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Wells Ranch #1
Alive and Wells
The last place city girl Cecily Kennedy expected to end up was a cattle ranch.
But she needs a job—and refuge from her abusive soon-to-be-ex-husband.
If only her new boss, Austin Wells, would make it clear whether he hates her or wants her. His gaze makes her feel things she hasn’t in years. Though getting over her ex by getting under her grumpy boss isn’t worth the potential fallout.
Austin’s a gruff, no-nonsense rancher who’s seriously regretting letting his head cook hire her own help. As far as he’s concerned, Cecily won’t be sticking around for long. Nobody ever stays. And the wedding ring indent still on her finger makes her more trouble than she’s worth.
When Cecily’s past catches up with her, Austin discovers that she’s already placed a branding iron on his heart. He wants her to stay. First, he needs to keep her safe.
CW/TW: DOMESTIC VIOLENCE (ON PAGE), PHYSICAL VIOLENCE (ON PAGE), DEATH OF PARENT AND GRANDPARENT (DISCUSSED), TROUBLED PARENT-ADULT CHILD RELATIONSHIP (DISCUSSED), ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION (ON PAGE), RANCHING ACTIVITIES (BRANDING, CASTRATION, VACCINATION, ROPING - ON PAGE), EXPLICIT SEX SCENES
But she needs a job—and refuge from her abusive soon-to-be-ex-husband.
If only her new boss, Austin Wells, would make it clear whether he hates her or wants her. His gaze makes her feel things she hasn’t in years. Though getting over her ex by getting under her grumpy boss isn’t worth the potential fallout.
Austin’s a gruff, no-nonsense rancher who’s seriously regretting letting his head cook hire her own help. As far as he’s concerned, Cecily won’t be sticking around for long. Nobody ever stays. And the wedding ring indent still on her finger makes her more trouble than she’s worth.
When Cecily’s past catches up with her, Austin discovers that she’s already placed a branding iron on his heart. He wants her to stay. First, he needs to keep her safe.
CW/TW: DOMESTIC VIOLENCE (ON PAGE), PHYSICAL VIOLENCE (ON PAGE), DEATH OF PARENT AND GRANDPARENT (DISCUSSED), TROUBLED PARENT-ADULT CHILD RELATIONSHIP (DISCUSSED), ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION (ON PAGE), RANCHING ACTIVITIES (BRANDING, CASTRATION, VACCINATION, ROPING - ON PAGE), EXPLICIT SEX SCENES
324 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 20, 2023
2421 people are currently reading
52237 people want to read
About the author
Bailey Hannah
8 books2,194 followersBailey Hannah is a Canadian romance author.
She loves to write strong heroines and rugged men who aren’t afraid to love their woman hard.
Born and raised in small town British Columbia, she loves to add rural Canadian flair (dirt roads, rodeos, ketchup chips, and a two-four) to her stories.
She lives with her husband, daughter, two dogs, and chickens. A chronic middle-of-the-night writer, during the day Bailey can be found camping, baking sourdough, or being her daughter’s chauffeur to horseback riding lessons.
She loves to write strong heroines and rugged men who aren’t afraid to love their woman hard.
Born and raised in small town British Columbia, she loves to add rural Canadian flair (dirt roads, rodeos, ketchup chips, and a two-four) to her stories.
She lives with her husband, daughter, two dogs, and chickens. A chronic middle-of-the-night writer, during the day Bailey can be found camping, baking sourdough, or being her daughter’s chauffeur to horseback riding lessons.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 5,652 reviews
December 27, 2023
3.5⭐️ cute cowboy romance (EVEN THOUGH HES A RANCHER YOU KNOW WHAT U MEAN) check tw!!!
January 2, 2024
pre-review: & a cowboy romance 😗
review: sorry, he’s not a cowboy. sir prefer the term rancher .
review: sorry, he’s not a cowboy. sir prefer the term rancher .
February 25, 2025
1st reaction.... MA'AM, MA'AM there is no way this is a debut novel. No freaking way.
Obsessed 10/5
Full review tomorrow.
PUT THIS ON YOUR TBR NOW
Full review:
🤠 Small town
🤍 Heroine on the run
🤠 Not-a-cowboy Rancher
🤍 City Girl
🤠 Close Proximity
🤍 Slow burn
🤠 Grumpy/ Sunshine
🤍 DIRTY talk
🤠 No 3rd act breakup
🤍 Found Family
🤠 30s MMCs
🤍 Dual pov/ 1st person
💓 Austin + Cecily 💓
HOW IS THIS A DEBUT?! I don't believe it one bit. This is absolutely fantastic and a favorite of the month/year?! for sure.
