This was everything I was wanting and more! Omg Kayce my little baby gay, mess of a cowboy I want to hug you for hours on end! I’m so in love with the story we got for him and how his HEA came together! And god Raine was just the perfect asshole lover and him and Kayce were absolutely made for each other! This is a MUST READ!

I am forever going to be grateful for Kensington Publishing for obliging my desperate email for an early copy of this book! I am a giant fan of the Crimson Ridge series from Elliott -- a small town with taboo relationships, amazing banter, breath catching angst, hot af fmc's that are so easy to love, sexy rancher/cowboy mmc's that are gruff on the edges but deep down are just absolutely gone for their girl, and tension-filled forced proximity.

Book 3 (Taming the Heart) hinted at the main character for Saving the Rain and the teaser of chapter one that we got at the end revealing this was in fact going to be Kayce's book and his love interest would be his estranged STEP-BROTHER!? My heart could barely contain its excitement! I loved the character arc we saw pieces of with Kayce since book 1. He started as the punk ass kid who fucked around and ignored his responsibilities, then slowly started turning that around to taking accountability and getting sober. Getting the full culmination of that in his own book with "Saving the Rain" felt like a hard earned and much deserved happy ending for him.

Unlike the other books in the series, Kayce and his love interest (Raine) start off squarely in the enemies column but we aren't fully sure why. Fom Kayce's pov, we know that Raine was never nice when they lived together after their parents got together but the "why" is a mystery. From Raine's pov, we know he's not just an asshole and that he has his own struggles.

I loved how the two of them dealt with their growing passion and eventual love for the other. With Kayce, this is the first time he's actually exploring his sexuality with another man. He's only recently discovering that he's gay and it takes him a bit to be able to fully embrace his feelings in an open and healthy way. I really liked how Raine helped him with that--he didn't immediately drop his grumpy and gruff attitude but he was right there next to Kayce helping him and supporting him. The way Raine also saw Kayce better than anyone and could see right through his people pleasing "pretty boy" act was perfect. Kayce needed someone like that to call him on his bullshit and make him face the future as it is.

As their passion progressed, the forced proximity led to hot af scenes that I was devouring. Once again, a couple finding their love for one another while stuck on top of a mountain led to a beautiful HEA (like father like son lol). The little acts of care and love that were sprinkled throughout their time together, even when claiming they still didn't like each other, were so sweet and just showed how much love was already there.

Overall, this book (and whole series) is a must read. The tension, dislike to love, "shit can we do this", mental health rep, supportiveness with found family, healthy sexuality discussions, and sexy as sin smut all combined for an infinity read for me. The way both Kayce and Rain helped each other heal a part of themselves and see things from a different pov was so great. I am so sad to see this series end and saying goodbye to Crimson Ridge was definitely bitter sweet; but it ended with the perfect couple in my opinion.

A couple other big highlights -- Kayce and Sage's talk about sexuality (I adore when a confident, out and proud member of LGBTQIA+ community helps guide someone who is struggling with a sexuality shift in adulthood), Kayce's talks with his dad, the mentions of Briar and Storm, the friendships we saw more of with Kayce's rodeo buddies, and the hot hot hot spice!

Thank you to Kensington Publishing and Elliott Rose for the e-ARC

This is a forbidden romance of step brothers who turn enemies to lovers. Estranged step brothers run into each other in a small rural town. Raine has taken a job running a ranch and his brother Kayce unbeknownst to him lives in the town working his dad's ranch. They have multiple run ins that always end in hurt yet confused feelings. Kayce is just starting to realize his sexuality and these run in have him majorly confused. Kayce gets hurt during rodeo and Raine comes and unwilling helps him. That's when things get spicy and don't stop. At the end, they realize that their actions when they were younger were misunderstood and those issues are quickly resolved.

This is a slow burn age gap romance. If forbidden love stories are your thing, this really starts heating up half way through the book.

The last installment of the Crimson Ridge series culminated in our original Ex from Chasing the Wild, Kayce, rediscovering himself and facing up to his past with step brother Raine. After a rodeo accident that leaves his future up in the air, Kayce has to finally own up to his life prior to Crimson Ridge and also figure out how to move forward. I loved it. Entertaining, twister-oonies that’ll keep you going and an epic ending that wraps the series up so nicely. I will definitely miss the family we all gained on this mountainside, but look forward to who Elliott Rose introduces to us next.

