If The Boot Fits is an adorable yet saucy Cinderella retelling that straddles the worlds of Hollywood and horses. Our kind people-pleasing celebrity assistant heroine beguiles all creatures great and small as well as a Charming (heh) Oscar-winning actor who is coping with the demands of fame. The banter and chemistry between our starring pair is top notch, the evil step-sister is truly hateful and wicked, and the fairytale fantasy is balanced expertly with the realities of life and show business in the 21st Century. It's a very enjoyable, fast-paced romance that doesn't have unnecessary drama yet is full of romantic, sexual, and dramatic tension.

I haven't read a book this fast in a long time, this is a keeper. If the Boot Fits is a low conflict, m/f Black romance with characters that you want to be friends with. Both Amanda and Sam are just genuinely NICE. No alpha hole, no ego that's out of control in this Hollywood star that's Sam. Amanda is not lacking in self-confidence, she has dreams, she's a good friend, and she's fun. I really enjoyed both of them so much. I also love the Pleasant family, all the different dynamics at play just like in a big family. This is family that's got your back and will call you out when you need it. There are other friends involved and they are also the rock solid friends we need. Heat is on the page, fully satisfying and sexy.
CW for an abusive boss and some nasty social media that includes some fat shaming. This is not the core of the story and is not something that brings down the characters, it's nasty gossip and handled as such.

I highly recommend this one, a great second story in the Cowboys of California series. It will go on the keeper shelf.

A cowboy Cinderella retelling!

Let me start by saying I LOVE Rebekah Weatherspoon. She is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors, people to follow, and go-to for a quick read that is guaranteed to make me smile and generally help my mood.

Especially during this time we really need those go-to authors more than ever. Most of her books are also short so they are readable in one afternoon (which is usually when I read). This book just really wasn't my favorite though but it wasn't bad! Cinderella retellings are NOTORIOUSLY my least favorite so that was probably a factor and I felt like the characters just spent too much time not really together for me. I didn't love that. But overall I'm glad to be back in this world and look forward to maybe Lilah next???? Fingers crossed!

Amanda has just woken up from the most amazing one night stand with the newly Oscar winning Sam Pleasant, but she has to return to her real life as the assistant to a demanding, abusive starlet. Fate, however, will keep reuniting these two.

I found this modern retelling of Cinderella absolutely charming. Amanda is confident in her personal life, but struggling with an abusive boss. Sam has reached the pinnacle of success and is undecided about what he wants next. Professionally, that is. He knows he wants: Amanda.

I liked the supportive friends and family that both the MCs have, and the reflection of how a toxic relationship can color the others in your life.

While I enjoyed the first book in this series, this one worked even better for me. I found it easy to slip into, fairly low stakes, and a wonderful distraction from the world at large.

I received an ARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley.

This book was definitely a mixed bag. Sam was a great hero, ambitious, but kind, respectful and very grounded with a strong family behind him. He was finally starting to see real success as an actor and wanted to further his career, but at the same time, he was at a crossroads and wasn't sure exactly where he wanted his life to go. Amanda was a PA to an actress on a hit show, had a positive attitude, and was also a very kind person, sometimes too much so as she let her unlikable boss walk all over her. She was secure enough to decide she needed to bust loose and have a one-night stand with Sam when she met him at an Oscars after-party, but then walked away as she felt she didn't have room in her life for more emotional entanglements. While I liked them both separately, I didn't feel much connection or chemistry between them so I found the book a bit slow and wasn't invested in their relationship. I also felt like the drama and the relationship obstacles were not that big of a deal and I had a hard time understanding why Amanda kept pushing away this obviously great guy, who was totally into her. However, I loved all of the scenes at Sam's family ranch outside of LA and I loved the glimpses of his family and friends and how they welcomed Amanda with absolutely no hesitation. Overall, love the family, love the ranch, and was intrigued enough by Sam's brother to want to read his story which will be the next book in the series.

Finally, one last niggle - I was absolutely baffled over the use of the word "thee" preceding Sam's grandma's name, as in "thee Leona Lewis". The first time it happened, I thought it was an editing mistake, but then it was repeated several more times, then used in front of another character's name, and each time it threw me right out of the story. Is there some new, modern slang usage of "thee" that I'm completely unaware of? I know I read an ARC version, but I sincerely hope the editors fix this as well as some other obvious grammar errors. before the final edition is released.

This book follows Amanda and Sam who have a one night stand. Amanda accidentally takes Sam's Oscar, but they don't actually see one another again until a mutual friend's wedding that takes place at the Pleasants' ranch. I have somewhat complicated feelings about If the Boot Fits and a lot of them are things that are very much it's me and not the book so this review isn't easy to write. Amanda is a Hollywood assistant to a D-list celebrity who is actually an abusive boss with no respect for boundaries or other people. Dru, the boss, is theoretically nuanced and I know she reads that way to others, but I just absolutely despised her and there was nothing about her that made me understand why Amanda didn't apply to work LITERALLY anywhere else. This toxic work environment made it really tough for me to read and I felt like the work environment was really overshadowing the romance.

Eventually, the romance did manage to surpass the work aspect, but it shares a lot of screen time with Sam's family, whom I adore. The problem for me, with this book, is that while I liked it fine, I also felt like the romance just winds up not being what I think of when reflecting on this book. And I feel like if so much of this book was going to be dealing with Amanda's job, I needed her to have a satisfying HEA with the job thing too and I mean, sure, I guess we get that? But I didn't feel satisfied with it at all.

Ultimately, it's hard for me to talk about the things I liked about this book because they're so overshadowed by the main thing I didn't like. I would not want to discourage anyone from picking up this book though. Just make sure you're in the right headspace to deal with a character working in such a toxic environment for a really, really, really long time.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy for review!

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

If the Boot Fits is a delightful second book in Rebekah Weatherspoon’s Cowboys of California series. The first one was great, in spite of the fact that I’m not a huge fan of amnesia plots, but I had high hopes for this one, with its fun, fresh take on the Cinderella story.

Sam might just be my favorite Pleasant brother, and not just because, according to Rebekah Weatherspoon’s Twitter, he’s modeled, at least physically, on John Boyega. I liked the insight into life as an actor, especially how the story lightly touches on the real life struggles of Black actors in getting roles that don’t fall into certain stereotypes. And I also liked seeing more of him in the context of the Pleasant family, one of the highlights of the first book.

I really liked and rooted for Amanda, given the toxic situation she has to be in in order to survive and find a leg up in the world. And as far as her relationship with Sam goes, I like that she was up-front, from returning the award she took by accident right away to confiding some of her issues when she felt she could. While she did keep some secrets, they are understandable ones, and it’s refreshing to have a couple have such Frank talks instead of playing games.

I did want a bit more nuance from Dru as an antagonist. At first, there’s a possibility of that, but later, she ends up being the cliche “evil stepsister” stand-in. I’m all for not forgiving people who are toxic to you, but I would have hoped for at least some demonstration of remorse or depth on her part.

Otherwise, this is a wonderful, fluffy romance that is perfect for our continually turbulent times. If you love fairy tale retellings and/or Black romance, you won’t want to miss this one!

This book was so much better than the first one in the series! It features another Pleasant brother, Sam, and his Cinderella-- Amanda, who happens to be a personal assistant for a D-List TV star (Dru Anastasia... nice play on names!) They meet at the Vanity Fair Post-Oscars party and hit it off and end up having a one night stand. Amanda clearly knows who Sam is (he just won his first Oscar) but he doesn't even know her name. Amanda likes to keep things quiet. She's an aspiring writer, but she knows that Dru needs all the attention on her. It doesn't help when Amanda runs into Sam at her friend's wedding, held on his family's ranch. The chemistry is still there and they run with it. And, of course, like any Cinderella story, all hell breaks loose when Dru tries to "frame" Amanda for only being a lowly PA. I wish it was a bit steamier, like all RW books should be, but considering it's traditionally published, I'll roll with it. BUY THIS NOW!!!!

This my first book reading by this author. I have her first book in the series in my TBR pile and after reading “If the Boot Fits” ” I most definitely am putting it in the forefront for my next read.

Sam and Zack Pleasant are cowboys and are brothers of which Zack was introduced in “A Cowboy to Remember”. The Pleasants have and run their own resort. These cowboys are awesome. “If the Boot Fits” is a page turner and kept me intrigued from the beginning.

Sam Pleasant is an actor and also a cowboy and has just won his first Oscar and attends the after party and meets the gorgeous and intriguing Amanda Queen.

Amanda Queen is the personal assistant to Dru one of Hollywood’s divas from hell and isn’t liking her job very much. Hollywood’s diva suddenly becomes ill and Amanda gets a chance to party in the big league and meets the hot cowboy actor Sam Pleasant, love that cowboy hat.

Sam are Amanda are truly meant to be together and are awesome. Sam and Amanda are both feeling each other and have a fantastic time rolling around underneath the sheets, hot, hot. Amanda has not given Sam her real name and once playing under the sheets is over, she seeks out and accidently grabs Sam’s swag bag containing is Oscar.

Sam’s gets his Oscar back and he and Amanda go for it. Sam is patient and not rushing Amanda into anything. Sam’s family is great and we can see where Sam chose the field of acting, his grandmother is a famous actress. Amanda fits right in with the Pleasant Family and has a grand old time.

I loved this cowboy romance and I know that I have other cowboy romance stories on my tablet and I gotta read them. I like when I read books and they hold my interest and I find I have similar books in my TBR pile. So many books but not enough time to read them all. But I so love it.