Light romantic suspense vibes with Cecily on the run from her abusive husband. She ends up at Wells Ranch and grumpy Austin is NOT excited to have a city girl on his ranch. Austin himself is a bit of a broken boy/man with a past that has left some deep scars.
The banter between these two while they are pining for each other is great. Once that spice hits it is 🥵🥵🥵🥵.
Watching these two help heal each others wounds while growing together was beautiful.
⚠️ Please please read triggers. On page domestic abuse and violence. Among others.
Obsessed 10/5
Full review tomorrow.
PUT THIS ON YOUR TBR NOW
Full review:
🤠 Small town
🤍 Heroine on the run
🤠 Not-a-cowboy Rancher
🤍 City Girl
🤠 Close Proximity
🤍 Slow burn
🤠 Grumpy/ Sunshine
🤍 DIRTY talk
🤠 No 3rd act breakup
🤍 Found Family
🤠 30s MMCs
🤍 Dual pov/ 1st person
💓 Austin + Cecily 💓
HOW IS THIS A DEBUT?! I don't believe it one bit. This is absolutely fantastic and a favorite of the month/year?! for sure.
Light romantic suspense vibes with Cecily on the run from her abusive husband. She ends up at Wells Ranch and grumpy Austin is NOT excited to have a city girl on his ranch. Austin himself is a bit of a broken boy/man with a past that has left some deep scars.
The banter between these two while they are pining for each other is great. Once that spice hits it is 🥵🥵🥵🥵.
Watching these two help heal each others wounds while growing together was beautiful.
⚠️ Please please read triggers. On page domestic abuse and violence. Among others.
June 11, 2025
listen, these breathtakingly beautiful cowboy romance books make my heart ACHEEEEEEE for the ranch life
January 30, 2024
When I say yee you say haw
April 2, 2025
A grumpy, protective cowboy?! Yes, please. This one had all the drama and romance I want with my cowboys. Loved it.
August 4, 2024
not a fan of when men are rude just bc they’re attracted to someone. not a fan of hearing how much in love with his ex-gf he was and constantly comparing the two women…… there was a lot i didn’t like about this but there was just the same amount that i did like so 3 stars
wanted to read the rest of the series but the ranch hands are whores so nvm
*he immediately dislikes her bc she’s a “city girl” and attractive. he’s had enough pretty girls come to the ranch to escape just to leave him. he won’t do it again. so he’s rude/standoff-ish to her for weeks (most we don’t see probably bc we would hate him)
**his ex left him years ago. they were together 2 years. living together. he proposed, she said no. she didn’t think they were serious (after 2 years, seriously???) this kinda cheapened any experience Austin and Cecily had on the ranch. each spot he would remember taking his ex there…. he was in love with her but at least recognizes that Cecily is “the one” so there’s that
wanted to read the rest of the series but the ranch hands are whores so nvm
*he immediately dislikes her bc she’s a “city girl” and attractive. he’s had enough pretty girls come to the ranch to escape just to leave him. he won’t do it again. so he’s rude/standoff-ish to her for weeks (most we don’t see probably bc we would hate him)
**his ex left him years ago. they were together 2 years. living together. he proposed, she said no. she didn’t think they were serious (after 2 years, seriously???) this kinda cheapened any experience Austin and Cecily had on the ranch. each spot he would remember taking his ex there…. he was in love with her but at least recognizes that Cecily is “the one” so there’s that
April 27, 2024
Weird and boring (I will be reading the next book in the series)
November 10, 2024
needed a good cowboy romance. ended up staying up til 4am finishing this 😭
January 3, 2026
DNF @ 80%
i’m sorry for those who might get offended when i write this review but i have some things to say.
🚨TW: dv*
this book started out quite strong, i was very intrigued when i saw this was potentially going to be a bit heavier than your usual cowboy, small town romance when we introduced the DV plot line. however, i had issues with this book from here on out.
our male main character started out gloomy and mean, as a usual reluctant cowboy does. however, this man INSTANTLY flipped his entire personality around not even 100 pages into the book when he was suddenly infatuated with the FMC. this was after he spent the first few chapters after meeting her calling her nasty names in his internal monologue. i got so much whiplash that i started to really detest him.
my biggest issue with this book, and my reason for eventually DNFing it, is the way the topic of domestic violence was handled and eventually joked about. the FMC’s husband (ex-husband) plays a crucial role in the story arc for her throughout the book. and after multiple questionable comments from her about this subject matter, the nail in the coffin that made me DNF it was when the new love interest (austin) and her were in a small verbal disagreement and she proceeded to say to him “are you gonna be just like him? go on then, hit me”
I WAS DONE
i cannot believe the amount of disrespect the author has done by not handling this with more sensitivity. i will not be recommending this or continuing the series.
i’m sorry for those who might get offended when i write this review but i have some things to say.
