Ride Fast: Alpha Male Friends-to-Lovers Western Romance

Tessa Layne

Dec 2021 · Roughstock Riders Book 3 · Shady Layne Media

About this ebook

The night before fifteen-year-old Jaxon Boyd left for chemo treatment, he made a pact with his best friend and next-door neighbor, Isabella Capizzi. That no matter what happened, through thick and thin, they’d stay best friends forever. And they have – through first loves, breakups, and near-death experiences, their friendship has been the one constant in Jaxon’s life. Until they both cross the line one wild night at a neighbor’s wedding reception. But regardless of the feelings Jaxon harbors for Izzie, he’s determined to stay away – because promises are promises, right? And as much as he could see himself growing old with Izzie, there’s one secret he’s never been able to share with his best friend. Because sharing it would break Izzie’s heart completely.

Isabella Capizzi is tired of waiting. Tired of waiting for her parents to let her take over the family’s ranching business, tired of waiting to become head of the English department at the high school, and definitely tired of waiting for her teenage crush Jaxon Boyd to think of her as more than his childhood BFF. But now that she’s staring down thirty, she wants more for her life than a guy who only sees her as his plus-one.

After a night of too much liquid courage when she may or may not have confessed her feelings to Jax – the details are fuzzy – Izzie decides to take matters into her own hands. She’s leaving Prairie for good – come hell or high water. But her friends… and Jaxon, have other ideas.

Ratings and reviews

It's a tough go between life long friends Isabella and Jaxon. Tessa Layne always brings a serious situation or concern to the forefront with the residents of Prairie and these two are no exception. Their love runs deep but, they hide behind a friendship that doesn't plan to go past that level. I admit I was disappointed in Jaxon's treatment of Isabella. He toys with her heart and her mind but, she takes whatever crumbs he gives her because there is no other man that measures up. It is difficult to witness her heartache. It is annoying to witness his cowardice. But, I was drawn to them and knew that they would get their happy ending, just couldn't figure out how it would happen. That's excellent writing. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

I easily picked up on Jax and Isabella's chemistry. The thing I found so frustrating was Jax blowing hot and cold. His instance that he couldn't be with her, but he seemed to not want her with anyone else, BUT he couldn't tell her why he couldn't be with her. Seems like there was a lack of communication and a number of little secrets that plagued the town of Prairie. I read the first two books a while ago, but I didn't have much of an issue following along with Jax and Isabella's story. I did have a little difficulty wrapping my head around Jax and his different occupations. When everything comes to light, my only thought was, "That's it"? I am really interested in seeing how a couple of things in this book play out in the next book, or books. I would give this one 3.5 stars just because of the back and froth frustration. It felt like it went on too long. Jax and Iz finally reach their HEA with additional surprises to come. I really enjoy that it's about family, friends, love, and loyalties in the town of Prairie. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book received via Booksprout.

I'm so enjoying this series and getting to know all the characters in Prairie. I loved catching up on characters from the previous books and Isabella & Jaxon’s story. These two had me pulling for them to work things out. I laughed, had tears in my eyes and was left with a smile. I anxiously await the next book in the series. I need more of these characters