Ruby Run: Tin Star Witches - Witches of Ruby Gulch Book 3, Sam Burns

From the very beginning the MC's were interesting and complex. They're not remotely similar to one another and yet there's something more that brings them together. Their personalities are endearing in their own ways and for very different reasons. The overall plot moved forward at an acceptable pace that allowed us to focus on the MC's, their pasts, their current difficulties, and what kind of life they would look toward when they finally reached Ruby Gulch.

I think what I liked the most was the honesty. Griff was admittedly a grouch but he never let that stand in the way of how interesting, adorable, and endearing he thought Augie was. Walt was really a reflection of his owner and yet his heart was soft as well. They made a great guardian/range witch pairing. Add in the adorably vulnerable yet eager Augie with his compassionate soul and earnest heart and they were a wonderful match. I enjoyed how their relationship grew and that there weren't any angsty bits with past lovers or misunderstood intentions. Their honesty made their path relatively smooth.

As for the magic and the plot, there was a huge tilt in the balance toward the explanations and romance and not the mystery that followed them. Because we knew who the antagonist was and that they would eventually have their reckoning, the journey was used to build a foundation between Griff and Augie as well as give us a thorough transition from an uncertain future to a solid plan with intention. The confrontation was between exactly who it needed to be between and it hinted at a whole lot of magically awesome things that are to come for Augie in his new life. I wish we had more of their story after that point, but the epilogue was sweet and clear enough that there were no mysteries as to how their life is progressing, I just wish I got to see the settling down at the ranch.

I truly enjoyed this story and am quite excited to see what else this series has in store. The other books are all by different authors and in the same setting, though I'm not sure how much crossover we'll get between the characters. I have certain hopes that we'll see a larger picture of the ranch and the world they all created though, so I'll be back for more for sure. Except I really hope for a little more explicit definitions as to the type of witches because using the basic "range witch" and "book witch" descriptions just weren't enough to understand the scope of what the witches are and are capable of.

*$4.99 on Amazon

Augustus Ambrose never planned to return to the United States after graduation. His mother’s final letter, with its dire threats about what would await if he did, had been more than enough to keep him away. But when his Aunt Grace dies unexpectedly and leaves him her ranch in the New Mexico Territory, he can’t ignore it. Grace gave him everything, and he can’t let her legacy suffer for his childish fear of his mother.

Griffith Taylor doesn’t want much. Quiet nights on the range, a big blue sky, and no rattlesnakes in his boots. He definitely doesn’t want to travel to Boston to take care of his late boss’s heir. When he lays eyes on his charge, everything changes. Not just because Augie is the best looking greenhorn he’s ever clapped eyes on, oh no.

Someone wants Griff’s new boss dead, and they’re not afraid to use forbidden magic to get the job done. Griff can handle himself in a fight, but this job might be more than he’s prepared for.