🚨TW: dv*
this book started out quite strong, i was very intrigued when i saw this was potentially going to be a bit heavier than your usual cowboy, small town romance when we introduced the DV plot line. however, i had issues with this book from here on out.
our male main character started out gloomy and mean, as a usual reluctant cowboy does. however, this man INSTANTLY flipped his entire personality around not even 100 pages into the book when he was suddenly infatuated with the FMC. this was after he spent the first few chapters after meeting her calling her nasty names in his internal monologue. i got so much whiplash that i started to really detest him.
my biggest issue with this book, and my reason for eventually DNFing it, is the way the topic of domestic violence was handled and eventually joked about. the FMC’s husband (ex-husband) plays a crucial role in the story arc for her throughout the book. and after multiple questionable comments from her about this subject matter, the nail in the coffin that made me DNF it was when the new love interest (austin) and her were in a small verbal disagreement and she proceeded to say to him “are you gonna be just like him? go on then, hit me”
I WAS DONE
i cannot believe the amount of disrespect the author has done by not handling this with more sensitivity. i will not be recommending this or continuing the series.
November 19, 2025
I picked this up as my birthday read and honestly it was exactly what I needed. Cecily running away from her mess of a life and ending up on a cattle ranch was already giving dramatic city girl energy, but the way Austin is this grumpy rancher (NOT a cowboy) who pretends he doesn’t care while very much caring had me kicking my feet. The man is all gruff on the outside but soft for her in a way he couldn’t hide even if he tried.
I loved watching Cecily try to rebuild her life while Austin is over here fighting for his life not to fall for her. The whole “no one ever stays” thing broke my heart a little because you can tell they’re both carrying so much, but somehow they fit together perfectly. Some parts were heavy but it made the sweet moments hit even harder.
Officially out of my SLUMP!
I loved watching Cecily try to rebuild her life while Austin is over here fighting for his life not to fall for her. The whole “no one ever stays” thing broke my heart a little because you can tell they’re both carrying so much, but somehow they fit together perfectly. Some parts were heavy but it made the sweet moments hit even harder.
Officially out of my SLUMP!
September 14, 2024
3.25 stars
Alive and Wells is a sweet and emotional small town romance. It's a story about woman in hiding in a small town to escape her abusive husband and (not) a cowboy. It's a typical small town romance with a very atmospheric, beautiful and comforting small town as a place setting. The writing is easy to read and the narrative is effortless. It's a good story for a debut author and the characters had depth and personalities that pours out in the pages of this book.
Cecily's character was sweet but also fierce and protective. I am glad she found the courage to leave her abusive life behind and build a life for herself in a new town. Austin is your typical rugged, grumpy and broody rancher (not a cowboy). He was nice and thoughful and he had a jealous and protective streak going on for Cecily since the moment she appeared on his ranch but he tried to disguise it with how much he disliked having Cecily as a distraction when he was working at ranch. It was totally dumb move honestly.
The romance was sweet and wholesome and Austin and Cecily had their emotional, vulnerable and comfort moments. I liked how they spent time knowing each other and didn't pressured each other to tell about their past. Their relationship evolved at a slow and steady pace with Cecily giving herself a chance to fall for a man who respects and love her as she deserves.
Alive and Wells is a good book to set up the foundations of a small town romance series. I am definitely excited to see what other couples we are getting in Wells Ranch series.
“She's the sunshine of this ranch, bringing light into the parts of me that I thought I'd always keep hidden in the dark.”
Alive and Wells is a sweet and emotional small town romance. It's a story about woman in hiding in a small town to escape her abusive husband and (not) a cowboy. It's a typical small town romance with a very atmospheric, beautiful and comforting small town as a place setting. The writing is easy to read and the narrative is effortless. It's a good story for a debut author and the characters had depth and personalities that pours out in the pages of this book.
Cecily's character was sweet but also fierce and protective. I am glad she found the courage to leave her abusive life behind and build a life for herself in a new town. Austin is your typical rugged, grumpy and broody rancher (not a cowboy). He was nice and thoughful and he had a jealous and protective streak going on for Cecily since the moment she appeared on his ranch but he tried to disguise it with how much he disliked having Cecily as a distraction when he was working at ranch. It was totally dumb move honestly.
“You’re everything. All the time I spent pushing people away was just because I was waiting for you to pull me in.”
The romance was sweet and wholesome and Austin and Cecily had their emotional, vulnerable and comfort moments. I liked how they spent time knowing each other and didn't pressured each other to tell about their past. Their relationship evolved at a slow and steady pace with Cecily giving herself a chance to fall for a man who respects and love her as she deserves.
“Whether you’re in my life for a few months or fifty years, it’ll never be enough for me. So, fuck it, I’ll love you for as long as you’re here.”
Alive and Wells is a good book to set up the foundations of a small town romance series. I am definitely excited to see what other couples we are getting in Wells Ranch series.
September 11, 2025
No tenía grandes expectativas con este cowboy romance y me ha sorprendido.
La ambientación es una pasada, te dan ganas de irte a un rancho y buscar a un vaquero que te de su sombrero !
Aunque la historia es bastante sencilla y predecible me ha enganchado mucho.
5 ⭐️ 4 🌶️
La ambientación es una pasada, te dan ganas de irte a un rancho y buscar a un vaquero que te de su sombrero !
Aunque la historia es bastante sencilla y predecible me ha enganchado mucho.
5 ⭐️ 4 🌶️
October 31, 2024
First off, I love the title of this book! The little play on words fits the story perfectly. Austin Wells is what all men should aspire to be. The hardworking, dirty gentleman that he is. I mean dirty in every sense. I love that they grew together.
I'm sure sooo many women, including myself, can relate to Cecily. That's the unfortunate reality of well, just men in general. 😐 Reading about Austin beating the shit out of her ex was just so fulfilling in a way I didn't know I needed. 😅 I'm ready to hop into Red's story, which I'm sure is a wild one.
I'm sure sooo many women, including myself, can relate to Cecily. That's the unfortunate reality of well, just men in general. 😐 Reading about Austin beating the shit out of her ex was just so fulfilling in a way I didn't know I needed. 😅 I'm ready to hop into Red's story, which I'm sure is a wild one.
June 11, 2024
THIS ATE ! cecily and austin’s relationship actually growing naturally and not being rushed was so important to me.
March 14, 2024
Loved it!
5 stars
3 on the spice scale
5 stars
3 on the spice scale
October 12, 2024
3.5 stars
This is one of those books I got for the cover… I love a good cowboy (but he’s not a cowboy LOL) romance. I enjoyed this debut novel, though I found my mind wandering while listening, so I’m sure I missed some things. I felt like we spent way too much time , but the hero was great.
This is one of those books I got for the cover… I love a good cowboy (but he’s not a cowboy LOL) romance. I enjoyed this debut novel, though I found my mind wandering while listening, so I’m sure I missed some things. I felt like we spent way too much time , but the hero was great.
Audio book source: Audible
Story Rating: 3.5 stars
Narrators: Angelina Rocca & Jack Calihan
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Romance
Length: 9h 54m
June 26, 2025
4.5 ⭐ // Bailey Hannah’s writing is seriously addictive. Alive and Wells is the perfect palate cleanser and easily one of the best cowboy romances I’ve read. I really appreciated how she handled the topic of domestic violence. She didn’t shy away from the hard stuff, but still managed to keep the overall tone light and hopeful, which is no small feat.
Austin and Cecily are so sweet, and watching their relationship bloom was adorable... even if it moved at breakneck speed and felt a little hollow in parts. But did I still eat it up? Absolutely. Bailey Hannah just earned herself a new fan.
Austin and Cecily are so sweet, and watching their relationship bloom was adorable... even if it moved at breakneck speed and felt a little hollow in parts. But did I still eat it up? Absolutely. Bailey Hannah just earned herself a new fan.
September 30, 2025
Reseña Marcado a Fuego
🔥 Marcado a fuego de Bailey Hannah es un cowboy romance perfecto de los que me gustan a mí. La historia sigue a Cecily Kennedy, una chica de ciudad cuyas expectativas de vida cambian drásticamente cuando su matrimonio no sale como ella esperaba. Sin muchas opciones para salir de ese infierno, huye, y termina trabajando en el rancho Wells, donde se enfrenta a un jefe gruñón pero muy atractivo; Austin Wells. Él es el tipo de hombre que ha aprendido que la gente no se queda nunca con él… pero Cecily, sin buscarlo, se le queda marcada a fuego en el corazón.
🔥 Me ha gustado muchísimo libro sobre todo para desconectar, me lo he leído en una tarde y no me ha durado más de 5 horas. Tiene momentos de dolor, porque el pasado de Cecily pesa bastante en sus decisiones, pero también hay una pizca de esperanza, ternura, mucha química, escenas de tensión que me han dejado loca… y esa ambientación de rancho que me parece súper ideal para romances con este toque de sanación y superación.
🔥 Cecily me ha parecido un personaje muy logrado, es vulnerable pero también tiene mucha fuerza. Su huida del pasado está llena de inseguridades, de momentos de duda, y ver cómo poco a poco se va acostumbrando a su nueva vida, enfrentándose a sus miedos y a un exmarido que hablando en términos claros la manipulaba y maltrataba. Austin, por otro lado, tiene ese perfil de hombre fuerte más reservado, con sus propias heridas, que no sabe confiar del todo en la gente, pero que a la vez se derrite por Cecily aunque trate de resistirse.
🔥 El único pero que le puedo poner al libro esque la tensión romántica a veces va un poco rápido en cuanto a sentimientos, pero la autora lo va compensando con escenas emocionales muy bien escritas y momentos de vulnerabilidad que te llegan al corazón. Si me preguntas si recomiendo este libro para que empieces a leer algo de cowboys la respuesta es no, este libro es más que eso y considero que es muy importante, en este y en todos los libro realmente, leer las advertencias o notas de la autora. Como he dicho es un libro que trata el maltrato y la manipulación en una relación y puede ser un tema que no afecte igual a todo el mundo, ademas de otro temas que también se ven reflejados en la historia.
¿Qué encontrarás en esta historia?
-Cowboy romance
-Jefe x empleada
-Grumpy x sunshine
-Forced proximity
-Found family
-Small town
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥 Marcado a fuego de Bailey Hannah es un cowboy romance perfecto de los que me gustan a mí. La historia sigue a Cecily Kennedy, una chica de ciudad cuyas expectativas de vida cambian drásticamente cuando su matrimonio no sale como ella esperaba. Sin muchas opciones para salir de ese infierno, huye, y termina trabajando en el rancho Wells, donde se enfrenta a un jefe gruñón pero muy atractivo; Austin Wells. Él es el tipo de hombre que ha aprendido que la gente no se queda nunca con él… pero Cecily, sin buscarlo, se le queda marcada a fuego en el corazón.
🔥 Me ha gustado muchísimo libro sobre todo para desconectar, me lo he leído en una tarde y no me ha durado más de 5 horas. Tiene momentos de dolor, porque el pasado de Cecily pesa bastante en sus decisiones, pero también hay una pizca de esperanza, ternura, mucha química, escenas de tensión que me han dejado loca… y esa ambientación de rancho que me parece súper ideal para romances con este toque de sanación y superación.
🔥 Cecily me ha parecido un personaje muy logrado, es vulnerable pero también tiene mucha fuerza. Su huida del pasado está llena de inseguridades, de momentos de duda, y ver cómo poco a poco se va acostumbrando a su nueva vida, enfrentándose a sus miedos y a un exmarido que hablando en términos claros la manipulaba y maltrataba. Austin, por otro lado, tiene ese perfil de hombre fuerte más reservado, con sus propias heridas, que no sabe confiar del todo en la gente, pero que a la vez se derrite por Cecily aunque trate de resistirse.
🔥 El único pero que le puedo poner al libro esque la tensión romántica a veces va un poco rápido en cuanto a sentimientos, pero la autora lo va compensando con escenas emocionales muy bien escritas y momentos de vulnerabilidad que te llegan al corazón. Si me preguntas si recomiendo este libro para que empieces a leer algo de cowboys la respuesta es no, este libro es más que eso y considero que es muy importante, en este y en todos los libro realmente, leer las advertencias o notas de la autora. Como he dicho es un libro que trata el maltrato y la manipulación en una relación y puede ser un tema que no afecte igual a todo el mundo, ademas de otro temas que también se ven reflejados en la historia.
¿Qué encontrarás en esta historia?
-Cowboy romance
-Jefe x empleada
-Grumpy x sunshine
-Forced proximity
-Found family
-Small town
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 11, 2024
3.5⭐ "I'm fine with being your second husband because I'll be your last."
Austin loves so hard and Cecily deserves every second of it. I thought this started out SO STRONG & then I started to get slightly bored but all in all a cute western/small-town romance.
-small town
-western
-workplace
-heroine on the run
-grumpy sunshine
-forced proximity
-domestic violence
Austin loves so hard and Cecily deserves every second of it. I thought this started out SO STRONG & then I started to get slightly bored but all in all a cute western/small-town romance.
-small town
-western
-workplace
-heroine on the run
-grumpy sunshine
-forced proximity
-domestic violence
September 17, 2024
Loved this one. A realistically developed romance about a woman escaping her abusive husband and the rancher hero who falls in love with her. It's a basic premise, but it was executed with so much nuance and care. Really great.
Will be in my next vlog
Will be in my next vlog
October 27, 2024
A veces solo hay que leer un cowboy romance, disfrutarlo y seguir.
No sé si va a ser una historia que recuerde de acá a un tiempo, pero ahora me hizo pasar un buen rato, así que me sirve.
No sé si va a ser una historia que recuerde de acá a un tiempo, pero ahora me hizo pasar un buen rato, así que me sirve.
October 21, 2024
The cover got me to pick this book up and I found myself really enjoying it.
There was definitely some insta-love very early on in the story, which I’m never a fan of. However, once I got over that, this was a pretty decent read. The plot moved quite fast which helped to keep me engaged and interested in the story. The characters were likeable as well, but I did find that they tended to act younger than their age. The leads are supposed to be in their thirties, but they came off as teenagers at times. I had to constantly remind myself that they’re older. There was also no third act breakup which is always a plus.
All in all, this was a not a perfect book by any means, but it had all the tropes I love and delivered on the cowboy romance I was craving for so I’ll take that as a win💁🏻♀️
There was definitely some insta-love very early on in the story, which I’m never a fan of. However, once I got over that, this was a pretty decent read. The plot moved quite fast which helped to keep me engaged and interested in the story. The characters were likeable as well, but I did find that they tended to act younger than their age. The leads are supposed to be in their thirties, but they came off as teenagers at times. I had to constantly remind myself that they’re older. There was also no third act breakup which is always a plus.
All in all, this was a not a perfect book by any means, but it had all the tropes I love and delivered on the cowboy romance I was craving for so I’ll take that as a win💁🏻♀️
July 31, 2024
5⭐️ I was blushing giggling kicking my feet twirling my hair at this entire book
if you need a cowboy romance to read after finishing the Chestnut Springs series, LOOK NO FURTHER 🙅🏽♀️ THIS IS IT ‼️
dare I say this book is even MORE cowboy-y than Chestnut Springs tbh
is there some cheesy dialogue? sure
is the central conflict resolved very easily? absolutely
is there a lick of feminism in this entire book? hardly
BUT I DONT CARE I ATE IT UP AND LOVED EVERY SECOND
if you need a cowboy romance to read after finishing the Chestnut Springs series, LOOK NO FURTHER 🙅🏽♀️ THIS IS IT ‼️
dare I say this book is even MORE cowboy-y than Chestnut Springs tbh
is there some cheesy dialogue? sure
is the central conflict resolved very easily? absolutely
is there a lick of feminism in this entire book? hardly
BUT I DONT CARE I ATE IT UP AND LOVED EVERY SECOND
May 13, 2024
"It’s the feeling of coming home from a long trip. It’s the warmth of the summer sun as you lie in a hammock with a great book. It’s the kind of kiss that lasts forever and ends too soon."
My first Bailey Hannah book and I’m so happy I took the chance on her! It’s also her debut novel and if you’re a fan of small town romance, you should check it out.
"The corner of his lip pulls into a strikingly adorable smile. Considering how hot he is with a scowl, I’d be in serious trouble if he smiled like this all the time."
This is one of those situations where the hero is perfect for the heroine. I’m a fan of Austin. I’m a fan of his grumpy ways and the way he avoids people. I’m a bigger fan of how much he loves those he lets in. And I adore the way he is with Cecily, and them together.
"She’s always unusually happy for five in the morning and, to my horror, I’ve grown to enjoy the cheeriness."
Cecily is strangely relatable to me because of what she went through. Her thoughts, her actions, the way she sees herself as broken… it's familiar. But her strength and the way she turns her life around? I mean, gotta love it.
"I’m not a cowboy, darlin’."
"No? Sorry. I guess the cowboy hat, boots, too-tight Wranglers, and compensator truck gave me that impression, for some reason."
Cecily was married to an abusive man. It never got physical, until it did. And while she was already planning on running, that made up her mind. After spending some time talking with a domestic violence survivor who is willing to open her home to her, she moves… to a ranch. She may know nothing about it, but she’s willing to do whatever it takes to survive.
"I reluctantly pull myself from the chair. Wishing he’d ask me not to go, smash his lips into mine, wrap his strong arms around me. If he wanted to, he would. And Austin doesn’t."
Even though she’s a city girl with no experience, she finds a lot of support in most people there. Except one. Austin keeps her at arm’s length. He doesn’t talk to her, he doesn’t acknowledge her and, well, that strikes her as odd. Especially when the guy is a dream to look at—even if she’s trying to avoid looking!
"I may be starved for affection even more than I am for dinner. I think he is, too."
Austin has his reasons for being like that, though. People tend to disappear from his life, leaving him behind to deal with the aftermath, so he doesn’t want to open himself to that again. But yes, he is looking at her, even if she doesn’t see it. He just doesn’t know how to handle it, especially since she might end up leaving him too.
"But I won’t want to stop there. I’ll want to run my hands over your body, and kiss every inch of your skin. And I can’t. Not when you constantly shy away from my touch."
With him, it’s about the actions—like lilac bushes, IYKYK. So they circle each other, with everyone else rooting for them left and right. When he finds out about her husband, and when she finds out about his past too, you know they can work.
It may take a while for them to fully trust each other, but it’ll be worth it.
"I didn’t feel safe at home and wasn’t sure where else to go. I thought I’d be safe here… with you."
Domestic violence is a hard topic for me. I lived with an abuser since I was 3 and until I was 19. So, for all the people who may be thinking, “Well, she could have left anytime”... it doesn’t work like that. You’re probably not aware of the level of manipulation involved. Be glad you’re not.
Thank you to the author for handling this respectfully, even if I would have liked for the issue to have been a bit further elaborated.
"When I hold her and kiss her, none of my fear matters. Nothing fucking matters."
It takes Austin and Cecily a while. It takes Austin seeing how afraid she is, and Cecily seeing how broken he is and why. They’re both broken in different ways, but they have the chance to heal each other. And they need to let each other in for that.
"Come for me. Come on my cock. Make a fucking mess of me. Make me yours."
It’s not that Cecily was that inexperienced, but being able to fully trust someone makes for some very hot moments between her and Austin. I mean, YES to barns!
Alongside the hotness factor, you see the feelings developing between them, and you love that even more.
"You’re everything. All the time I spent pushing people away was just because I was waiting for you to pull me in."
Before you ask, her husband comes knocking because of course he does. And Austin’s there for her, but she stands up for herself too. Now that she knows what her life can be like, and now that she’s surrounded by people who love her and care for her, she’ll never go back.
"You were there when it mattered."
"I always will be."
They were living their lives waiting for the other shoe to drop. Waiting for people to leave. Waiting for heartbreak. Until someone stayed and showed them what it can be like.
My first Bailey Hannah book and I’m so happy I took the chance on her! It’s also her debut novel and if you’re a fan of small town romance, you should check it out.
"The corner of his lip pulls into a strikingly adorable smile. Considering how hot he is with a scowl, I’d be in serious trouble if he smiled like this all the time."
This is one of those situations where the hero is perfect for the heroine. I’m a fan of Austin. I’m a fan of his grumpy ways and the way he avoids people. I’m a bigger fan of how much he loves those he lets in. And I adore the way he is with Cecily, and them together.
"She’s always unusually happy for five in the morning and, to my horror, I’ve grown to enjoy the cheeriness."
Cecily is strangely relatable to me because of what she went through. Her thoughts, her actions, the way she sees herself as broken… it's familiar. But her strength and the way she turns her life around? I mean, gotta love it.
"I’m not a cowboy, darlin’."
"No? Sorry. I guess the cowboy hat, boots, too-tight Wranglers, and compensator truck gave me that impression, for some reason."
Cecily was married to an abusive man. It never got physical, until it did. And while she was already planning on running, that made up her mind. After spending some time talking with a domestic violence survivor who is willing to open her home to her, she moves… to a ranch. She may know nothing about it, but she’s willing to do whatever it takes to survive.
"I reluctantly pull myself from the chair. Wishing he’d ask me not to go, smash his lips into mine, wrap his strong arms around me. If he wanted to, he would. And Austin doesn’t."
Even though she’s a city girl with no experience, she finds a lot of support in most people there. Except one. Austin keeps her at arm’s length. He doesn’t talk to her, he doesn’t acknowledge her and, well, that strikes her as odd. Especially when the guy is a dream to look at—even if she’s trying to avoid looking!
"I may be starved for affection even more than I am for dinner. I think he is, too."
Austin has his reasons for being like that, though. People tend to disappear from his life, leaving him behind to deal with the aftermath, so he doesn’t want to open himself to that again. But yes, he is looking at her, even if she doesn’t see it. He just doesn’t know how to handle it, especially since she might end up leaving him too.
