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The Embers We Hold: A Steamy One Night Stand Redemption Cowboy Romance
Book 3 of The Cowboys of Copper Creek Series. Maggie's Story is Coming March 2026
315 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 25, 2026
25 people are currently reading
13 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
March 26, 2026
Wow. Jack and Maggie’s love story is now one of my all-time favorites.
Maggie is hardworking, fiercely dedicated to her family, and a strong, independent woman. She’s spent her adult life running her family’s ranch, thriving on structure and discipline. She tends to stick to what she knows until one night, when she steps into a bar outside of town and meets Jack. Their connection is instant, and they agree to one night together… never expecting to see each other again.
But everything changes when Jack shows up for his new job as a ranch hand on Maggie’s family ranch.
Maggie tries to compartmentalize and keep her guard up, but for the first time, she’s tempted to follow what she truly wants. Jack is right there beside her, never pushing and willing to be what she needs. He’s truly one of my favorite MMCs I’ve ever read. He's layered, emotionally open, and shaped by a past filled with loss and grief. Despite that, he loves with such vulnerability and steadiness. So swoon worthy!! At the same time, he refuses to be Maggie’s secret indefinitely; he wants to love her out in the open, the way she deserves.
I didn’t expect this level of depth and emotion from an interconnected standalone. This story strikes the perfect balance between love and struggle, vulnerability and growth. We need more men like Jack Remington!!
This was an easy 5-star read for me. The other books in this series are fantastic as well, and I found myself wanting to be part of the Blackwood family. The sibling relationships add so much humor and depth. I love them all, but this one is my favorite.
Maggie is hardworking, fiercely dedicated to her family, and a strong, independent woman. She’s spent her adult life running her family’s ranch, thriving on structure and discipline. She tends to stick to what she knows until one night, when she steps into a bar outside of town and meets Jack. Their connection is instant, and they agree to one night together… never expecting to see each other again.
But everything changes when Jack shows up for his new job as a ranch hand on Maggie’s family ranch.
Maggie tries to compartmentalize and keep her guard up, but for the first time, she’s tempted to follow what she truly wants. Jack is right there beside her, never pushing and willing to be what she needs. He’s truly one of my favorite MMCs I’ve ever read. He's layered, emotionally open, and shaped by a past filled with loss and grief. Despite that, he loves with such vulnerability and steadiness. So swoon worthy!! At the same time, he refuses to be Maggie’s secret indefinitely; he wants to love her out in the open, the way she deserves.
I didn’t expect this level of depth and emotion from an interconnected standalone. This story strikes the perfect balance between love and struggle, vulnerability and growth. We need more men like Jack Remington!!
This was an easy 5-star read for me. The other books in this series are fantastic as well, and I found myself wanting to be part of the Blackwood family. The sibling relationships add so much humor and depth. I love them all, but this one is my favorite.
March 22, 2026
Maggie + Jack
Maggie is hyper independent, smart, and beautiful. One night of blowing off steam and her steam ends up following her home (days later).
Jack is the calm in the storm. He is just there.. by her side and he is okay waiting... until he isn't.
The Embers We Hold is a small town one night stand romance where feelings get brought to the forefront rather quickly because when you know, you know. I really loved the 'realness' of Maggie's feelings about where she was in life as well as making sure everyone else was taken care of before she looked at herself. Jack is the one who is going to make sure she takes a moment to care for herself. I also loved the family (and how they just knew about her and Jack). The family vibes and ranch setting is enough to get you to dive in & roll through the pages.
Thank you to Booksprout and the author for a reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Maggie is hyper independent, smart, and beautiful. One night of blowing off steam and her steam ends up following her home (days later).
Jack is the calm in the storm. He is just there.. by her side and he is okay waiting... until he isn't.
