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Secrets and Spurs: A Small Town Cowboy Romance
They say life can change in an instant. I guess I didn’t realize how true that is until one bad ride ends my rodeo career for good.
Suddenly, I’m thirty-six, single, and the brand new owner of The Last Lasso Farm in the middle of nowhere, Alabama. But my first night in Mills Corner, I meet a girl who lights my soul on fire. Lucy Phillips is funny, adventurous, and just the right amount of chaos, and she makes me wonder if there might be more to this town than I thought.
Until I learn the girl I can’t stop thinking about couldn’t be more off limits. Her brother has been my best friend and mentee for years, and when he agrees to take my spot in a team riding competition, it’s up to me to help Lucy keep the family pumpkin patch in business. My job is simple: help her keep her customers happy, do what I can to manage the farm animals, and definitely don’t flirt with my best friend’s little sister.
But as the days get shorter, it becomes harder and harder to stay away from her. Can I find a way to keep her, or am I destined to always be her little secret?
Suddenly, I’m thirty-six, single, and the brand new owner of The Last Lasso Farm in the middle of nowhere, Alabama. But my first night in Mills Corner, I meet a girl who lights my soul on fire. Lucy Phillips is funny, adventurous, and just the right amount of chaos, and she makes me wonder if there might be more to this town than I thought.
Until I learn the girl I can’t stop thinking about couldn’t be more off limits. Her brother has been my best friend and mentee for years, and when he agrees to take my spot in a team riding competition, it’s up to me to help Lucy keep the family pumpkin patch in business. My job is simple: help her keep her customers happy, do what I can to manage the farm animals, and definitely don’t flirt with my best friend’s little sister.
But as the days get shorter, it becomes harder and harder to stay away from her. Can I find a way to keep her, or am I destined to always be her little secret?
272 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 7, 2025
27 people are currently reading
592 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 236 reviews
December 24, 2025
It was a quick read, and a nice palate cleanser, imo.
Anyway, Colton (36) and Lucy (27) had this chance encounter one night at a bar. There were definitely some sparks between them, and they nearly ended up spending the night together, but then an emergency came up, and Lucy had to leave.
Come the next day, Lucy's brother invited his mentor and best friend to join them for lunch, and guess what? It turned out to be Colton. They both figured out that picking up where they left off wasn't going to work, so they chose to just be friends instead (sure 😏).
Then Lucy's brother got an invitation for a rodeo tour, and he decided to go join in.
So, here's where the forced proximity comes in. Lucy and Colton are the only ones staying at her family house. The whole situation with why he’s there and where her mom is? That’s a whole different story! 😅 I think readers have an idea of how this is going to play out. 🤭
Book info:
- Small town romance
- Strangers to lovers
- Instant attraction
- Age gap (9)
- Brother's bff
- Slowburn-ish
- Farm animals
- No cheating, OM/OW, separation
- Open door
- No condoms, she's on bc, both clean
- No V (no info on their history)
- HFN (6 mos later, engaged)
PS. Not really sold on Amelia's book, and that's probably making me an insensitive person. But try as I might, I could not for the life of me understand why some women will ditch their family and friends over a freaking man, and one that's shitty, to say the least. I should probably sympathize with her because she's been played and hurt. But then she's been in this shitty relationship for the last three years. It's an on-and-off situation where he treats her like shit and only calls her when it's convenient for him. And she's a freaking doormat who drops everything in a heartbeat. No one in her family and friends liked the guy. But she's so blinded by her love for him, or whatever she calls it, that she just ignores them. Ugh!
The second book is about her, and I think it will be an ex's sibling situation. I mean, that's the first thing that came into my head when Amelia's ex-boyfriend's stepbrother was introduced. So maybe it'll have some OM drama. But I really am on the fence about her book, so maybe who knows?
Anyway, Colton (36) and Lucy (27) had this chance encounter one night at a bar. There were definitely some sparks between them, and they nearly ended up spending the night together, but then an emergency came up, and Lucy had to leave.
Come the next day, Lucy's brother invited his mentor and best friend to join them for lunch, and guess what? It turned out to be Colton. They both figured out that picking up where they left off wasn't going to work, so they chose to just be friends instead (sure 😏).
Then Lucy's brother got an invitation for a rodeo tour, and he decided to go join in.
So, here's where the forced proximity comes in. Lucy and Colton are the only ones staying at her family house. The whole situation with why he’s there and where her mom is? That’s a whole different story! 😅 I think readers have an idea of how this is going to play out. 🤭
Book info:
- Small town romance
- Strangers to lovers
- Instant attraction
- Age gap (9)
- Brother's bff
- Slowburn-ish
- Farm animals
- No cheating, OM/OW, separation
- Open door
- No condoms, she's on bc, both clean
- No V (no info on their history)
- HFN (6 mos later, engaged)
PS. Not really sold on Amelia's book, and that's probably making me an insensitive person. But try as I might, I could not for the life of me understand why some women will ditch their family and friends over a freaking man, and one that's shitty, to say the least. I should probably sympathize with her because she's been played and hurt. But then she's been in this shitty relationship for the last three years. It's an on-and-off situation where he treats her like shit and only calls her when it's convenient for him. And she's a freaking doormat who drops everything in a heartbeat. No one in her family and friends liked the guy. But she's so blinded by her love for him, or whatever she calls it, that she just ignores them. Ugh!
The second book is about her, and I think it will be an ex's sibling situation. I mean, that's the first thing that came into my head when Amelia's ex-boyfriend's stepbrother was introduced. So maybe it'll have some OM drama. But I really am on the fence about her book, so maybe who knows?
January 2, 2026
- Age gap (H 36, h 27)
- Former bull rider
- Brothers best friend
- Forbidden proximity
- No third act breakup
- No owd/omd or manwhore
They meet at the local pub and almost hook up, the next day they find out that the H is h brothers best friend, and is moving in with them while the H fixes up his new house next door.
Safety:
- No info about either last time
- Got the feeling the H was a little loner and didn’t use his time to pick up women, but he was no nun either. He didn’t like going out to bars and hadn’t done it in a couple of years.
- Both only interested in each other since they met
- h said she used to hook up in college but it was harder when she moved home and lived in a small town
- Former bull rider
- Brothers best friend
- Forbidden proximity
- No third act breakup
- No owd/omd or manwhore
They meet at the local pub and almost hook up, the next day they find out that the H is h brothers best friend, and is moving in with them while the H fixes up his new house next door.
Safety:
- No info about either last time
- Got the feeling the H was a little loner and didn’t use his time to pick up women, but he was no nun either. He didn’t like going out to bars and hadn’t done it in a couple of years.
- Both only interested in each other since they met
- h said she used to hook up in college but it was harder when she moved home and lived in a small town
November 7, 2025
Thanks to House of Hearts Lit and Hollie Luckie for the ARC — all opinions are my own.
Cute, brother’s best friend, cowboy romance!
If you take it for what it is, the story of Lucy and Colton will be an enjoyable read, with lots of steamy smut! This story is full of cute moments, and heartwarming southern charm! This is a perfect read if you’re looking for a surface level, short, and fluffy, palate cleanser!
“You know, everything’s much brighter with you around.”
🤠Insta Lust
🎃Small Town
🤠Cowboy
🎃Brother’s Best Friend
🤠Age Gap
(Slight spoilers below)
What didn’t work for me,
The insta lust just wasn’t for me. They were getting freaky with it in chapter 3… To be fair, he did buy her a drink first!
I have no issues with smut whatsoever, so those scenes were enjoyable, but again, chapter 3? It felt like the smut was thrown in as a buffer, and not to deepen the connection between the characters!
The characters lacked depth, but, I held out hope…
Lucy is 27? Almost 30? And is stuck getting babied by her family, specifically her brother. Gave me the ick a little bit. That’s her whole personality, though; Her family thinking she’s a frail little girl, and her job running the family’s pumpkin patch. mmmmk.
True small town vibes…
Colton is 36yr old injured bull rider, who happens to be rich.
That’s it. That’s his story and he’s sticking to it…
I just have to mention…
Colton and Lucy played 20 questions, on the front porch, as a way to get to know each other.
A 27yr old and a 36yr old, might I remind you…
(I’m 27, and if a guy hit me with the “let’s play 20 questions”, I’d leave SO fast… You’re actually joking.)
No dates… And I’m not counting the stupid “fall list” activities as dates. Not a single thought was Colton’s own. The list was full of activities she was supposed to complete with her best friend. IT DOESN’T COUNT!
Is there really nowhere in Alabama worth going on a date to? Colton really had to check boxes off of a literal activities list.
Again, true small town vibes…
After the 20 questions on the porch, I started speed reading, but sometimes, I really didn’t wanna pick the book back up. It was starting to drag.
Another reason why, in my opinion, was the lack of side characters. It was constantly Lucy and Colton every single chapter, which is fine if you have a beefy story, but, the plot wasn’t thick enough to hold on its own.
Amelia’s (the best friend/cousin) whole storyline was rage bait. If the plan was to give her her own book, I don’t want it. She had SO much potential, and her character just completely crumbled 90% into the book. Tons of buildup from the beginning, only to lead to a predictable outcome. Flop.
The brother… (I forget his name😭)
The whole situation with that was a flop. I expected angst from a “brother’s best friend” trope, but the whole thing was anticlimactic. He was gone for the whole book, occasionally checking in by text message, yet, this is the brother that we’re supposed to believe is “super protective” of his baby sister? mmmk… Where is the angst? Where’s the sneaking around? Colton and Lucy kept their relationship a secret for what? That was pointless!
He comes back when the book is 95% completed, gets angry, has his mother (yes, mother) talk him down, then all is okay… HUH?
Ends in a happily ever after, though!
Like I said, if you take it for what it is, it’s a cutesy cowboy romance!
November 12, 2025
3.5ish
🤠 Secrets and Spurs🤠
I loved the fall vibes this book gave off, and the squirrels definitely had me laughing out loud (iykyk 🤣). It was a short read with lots of cute moments, and was overall enjoyable. There were some things I didn’t love though - I’m not a big fan of insta-love and this very much felt in that realm. Also, when I think brother’s best friend I think lots of sneaking around and tension - which there was not. Her brother was gone all summer so the two MCs had the house to themselves and they didn’t have to worry about being caught. Was it a cute fluffy romance - yes, but it’s not one I’d rush to get to.
🤠 small town
🤠 cowboy
🤠 brother’s best friend
🤠 friends with benefits
🤠 Secrets and Spurs🤠
I loved the fall vibes this book gave off, and the squirrels definitely had me laughing out loud (iykyk 🤣). It was a short read with lots of cute moments, and was overall enjoyable. There were some things I didn’t love though - I’m not a big fan of insta-love and this very much felt in that realm. Also, when I think brother’s best friend I think lots of sneaking around and tension - which there was not. Her brother was gone all summer so the two MCs had the house to themselves and they didn’t have to worry about being caught. Was it a cute fluffy romance - yes, but it’s not one I’d rush to get to.
🤠 small town
🤠 cowboy
🤠 brother’s best friend
🤠 friends with benefits
November 21, 2025
Colton’s whole life has changed. A rodeo star who lived his life on the road is now a small town cowboy. After a serious injury stops his career, Colton decides to settle down in his best friends hometown.
When he gets there, one of the first people he meets out on the town is Lulu. Its an instant connection (well... hook up) that gets stopped by an emergency with Lulu's mom.
Soon after we find out that Lulu is also Colton’s best friends little sister. And that best friend? Going outta town, asking if Colton can watch out for his sister and place while he's away.
Colton and Lucy, alone on the farm? What could happen?
