Book Review: Saddle Up by A.M. Arthur

Saddle Up is a contemporary romance by A.M. Arthur This is the first book I have read from the author, and it is a stand alone. However, there is a good amount of secondary characters with depth and relationships that I feel like have, or should have, their own stories. I fully expect there are previously published books with these characters that are just waiting for me to read them. 

Reyes Caldero keeps his past buried deep and his emotions buried deeper. But what he doesn’t say he always makes up for with his actions. When the hot chef he once saved from an abusive ex turns up at Clean Slate Ranch, the quiet cowboy is happy to act on their sizzling chemistry, even if he’s not ready to share his secrets—or his heart. Miles Arlington needs to get the hell out of San Francisco, and heading north for a job near Clean Slate Ranch seems like just the thing. It doesn’t hurt that his secret crush slash onetime rescuer happens to work at the ranch. Miles has never been one for the outdoors, but the superhot Reyes has him ready to saddle up. Reyes is happy to keep things casual, even though his heart has other ideas. And when Miles is forced to confront his past again, Reyes and Miles will have to put all their trust in each other if they want any chance at building a future together.

Saddle Up is a romance that tackles issues of abuse, stalking, and horrible mistakes from the past. I though Miles and his struggles to escape a bad situation is very well written, and the details about his emotional struggles and how he changes and grows during the process felt right. Reyes has his own demons to fight, and I found his handling of it to be realistic and understandable, even when he might not have made the right choice. I loved the pair together, with Reyes so aware and caring towards Miles- andhid worries about his nature and past. I thought all of the characters, both our main players and the secondary characters, were extremely well fleshed out and they all felt very real to me. The danger and drama, not to mention the family issues, added a good amount of crisis to push things along without being too much or crossing the line into melodramatic. The only thing that did not feel real to me is something that I find in so many books of all genres- why is every so beautiful? I need to find some of these towns and ranches, even though I am happily taken I would love a chance to sit around and watch all these stunning people for a weekend.

Saddle Up is a great romance with characters facing huge personal battles, and working their way toward happiness and love. I found Reyes and Miles to be a delightful couple, and I cannot wait to explore other books from the author.