3.5 Stars for this contemporary M/M cowboy mystery/romance. 
 Trace is a 20-something college graduate who's having a run of really, really bad luck. Laid off, newly-single, and suddenly homeless, he returns to his aunt's Texas ranch for the first time since his mother died several years ago. His aunt, Lois, is critically injured in a car wreck just before he arrives, however. She charges Trace with taking care of her ranch hands' meals and managing the bills-while she recuperates. Her foreman, Sawyer, will be responsible for running the day-to-day operations of the ranch. 
 Trace is dumbstruck when he meets big, burly, beautiful Sawyer. His imagination often goes wild, but he knows better than to out himself on an isolated Texas ranch. Sawyer is a kind man, which only makes Trace more swoony. In the meantime, Trace has some hilarious escapades, messing up meals, getting bucked off his horse, needing general rescue which always seems to come in the form of Sawyer. 
 As the story winds on, we learn that Lois had been being pressured to sell her ranch to a neighbor, and her car wreck was clearly no accident. Goons try to physically intimidate Trace into convincing Lois to sell. Expect some homophobia and hair-raising moments as Trace endures beatings and serious physical threats. Also, expect Sawyer to make it clear that his intentions regarding Trace are thoroughly dishonorable...and a little kinky. 
 I liked the story, though I felt the pace was a little slow and the dialogue was a little juvenile in parts. Trace is a really neurotic guy, and his headspace is cluttered with needless doubt and questionable choices. I wanted to reach into the book and shake him every time he lied about his intentions, and his feelings, and his abuse. I loved Sawyer, and I really liked Trace a lot. He's such a compassionate guy. I had some questions regarding Aunt Lois' recovery-because it was written as if she was 80 years old, but that didn't make any sense. Even if she was twenty years older than Trace's mother, she'd still only be in her late 60s. She could have easily been rehabilitated enough to return home-to my experience. *shrugs* 
 If you're looking for a mostly-breezy gay cowboy romance, this one will wet your whistle.