Hold the Line

The Kelly Ranch

De: Julia Wolf

Narrado por: Emma Wilder, Sean Masters

Deacon Slater was my high school crush—the bad boy with haunted eyes that made my heart skip a beat. But in our small town, the Slater name is synonymous with trouble, and Deke lived up to it when he landed in prison a few years after graduation.

He served his time and now he’s back, living in the apartment above mine, covered in ink and even more intriguing than before.

As the owner of Sugar Rush bakery, I’m used to building bridges with my muffins and cookies. I’ve seen cowboys nearly come to blows over the last lemon bar. But Deke wants nothing to do with my treats…or me. He keeps his distance, barely speaking when I knock on his door.

Until the day he doesn’t have a choice.

He’s there when I need him, stepping in to protect me, showing me the caring man beneath his rough edges.

We couldn’t be more different. I’m a curvy ray of sunshine in a pink apron and he’s a stoic, tattooed carpenter in work boots. But the more walls we tear down, the closer we get. And piece by piece, we discover how well we fit.

But when darkness from his past comes looking for him, what we’re building could all fall apart. Because this time, trouble isn’t just circling Deacon Slater.

It’s coming for us both.

(This is Phoebe Kelly's story and can be listened to as a complete standalone!)

©2025 Julia Wolf (P)2025 Julia Wolf

Left Me Wanting More

This book leaves you wanting more of them. They have known each other since high school but were never friends, and years later their paths cross again. Their love story is full of heartbreak and deep devotion. It is a slow burn, but once it sparks, hang on. And the way they sleep together… woozers, I loved every minute of it!

Sweet…. Really sweet

This was a story about neighbors that were once high school crushes. Their reconnection was effortless. Deacon went to prison after getting caught in family business. She owns a bakery and is just pure sunshine. Like, super forgiving and always honest sunshine. I freaking love Sean Masters but there was just a disconnect with this main character for me. I feel like this book/narration choice wanted the MMC to be a big burly older hardened criminal…….. but that did not fit the text.

Sweet and wholesome and one of my absolute favorites!

I highly recommend this story to anyone who wants to feel good. Loved it so much. Will be buying a physical copy to keep on my shelf and re-read at some point.

Dek and Pheb

This is one of my favorites by Julia Wolf. The FMC is a total Sunshine while the MMC is thought to be a full on Bad Boy but in reality... things aren't what they seem to be. if you love a romance featuring a plus-sized female finding the love she deserves...you will live this story, just like I did. Oh and the male narrator's voice mad me want Dek for myself. So good.

Giggling, squealing, kicking my feet listening to this book!

This was a reread for me except it was the first time listening and I ate this book up for the 2nd time!!! how could I not?? I mean, is there anything more swoony than a true first kiss? *sigh* Deke and Phoebe solidified thenselves at the top of my 2025 favorite couples list. I ADORE them!!! Their semi slow burn (pining after each other in the past, just to rekindle the crush...again, *sigh, again*) love story was so dreamy! I love a second chance moment too and theirs was beautiful. I love that Pheobe is a strong independent woman, even given her hesitation due to her past relationship with a scum of the earth man. She is FIERCE! Deke's protective side is just chef's kiss. I love his redemption story and the relationships he built despite his horrible childhood and adolescence. The community he built around himself brought tears to my eyes. There's just something about a damaged MC, and seeing those around him that loved him in spite of his past was perfect. Another amazing listen from Julia Wolf!