🐎 Book Review: Saving the Rain by Elliott Rose
A forbidden, slow-burn cowboy romance that blends grit, longing, and emotional redemption.
Elliott Rose’s Saving the Rain is the fourth installment in her Crimson Ridge series, and it’s already generating buzz for its emotionally intense storytelling and taboo romance. With a Goodreads rating of 4.58/5 from over 390 readers, this novel dives deep into the complexities of identity, rivalry, and love that defies expectations.
🌧️ Plot Overview
Kayce Wilder, a bareback bronc rider with a troubled past, is on a path to redemption. But after a devastating injury, he’s forced to seek help from the last person he ever wanted to rely on: Zeke Rainer—his estranged stepbrother and longtime rodeo rival.
Zeke, gruff and tattooed, is surrounded by mystery and emotional walls. As the two men work together to keep the ranch afloat, tension simmers beneath every interaction. What begins as reluctant cooperation slowly morphs into something far more intimate. Kayce, who’s never been attracted to a man before, finds himself questioning everything—especially the rules he thought he had to live by.
🔥 Why Readers Love It
- Enemies-to-Lovers Tension: The rivalry between Kayce and Zeke adds layers of angst and emotional depth.
- Age Gap & Forbidden Romance: The stepbrother dynamic and slow realization of attraction make the stakes feel high and personal.
- Cowboy Grit Meets Tender Emotion: Rose balances rugged Western vibes with moments of vulnerability and softness.
- LGBTQ+ Representation: The story explores identity and self-discovery with sensitivity and nuance.
💬 Reader Reactions
- “Impossibly tender and devastatingly intense… I found myself rereading whole passages just to feel them again.” — NetGalley reviewer
- “A sizzling and forbidden stepbrother romance full of cowboy drama… packed with slow burn tension and heat.” — Brittany H, Librarian
- “Enemies-to-lovers, drama, suspense, a fantastic storyline.” — Reviewer 378873
⚠️ Content Notes
Includes mature themes, emotional trauma, and explicit scenes. Recommended for readers who enjoy dark romance with emotional payoff.
🏁 Final Verdict
Saving the Rain is a deeply emotional, character-driven romance that doesn’t shy away from taboo or tension. If you’re drawn to stories of redemption, forbidden love, and slow-burning chemistry set against a rugged Western backdrop, this one’s a must-read.