What happens is a sweet novel where two people fall in love. Colton is so ready to help Lucy with all her business (such a fun one too!) when she's basically running the whole operation herself. (that's a whole nother story!) The way he really tries (and succeeds) to fit into Lucy's way of life!
But whats to happen when big brother comes home? He asked for Colton to take care. Not get together!
Ending perfectly wrapped up. And I believe some hints about a book two? (Im hoping!!!)
When he gets there, one of the first people he meets out on the town is Lulu. Its an instant connection (well... hook up) that gets stopped by an emergency with Lulu's mom.
Soon after we find out that Lulu is also Colton’s best friends little sister. And that best friend? Going outta town, asking if Colton can watch out for his sister and place while he's away.
Colton and Lucy, alone on the farm? What could happen?
What happens is a sweet novel where two people fall in love. Colton is so ready to help Lucy with all her business (such a fun one too!) when she's basically running the whole operation herself. (that's a whole nother story!) The way he really tries (and succeeds) to fit into Lucy's way of life!
But whats to happen when big brother comes home? He asked for Colton to take care. Not get together!
Ending perfectly wrapped up. And I believe some hints about a book two? (Im hoping!!!)
November 9, 2025
♡ Dual POV
♡ Brother’s bestfriend
♡ Age Gap
♡ Small town Romance
♡ Retired bull rider
♡ Open door
3.5 ⭐️ Short, sweet, full of chaotic energy and farm animal shenanigans. The animals were the main characters of the story istg — they truly stole the show and made this such a fun read. I loved every second of it.
Colton suffers from a bull riding injury that forces him into an early retirement. Buying a house, sight unseen, in a small town next to his best friend’s farm is where the fun begins. He runs into Lucy at the local bar, ready to risk it ALL. He’s smitten and doesn’t even realize that she’s his best friend’s little sister!! Forbidden and completely off limits, but the insta lust and tension hit heavy when they both agree to stay friends and he finds himself having to live with her until his house is ready hehe
💌 Thank you so much to Rae/House of Hearts and Hollie Luckie for the eARC! Available now on KU.
♡ Brother’s bestfriend
♡ Age Gap
♡ Small town Romance
♡ Retired bull rider
♡ Open door
3.5 ⭐️ Short, sweet, full of chaotic energy and farm animal shenanigans. The animals were the main characters of the story istg — they truly stole the show and made this such a fun read. I loved every second of it.
Colton suffers from a bull riding injury that forces him into an early retirement. Buying a house, sight unseen, in a small town next to his best friend’s farm is where the fun begins. He runs into Lucy at the local bar, ready to risk it ALL. He’s smitten and doesn’t even realize that she’s his best friend’s little sister!! Forbidden and completely off limits, but the insta lust and tension hit heavy when they both agree to stay friends and he finds himself having to live with her until his house is ready hehe
💌 Thank you so much to Rae/House of Hearts and Hollie Luckie for the eARC! Available now on KU.
December 3, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 rounded up
This book was cute! I love Hollie Luckie’s writing style and this one was no exception!
I loved the genres blending together with a retired bull rider and a pumpkin patch owner. It’s like the best combo of cowboy small town romance and autumn vibes.
Lucy was a cutie and and we love a cinnamon roll MMC that was Colton. I’m definitely always down for an insta-lust situation that turns out to be a best friend’s little sister situation! Also have to shoutout the farm animals for being hilarious.
This book is a great fall read for those who like comfy cosy romances.
Thank you to Hollie Luckie and Rae / House of Hearts for the advanced copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book was cute! I love Hollie Luckie’s writing style and this one was no exception!
I loved the genres blending together with a retired bull rider and a pumpkin patch owner. It’s like the best combo of cowboy small town romance and autumn vibes.
Lucy was a cutie and and we love a cinnamon roll MMC that was Colton. I’m definitely always down for an insta-lust situation that turns out to be a best friend’s little sister situation! Also have to shoutout the farm animals for being hilarious.
This book is a great fall read for those who like comfy cosy romances.
Thank you to Hollie Luckie and Rae / House of Hearts for the advanced copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 8, 2025
If you’re looking for a small town romance book with a little fall vibe, this is a great option! It’s the sweetest cowboy, best friend’s younger sister, girl next door romance. It’s easy to read, full of laughs and the perfect way to end the fall seasonal reads.
Read this if you’re in the mood for…
- small town romance
- girl next door
- forced proximity
- best friend’s younger sister
Also, this is a standalone so far! There’s a small connection to another one of her series but it’s not confusing if you haven’t read those yet.
Read this if you’re in the mood for…
- small town romance
- girl next door
- forced proximity
- best friend’s younger sister
Also, this is a standalone so far! There’s a small connection to another one of her series but it’s not confusing if you haven’t read those yet.
November 6, 2025
3.5
This was such a cute cowboy romance! I loved the independent, spunky FMC and the cowboy MMC who only takes his hat off for one thing 😉. The animals in this story had me cracking up—those squirrels even grew on me by the end! The age gap and brother’s best friend combo always hits just right. If you’re looking to toss in a cute and spicy cowboy romance, I’d definitely pick this one up.
This was such a cute cowboy romance! I loved the independent, spunky FMC and the cowboy MMC who only takes his hat off for one thing 😉. The animals in this story had me cracking up—those squirrels even grew on me by the end! The age gap and brother’s best friend combo always hits just right. If you’re looking to toss in a cute and spicy cowboy romance, I’d definitely pick this one up.
November 8, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Secrets and Spurs has a couple of tropes I absolutely adore including best friend’s sister, close proximity, and that sweet small-town charm that makes everything feel cozy and chaotic in the best way. I genuinely loved every single character, and by the end I was wishing we were getting even more time with them.
If you’re in the mood for a swoony, spicy cowboy romance with a side of unhinged squirrels and mischievous pigs, this book delivers. It’s fun, flirty, and full of heart.