Love how Amanda handled Dru her boss from hell. Way to go Amanda.

Hopefully Jesse’s book is quickly on the way. Love these cowboys.

I requested an ARC and got approved “If the Boot Fits” from Netgalley. I also purchased the paperback and I’m waiting for it to arrive.

I’m voluntarily reading and leaving a review that are my own opinions, a big thanks to Netgalley.

If the Boot Fits by Rebekah Weatherspoon is the second story in the Cowboys of California series and has so many elements that make it a fabulous and enjoyable read. Great banter, four-legged friends and deliciously hot chemistry between our primary couple, these are just some of what you can look forward to when indulging in this book. And as for exceptional characters; first you have Amanda who is smart, sassy and oh so confident, and then there’s Sam who is naturally sex on legs but has a depth you don’t see coming. I thoroughly captivated by this book and can’t wait for more from Ms Weatherspoon.

***eArc provided by Netgalley & Kensington Books in exchange for an honest review***

It's no surprise that I jumped at the chance to read Rebekah Weatherspoon's newest book. I hadn't yet read the first book in this series, but it rested on my shelf ready to be consumed whenever I had a free moment to get lost in a sexy cowboy world.

While I liked "A Cowboy to Remember" enough, the trope at the center of that novel isn't my favorite. This book, however? Howdy COWBOY! This book was exactly what I was looking for and I feel like I could read it over and over again. It's certainly the truest Hollywood romance book I've ever read, and I've read a few to different results. It's not pitch perfect, but Hollywood is often mundane and boring, so Weatherspoon fast tracks things that wouldn't be quite as fun to read about. Also, as someone who wants to showrun a sci-fi TV show to run on HBO for no less than four seasons, I can relate to Amanda so much that I thought I'd manifested this book and character to deal with my own anxieties about making it in the industry. If only a handsome, Oscar winning actor whose family owns a stunning ranch would dance his way into my life!

Rebekah Weastherspoon does such an amazing job, as always, filling out the world and the characters. The third act drama is free from weighing down the couple and making you wonder why they're even together, and I know beyond a shadow of a doubt (and not just because it's a lovely romance novel) that Amanda and Sam are going to be together forever.

I can't wait to see what she does with Jesse's romance next!

If you're looking for a sweet low-angst contemporary cowboy romance, If The Boot Fits is the one! I'll admit, I'm used a little more steam in RW's books, but the banter and one-liners between Amanda and Sam made up for it. I definitely expected there to be high-drama with an actor as an MC, but thankfully, RW subverted that and it made me love the couple even more.

Sam and Amanda are so sweet together in this opposites attract story about an Oscar-winning actor who falls for a PA, used to being in the background.
From the first scene of Amanda silently sneaking out of the hotel room she just spent the night in with Sam, and accidentally stealing his award, I was IN.
The banter between Amanda and Sam was so funny and swoon-worthy. I loved that although they’re in different places career-wise they had common ground and there’s mutual respect and care for each other.

I enjoyed this story even more than the first book. While there was less ooen-door sex between Samuel and Amanda, their romance and chemistry was fantastic. I loved Amanda's confidence in her sex appeal and enjoyed watching her confidence build in regard to her talents. Samuel was such a gentleman and the best mix of Hollywood Star/ cowboy. Big Rock Ranch needs to be a real place i can run away to now!

I am certainly not a Rebekah Weatherspoon expert, but If the Boot Fits feels like the most comfortable book she has written. I don’t know if it’s the one I’m the most comfortable with, or if she’s comfortably in her authorial stride. Either way, everything about this worked for me. Her Cowboys of Charming series has a lot less steam than her self published books, but she doesn’t skimp on the heat between Amanda and Sam. Best of all, she hasn’t toned down her amazing characters.

We meet Amanda as she is waking up in bed after a one night stand with new Oscar winner Sam Pleasant. She rolls out of bed, grabs the swag bag she managed to get at the swanky Oscar’s after party, and exits without leaving her name or contact information. The night before had been a fairytale, apart from her real life as an assistant to a demanding young TV actress. Yes, this is a Cinderella retelling. Though she has no intention of seeing Sam again, he intends to track her down. Hollywood is a small place and they bump into each other, and then she ends up at a wedding at Sam’s family’s ranch.

Amanda is smart, funny, and comfortable with her own sense of worth, but vulnerable about how other people, beyond a trusted few, will value her. She’s very aware that her ambition, imagination and capabilities are far greater than the opportunities currently available to her. Amanda has tremendous compassion for the young actress she works for, even while she is frustrated by both the trajectory of her career and the humiliations her boss heaps on her. She knows she is getting towards the end of her rope, but doesn’t see a way to get from where she is to where she wants to be. She gives her employer a lot of her time and energy and needs to keep what’s left for herself. She doesn’t have room for Sam, as sexy and in to her as he is.

Sam, having just reached a major high point of his career, is feeling at loose ends and uncertain of his next steps. He wants Amanda in his life, but when she sets a boundary he respects it. He also offers no strings attached help and care. Sam comes from a family of women who know their mind, making rhythm of banter and care that he falls into with Amanda feel like a natural extension of who he is.

One of the secondary characters is Sam’s grandmother and the family matriarch, acting legend Miss Leona Lewis. We don’t spend much time with Miss Leona but her every move reverberates through the family. I love this scene between Miss Leona and Amanda because it shows Miss Leona’s grace, Amanda’s sweetness, and both of their sense of humor.

“She turned toward Amanda and, as if in the most magical slow motion, held open her arms. With a gracious flick of her wrists and careful nod of “get your ass over here,” she beckoned Amanda into her warm embrace.

“This is like being hugged by Jesus,” Amanda whispered. “This is the hug I’ve been dreaming of my whole life.””

I loved that when Amanda ran into trouble, her friends are there and ready to help. Amanda doesn’t need to be a strong woman who can take care of herself because she has people who want to help her take care of herself. None of us can survive without help and community. I would also love for Amanda’s dream tv show were a reality.

I received an arc of If the Boot Fits from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The second Cowboys of California story is about an Oscar-winning actor and an aspiring screenwriter. Their sizzling relationship gets thrown into the Hollywood spotlight, even though they were trying to keep things quiet.

Amanda McQueen is a personal assistant to a Hollywood diva who is cruel and belittling. Amanda gets a temporary escape from the cruelty when she attends the Oscar extravaganza. While attending this event she comes face to face with one of the hottest stars in Hollywood on the night he earns his first Oscar..

Sam Pleasant is on cloud nine after winning his first Oscar. He celebrates by spending an unforgettable night with a beautiful woman. They agreed to not share names. But when that night is over and the beauty disappears Sam cannot stop thinking about her. That one night will open up an opportunity for more when they see each other again at a friend's wedding.

Can this chance encounter become more - even with all the paparazzi chasing them?

Amanda is a lowly personal assistant to a self involved abusive TV SciFi actress. Sam is now Hollywood royalty having just won an Oscar. They meet and hook up at an after party. Amanda leaves in the early morning, thinking she is just a one nice stand and wanting to save them both embarrassment. Sam wishes she had stayed and thinks about her until they meet up again at his family ranch. Sam talks her into seeing each other but Amanda’s boss, in a rage of jealousy, outs their relationship. Will their feelings for one another weather the storm?
This modified Cinderella tale serves up some sizzle and banter. Or more aptly put some sizzling banter and some sizzling love scenes. The dialogue is laugh out loud funny and the characters are relatable and quirky. I would highly recommend this book to my patrons.

Great book, just a really slow start for me. The plot was well paced and well written and I enjoyed my time with this book. Can’t wait for the next in the series!

I hate to say this because I like the author's books, but this series is so... boring. I feel like I'm not the right reader and that's okay. I honestly can't explain it. Is it the setting? Is it the cowboys? I'm just not invested at all, and it sucks because I like the author's backlist so much.

I really do reserve my five star rankings for books that I truly feel are the best versions of themselves that they can be, and I honestly feel that way about this one.

I was delighted right from the start, with a Cinderella retelling using a one night stand as its premise. I think this is a Hollywood romance that really tackles ideas that are subtle and interesting. For one, our Oscar-winning main character Sam is trying to make the best choices he can within a very flawed filmmaking system. Our other main character, aspiring writer Amanda, is experiencing the loneliness that comes with trying to survive while going after your dream, and that felt so honest to me.

This is ultimately a quite low tension book, which is what I wanted it to be, and there's lots of time in the book to relax at the ranch and enjoy the dynamics of the family, and fictional Hollywood legend Miss Leona in particular. Cowboys are not as aesthetic I particularly care about, but boy do I want to go to this ranch and kick back.

Amanda is a plus size character who does not hate herself, which is great to see. She's a Sailor Moon fan, so I love her. She does get subjected to some fatphobic cruelty in the book, but I thought it was handled in a really sensitive way that protects readers. I'm just so impressed. So happy to continue with this series!

I continue to be utterly charmed by the Pleasant brothers and Charming Ranch! I love the Pleasant family and many of the supporting characters in this world. Amanda feels like a real person, she is so funny with the normal insecurities we all have. I was rooting for her right at the beginning. Her chemistry with Sam is hot, hot, hot. I appreciate their mutual respect and the banter had me giggling constantly throughout the whole book. Am also happy to report there is no dramatic breakup or fight over a miscommunication, this is a couple that talks and listens to each other and I AM HERE FOR IT.

Rebekah Weatherspoon continues to write amazing and fun love stories! She does not disappoint!