Summary

Micah Avery has called Split Rock Ranch home for most of his life—it’s one of the few places he can be totally himself without worry or judgment. The ranch, the horses, and the people are Micah’s future, and he couldn’t be happier. The fact that it’s also home to the ranch manager he’s determined to marry one day is icing on the cake . . . all he needs is for Ryan to notice him.

Ryan Astor came to Split Rock Ranch at a time when he was desperate to start over. It was just supposed to be a stop on the road, but instead he found a home and a family—that family includes Micah, the sweet kid who’s been the ranch mascot since before he was tall enough to see over the stall doors. Ryan’s finally found his place, and he can’t imagine wanting anything to change.

Then little Micah Avery grows up. And Ryan’s suddenly confronted with a whole mess of feelings and desires he never expected. Now he needs to decide if he can give in to what they both want without jeopardizing everything they have.

Something Undeniable is a slow-burn, 37k-word novella with an age gap, mutual pining, and plenty of heat. It’s the first book in the Split Rock Ranch series, but can be read as a stand-alone story.

Review

The piniiiiiiing!! I’m not a big fan of age-gap romances, and at first Micah being 15 and Ryan 27 squicked me out a bit. But there’s nothing illegal going on here, and they don’t actually hook up until LATER, so don’t be afraid to read this one if you’re also a bit iffy on the age-gap trope.

The mutual pining in this book is so delicious. I felt the ache in my chest and actually teared up a couple of times at the misunderstanding happening between Ryan and Micah. I just wanted to push their faces together and yell “Now kiss!” haha. I love their chemistry together – even though Ryan doesn’t begin to even look at Micah in a romantic way at all until he’s of legal age, their dynamic is older ranch hand and teenager with a crush was so cute. And then once the romantic tension start flowing both ways – woo! *fans self* Also, who knew just kissing could be so hot?!

It’s hard to believe this is Rory Maxwell’s debut! I’m definitely following and can’t wait to read more of her work (please tell me Izzy will get his own book!!)

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are unbiased and my own.