Such a cute, feel-good read, and you’ll definitely want to add it to your TBR! 🤠💕
Secrets and Spurs has a couple of tropes I absolutely adore including best friend’s sister, close proximity, and that sweet small-town charm that makes everything feel cozy and chaotic in the best way. I genuinely loved every single character, and by the end I was wishing we were getting even more time with them.
If you’re in the mood for a swoony, spicy cowboy romance with a side of unhinged squirrels and mischievous pigs, this book delivers. It’s fun, flirty, and full of heart.
Such a cute, feel-good read, and you’ll definitely want to add it to your TBR! 🤠💕
November 5, 2025
This book was given to me as an ARC by house of heart. Sadly it wasn’t my favorite and that’s my honest review.
It was just too easy breezy? I know that maybe toxic of me to say hahah. But I just felt there was no conflict to kinda grab me. I felt it was just far too easy and a bit predictable. I was waiting for a twist or a shocking moment but it just didn’t come.
It follows Colton who has had to give up bull riding, so comes to a small town and buys a farm and it’s a best friend’s sister, slight age gap tropes. But it wasn’t as if they had to be sneaky as the brother wasn’t around. To me it just felt a bit flat? But I really did love Hollie’s book last year match making under the mistletoe I loved that. So it’s a shame really.
It was just too easy breezy? I know that maybe toxic of me to say hahah. But I just felt there was no conflict to kinda grab me. I felt it was just far too easy and a bit predictable. I was waiting for a twist or a shocking moment but it just didn’t come.
It follows Colton who has had to give up bull riding, so comes to a small town and buys a farm and it’s a best friend’s sister, slight age gap tropes. But it wasn’t as if they had to be sneaky as the brother wasn’t around. To me it just felt a bit flat? But I really did love Hollie’s book last year match making under the mistletoe I loved that. So it’s a shame really.
Currently reading
August 31, 2025I'm so excited that Lucy and Colton's story is coming SOON! If you're a fan of these tropes, make sure to add this lil fall romance to your TBR!
🤠 Cowboy Romance
🎃 Small Town
🤠 Brother's Best Friend
🎃 Friends with Benefits
🤠 Found Family
🎃 Retired Bull Rider x Pumpkin Patch Owner
🤠 He only takes his hat off to ~eat~
ARC Signups: https://geni.us/secretsandspursARC
Ebook Preorder: https://a.co/d/fjzReQu
Ebook Preorder Incentive: https://forms.gle/zyoCimGPuLTbwkFA9
Signed Paperback Preorder: https://beventi.co/orderform/mqwiu0qu8t
🤠 Cowboy Romance
🎃 Small Town
🤠 Brother's Best Friend
🎃 Friends with Benefits
🤠 Found Family
🎃 Retired Bull Rider x Pumpkin Patch Owner
🤠 He only takes his hat off to ~eat~
ARC Signups: https://geni.us/secretsandspursARC
Ebook Preorder: https://a.co/d/fjzReQu
Ebook Preorder Incentive: https://forms.gle/zyoCimGPuLTbwkFA9
Signed Paperback Preorder: https://beventi.co/orderform/mqwiu0qu8t
November 10, 2025
Colton, who is new to town, decides to go out to a local bar to relax and unwind after so many things go wrong with the renovations at his new house. He meets Lucy and their connection and chemistry was off the charts! After their night gets cut short early due to a family emergency, these two think they will be meeting up with each other soon to pick up where they left off. Little did they know that they would be having dinner together with Lucy’s family the very next night and that Colton is her brother’s best friend.
After Lucy’s brother heads out of town for a few months and with Colton’s house still not ready for him to move into yet he moves into Lucy’s family’s house to help out with the pumpkin patch while her mom is recovering from her injury. They really try to fight the urge to be together but their connection is really just too strong. And to be honest, this man with his mustache and cowboy hat really would make it tough to stay just friends with.
I just had so much fun reading this book! When I found out Hollie was writing a cowboy romance and trust me I was giggling and kicking my feet. If you’re in the market for a cozy, spicy but sweet cowboy romance I would highly recommend!
what to expect:
- cowboy romance
- former bull rider x pumpkin patch owner
- secret relationship
- forced proximity
- brother’s best friend
- insanely cute animals
- friends with benefits
- found family
Thank you to Hollie and House of Hearts Lit for the ARC in exchange for my honest review 💕
After Lucy’s brother heads out of town for a few months and with Colton’s house still not ready for him to move into yet he moves into Lucy’s family’s house to help out with the pumpkin patch while her mom is recovering from her injury. They really try to fight the urge to be together but their connection is really just too strong. And to be honest, this man with his mustache and cowboy hat really would make it tough to stay just friends with.
I just had so much fun reading this book! When I found out Hollie was writing a cowboy romance and trust me I was giggling and kicking my feet. If you’re in the market for a cozy, spicy but sweet cowboy romance I would highly recommend!
what to expect:
- cowboy romance
- former bull rider x pumpkin patch owner
- secret relationship
- forced proximity
- brother’s best friend
- insanely cute animals
- friends with benefits
- found family
Thank you to Hollie and House of Hearts Lit for the ARC in exchange for my honest review 💕
November 13, 2025
Rating: 8/10⭐️
Spice: 2/5🌶
Tropes:small town; cowboy; best friends little sister; age gap
Colton has given up bull riding after a terrible accident and moves to a small town where his best friend lives... He meets this amazing woman that instantly grabs his attention at a bar on his first night but little does he now he will be seeing her again at family dinner with his best friends family and now he knows he can never go there... or can he?
This is my FAVORITE Hollie book yet! omg it was just so cute and wholesome and funny! I love the farm shenanigans and all the quirky small town energy. The freaking squirrels had me ROLLING. I love that this was just a light hearted read.. I read a lot of stuff with lots of messy emotions and this was such so a fun palette cleanser. if you're looking for a FUN and CUTE romance.. LOOK NO FURTHER
If you love
♡ Dual POV
♡ Brother’s bestfriend
♡ Age Gap
♡ Small town Romance
♡ Retired bull rider
♡ Open door
then you will LOVE this book!
