ruling out robyn – GoodeyReads

Rating: ★★★★
Audience: Contemporary Romance
Length: 350 pages
Author: Deborah M. Hathaway
Publisher: Draft Horse Publishing
Release Date: April 10th, 2026
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Robyn Lane is sunshine embodied. Or so her fans call her. She really has it all—loving parents, protective older brothers, unfailing optimism, and millions of subscribers on YouTube. She also has a dream job that is about to become even dreamier.

Having fallen into the unpredictable world of crowdfunding, Robyn has found her calling in life by filming herself partaking in whatever her millions of fans wish her to do, whether that be skydiving, attempting to repair a 1933 Ford Roaster, or auditioning for every singing competition in America—all without being a singer.

And now? Well, now, she’s about to pack up all her belongings and live out an entire year on a dilapidated sheep farm in Snowdonia, Wales to see if she can revive the farm from the ground up. Does she know one thing about sheep or farming? Not even a lick. Is she even aware if Snowdonia is a real place? Well, she is now, thanks to Google. (It is real, BTW.) But she’s not concerned. She’s thrilled. Everything is going to be amazing. It always is for her.

And yet, running the farm is nothing like she expects. She finds herself falling short in every way—including fitting in with the locals, particularly with her neighbor on the adjoining sheep the surly, impatient, and insanely attractive Cedric Davies. Apparently, the guy used to be some famous soccer—oh, sorry, football—player for England, but after an injury, he chose live out the remainder of his days on this rainy, windy land like some crazy recluse. A recluse who isn’t afraid to express his disapproval with her filming her life from sun-up to sun-down.

Robyn can handle anything life throws at her—even this frigid sheep farm. And yet, when Cedric’s wind-tossed hair and scruff-covered jawline become more appealing than anything else, including her job…she isn’t sure what she can handle anymore.

This is the third book in the clean and sweet romcom Men of the Isles series by Deborah M. Hathaway. Although this dual POV, grumpy/sunshine, sports, and celebrity romance is a stand-alone novel, the books are best enjoyed when read in order as minor spoilers are given about previous characters.

SOFT AS SHEEP.

I continue to adore this series. I am 1000% obsessed with the setting. I loved the moody Wales atmosphere with the rain and small town and hills and vales, just all the things.

I struggled with Robyn as a content creator somewhat though I was grateful to see her character arc and journey through how she wanted to handle her page as time went on. I appreciate that she was respectful and mindful and able to go with the punches.

Cedric and Robyn were all the things I love about the grumpy and sunshine trope. I liked the banter and the slowly working together and the almost kiss?? Are you kidding me?? Honestly could have had more kisses. But boy do I love a slow burn.

And I appreciate the solid friendships, mental health conversations, and reconnecting with your passions in life. There were just many endearing and memorable moments and I’m looking forward to the last book!

Overall audience notes: