Sweet Heat & Tequila Shots

by Shanel

Moving away from everything she's ever known, city girl Peyton takes a chance on figuring out the rest of her life. Life has taken an unexpected turn, and there's nothing left for her in the place that she has always called home. With only her son in tow, and a hopeful heart, she packs up everything she owns and heads down south...unsure of what the future could possibly hold.

Country boy by nature, and loverboy in his soul, Bass is living everyday with gratitude and ease. Being a single dad and running his ranch are the two things that mean the most to him, and nothing seems to be lacking...until he meets the one person he didn't realize he was waiting for.

The connection is immediate, but nothing worth having is ever easy. With hesitation and obstacles, Bass and Peyton have to determine if their love story is made to last a lifetime, or if they are only meant to explore one another for a season.

City girl meets country boy...and that's the type of love story that cannot be duplicated.

242 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 20, 2024

Reviews

[Lisette · Rating 5 out of 5]

So glad I stuck it out!

This book grabbed my attention from the very beginning! I love a good Black Cowboy City Girl romance and this did not disappoint.
There was a period in the book that I was a little disturbed at the family dynamic and it almost made me DNF(at least for now) but something made me stick with it and I'm so glad I did.
I really enjoyed reading this and swooning and cheesing at the way this brash Cowboy set his sights on his girl and made her his own. I would like to see what happens with Sammie and Paige in the future because that's a mess in the making between those two.
This was a really cute story.

[Kameel · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2 Cute Read

[Toya Davis-Stokley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who knew a move to Alabama would be life changing? Peyton needed a change of scenery, and a life overhaul after suffering a huge loss. She and her son need a fresh start to begin the next chapter of their lives. She is immediately embraced by the community in her new town, especially the father of one of her students.

Bass is all about his kids, his ranch, and family. A bit rough around the edges, but he is a softie at heart. When he meets his daughter's new teacher, he is stuck and wants to get to know her better. Damn the rules, or what it looks like to others, he is moving full speed ahead to get his woman.

Peyton was apprehensive of course, but that pressure Bass was putting on that ass had her changing her tune quick. 😂 Sweet story of city girl moving to the country, meeting a sexy country boy, and loving the experience more than she anticipated. 👍🏾👍🏾

[Simply_YoYo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this as a second chance at love. Peyton, a widowed single mom and teacher, packs up her life in St. Louis and relocates to Sumterville, AL for a fresh start. She felt so relatable—strong, vulnerable, and ready to try again.

Then there’s Bass Sypher (and yes, the name says it all). He’s a single dad of two, a farmer, rough around the edges, but also a natural protector and family man. Some of his choices felt chaotic (Toya 👀), but I loved seeing the softer sides of him—especially in his bond with Sammie and Bryce, and that heartfelt moment with Harlem.

The side characters really shined too: Mama Ruby had me cracking up, Paige and Peyton’s mom were so supportive, and poor Daphne—sis might never get a boyfriend with those brothers watching her back! Peyton’s son Porter tugged at my heart, and little Harleigh was just adorable.

This story was hot, steamy, and full of family and heart. My only wish? For two single parents, I wanted more intentional conversations about blending their kids and lives together. Still, this was good!

[Arnell Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am starting to love a good cowboy story. This was really good.

[Alisha 🦋💗 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book brought me back to home real bad. I had a lot of fun reading it and being a country gal, there was a lot of things that were recognizable to me. Overall had a good time and I’m here for the city girl/country boy duo <3

[Naee.Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Big Bass, not the little one!!!!

I love that the book shows how a man can really go from a h0e to a house husband, even tho they don’t get married in the book. Bass truly just needed the right woman to come in & sit his tail down!! I also love the coparenting that Bass has with his children’s mother. There’s no shady, backhanded, awkwardness between the two, literally just two people taking care of their children. I love to see Peyton being loved on again after all of those years!! Someone who makes her feel alive again as a woman, not just a mother handling business. I hope Paige gets a book at some point, because she’s a fun time!!!! Loved this read!!

[Khaliat · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[JazzReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like this book. Peyton had to grief and find love again. Bass was a good man for Peyton.

[Dominique · Rating 4 out of 5]

as a southern girl,this book and the surroundings(trail rides, mudding,fairgrounds) are so familiar to me.this book felt like home.i enjoyedthe pace that bass and peyton went with each other(even though bass was all in for her almost immediately), and i was happy to see her slowly begin to heal from her past.overall a sweet black city girl meets country boy romance!

[Lyric Rivera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This was a great city girl meets country man read—black edition! I loved every single thing about it! Perfect August, end of summer type of read! I appreciated that fact that I really felt like I was actually in the stories, part of the conversations and overall how easy the story read! I def. wish there were a physical copy of this because I would so buy it! I would love a sequel of Fondo and Paige then Bryce and where he ends up! But, babyyyy, Bass??? HE is the truth! Talk about a book HUSBAND! Whew! I loved the healthy representation of coparenting between young, Black parents the author shown throughout the book! Very much appreciated! I had a blast reading the trail ride scenes at the fairgrounds! Omg! I wished I were there! Lol. The fact that the dog’s name ended up being Toto and I love the wizard of oz! Like… yesss!! Then, Bass and Peyton slow dancing to Tennessee Whiskey? My wedding song?? Yup! 5 stars! IDC IDC! Lol. I had a great time reading this! This may be the best summer read of the year for me! I will def. be reading more from this author and genre!

[LaToya Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

On the hunt for a fresh start almost four years after suffering a major loss, Peyton and her son traded in the STL city life for country life in Alabama. Her first day as a teacher at her new school introduces her to Bass, a country boy that she couldn't resist if she tried.

This was a cute, easy read. I enjoyed the chemistry between Bass and Peyton. Bass was a country boy through and through with so many swoon-worthy qualities (excellent father, good with his hands, hard-working, protective, & he puts it DOWN). I loved the representation of a healthy co-parenting relationship between him and Sammie.

When it comes to a rating - I'm torn between a 3.75-4 due to me feeling like the story just ended before we got a chance to see them live life as a couple/blended family. An epilogue would have been perfect.

[Darcy J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️ and 3🌶️
I'm from the country but I'm not "trail ride" country but I definitely need to go to one now! I really enjoyed this book.
I enjoyed their natural progression to a relationship. The kids were also super cute. After the convo with Harlem, Bass has me a little worried regarding his love for Sammie vs anyone else that he will love in the future. I hope he does right by my girl Peyton.

I can't wait to see if we hear from Bass, Peyton, and Paige again. Because Paige girl, what are you doing sneaking out on vacation? 👀😏

[_dulcekk · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another Chance at Love

3.5 ⭐️ This was a feel good story with minimal drama & the right amount of spice. After such a tragic loss to both her and her son, Peyton decides it’s time for a fresh start and what better way than in an unfamiliar small town. In comes Bass, he is rugged, handsome, and such a gentleman… completely different from what Peyton is used to. Bass is the definition of “if you can tell me what to do, you can tell me what to do”….what a man! I enjoyed how he didn’t pressure Peyton into anything but let it be known that he was all gas no breaks behind her!

[Charmy Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good Black cowboy romance and this was definitely that! I hate when I'm expecting a cowboy romance and the best I get is that he lived in the south. No mention of a ranch, farm, animals, etc. Not this time. Bass was a country man with a farm, animals, and everything that comes with it. His land was actually his livelihood, how he made his money, and how he provided for his family.

Peyton didn't stand a chance at resisting that man. He was willing to give her time, if that's what she needed. But he let her know that the outcome would always be them as a unit. Wasn't going to be no FWB over there!! I loved that he shut down anybody that was trying to stake any claim over him (because he WAS a single man). Except for that one phone call from his ex, they had a decent coparenting relationship.

I found myself giggling and kicking my feet because it was so good. This is definitely going on my list of Black cowboy romances to revisit. And also one that I need a physical copy of.

[Miranda Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

This book was soooo good. When I say I want a country mmc with BDE this is what I meannnnn. Bass was everything that I’ve been missing in country romance books. He could run a farm & then turn around & be possessive of Peyton. Bass is a man okay. He’s a good man Savannah. I loved this & I hope Shanel makes it a series or gives us more of this.

[H (sosheescapes) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had the best depiction of country living in any of the black cowboy romances that I've seen. Got me wanting to go home. And Bass 😋 whew
The beginning was a little slow but picked up and the relationship progression was nice. I do feel like the ending may have been a little rushed but still enjoyed the story.

[thebookcritic_ · Rating 3 out of 5]

really enjoyed

I really enjoyed this book. Great characters. Great storyline. Small town romance. Cowboy romance. Second chance at love! I think I’d only wish that the kids spent more time with each other to see if they got along. I also feel like Porter and Peyton didn’t talk about Bass.

[Tiffany C · Rating 5 out of 5]

So sweet!!

That was such a sweet read!! I love how the FMC managed to navigate her grief and come out on top. I like how the MMC coparents with his children’s mother without the drama. I really enjoyed this book!

[Kelly Juliette Jiménez Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

chefs kiss 💋

As always you did an amazing job at writing a beautiful love story. Just like a timeless love, you did a beautiful job at reeling me in, keeping me hooked and desiring more of the characters.

I hope we get Paige’s story soon *wink*

[LaDonna B · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!!

This was so freaking cute! I love me a good cowboy/farmer trope. These two gave all the feels. I hope you plan to spin the block; I know a lot can come from these characters and supporting characters.

[Tailyn Aka Daebug · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bass is definitely Bae

Bass was 100% all man. Loved this story of relocating, trying to start a new beginning and fresh starts. Not looking for love but love surely did find her ( Peyton) loved the story of the cowboys lifestyle.

[LaTosha Webber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Country Living

See this the kinda story that will set you up for failure. Don’t ask me how often I stop to look up houses for sell in the country somewhere. This was a fun and sweet read. It was low angst, a moderate to fast pace, easy to read, and mild to spicy.

[Shameka Erby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bass and Peyton

[Books & Locs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was just what we needed ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ love this book down !

[L · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bass was on Peyton honey! I loved this country love story. Who knew a move to a small town in Alabama would be the change Peyton needed to make for her family.

[Ambra | ambreadbooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75/5 ⭐️
— This was a cute country love story. I have fun experiencing the chemistry between Peyton (STL, city girl) and Bass (Alabama, country boy).
— Bass was the epitome of a country boy (with street creditability, iykyk); great father, hard worker and protector.
— I felt like their love story was rushed at the end and wanted more.