start to fall for one another. But George is still finding his way after so many years of isolation. He wants to try to spread his wings, but he is also not sure of his limits and is taking it slow. Levi is always patient with George and wants to take things at George’s pace. But Levi is also not sure if he is ready to put down roots after so many years of traveling the country. Now, as George and Levi are falling for one another, they must figure out if there is a way to make a future together.

Right Move is the sixth installment in A.M. Arthur’s Clean Slate Ranch series. I enjoy this series and the lovely found family aspect of life at the ranch and the ghost town. There is almost a magical quality about the place, where people seem to find themselves and the group has a nice connection. Here we see how Levi has found a temporary home after floundering following his brother’s death. We met Levi in Robin’s book, Lucky Break, and now he is living on the land and working at the ghost town. Levi is a peaceful, spiritual man who has been through some hard times and is now sweet, patient, and kind. He is gentle with George as the younger man figures himself out and they are a good fit for one another.

George has had a sheltered life since leaving skating and has relied heavily on his brother for support. He feels anxious being around people, having people recognize him, and beinging in the spotlight. We met George in the last book, Hard Ride, as one of Derrick and Slater’s upstairs neighbors. There we also saw his encounter with his former coach, which has made him even more anxious about interacting with others. But by the start of this book, George is ready to try and he starts taking slow steps toward getting out in the world. It is sweet to watch George come into his own and realize he is ready for more than he thought. I wish we had more of a sense of why now and why Levi, however. George has been a virtual shut in for years, and yet he is ready for regular interaction with Levi and even a vacation away from home and his brother within an incredibly short time.

This is a sweet story of two men slowly building their relationship. It is calm, placid, and mostly easy feeling, even as George deals with his anxiety. But I found this one almost too calm and easy. It is a long book and there was just not enough to carry it for me. George and Levi are both nice lovely men. Everyone they interact with is also kind, loving, and understanding. They meet, George quickly becomes comfortable with Levi, and they have a nice, sweet, growth to their relationship. While we know each man has a complicated past, it doesn’t become a hurdle here and both reveal their backstories without so much as a speed bump. Other issues that seem like they may turn into something, like some potential conflict between George and Orry, settle very easily. Even the conflict at the end as to how they will reconcile George’s anxiety about being out in the world and Levi’s desire to travel is just smoothed over, with all the decision making handled in the gap between when the main story ends and the epilogue starts, so we never see it happen on page. For a book that is over 350 pages, I just needed more here. Everything just feels too smooth, easy, and flat without enough happening in the story or with the characters to really carry it completely.

On a somewhat related note, even the way men speak to one another is so sweet and careful, and while it is nice to see characters that kind and loving, something about the style just enhanced my feeling of everything being just too calm and placid. When George shares something personal, Levi replies, “Okay. Thank you, George. I hear and accept your truth.” When they have a sexual encounter, “‘Wow,’ Levi said. ‘Thank you for that gift.'” I think this is personal preference, but I found the dialog between them a lot at times.

My other issue here is I am not sure whether this book fully works for either new readers or those familiar with the series. On one hand, Arthur does a great job for folks new to these books giving background on everyone we meet and providing context and backstory on the ranch, the ghost town, and past events. Even as someone familiar with the series, I found the reminders helpful. So new readers could probably jump in here, but I can’t help wondering if they would be overwhelmed by the sheer number of side characters that appear here, each with their own backstory summary. I feel like virtually everyone who has ever appeared in this series is at least mentioned in this book, and most of them appear on page. It feels like a lot for someone new to encounter all these characters, most of whom aren’t really that relevant to this particularly story. On the other hand, as a series reader, I enjoyed seeing this gang again, as this series has always been about the found family. But I still felt like this was almost a parade of former characters for no real reason other than to revisit them. I also found the story somewhat repetitive having read other the books, particularly Wild Trail where we also see a vacation to the ranch and a “day in the life” style story of what a trip there entails. At this point, six books in, I feel like I have already heard multiple times about the ride in the wagon to the ranch when people arrive, Sunday night’s BBQ dinner, camping trips, Arthur’s stories, etc. And for a book where there isn’t much in the way of peaks and valleys with the main characters, seeing all of that repeated here just added to that sense of not enough going on for me.

On a related note, we also see Samuel and Rey Briggs-King and their daughter, Faith, from Arthur’s Cost of Repairs series appear here. They are fellow guests on the ranch and befriend George and Levi. I think for fans of that series, seeing this couple will be a thrill, though as someone not familiar with their books, I did find this felt like a bit of filler in an already long book.

In the end, I found that I enjoyed revisiting these old friends from the series. I am a huge fan of found family books and I like reconnecting with these guys (though perhaps not all of them in every book). And I think Arthur does a nice job of creating a sort of magical place that brings happiness and a sense of peace to those who come there. I just found that this story felt too calm and placid with not enough happening to carry such a long book. I am curious to see where Arthur takes this series and if there is more to come for our friends at the Clean Slate Ranch.

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George broke my heart. Trauma has made him an introvert and the way the world treated him made him afraid to leave his home. Good thing his twin was there to take care of him as even his own parents turned their backs on him because all they wanted was him to go to the Olympics. The POS parents turned their backs on his brother as he wasn't important, just George & he ended up on the streets & had a sad go of it. We met Levi in the prior book when he comes to the ranch to reconnect with his deceased brother's husband Robin. Levi left the rodeo when his brother died and fell into the bottom of a bottle, but then he became sober. But the road is still in his blood & he & his 3 feline fur babies live in a tiny house that he can hook up to his truck. George & Levi meet on the ranch and we get to watch them slowly grow as friends & Levi help George start to live again. This is a real slow burn, but we get to see them get their HEA.

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The sixth book in the Clean Slate Ranch, Right Move is an emotional, engaging mm romance. George and Levi had a good connection and although at time the dialogue became repetitive overall this is a good story and one, I would recommend to readers.

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Levi and George take the slow-burn route and build a touching friendship before moving their relationship further. I liked their dynamic, how caring and careful they were with each other, especially Levi with George. Levi is an interesting character with a unique way of looking at life and expressing his thoughts; sometimes, this was endearing and inspiring, and sometimes just a little odd. He seems very pure and honest, which is why his decision to withhold certain information from George made little sense to me. It does make him a little flawed, less perfect, and so easier to relate to. George is a more vulnerable character than Levi, as he struggles to overcome his anxiety, coming out and falling for someone for the first time. I loved how they bonded over taking care of Ginger; that was a nice touch. Orry and George’s relationship is very important to the story, and I really liked how they were with each other. Overprotective and loving, yet not the best at communication, very convincing siblings. I felt a little disappointed we probably won’t be getting Orry’s story.

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Rating 4.5 stars
This is the sixth book in the Clean Slate Ranch series. I have really enjoyed this series. The characters of this book were very different from the previous books in the series. They were well developed and wonderful to get to know. The pace of the story was great. I can’t wait for the next in the series. This book can be read as a stand-alone novel.

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So happy to have George's story after meeting him in Hard Ride (book five) and knowing that he hasn't had an easy past. Levi is a perfect balance for him as he exudes calmness and positivity which, considering things from his own past, is a great feat.
There's a spark between the two from their first meeting though George was also dealing with anxiety and was also not 100% on his own sexuality. A show of courage brings George and his twin, Orry, to Thanksgiving at Clean Ranch with all of the family and staff. Levi helps George to lower his anxiety in the moment and a bond forms as he's someone George finds it easy to be around and talk to. What develops is something neither man expects but is also not willing to giving up as they develop a strong friendship that then gives them a good basis to act on their attraction.
It's a sweet, slow burn romance with nosy friends, a protective twin. Self discovery and building up your belief and strength in yourself is huge for George as Levi is thankful to be someone that George can lean on as well as deciding on his own future as he's used to travelling around. His time at the Bentley Ghost Town is one of his longest times in one place so he's worried about getting the urge to move on and leaving George as they grow closer.
It's a lovely addition to the Clean Slate Ranch series, not one of my favourites but still definitely worth reading and getting to know these characters and interacting more of those from previous books.
I received an ARC via NetGalley and am happily giving a review.

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