The Embers We Hold is a small town one night stand romance where feelings get brought to the forefront rather quickly because when you know, you know. I really loved the 'realness' of Maggie's feelings about where she was in life as well as making sure everyone else was taken care of before she looked at herself. Jack is the one who is going to make sure she takes a moment to care for herself. I also loved the family (and how they just knew about her and Jack). The family vibes and ranch setting is enough to get you to dive in & roll through the pages.
Thank you to Booksprout and the author for a reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 27, 2026
4.25 stars.
The connection and chemistry between these two was so good, they clicked and worked so well together and I really enjoyed seeing them met, meet again and give in to their feelings. I really liked how open and honest they were with each other, the way they understood and accepted one another, and the way they brightened each other's lives.
I wanted to hug them at times, cheer them on, and I hurt when they hurt. They had good support around them, people who took an interest in their lives (and weren't shy about saying what they thought), were there for them when things were hard and celebrated with them when things were good. This story held my interest throughout and seeing them get their HEA made my heart smile.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The connection and chemistry between these two was so good, they clicked and worked so well together and I really enjoyed seeing them met, meet again and give in to their feelings. I really liked how open and honest they were with each other, the way they understood and accepted one another, and the way they brightened each other's lives.
I wanted to hug them at times, cheer them on, and I hurt when they hurt. They had good support around them, people who took an interest in their lives (and weren't shy about saying what they thought), were there for them when things were hard and celebrated with them when things were good. This story held my interest throughout and seeing them get their HEA made my heart smile.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Book three of "The Cowboys of Copper Creek" is a heart-tangling mess of emotions that will make you ugly cry at one point - keep the tissues handy! Maggie Blackwood keeps everything and everyone at the ranch operating. She's the one everyone goes to - the one everybody depends on - and Maggie's slowly drowning. While away on ranch business, Maggie meets Jack in a bar and enjoys a night of freedom before heading home. Imagine the shock a week later when he father introduces the new hire at the ranch - Jack Remington. A really, really good book!!!
Review of advance copy
Whoa! Jack and Maggie are so hot, I either need to find the nearest horse trough or the pond. This is the first time I’ve read this author, and holy hotness am I obsessed. Jack and Maggie are the absolute best. Their attraction is undeniable. But they’re so much more than that. Their contention is beautiful. I loved the way these two were with one another. They were so sweet and caring. This story truly brought forth the love and caring between them. You can’t go wrong with a hot Cowboy and a beaut woman. Such an excellent story. Can’t wait to read the next one.
March 22, 2026
I received an eARC copy of this book via Booksprout, and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Another emotional, addictive and wonderful book in this series.
I never thought I’d love cowboy romance, but these books and characters have drawn me in so much.
I loved reading about Maggie opening up emotionally and Jack’s persistent patience. I really enjoyed Maggie and Jack’s story, and who doesn’t love a good dog (Sully).
Another emotional, addictive and wonderful book in this series.
I never thought I’d love cowboy romance, but these books and characters have drawn me in so much.
I loved reading about Maggie opening up emotionally and Jack’s persistent patience. I really enjoyed Maggie and Jack’s story, and who doesn’t love a good dog (Sully).
Review of advance copy received from Author
“The Embers We Hold” by Nicola Hayes
-An emotional small-town romance filled with heart, healing, and strong family ties. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.
Maggie and Jack’s story balances vulnerability with patience, creating a deeply real connection. A touching, sometimes tearful read with lovable characters, ranch life charm, and a satisfying happy ending.
-An emotional small-town romance filled with heart, healing, and strong family ties. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.
Maggie and Jack’s story balances vulnerability with patience, creating a deeply real connection. A touching, sometimes tearful read with lovable characters, ranch life charm, and a satisfying happy ending.
March 25, 2026
Whatever you do you absolutely must read this amazing cowboy romance story. In fact, I strongly recommend you read this series.
This book really captures the essence of Jack and Maggie’s relationship.
Nicola really has written the best romance book right here.
This book really captures the essence of Jack and Maggie’s relationship.
Nicola really has written the best romance book right here.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews