3.5 Stars so rounding up

I’m up and down with this series. I get it. They’re cowboys and don’t trust easily because they’ve all been hurt before and are here to recover and get back at life. The lack of communication is something I truly dislike in books. These two had a lack of communication in SPADES. I did, however, appreciate the slow burn and friendship building of these guys because they needed the time as neither of them was completely healed from past issues.

Robin frustrated me to no end with his lack of communication and the way he left Shawn doubting himself. He was still working through the loss of his husband, and he really should have been honest with Shawn from the beginning. When he finally gets over himself, he still leaves Shawn doubting. I’m glad he worked things out with his family and eventually realized he needed Shawn. The gifts he gives Shawn are amazing.

Shawn went through something very traumatic as a teen and he still hasn’t recovered. Shawn does help him past this…a little bit and Shawn is able to see his family again. Even though he suffers another tragedy, he’s stronger for it.

I’m moving on to the next in the series as I do like the arc of the ranch and its healing powers.

Shawn Matthews loves his job as an assistant chef in the Bentley Ghost Town. His boss, Miles, is a good friend, and Shawn enjoys the work. Now that the ghost town is closing for a two-month winter break, Shawn isn’t sure what to do with himself. He sends most of his paycheck back to his grandparents, which has Shawn homeless and living out of his car. He doesn’t know how he is going to fill his time with nothing to do all day and no place to go. When the cook at the main ranch gets injured, however, they need someone to fill in for her, and Shawn is lucky enough to get the job. Even better, the ranch owner offers him one of the cabins to use in the meantime, which means Shawn has a bed to sleep in, at least for a couple of months.

Robin Butler is a horseman on Clean Slate Ranch, and the first time he sees Shawn, it is like seeing the ghost of his late husband. Robin can’t help but be distant to Shawn, thrown so off kilter by the resemblance to Xander. But after the men get to know one another, Robin realizes Shawn is quite different than Xander, both in appearance and personality. The two men become friends, and there is definitely a connection between them. But Shawn hasn’t had a lot of experience with men and Robin isn’t sure he is right for Shawn. However, while the guys do take things slowly, neither can resist their attraction for long.

Once the men finally give in to their feelings, things get serious quickly. Robin and Shawn are so compatible and each are finding a relationship they never expected to have. But both men also have a lot of baggage in their past, baggage that is getting in the way of their current relationship. Now both men need to open up about their history and share their feelings, so they can have a future together.

Lucky Break is the fourth book in A.M. Athur’s Clean Slate Ranch series. While the main characters from the first three books all appear here, as well as assorted side characters, this story does stand alone plot-wise. All you really need to know is that most of these guys are friends/co-workers of Shawn and Robin. But being familiar with the past books will give you a nice feel for the rhythms of the series and the key characters, so I think it would enhance your enjoyment here.

One of the things I particularly like about this series is the found family element. Clean Slate Ranch lives up to its name as a place where people can go to put their past behind them and make a new life for themselves. The first three books focus on a trio of close friends, and there are really nice bonds among all the main and side characters. I enjoyed seeing these men settling into their lives and finding a place to belong and fit in. Things are perhaps overly idyllic on the ranch, but I enjoy that about the series. I also really like the ghost town storyline, and while it is not particularly prominent here, it is a fun addition to the series.

After the initial conflict, Robin and Shawn fall into their relationship pretty quickly and easily. Shawn doesn’t have a lot of experience dating in general, or with men in particular, and Robin is patient and takes things slowly. However, while the men fall for one another pretty easily, they both have complicated pasts that cause some conflict as they try to navigate things between them. I think both their backstories are interesting and Arthur shows how they shape their characters. I did feel like it took too long to really learn what happened to Shawn, however. He has a lot of anxiety in general, and fears about Robin abandoning him in particular, and it was hard to really understand Shawn’s fears without knowing what had happened to him in the past. It left me frequently frustrated with Shawn as I couldn’t really understand a lot of his behavior, and we don’t learn what is affecting him until very late in the book.

I also found this one to be a little too long and, at times, things felt repetitive. There are a lot of scenes of the guys hanging out, of Shawn cooking, and of one or the other having doubts or anxieties about their relationship. I felt like we kept circling back to the same issues, in particular Shawn’s fear that Robin would leave the ranch and return to life in the rodeo. There is nothing Robin says or does that makes this seem likely, yet rather than talk to him, Shawn just obsesses over it and it just kept coming up over and over. So I feel like the story needed some tightening.

My last issue is a tiny thing, but it did bug me. Shawn is inexperienced with men and the guys take things slowly sexually. They spend a long time just kissing before they move to getting off together. Shawn is also not interested in or ready for anal sex, and Robin comments over and over that it is not something they need to do, that many gay men are never interested in penetration, that as long as they are both enjoying what they are doing, they don’t ever need to have anal sex and it will be perfectly fine. Yet when Shawn ultimately decides he wants to try it, he literally gives it as a gift to Robin, and it is presented as this huge milestone, “To truly bring them together as one” and “making love.” Like I said, not a huge deal, but it bothered me that the book makes such a point that anal sex isn’t the end all be all for a relationship, yet in the end, it comes across like the holy grail of sex.

Overall, I did enjoy this fourth story and really like the series overall. This book introduces some new side characters and the next book will be coming out early next year. I am definitely looking forward to more.

I can't review Lucky Break, as I need to go back and read the whole series. I know I will like it, but I haven't had a chance to buy the other books yet.

I love country boys. I love this book and the characters and their fantastic connection. Everything about this is right up my alley, thank you for allowing me to read an early copy.

I wanted to read this book because of a review I saw. In it, a reader was complaining about this fictional world the author created where everyone is gay and no harm is done to anyone. Which, as a gay person myself, I found the idea absolutely intocicating.

And I'm so happy Lucky Break lived up to my expectations! Because those were high. And this is a soft, delicate story that just makes you feel seen & safe. I wish more authors realised the value of happy endings.

Lucky Break is the fourth book in the Clean Slate Ranch series. I’ve loved the majority of these books, and this is no exception. I’m really glad that Arthur decided to continue with this series past the initial three books which focus on a group of friends and their relationships. I loved the burgeoning relationship between Shawn and Robin, though it starts off on a rocky foot. For those that don’t like a ton of relationship drama, you’re in luck, because while Shawn and Robin definitely have things they need to talk about throughout, they don’t push each other to reveal secrets or cause unnecessary drama. Shawn, in particular, has worries about his relationship with Robin, but he talks it out with friends instead of blowing up at Robin, and I liked that. It felt realistic, and it also brings in a lot of the characters from previous books in the series! Both Robin and Shawn have a lot of baggage in their past, and they are slowly unpacking it through the book. I think Arthur did a great job not overwhelming the reader with everything at once, as well as making it fit the trajectory of their relationship.

I'm a sucker for cowboys as well as MM romance stories, so when you combine the two I jump at the chance to read them. This the fourth book in the Clean Slate Ranch series. We meet Shawn Matthews earlier on in the series as well as Robin Butler.

Even though we met them both previously I didn't expect to see them together, and it ended being a great unexpected coupling and a great match.

Shawn keeps his life secret from everyone even his co-workers and friends. When his secret comes out, Shawn ends up at the ranch to help cook at the ranch while their main cook recovers. Here is where Robin ends up around him. Robin has his own baggage and seeing Shawn brings up his past to the service.

Both have pasts to go through to find their HEA but both are a bit stubborn. I'm never a fan of the insecure or martyr type story line and unfortunately this story had both in it. At times I found Shawn a bit too whiny for me which dampened the story at times for me.

This series is a great second chance series and I hope there will be more.

2.5 Stars!

LUCKY BREAK by A.M. Arthur is another amazing read by the author! I absolutely loved this story and had an incredibly hard time putting it down! It's a five 🌟 read!

Lucky Break was truly such an endearing story like this whole series has been. Now, this review will be much shorter because I forgot I hadn't reviewed it so hopefully, I remember what I need to. Now this story is a M/M love, there is something about seeing two men together in romance. I can't get enough of it. In this book, we see two people that have lived in some tough situations.


Our two main characters are:


-Shawn Matthews --is living in a not so good situation, he currently lives in his car so he can send all his money to help his grandparents. There was a scandal in his hometown where he was forced to leave. He is a cook on the Clean Slate Ranch


-Robin Butler-is a widower, talent with horses and a former rodeo star.


There is quite a bit of tension between these two especially at first, but we soon see the connection quickly form between these two. There is such an emotional feel to this book in a way that strikes a chord to the reader's heart pretty quickly. Their growth and learning to open up to each other is what is pivotal in their story. I got quickly hooked on this couple and wanting to see them overcome what they hold back and be open to love.


Overall I had a blast with this book and truly adored seeing the core of these characters and their love story unraveling was truly beautiful!!

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Shannan – ☆☆☆☆
Lucky Break is the fourth book in the Clean Slate Ranch series. You don't have to read the books in order to understand each individual couple, but it does make for a better read to have read the past books. This book concentrates on the relationship between Shawn and Robin.

Robin, the horseman on the ranch, has had a painful past. His husband died three years ago leaving Robin in a terrible place in his life. That's how he found himself living and working on the ranch. He isn't interested in a relationship especially one with someone that resembles his husband so much.

Shawn loves being in the kitchen and the routine it brings. He isn't a fan of big crowds or a lot of people, so working in the kitchen is perfect for him. When he first meets the handsome cowboy, he doesn't understand the standoffish attitude Robin gives him. Shawn has his own past issues and doesn't push too hard when it comes to Robin, especially when Robin calls him the wrong name after an amazing kiss.

I loved watching the relationship between Robin and Shawn grow. Shawn grew into himself and the family he now has. Robin was sweet and gentle with Shawn each step of the way. I love getting back to the Clean Slate Ranch and seeing how past and present characters are doing. Such a fun-loving series.


Angie – ☆☆☆☆
This was a slow-burn romance, I usually don't like those but it worked for me this time. I loved how patient Robin was with Shawn and went slow with him. The age gap is only eight years but each man had things in his past that made the wait worth it this time. There were a few times I wanted to jump in the book and shake both Robin and Shawn because if you just talk about your hurts and get things off your chest, it helps with communication. I loved seeing the other couples from the previous books, the guys are so wonderful at the ranch. I think this might be in my top two for this series so far.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the fourth book in the series, and I have a great fondness for the inhabitants of the Clean Slate Ranch. I would recommend that you read them in order, as the story is ongoing, but this would be a good read to entice you into the ranch too.

As regular readers will know, the people who work at the ranch have often had a difficult past, and Clean Slate Ranch (CSR) has given them a place to recover and grow. Robin is one such man, and when he meets Shawn and thinks he sees a ghost, all his recovery is called into question as he suffers from the feelings he had been holding in. As the story progresses, we get to learn about his past, but also to see that there could be brightness in his future.

Shawn becomes a new soul to find solace at the ranch. He is known to them all as he works at the Bentley Ghost Town, but they had no idea that he had been living in his car the whole time. It was a salutary reminder of not making assumptions about people's circumstances. As he is brought into the CSR family, he too starts to recover his confidence, his trust, and his hope. But it only comes in baby steps and can easily be knocked back – which to an extent the caring Robin gets, giving him a chance to take things slowly. To find lasting happiness they will have to overcome quite a few issues, but along with the CSR family, readers are sure to also be willing them on.

Another good installment to the series, thank you, A.M. Arthur.

Previously, I read and LOVED books by this author. Unfortunately , Lucky Break isn't one of those books.

Why? The pace was very slow and the inner monologues were long and frequent.

I just reviewed Lucky Break by A.M. Arthur through #NetGalley

I usually love A.M. Arthur but this series is a mix of hit-or-miss for me. Lucky Break was a miss. I liked Robin ok but wasn't a big fan of Shawn. The writing style was great as always. I just wasn't in awe of the characters and wasn't that intrigued by the overall story. I did finish it though and it kept me company on a boring day.

Rating: 2,5 stars

How about a M/M Romance, set on a dude ranch, that isn't stuck on old gay western stereotypes expected from erotica of the past? Lots of refreshing characters here... real, imperfect people making their way in a changing world.

A.M. Arthur has done a great job creating characters that are tackling personal, real world issues that haven't been explored to death already. And, in my opinion, one of the best characters is the location. Arthur makes the setting and landscape as important to the story as any character. But it's subtle at the same time.

There are plenty of positive role models here and a plot full of hope. I loved the emphasis on the importance of a 'chosen family', as I think more and more people are openly relying on this in real life, without regrets.

Shawn and Robin are both likable characters -- but there are many others here as well. All are important to the story in their own unique ways.

This is the fourth book in the Clean Slate Ranch series and the first I have read. Overall, the book did feel like an 'installment', and I don't mean that as a negative-- it reads just fine as a stand alone. By 'installment', it feels like an important part of a bigger picture, but not the whole landscape.

I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Although this does work as a standalone I think I might have enjoyed it more if I'd read the previous books.( my fault as I didn't realize it was book four)


A slight age gap,this is a slow burn romance between two very different men.The slow burn worked here,anything else wouldn't have been believable and these guys had great chemistry.

Both men were dealing with events from the past and I did get a bit frustrated with them at times but overall an enjoyable story.

And who doesn't love a load of hot cowboys?!

I’ve loved the Clean Slate Ranch series since I picked up Wild Trail, the first book in the series. While Lucky Break was a great addition, I have to admit, it wasn’t my favorite. Sometimes I can’t pin point exactly what didn’t click with me in a book, but this time I had no problem at all… Shawn drove me nuts!

Okay, so he wasn’t that bad and I can understand where his doubt came from, but he second guessed everything. He pretty much saw the writing on the wall before their relationship even started. I suppose if readers hadn’t been given both POVs in Lucky Break I could have sympathized with him more. Since we knew more about where Robin’s head and heart was, it was easier, for me anyway, to get frustrated with Shawn. The only thing that kept me from totally losing patience with him was the fact that most of his grumbling and complaining was an internal battle. He only voiced his doubts a couple of times to friends, which I supposed made him more “real”… Okay, so maybe I’m being a bit too critical? In all fairness, neither Shawn or Robin were very open about their pasts. It’s hard to talk about past failures – even if that’s only your perception of what happened. It just would have made things easier if they would have been open with each other and their friends. *sigh*

As with the other books in the Clean Slate Ranch series, the supporting characters were great. Both new and familiar characters, who I loved getting to know even better. Even though I’ve admitted that Luck Break wasn’t my favorite, it still added another layer to the ongoing story and the characters. I can’t wait to see what A.M. Arthur has in store for readers (and characters) next.

I continue to enjoy this Clean Slate Series. Seeing the other characters as we build the new stories in each book is great. The overall world building is so well done. I thoroughly liked Shawn when he was introduced and knew he had a great backstory. Robin too was sorta a wild card who seemed to have layers. Together this pair worked on all levels and I loved their coming together. Continue to look forward to more of the Clean Slate crew.

He never imagined he’d be living out his car trying to make ends meet, but life doesn’t always go your way and Shawn Matthews knows that better than most. An accident has Shawn bunking next to the sexiest cowboy he’s ever laid eyes on. Shawn is the spitting image of Robin Butler’s late husband, so he does his best to avoid the soft-spoken cook. The tension between them practically sizzles and maybe finding each other – and a second chance at love- is the lucky break they both need.

An emotionally gripping romance where both heroes have traumatic pasts that while of different types, has left emotional scarring that overwhelming impacts their present and readers can’t help but become caught up in the angst that flows from the pages and Shawn and Robin strive to overcome those issues and open up their hearts to each other. Lots of sizzling chemistry and attraction singes the pages throughout this heartfelt romance igniting passions and hope.

The plot is steady pace with lots of tension and suspense that keeps readers glued to the pages. And when a heartbreaking event turns things around for this couple, readers can’t help but emotionally impacted as well as they shed a few tears. This romance also gives readers a sense of family and loyalty as the cowboys that make this ranch home strive to make their lives better which warms the heart and along with some chuckle worthy dialogue between those cowboys adds cheer, hope and laughter, making it easy for readers to want to visit the Clean Slate Ranch again and again.

I'm really enjoying this series. Shawn is a cook who is living in his car because he can't afford to pay rent because he is helping his grandparents. Robin is a cowboy who's grieving his late husband who died in a tragic rodeo accident. The book is about two men dealing with their own personal past and they connect with each other. There's romance, angst, cowboys, and horses, and its a very emotional book. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.

I want to thank A. M. Arthur and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book. I read the first two Clean Slate Ranch books and loved them. So, when I saw this on the NetGalley site I jumped at the chance to read it.

Getting to read about characters I loved like Mac, Wes, Colt and Avery was such a treat. These are wonderful books and beautifully written. Now I have Shawn and Robin to add to the mix. I’m looking forward to the next book which will be about Derrick. Just keep them coming please.

I enjoyed this book, as I usually do with AM Arthur's writing. I always like the dual-POV, and this was no exception. I will admit that I didn't find Robin as sympathetic as I did Shawn, and I got more frustrated with Robin's secrets and his continued hanging onto the past. BUT the resolution was pretty good, and Shawn's openness and willingness to start anew despite all the challenges he faced made the story a solid four stars for me. The romance between the two was nice, though again, I often got frustrated with Robin's hangups with the past. Still, I'd recommend it, especially to those who enjoy 'cowboys' and a dude ranch lifestyle.