I really enjoyed reading this as it was my first cowboy romcom, and I loved the author's previous book sm. You can tell a lot of efforts were put into showing a realistic representation of the cowboy lifestyle, if you may, although I wouldn't know so it might just be crazy nonsense (and I wouldn't care if it was)

The meta writing was sooo fun, how the MC analyzed and commented what happened through a reader's perspective like the one bed trope etc, her writing process moments were really interesting and familiar for writers out there.

Sadly I didn't feel any butterflies for Eric, dont know if the name ruined it for me if he was just too soft for my taste but it lacked a little oumf to make him irresistible. For starters, his name is ERIC 🚶‍♀️ it's really hard to picture a hot guy named Eric (sorry to any Erics out there) add to that his silent but soft behaviour it didn't match what I expected from a cowboy love interest (even the one scene where he gets protective it lacked intensity and testosterone..... but maybe I think that because of my romance-reader addled brain)

I was just reading for the vibes really because the family and side characters are so cute and the setting is gorgeous (I'm obsessed with the horse--cowboy-ranch aesthetic leave me alone) so I still enjoyed the ride despite the love story feeling a bit bland and flat, too cozy and sweet for my taste (then again, I'm the type of reader who craves some drama along with the romance) not to mention the last 40% being all about navigating a long distance relationship with different expectations and fears etc which is very realistic but doesn't make me swoon at all, I start losing interest once the couples get together.

Right so as you can see this is a very personal take and heavily influenced by my personal tastes, it was a really good book and I love this author's writing. I heavily recommend Yes Chef, her first book, which was a 5 stars for me!


[Review posted on Goodreads and short one on Instagram]

This was a prefect summer cowboy romance.

After getting denied 14 times on her next novel, Amelia friend suggests the real thing. Going out to Colorado plains for some in house experience! Amelia didn't think it was a good idea but her mom told her she had no other options. Staying with her friends family on their farm/land she thought she was just going to sit back and view from afar. Boy was she wrong. After busting a tire, her first impression with the brooding cowboy was not what she imagined. This trip was going to get her a 15th denial. Now she just needs to win the heart of the brooding cowboy and maybe she'll be able to write a full story.

Amelia was such a fun character to read about! She was very well driven and independent. I loved her back story and how it made her even stronger. She wasn't afraid to get out there and learn to produce for her novel. The relationships she built with each character was immaculate. She was so easy going and the other character never batted an eye away from her. They took her in as their own.

Eric was broody but sensitive. He definitely had his guard up, for reason. He definitely gave off older brother vibes to the family and to others as well. He is someone who wants to control things because he wants to make sure everyone and everything is okay. His grumpiness at the beginning was so fun to read. It's only time until they break!

I loved how this was much more than just a summer romance, it was an author really getting into character and their ability to write a story. The experience Amelia experienced was so nice as a reader because we were able to see how it all came along. I wish there was a bit more before the relationship started to elongate the banter but to me it seemed that the couple jumped too fast into a relationship. I wanted to cherish them without them being an item.

All the side characters were so great, I don't think there is one I disliked or didn't fit! Super fun and great novel written. Definitely have a fan!

Thank you NetGalley, and Waitlyn Andrews for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

SPOILER FREE BOOK REVIEW ❤️
⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️- 4 stars
🌶- Spice

This book surprised me *in a good way* - I typically steer away from slow burns but this one has not only captured my heart but also allowed me to dip my toes into Cowboy Romance!

Some Tropes:
🧡 Cowboy x City Girl
🧡 Grumpy x Sunshine
🧡 Slow Burn

I really enjoyed the relationship building in this book. It truly was an ode to "home isn't a place but the people you surround yourself with." Amelia felt realistic in terms of how trauma can affect a person and the support that she gets from not just Eric but ALL the characters in this book is swoon worthy. I am officially in my cowboy romance era and I have Waitlyn Andrews to thank! Just something to note: there isn't really any spice in this story, but if you're looking for a cute little romance story - this is for you!

The only thing I wish this book had was Eric's POV! I think that would've added a little more depth to the story.

I was lucky enough to be given a copy of this book. Thank you to NetGalley for an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review!

I loved this fun cowboy romance! The main characters are so relatable and loveable. I'm looking forward to new works from this author!

The cutest cowboy romcom I’ve read lately. The perfect mix of dialogue, swoon, and humor that read like watching a movie. I had to go get the other book by this author as well. Excellent! Can’t wait to read more!

y'all this was such a cute western romance!!

rating- ⭐⭐⭐⭐
spice- none
do i recommend?- YES 1000x

tropes:
- small-town romance
- grumpy x sunshine
- cowboy MMC & writer FMC
- forced proximity
- rodeos
- found family
- he calls her "Red" for her boots
- slow burn

thank you to netgalley and waitlyn for the opportunity to read and review this book!!

4.5 stars

This book, especially for being self-published, was great. Grumpy rancher Eric was a complete softie underneath all those scowls and became so swoon-worthy once he finally accepted his feelings. The drunk confession scene absolutely melted me. I can only imagine how good this author could be once they get a break because with a little bit of professional editing (the last 20% was a tad drawn out for me), this would've been beyond 5 stars. I would call this more "no spice" vs "closed door" but I'll be honest I was hoping for spice solely because I felt this author would have written AMAZING scenes. I really connected with the writing style and the pacing (at least for the first 80%). If the author wanted to stick to western/cowboy romance and added spice, I think they could easily be the next Elsie Silver or Lyla Sage. I am excited to check out their first book now that I've been introduced.

Thank you to NetGalley and Waitlyn Andrews for this ARC!

“I like you in my hat.” “I like wearing your hat.” 🤠

ARC REVIEW - RIDER’S BLOCK BY WAITLYN ANDREWS 🐴

This was such a cozy and cute cowboy romance. I loved all of the characters. I loved getting to know them and learning little tidbits of their lives as the story went on. And reading about the friendships and the relationships flourishing was amazing. I really loved how everyone at the ranch immediately welcomed Amelia into their family, it was really sweet. Amelia and Eric had a great relationship buildup, and strong character development both separately and together, it was well written and executed great.

Although, I found the pacing a little slow, it was still a fun, quick read! And despite that, Waitlyn did a fantastic job of engaging the reader into the settings-the rodeos, the baking and dancing, gazing at the starry night sky, and the breeze on your face while horseback riding. It really made the story so compelling and all those little moments had me smiling throughout. Another awesome thing was that at the beginning of each chapter, it had a song listed! I love when books have a chapter playlist! Waitlyn really chose some great songs!

I really enjoyed this one! I wish it was a series so I could see more of them! I definitely recommend this if you love a closed door cowboy romance 🐎

Tropes/What to expect:
🧡 Cowboy x Writer romance
🧡 Found Family
🧡 Grumpy/Sunshine
🧡 No spice
🧡 One horse
🧡 Slow burn
🧡 He calls her ‘red’
🧡 1st POV
🧡 Learning about ranch life & Rodeos

I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This was a fun fluff read about an author trying to break into a new genre but suffers from writer's block. Cute fun light

This was a slow burn, small town, big family, cowboy romance. Mia travels to Colarodo to learn about life on a ranch as research for her book that is getting rejected for its unrealistic setting. While there she falls in love with ranch life and the family and friends who have taken her in and made her feel at home. With some light hearted conflict along the way this grumpy/sunshine romance is a feel good read. No on page intimacy.

Wow wow wow. I absolutely LOVED this book! It was definitely swoon worthy. This was my first Cowboy Romance and I don’t think I can read another genre now. The romance between Grumpy Eric and Sunshine Amelia was truly beautiful to read about. Amelia’s character definitely resonated a lot with me because *daddy issues*. This was a very slow burn, closed door romance that I DEVOURED in two days.

Thank you SO much to NetGalley and Waitlyn Andrews for the ARC. Rider’s Block is out September 26, 2024 and 1000% worth the read!

if you are a fan of Wells Ranch like I am, this is perfect if you want a closed door romance with similar vibes.

i never expect to love a closed door romance. to be honest, i went into this not even knowing it was one. however, their chemistry between eric and amelia was so perfect that the tension throughout the entire book carried so nicely.

amelia wasn’t my favorite fmc. she was very back and forth and stubborn when it came to her feelings. we do learn why she is the way she is but it felt like it went on for so long. the second she admits her feelings, everything happens so fast and thats not my favorite in books.

eric was an amazing grumpy cowboy. i just wished it was dual pov so we could get more inside of his brain. he was stirring with his feelings for so long, it would have been really nice to see them.

this was overall a really well done cowboy romance! it really feels true to the culture and its a breath of fresh air.

4.5 stars!

*Single POV (h)
*No OWD
*He falls first
*Cowboy x Author
*Colorado setting
*Closed door romance - only kisses on page
*Does include cursing so I wouldn't call it 'clean' romance
*Epilogue set 1 yr later

This book was exactly what I needed.

If you like cowboy romance with grumpy men who are a little reluctant at first but then fall HARD, then this is for you. I honestly didn't even mind the lack of spice. It was a nice change of pace amidst my smut-fest 2024.

The cover is what drew me in at first. Then I stuck around for the brooding male lead.

This book has a family dynamic most would dream for. I want to be a Randall so bad! There is a heavy mention of food/cooking, so grab snacks when you read too. ;)

This e-arc came courtesy of the author and NetGalley. Big thanks to them for the chance to grab this one early.

The book had a great start to it, and I love a cowboy romance. I liked the couple together though I wish I got Eric's pov as well in this book. I didn't love the main character that much which is what brought the book down for me. She complained about getting a Prius, but that's not how renting a car works, you choose the car you want, you aren't just assigned a car. There were a bunch of little things like that that I found irksome about Amelia, and it brought down my enjoyment of the book. Overall this was a fun read, and I did enjoy getting to learn more about rodeo events.

I felt there was a missed opportunity with having Penny/Dean get together in this book, I felt like they easily could've had their own book for their romance.

Thank you to NetGalley for an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Funny, quick and esay to read - Cowboy romance, don't mind if I do buuut I need my romance a little less sweet and a little more spicy. But girl, I get it, save a horse and ride that Cowboy!

Bigcity girl meets smalltown cowboy. This would be perfect for a Hallmark movie for the late summer or fall (and I mean this in the best way)

Post on IG (One_fairy_tale_at_the_time) the 8 of oct 2024

This was SUCH a good read. While my past experiences are not identical to Amelia’s, there are some similarities, so I understood so many of her thoughts and reservations. There’s something about being able to relate to a character on a personal level that just really enhances the story. Also, can we talk about how Eric is literally Rip Wheeler?! I am obsessed with him. And the subtle Friends reference? Incredible. To all of my cowboy lovers, I HIGHLY recommend this book!

Waitlyn Andrew’s Contemporary Cowboy Romance left me head over (Red) boots for Amelia and Eric’s story.

Best Selling Author Amelia Greene ends up staying with Rodeo Royalty for the summer to research the “cowboy culture” for her rejected book manuscript. She’s planning on immersing herself with the locals and doing whatever is necessary to get her next book published. What she didn’t plan on was Eric Randall, the grumpy cowboy who she can’t seem to stay away from. His whole family sees the way they interact, but will she survive the summer and make it back to California unscathed?

Read if you like:
🤎 Cowboy Romance
🤎 Small Town Romance
🤎 One Horse/One Bed
🤎 Slow Burn
🤎 Closed Door Romance
🤎 Forced Proximity
🤎 Lovable Side Characters

This hit just the right spot. It was just what I needed. While not the perfect book in existence, it was everything I wanted at the time and o definitely have some people in mind that I think would love it.

This book was the ultimate cowboy romance, from grumpy sunshine, friends to lovers to just ultimate 5 Star read. Waitlyn Andrews little made me feel like i was in the book there with the main characters living and breathing this book.
if you love a cowboy, gentleman and closed door romance this book is for you.

“His scowl is a brooding sort of sexy that’s hard to look away from, but it pales in comparison to the smile that is now gracing his have. Genuine, engaged, a little mischievous. A lot of dangerous… unfortunately contagious.”

This love story between Eric and Mia had everything you want a feel good love story to have: swoon worthy cowboys, friends turned to family, Colorado sunsets and working through the past to be able to fall in love with your present and future. This books checks all those off and more✔️

We start with Mia, our California writer who is struggling to get her book picked up by publishers because it doesn’t feel authentic to the setting she chose of the Colorado plains. Her friend, who just so happens to have family in said Colorado plains, offers a solution to rid her of her writers block and make her book a success. This solution involves a grumpy cowboy, multiple flat tires, nightly dinners, many rodeos and the cowboy hat rule (IYKYK)🤠

Overall I loved Eric and Mia’s trajectory, and even though it was a slow burn, it was so satisfying in the end! Eric was so patient, so kind, and such a gentleman, but I also loved seeing his playful side come out towards the end! His unwavering commitment to Mia (AKA Red which made me kick my feet and giggle every time he said it) was so precious.

One of my favorite parts of the book was DEAN! His love story with Penny, his friendship with Mia, his bond with his brothers. I ate it up!!!! He was so sweet, and hilarious and I just couldn’t get enough of him!

Overall this was such an easy, quick read that is the perfect palette cleanser if you’re looking for a sweet, funny, engaging and clean romance! Definitely recommend if you love:

🤠Grumpy/Sunshine
💫Friends to Lovers
🤠She falls first, He falls harder
💫Found Family
🤠Cowboy Romance
💫Slow Burn
🤠One Bed and One Horse

**Thank you NetGalley and Waitlyn Andrews for sending over an arc in exchange for an honest review!**