Spice: 2/5🌶
Tropes:small town; cowboy; best friends little sister; age gap
Colton has given up bull riding after a terrible accident and moves to a small town where his best friend lives... He meets this amazing woman that instantly grabs his attention at a bar on his first night but little does he now he will be seeing her again at family dinner with his best friends family and now he knows he can never go there... or can he?
This is my FAVORITE Hollie book yet! omg it was just so cute and wholesome and funny! I love the farm shenanigans and all the quirky small town energy. The freaking squirrels had me ROLLING. I love that this was just a light hearted read.. I read a lot of stuff with lots of messy emotions and this was such so a fun palette cleanser. if you're looking for a FUN and CUTE romance.. LOOK NO FURTHER
If you love
♡ Dual POV
♡ Brother’s bestfriend
♡ Age Gap
♡ Small town Romance
♡ Retired bull rider
♡ Open door
then you will LOVE this book!
November 14, 2025
Spice: 3
Tropes:
best friend's sister
forced proximity
cowboy romance
small town
Dual POV
Secrets and Spurs was a cute cowboy romance! And you already know that when the cowboy has a moustache, I'm like sign me up lol The story is super sweet about a retired ex-bull rider moving into the ranch next door to his best friend's family and helping them out with their pumpkin patch business- due to unforseen circumstances. Along the way, he may just happen to fall in love with the little sister of his best friend. It's definitely an adorable fall read!
This book was full of funny moments and banter that I really enjoyed. I mean... the animals alone, I would read this book for ROFL! The squirrel scene had me cackle out loud every time. Then there was 2 pigs who thought they were dogs and a dog who kept stealing the tennis ball from the pigs lol. And let's not forget the addition of the baby calf who just wants to cuddle in your lap. So freaking cute!
There's slow burn, relationship dramas, crazy animals, found family, and just overall joy. I'm excited for the next book.
Tropes:
best friend's sister
forced proximity
cowboy romance
small town
Dual POV
Secrets and Spurs was a cute cowboy romance! And you already know that when the cowboy has a moustache, I'm like sign me up lol The story is super sweet about a retired ex-bull rider moving into the ranch next door to his best friend's family and helping them out with their pumpkin patch business- due to unforseen circumstances. Along the way, he may just happen to fall in love with the little sister of his best friend. It's definitely an adorable fall read!
This book was full of funny moments and banter that I really enjoyed. I mean... the animals alone, I would read this book for ROFL! The squirrel scene had me cackle out loud every time. Then there was 2 pigs who thought they were dogs and a dog who kept stealing the tennis ball from the pigs lol. And let's not forget the addition of the baby calf who just wants to cuddle in your lap. So freaking cute!
There's slow burn, relationship dramas, crazy animals, found family, and just overall joy. I'm excited for the next book.
November 7, 2025
YEEHAW, y'all! I reckon I found me a new favourite cowboy romance! Secrets and Spurs is a rip-roarin' good time, filled with laughter, tears, and enough heartache to make it all the sweeter. Lucy and Colton's story had me hooked from page one - who wouldn't love a bull rider turned gentleman and the spunky pumpkin patch owner who's got her priorities straight? But Colton is my new favourite cowboy, he has my heart, he lost so much with his accident but still found joy and new purpose and of course love. He found love. The supporting cast, especially Amelia, added depth and dimension to this charming tale. The authors' descriptions of the farm and its critters (those pigs, y'all! 🐖) transported me straight to the rolling hills of cowboy country. If you're lookin' for a feel-good romance that'll fill your cup and warm your heart, saddle up and grab this book!
November 7, 2025
I loved every second of Colton & Lucy’s story! These two have allll the chemistry right from the start, but when they realize their connection and that they’re going to be living and working together, they try to ignore those sparks. Spoiler: it doesn’t work so well, and they’re so hot together! I love Lucy’s independence and the way she just steps in to do what she has to (but also loves what she does), I love the way Colton takes care of her and how thoughtful he is. I also love getting to see him be vulnerable. I love the animals and the chaos and all the laughter–it’s all my favorite parts of a Hollie book in one! Absolutely recommend if you love a small town romance where a cowboy falls for his best friend’s sister! So good!
[ARC review]
[ARC review]
November 10, 2025
Secrets and Spurs was a fun and spicy brother's best friend cowboy romance featuring retired bull rider Colton and farm owner Lucy. Colton had never met his best friend Hayes family so when he moved to town and went to the bar his first night, he didn't think twice about the instant connection he felt after meeting Lulu. They are both surprised to see each other when Hayes officially introduces his family to his best friend. Colton and Lucy try to be just friends so they don't upset Hayes, but their connection is too strong. They spend the fall season together on her family pumpkin farm while Hayes is on the rodeo circuit , growing closer. What will happen when the season ends?
November 7, 2025
This book had the perfect fall vibes! Small town, cowboys, animal shenanigans, pumpkin patch, hayride, and so much more!! I mean what more could I want really?! 🍂
I loved seeing Lucy and Colton's relationship progress. The brother's best friend is always such a fun trope especially when they meet beforehand and don't realize who the other is 🤭
Their fall bucket list was just the cutest thing as well! I also love the fact that Colton is very much a rugged cowboy type, but was also terrified of squirrels - I had so many good laughs from that and other shenanigans with some farm animals!
If you're looking for a fun, fall cowboy romance this is the one! ✨
Thanks to Hollie Luckie and House of Hearts for the gifted copy — all opinions are my own.
I loved seeing Lucy and Colton's relationship progress. The brother's best friend is always such a fun trope especially when they meet beforehand and don't realize who the other is 🤭
Their fall bucket list was just the cutest thing as well! I also love the fact that Colton is very much a rugged cowboy type, but was also terrified of squirrels - I had so many good laughs from that and other shenanigans with some farm animals!
If you're looking for a fun, fall cowboy romance this is the one! ✨
Thanks to Hollie Luckie and House of Hearts for the gifted copy — all opinions are my own.
November 8, 2025
Colton & Lucy as a couple were so freaking adorable. Their banter and chemistry was everything. I loved that Colton had a softer side to him and was in touch with his emotions. The communication between the two was *chefs kiss*
And don’t even get me started on the spice…these two were HOT! He literally begs at one point because she’s so desperate for her.
I cannot wait to see what Hollie has up her sleeve for a possible continuation within this little small town 🤭
And don’t even get me started on the spice…these two were HOT! He literally begs at one point because she’s so desperate for her.
I cannot wait to see what Hollie has up her sleeve for a possible continuation within this little small town 🤭
November 10, 2025
Colton returns back home and buys a fixer upper. Things don’t go as planned there so he has no choice but to stay at his best friends house, where his sister lives.
Before he knew that was his best friend’s sister, Lucy met him at a bar and these two hit it off REAL QUICK!
If you like fast paced, insta lust, small town vibes, brother’s best friend, age gap, then this one is for you.
Thank you to House of Hearts Lit and Hollie Luckie for the ARC
Before he knew that was his best friend’s sister, Lucy met him at a bar and these two hit it off REAL QUICK!
If you like fast paced, insta lust, small town vibes, brother’s best friend, age gap, then this one is for you.
Thank you to House of Hearts Lit and Hollie Luckie for the ARC
November 9, 2025
Secrets and Spurs will ride to the top of your favorites list.
This small town cowboy romance has the right mix of heat and heart. Colton a retired (due to injury) bull rider who moved next door to his best friend will soon learn that the girl his just met at the bar will soon be off limits.
The small town setting gives all the cozy, porch swing, silly animals, pumpkin patch feels, while the chemistry between Colton and Lucy hits hard. The banter, longing and Colton's cowboy manners (and dirty mouth) will keep you reading.
This small town cowboy romance has the right mix of heat and heart. Colton a retired (due to injury) bull rider who moved next door to his best friend will soon learn that the girl his just met at the bar will soon be off limits.
The small town setting gives all the cozy, porch swing, silly animals, pumpkin patch feels, while the chemistry between Colton and Lucy hits hard. The banter, longing and Colton's cowboy manners (and dirty mouth) will keep you reading.
November 18, 2025
Thank you to House of Hearts and Hollie Luckie for this ARC. I enjoyed this cute cowboy romance book.
-Brothers Best Friend
-Age Gap
-Cowboy romance
-Small Town Romance
-Forced proximity
Colton and Lucy were adorable and after trying to be friends found their love story. I love the Colton supported Lucy through her Fall list, ensuring her it was not stupid but something that could be fun.
I’m excited for Amelia’s story because let’s be honest Mitch needed to go.
-Brothers Best Friend
-Age Gap
-Cowboy romance
-Small Town Romance
-Forced proximity
Colton and Lucy were adorable and after trying to be friends found their love story. I love the Colton supported Lucy through her Fall list, ensuring her it was not stupid but something that could be fun.
I’m excited for Amelia’s story because let’s be honest Mitch needed to go.
November 19, 2025
This book had me hootin', hollerin', and SWEATING. I loved the fall vibes, both characters (and the cast of side characters) were so easy to fall in love with, and overall I seriously enjoyed myself as I read this book. I love a good yeehaw romance, so if you do too then this is for you!
Thanks to Hollie Luckie and House of Hearts for the gifted copy — all opinions are my own.
Thanks to Hollie Luckie and House of Hearts for the gifted copy — all opinions are my own.
November 11, 2025
This is my first book by author, but definitely not my last! Best friend sibling✔️ Forbidden ✔️ Mustache ✔️ Super great animals ✔️ SERIOUSLY so cute.
November 8, 2025
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review. Thanks to Hollie Luckie and House of Hearts for the gifted copy — all opinions are my own.
I absolutely loved this book and Colton and Lucy. I love the fact that it takes place in the same universe as Hollie’s other books and there are little mentions of towns and people tying them all together. The animal antics are some of my favorites parts. Those pigs are just hilarious and Hollie has included silly farm animals in her other books and it makes for a fun read. This book has just the perfect amount of spice. If you love small town romance, cowboy romance, found family, fwb tropes then this is the perfect book for you.
November 7, 2025
Hollie does it once again! A small town cowboy romance that is sweet, cute + funny. A fun spunky independent FMC who ends up falling for the new cowboy in town. Did I forget to mention he also only takes his Hat off for one thing? You'll have to read to find out what that is. A cowboy romance will always be an instant add to TBR for me.
All of the animal chaos had me LOL'ing. Something that you can just picture in your head. THE SQUIRRELS.
A perfect fall romance that is an easy read!
-Small Town
-Brother's Best Friend
-Age Gap
-Retired Bull Rider x Pumpkin Patch Owner
-Found Family
Thank you Hollie for allowing me the opportunity to ARC read Secrets & Spurs for you!
All of the animal chaos had me LOL'ing. Something that you can just picture in your head. THE SQUIRRELS.
A perfect fall romance that is an easy read!
-Small Town
-Brother's Best Friend
-Age Gap
-Retired Bull Rider x Pumpkin Patch Owner
-Found Family
Thank you Hollie for allowing me the opportunity to ARC read Secrets & Spurs for you!
November 29, 2025
Oh lord!!!! Just reading this book has made me want to also date a cowboy even though I am happily married 🤭 But that just shows the magic that Hollie creates in her writing and this book is a true testament to how amazing her writing style is ❤️ I was lucky enough to be chosen as an arc reader for this book because one of my favorite tropes has always been small town romances and forced proximity and this one truly knocks it out of the park for me!!
This is the story of Colton, a bull rider who is almost at the end of his career but isn’t ready to let go of his career yet. At the age of 36, he is still competing when he suffers a tragic accident and abruptly ends his career. After a couple of months of getting better, he has decided to move to Mills Corner after his best friend, Hayes, kept raving about how amazing his small town is. When he arrives, he goes to the bar and ends up meeting this beautiful woman that made his heart flutter 🤭
Lucy is out on the town with her best friend Amelia, ready to forget themselves for the night and have fun when Amelia ends up steering away and entirely focusing on her on and off again boyfriend Mitch. Lucy ends up going to the bar and sees a handsome cowboy and decides to venture off and flirt with him. The moment they both see each other, they are instantly attracted to each other. Their banter is so flirty and you can tell that if they werent interrupted, they were gonna go home for the night 🤭 Everything changes when Lucy is having a family dinner with her mom, brother and her brother’s best friend, who turns out to be the handsome stranger she met the night before!
I truly loved reading this book sooooo much! The way these two were instantly attracted and the journey they both take together as friends first, without realizing that they are falling for each other was so beautifully written 🙂↕️ I love the way that even though Lucy is a strong, independent fmc, all Colton wants to do is love her and show her how appreciated she is! Despite Lucy always taking the reins on a lot of things, like managing her business without Amelia and taking care of her pet animals, not once did Colton try to take over for her. Instead, he supported her and loved her and asked her what she needed and did it! Such a perfect gentleman!! 😍 highly recommend if you love small town romances and a happily ever after ending ❤️
Rating: 5/5
Steamy scenes: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
This is the story of Colton, a bull rider who is almost at the end of his career but isn’t ready to let go of his career yet. At the age of 36, he is still competing when he suffers a tragic accident and abruptly ends his career. After a couple of months of getting better, he has decided to move to Mills Corner after his best friend, Hayes, kept raving about how amazing his small town is. When he arrives, he goes to the bar and ends up meeting this beautiful woman that made his heart flutter 🤭
Lucy is out on the town with her best friend Amelia, ready to forget themselves for the night and have fun when Amelia ends up steering away and entirely focusing on her on and off again boyfriend Mitch. Lucy ends up going to the bar and sees a handsome cowboy and decides to venture off and flirt with him. The moment they both see each other, they are instantly attracted to each other. Their banter is so flirty and you can tell that if they werent interrupted, they were gonna go home for the night 🤭 Everything changes when Lucy is having a family dinner with her mom, brother and her brother’s best friend, who turns out to be the handsome stranger she met the night before!
I truly loved reading this book sooooo much! The way these two were instantly attracted and the journey they both take together as friends first, without realizing that they are falling for each other was so beautifully written 🙂↕️ I love the way that even though Lucy is a strong, independent fmc, all Colton wants to do is love her and show her how appreciated she is! Despite Lucy always taking the reins on a lot of things, like managing her business without Amelia and taking care of her pet animals, not once did Colton try to take over for her. Instead, he supported her and loved her and asked her what she needed and did it! Such a perfect gentleman!! 😍 highly recommend if you love small town romances and a happily ever after ending ❤️
Rating: 5/5
Steamy scenes: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
November 10, 2025
Pumpkin Patches & Cowboy Kisses
Dedication: To anyone who needs the reminder that it’s okay to start over.
Lucy (FMC): 27 • Pumpkin Path Owner • Dog Mom • Loves Animals, Color Pink , and Cowboy Boots • Sweet & Sunshiny • Talented Artist •
Colton (MMC): 36 • Retired Bull Rider • Plays Guitar • Farm of Retired Rodeo Animals Called ‘The Last Lasso’ • Cinnamon Roll •
Tropes:
🐖 Retired Bull Rider x Pumpkin Patch Owner
🎃 Small Town 🐖 Cowboy Romance 🎃 Brother's Best Friend 🐖 Secret Friends with Benefits
🎃 Slow Burn
🐖 Age Gap (9 years) 🎃 Found Family
🐖 Farm Animal Chaos
🎃 Text Conversations
🐖 Mistaken Identity
🎃 Banter as Flirting
🐖 Fall Bucket List
🎃 Accidental Roommates
🐖 Forced Proximity
🎃 Nicknames
🐖 Adorable Animal Sidekicks (🐕🐷🐷🐮)
🎃 Low Angst
🐖 No 3rd Act Breakup
Rating: 🐂🐂🐂🐂 (4⭐️)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️(dirty talk, praise, self pleasure, 🤟🏼, 👅, 💦💦, mustache riding, 💧play)
T/W: bull riding injuries (on page), TBI (on page), hospitalization (on page), death of a livestock animal (on page), grief (referenced), death of a parent (referenced), toxic relationship (not MCs, referenced)
A cozy, fall-drenched cowboy romance with a side of animal chaos, Secrets and Spurs delivers like a pumpkin spice latte on the first crisp morning of October. Colton Harris, a retired bull rider nursing the bruises of his past, moves to tiny Mills Corner for a fresh start and promptly falls for Lucy Phillips, the creative, big-hearted pumpkin patch owner who also happens to be his best friend’s little sister. Cue the forbidden tension, accidental roommates (thanks to a squirrel invasion), and slow burn chemistry hot enough to melt a marshmallow.
I adored how grounded and mature these two were. No petty drama, no third-act breakup—just two adults falling for each other despite the odds. The small town cast adds all the charm and mischief you could want (the pigs absolutely steal the show), and Colton’s soft spoken cowboy sweetness will ruin you for any man who doesn’t say darlin’ like a prayer.
Hollie Luckie nails the mix of humor, heart, and heat here. It’s funny, flirty, and full of the kind of fall magic that makes you want to move to Mills Corner, adopt a pig, and find a cowboy who’ll beg you to stay. Saddle up, because this one’s pure, feel good perfection.
I received an ARC copy and wanted to leave an honest review.
Dedication: To anyone who needs the reminder that it’s okay to start over.
Lucy (FMC): 27 • Pumpkin Path Owner • Dog Mom • Loves Animals, Color Pink , and Cowboy Boots • Sweet & Sunshiny • Talented Artist •
Colton (MMC): 36 • Retired Bull Rider • Plays Guitar • Farm of Retired Rodeo Animals Called ‘The Last Lasso’ • Cinnamon Roll •
Tropes:
🐖 Retired Bull Rider x Pumpkin Patch Owner
🎃 Small Town 🐖 Cowboy Romance 🎃 Brother's Best Friend 🐖 Secret Friends with Benefits
🎃 Slow Burn
🐖 Age Gap (9 years) 🎃 Found Family
🐖 Farm Animal Chaos
🎃 Text Conversations
🐖 Mistaken Identity
🎃 Banter as Flirting
🐖 Fall Bucket List
🎃 Accidental Roommates
🐖 Forced Proximity
🎃 Nicknames
🐖 Adorable Animal Sidekicks (🐕🐷🐷🐮)
🎃 Low Angst
🐖 No 3rd Act Breakup
Rating: 🐂🐂🐂🐂 (4⭐️)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️(dirty talk, praise, self pleasure, 🤟🏼, 👅, 💦💦, mustache riding, 💧play)
T/W: bull riding injuries (on page), TBI (on page), hospitalization (on page), death of a livestock animal (on page), grief (referenced), death of a parent (referenced), toxic relationship (not MCs, referenced)
A cozy, fall-drenched cowboy romance with a side of animal chaos, Secrets and Spurs delivers like a pumpkin spice latte on the first crisp morning of October. Colton Harris, a retired bull rider nursing the bruises of his past, moves to tiny Mills Corner for a fresh start and promptly falls for Lucy Phillips, the creative, big-hearted pumpkin patch owner who also happens to be his best friend’s little sister. Cue the forbidden tension, accidental roommates (thanks to a squirrel invasion), and slow burn chemistry hot enough to melt a marshmallow.
I adored how grounded and mature these two were. No petty drama, no third-act breakup—just two adults falling for each other despite the odds. The small town cast adds all the charm and mischief you could want (the pigs absolutely steal the show), and Colton’s soft spoken cowboy sweetness will ruin you for any man who doesn’t say darlin’ like a prayer.
Hollie Luckie nails the mix of humor, heart, and heat here. It’s funny, flirty, and full of the kind of fall magic that makes you want to move to Mills Corner, adopt a pig, and find a cowboy who’ll beg you to stay. Saddle up, because this one’s pure, feel good perfection.
I received an ARC copy and wanted to leave an honest review.
November 6, 2025
“And I’ll be honest, as much as I value your brother’s friendship, I’d do this whole thing a million times over as long as I end up with you in my arms at the end of the day.”
✔️cowboy romance
✔️brother’s best friend
✔️secret & forbidden relationship
✔️retired bull rider x pumpkin patch owner
✔️age gap (she’s 27, he’s 36)
✔️small town
✔️no 3rd act breakup
4.5⭐️
This is such a cute (and spicy) low angst cowboy romance. Yes, there is the forbidden aspect of their relationship because of their age gap and the fact that he is her brother’s best friend, but honestly he (the brother) is the only one with an issue and it is swiftly resolved when the time comes for that confrontation. I love that Lucy (FMC) and Colton (MMC) are both portrayed as mature characters who realize that their relationship is theirs and theirs alone, and don’t let outside influences ruin what they have (and that is discussed when they start their relationship, not when everything hits the fan in the third act).
The main characters are just so cute together, and they become each other’s support system when everything changes very quickly. They become accidental temporary roommates when the house he purchased is overrun by squirrels, and they go from strangers to spending every free moment they have together. They really do try to stay “just friends”, but of course we all know how that turns out (it is a romance after all). I love that some of the main side characters are farm animals — there is an orphaned calf, two pigs, and a handful of squirrels; they act like are dogs and insist on sitting on laps, chasing each other around, and playing fetch. They are chaos, but it just adds a fun (and a little zany) aspect to the story.
I am looking forward to seeing more of this small town in the future, and would love to see the FMC’s best friend/cousin get her HEA after all of the trauma she goes through in this book (it mostly happens off page, but is a major topic of discussion, please check the content warnings before diving in). Overall this is a fun read and I’m glad I picked it up!
*Thank you so much to the author (Hollie Luckie) and House of Hearts PR for the opportunity to ARC read this book! All opinions are my own*
✔️cowboy romance
✔️brother’s best friend
✔️secret & forbidden relationship
✔️retired bull rider x pumpkin patch owner
✔️age gap (she’s 27, he’s 36)
✔️small town
✔️no 3rd act breakup
4.5⭐️
This is such a cute (and spicy) low angst cowboy romance. Yes, there is the forbidden aspect of their relationship because of their age gap and the fact that he is her brother’s best friend, but honestly he (the brother) is the only one with an issue and it is swiftly resolved when the time comes for that confrontation. I love that Lucy (FMC) and Colton (MMC) are both portrayed as mature characters who realize that their relationship is theirs and theirs alone, and don’t let outside influences ruin what they have (and that is discussed when they start their relationship, not when everything hits the fan in the third act).
The main characters are just so cute together, and they become each other’s support system when everything changes very quickly. They become accidental temporary roommates when the house he purchased is overrun by squirrels, and they go from strangers to spending every free moment they have together. They really do try to stay “just friends”, but of course we all know how that turns out (it is a romance after all). I love that some of the main side characters are farm animals — there is an orphaned calf, two pigs, and a handful of squirrels; they act like are dogs and insist on sitting on laps, chasing each other around, and playing fetch. They are chaos, but it just adds a fun (and a little zany) aspect to the story.
I am looking forward to seeing more of this small town in the future, and would love to see the FMC’s best friend/cousin get her HEA after all of the trauma she goes through in this book (it mostly happens off page, but is a major topic of discussion, please check the content warnings before diving in). Overall this is a fun read and I’m glad I picked it up!
*Thank you so much to the author (Hollie Luckie) and House of Hearts PR for the opportunity to ARC read this book! All opinions are my own*
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