"But I won’t want to stop there. I’ll want to run my hands over your body, and kiss every inch of your skin. And I can’t. Not when you constantly shy away from my touch."
With him, it’s about the actions—like lilac bushes, IYKYK. So they circle each other, with everyone else rooting for them left and right. When he finds out about her husband, and when she finds out about his past too, you know they can work.
It may take a while for them to fully trust each other, but it’ll be worth it.
"I didn’t feel safe at home and wasn’t sure where else to go. I thought I’d be safe here… with you."
Domestic violence is a hard topic for me. I lived with an abuser since I was 3 and until I was 19. So, for all the people who may be thinking, “Well, she could have left anytime”... it doesn’t work like that. You’re probably not aware of the level of manipulation involved. Be glad you’re not.
Thank you to the author for handling this respectfully, even if I would have liked for the issue to have been a bit further elaborated.
"When I hold her and kiss her, none of my fear matters. Nothing fucking matters."
It takes Austin and Cecily a while. It takes Austin seeing how afraid she is, and Cecily seeing how broken he is and why. They’re both broken in different ways, but they have the chance to heal each other. And they need to let each other in for that.
"Come for me. Come on my cock. Make a fucking mess of me. Make me yours."
It’s not that Cecily was that inexperienced, but being able to fully trust someone makes for some very hot moments between her and Austin. I mean, YES to barns!
Alongside the hotness factor, you see the feelings developing between them, and you love that even more.
"You’re everything. All the time I spent pushing people away was just because I was waiting for you to pull me in."
Before you ask, her husband comes knocking because of course he does. And Austin’s there for her, but she stands up for herself too. Now that she knows what her life can be like, and now that she’s surrounded by people who love her and care for her, she’ll never go back.
"You were there when it mattered."
"I always will be."
They were living their lives waiting for the other shoe to drop. Waiting for people to leave. Waiting for heartbreak. Until someone stayed and showed them what it can be like.
May 24, 2024
Idk wtf they put in cowboy/“not-a-cowboy I’m a rancher” books but once I read one I CAN’T STOP!!! Any type of rating system I have always goes out the door the second I pick one up. Ugh the coziness of a small town, the romance, and the cowboy banter turn me into straight up smush! 5 stars no doubt, I’m excited to see what else Bailey Hannah has up her sleeve!
December 8, 2023
This was kinda ight, it was more insta love and that’s super boring and has no angst so. Also the dramatics made me laugh a little and no genuine connection was formed. And when I saw that her ex was 6’7 I laughed….
dnf
March 20, 2025DNF 27% - Still a no, but for different reasons.
---------------
Giving it another go
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Read Chapter 1, it gives 'Safe Haven' first few minutes vibes (I LOVE that movie but reading about abuse is harder for some reason).
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Giving it another go
---------------
Read Chapter 1, it gives 'Safe Haven' first few minutes vibes (I LOVE that movie but reading about abuse is harder for some reason).
May 12, 2025
3 ☆ ou 2,75 ☆ ? não sei ainda
honestamente estava à espera de amar este livro, tinha tudo para dar certo. cowboys, rancho, small town, romance, spice... porém o livro não me encheu as medidas.
confesso que não gostei nada dos protagonistas e senti que lhes faltava profundidade e personalidade.
a escrita em si não é má, mas também não me prendeu o suficiente (não sei se foi pela tradução ou pela escrita original mesmo)
senti que os personagens não tinham qualquer química (apesar das 50 mil cenas de smut no livro) e que nem ficavam assim tão bem juntos.
a história em si não me prendeu.
admito já que não me vão ver a recomendar este livro
honestamente estava à espera de amar este livro, tinha tudo para dar certo. cowboys, rancho, small town, romance, spice... porém o livro não me encheu as medidas.
confesso que não gostei nada dos protagonistas e senti que lhes faltava profundidade e personalidade.
a escrita em si não é má, mas também não me prendeu o suficiente (não sei se foi pela tradução ou pela escrita original mesmo)
senti que os personagens não tinham qualquer química (apesar das 50 mil cenas de smut no livro) e que nem ficavam assim tão bem juntos.
a história em si não me prendeu.
admito já que não me vão ver a recomendar este livro
avoid-mmc-hung-up-loves-ow
August 4, 2024Not for me
The H loved his ex-girlfriend and proposed to her, but she rejected him (they were together for two years)
She still lives in his mind and he compares her with the h.
The H loved his ex-girlfriend and proposed to her, but she rejected him (they were together for two years)
She still lives in his mind and he compares her with the h.
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