Saving the Rain was an emotionally raw, scorchingly hot, once in a life time kind of love that will break your heart and then put the pieces back together and have you begging for more. Kayce and Raine will forever own a piece of my soul; I just know I will not be able to stop thinking about their story. I feel like anything I write in this review is going to be woefully insufficient for describing the depth of this story, but I’ll try my best!

Saving the Rain is a stepbrothers romance that starts out with a ton of animosity towards each other. Kayce’s pill addicted mother married Raine’s abusive father when Kayce was pretty young, and from that point on Raine felt the need to protect them. This came at a great personal cost to him and he wasn’t able to express that in the best of ways. However, as soon as he felt he could, he left them and Kayce doesn’t see him for many many years after that.

Fast forward, Kayce is working on his father’s ranch and out of the blue runs into Raine at a bonfire. Seeing as how their last encounter didn’t go well, the bonfire meeting is pretty immediately combative. Try as they might to avoid each other, they keep ending up at the same places. Kayce’s life is turned upside down when he is injured during a bronc ride and Raine is still his emergency contact. His boss is pretty insistent that he help Kayce up on Devil’s Peak Ranch, which gives them a wholllleee lot of alone time together. Meanwhile, Kayce is hiding a secret from his friends and family - he’s recently realized that he’s gay - and now the one man he finds himself attracted to is his stepbrother.

The interactions between Kayce and Raine are so filled with tension that it just felt like a balloon ready to pop and you just knew went it did it’d be explosive.. and it certainly was! When they finally do act on the raw passion they feel towards each other, whew 😮‍💨 let’s just say I have almost every quote from Raine highlighted 🥵

Their love has many trials as they fight through their pasts, both with Kayce’s mom and Raine’s father. Poor Kayce just had so much self loathing to work through and as much as Raine wanted to help him through it, he also knew that Kayce needed to want to help himself. It was such a tight rope to walk.

I just have to mention the detail Elliott put into this book. There were a few scenes where she described in great detail the 8 seconds of a bronc ride and I felt like I was on the back of the horse experiencing it myself. The detail was truly incredible!

I leave you with the quote that had me sobbing on the IG post - ”Never not obsessed with you.”

Thank you Kensington and Elliott for the gifted ARC! This is now one of my most prized possessions! 💕🤠

Saving the Rain by Elliott Rose was my least favorite of the series, but still a solid and enjoyable read. The inner monologues felt a bit repetitive this time around, but the characters were still lovable, and the spice? Top-tier. Elliott Rose continues to prove she knows exactly how to write steam. I did miss some of the found family magic from the earlier books, but the phone calls totally made up for it—they were my favorite part!

Saving the Rain delivers a emotional story full of angst, yearning and heartbreak that will pull at your heartstrings.

This book delivers Kayce’s backstory and wow, I wasn’t expecting the depth of emotion and heartbreak it would cause when I learned more from our resident “bad boy” from Chasing the Wild–book 1 in this series. Kayce definitely grabbed my heart with his character growth and journey; it that was nothing short of beautiful to read.

Raine’s character surprised me. From his hard exterior to his filthy mouth and very protective side, the newest cowboy in town grew on me. His backstory was equally as heartbreaking as Kayce’s and brought another layer of emotions to this book.

Together, these two broken cowboys created something special with their connection, deep rooted bond and explosive chemistry. Elliott Rose writes some of the best spice and delivered once again with Saving the Rain.

It always feels good to go back to Crimson Ridge and this book was no different. The way the author crafted this universe and intertwined the lives of her characters is truly special. And while these are interconnected standalones, I definitely recommend reading this series as a whole to get the full Crimson Ridge experience.

Saving the Rain is definitely another must read from this author.

I would like to thank Elliott Rose and Kensington Publishing Corp. for the opportunity to read and review Saving the Rain.

THE END OF CHAPTER 47 NEARLY SENT ME INTO AN ANXIETY ATTACK

This book had me in a chokehold!! Kayce and Raine are just such pretty cowboys

ARC Review:

I WAS LEFT AN EMOTIONAL MESS!
This book took me for a wild ride and I could tell the author poured her entire being into this book. This MM stepbrothers story will have you sobbing yet wanting to be the third in the relationship. It really was an amazing read and I had one heck of a time reading it.

Thank you NetGalley, Elliott and Kensignton for the opportunity to review this book as an early copy

HOLY MOLY this whole series is HOTTTTTTT, but Saving the Rain could make a pearl blush!!
Kayce Wilder is a live it on the edge and never have any regrets cowboy. But underneath that hard exterior of a cowboy, holds a man who wants to be #1 in all aspects of his life. They say 8 seconds can make or break your rodeo ride, and for Kayce case, it literally took just that to upend his world! He was trying to make his way back into the bronc riding community after a horrible accident that put him on the sidelines. Little did he know that everything he THOUGHT he knew, was all getting ready to change. Insert Zeke Rainer, a tough, rough and rowdy bronc cowboy, who held secrets he thought would never come to light. Worlds came colliding in, at a bonfire when Kayce comes face to face with his estranged step brother Zeke Rainer. Secrets don't stay secrets long, when you are lusting after the one you want to hate. Love is made, and lives are changed with these two.
You will not be able to put this book down once you start! You will cry, laugh, and fall in love in this book!

Never not obsessed with you 🥹💚

Warning: these cowboys are 🔥 The angst? The pining? The absolute buffet of spice? Yes please.

I think Kayce and Raine are officially battling it out with Storm and Briar for my favorite couple in this series—seriously y’all, they are 🔥 !!!!! Phew 😮‍💨

I wanted to devour this book in one sitting, but I loved it so much I kept putting it down just to savor every moment. The emotional depth hit hard—I cried, and it was exactly the redemption story Kayce (and Raine) deserved.

I’m so sad to see this series come to a close, but wow, what an incredible way to end it. And with the special edition copies dropping later this year into 2026… a re-read is basically guaranteed. Y’know… because 😉

Thank you to Netgalley for my arc!

My visit to Crimson Ridge was an eye-opening one for sure, as it was my first visit and I wasn't sure what to expect. Once I arrived I was immediately taken with the landscape, the characters, and the world they lived in. It was my love of western romances that lead me to their world and I have to say they held up nicely amongst my favorites. The journey they took me on was emotionally charged, visceral, heartfelt, romantic and quite entertaining. I was not ready for that last page to find me, to let these characters go. The good thing is since this was my first visit I still have three other couples to meet, and I can't wait for that visit!

If you love western romances that are a little on the dirty side then you have to take a chance on this one, you will love what you find waiting for you between the pages!

I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.

Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️

My Crimson Ridge friends and fans you are NOT ready! We have meant Kayce, disliked him and waited to see him grow. And wow he was worth that wait!!! Seeing him evolve and learning what truly made him who and what he became was heart breaking. But seeing him find and learn to love Raine was the best damn thing I read in a long time!!

I am enamored with Kayce and Raine and how they loved each other!! This story ai could not put it down and want to start it all over again for the first time. I have nothing but amazing things to say about this book and these guys. You will not be disappointed but going back to Crimson Ridge to see what Kayce truly becomes!

@KensingtonBooks @btc_books
#savingtherain #kensingtonbooks
#chasingthewild #crimsonridgeseries #crimsonridge #devilspeakranch #elliottroseauthor #cowboysdoitbetter #cowboybook #bookboyfriendsdoitbetter #elliottroseauthor #CrimsonRidgeRiders

4.5/5 ⭐️
Thank you to Kensington and Elliott Rose for getting to ARC read this amazing story!

This was the best way to finish the series! Not only do we get Kayce and his redemption arc, we also got to see his inner struggle and growth as he battles his rodeo career. Not to mention the journey he took as he learned more about himself and his new found discovery of love. He has come so far from book one, and seeing how much he has changed as a character was fantastic.

Raine had me so pissed at the beginning. I kept screaming for him to just be honest and stop being a jerk. (Obviously I’m meaner words) Just like Kacye, he had some huge battles going on. The way he pushed Kacye to be himself was great. And obviously, his dirty talk had me 🫠.

Overall, this story was so good. Elliott Rose is queen of the taboo cowboy romances.

Eight seconds is all it takes, can you handle it?

This is a great story behind the mystery of Kayce. I really enjoyed reading his backstory and learning why he struggled so much in the prior books of the series. I love how he turned his life around and was able to learn to be okay with himself and who he is, mentally, physically, emotionally, and sexually.

Raine in this story, took a while for me to fall for. I wish he had opened up more to Kayce versus Kayce learning about Raines past through others. Raine always expected Kayce to be open and honest whereas Raine was just closed off. I love a grumpy man, but I needed him to provide just a smidge more for me emotionally. I am happy though that Raine helped Kayce become more comfortable in his own skin, and helped him work through his inner turmoil.

A great story overall between the two, passion was definitely felt between the two characters! I will say I wish Kayce took more charge at times during some moments but can understand that’s just not his persona at this time or maybe ever. Either way, this book will leave you blushing from this wild ride! So for those who enjoy a steamy MM cowboy romance. This one’s for you!

Emotional, tender, and seriously steamy - Saving the Rain took me by surprise in the best possible way. It's a beautifully written romance with real heart, layered characters, and a sensual, slow-burn heat that builds into something unforgettable. The emotional depth and spice are perfectly balanced, making this feel both grounded and escapist. Absolutely loved every second.

i'm not crying over these cowboys...

I absolutely adore the Crimson Ridge series, and have been so looking forward to Kayce and Rainers story and oh boy it did not disappoint. This may be my favourite of the series.

It's filled with angst, yearning and such beautiful tender moments whilst being so whitty, spicy and interesting.
These broken cowboys have my whole heart, the way they grow to find themselves and then eachother is devastatingly beautiful.

There are sO many quotes i highlighted but to avoid spoilers i'll include just a few :

"If I don't hold him up, who else is gonna?"

"I had nowhere else to go"

"Bet you're blushing for me, aren't you, pretty boy?"

"He's got asthma you shit for brains"

Ugh I knew Kacey’s story was going to be so good and so hard at times as well.

Raine and Kacey were perfect for each other. Both facing some past demons while trying to make their lives better. To be better people. They both face those demons.

They loved and fought hard. They also fought for each other. Knowing our boy Kacey he had some darkness in his past. Fighting his way to a better life was important. Raine only helped there. Raine also had some lessons to learn and truths to face. Got there a little quicker but he stuck it out and stuck around.

I’m so glad Kacey got his redemption and the love that he deserved. Ugh it was so good. I’m sad to see this world go. Maybe we can get a glimpse back at some point. You know just a check in on our Crimson Ridge family.

I absolutely loved Saving the Rain. This is my favorite cowboy romance series! The tropes in this story are step brothers, angsty rivals to lovers and found family. I loved the "I had nowhere to go" moment. I will not forget that scene! I can't wait to read Elliott Rose's next book release. :)

Wow wow wow 🤠🥵🥵🥵 what a book. I just love elliott roses work so much 💗
I cannot believe there's no more to read right now

OMG!!!! Where do I even begin!? This was my first full on MM book. I’ve read MFM before and to be honest I didn’t know if straight MM was going to do it for me, but my gawddd. I LOVE Kayce and Raine so much 😭 you Ms Elliot Rose have dazzled me with each book in this series! This story had such raw longing and scorching hot chemistryyyy. The tension build up was remarkable (as always) THE SPICE WAS SPICINGGGGGGG and the character devlopement was top tier👌🏼Kayce and Rain aren’t perfect, they had hurt each other and defintely hit a bunch of bumps along the way, but the way the evolved was *chefs kiss* 👏🏼

Kayce- I loved his growth, his journey was so uplifting. he went from being reckless and careless to fully determined to turn his life around. From being so unsure of himself to knowing exactly what he wants and WHO he wants. He is truly the sweetest 🥹

Raine- he was such a powerful anchor. Always takes control. The way they couldn’t stand eachother from when they were younger but him always protecting Kayce in the most unbelieveable ways tore at my heartstrings 🥹 and let’s not forget the MOUTH ON HIM. MY GOD! 😍 I swear Elliot’s MMC’s have the filthiest mouths 🙌🏼 WHAT A MAN YOU ARE ZEKE RAINER!

Saving The Rain was a PERFECT ending to this series. And I only wish it wasn’t over!