Holy steamy, loved up, romance! My goodness the passion between CeCe and Nash is off the charts...it almost made me blush.
This was a grown up together, my brothers best friend, to lovers romance with deeply buried feelings that come to light now that CeCe has returned home. Trying to regroup after a less than mediocre relationship that fizzled and crashed, Cece decides to head home. Cece has a lovely family, devoted and supportive mom, protective brothers, and the support of a stereotypical small town.
Nash is the home grown hero, that survived tragedy, made it big in the NHL, and came home to pay it back the family and town that provided so much when he was younger.
Trying to resist the attraction was futile and I don't think they really tried all that hard to be honest. The relationship bloomed, the conflict minimal, and the ending happy. What more could you ask for?
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and author for the advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

3.5 stars!

Cece comes back to her hometown after discovering her fiancé is cheating and decides to put down roots. Nash is her brothers’ best friend and childhood crush. He’s the town player, works in a bar, retired hockey player.

There’s a lot of animosity between them at first, but once they get together they’re obsessed with each other. The spice really amps up. At one point, he crawls to her.

It’s first person, dual POV, open door spice.

I would say that if you like the Rebel Blue ranch series by Lyla Sage, you should check this one out.

The only thing I didn’t love is how the main women speak about other women. Pretty regularly they’d be calling women sluts/tramps/etc. and it felt icky.

I’m still looking forward to Ginger and Cole’s book. 👀

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for my advanced digital copy!

Save a horse, ride a cowboy.

Tropes:
cowboy romance
ex hockey player
found family
brother's best friend
age gap
small town

This was such a fun small town/cowboy romance. First of all, we get a hockey player AND a cowboy? Hell yes. Second, this book is bringing back all of the great feelings I had while reading the Knockemount series, so if you love that one, this is for you. Nash was so sweet and protective, and absolutely obsessed with Cecilia. Cece was such a fun FMC, I feel she was very relatable. Those two together? The hottest couple ever! The spice and the dirty talk in this book was something else. Please only read this when you're alone.😂
I also love that in the center of this book is all the memory's of Cecilia's dad. I think the bond he had with everyone is very special. As for the hockey player/cowboy, I think it was done very well. This was also just such an easy read. I think it would be perfect for a palette cleanse.

The way I thought this book was going to ruin me with a miscommunication, but then turned it around had me swooning for both MC's. They both handled their issues very well. For once, I wasn't angry yelling at my kindle for them to just talk to each other. Cece's brothers and her "not angels" were great characters that added a lot to the story. I'm excited to see them in the next book.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I knew I was going to enjoy this book when the dedication page was "To all my babes who know they can be strong, modern women, yet still shamelessly drop to their knees like the good fucking girls they are the moment their cowboys tell them to." ..... umm yes please

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3/5
- small town romance
- brother's best friend
- found family
- boss/employee
- ex hockey player/ part time cowboy
- hidden romance
- light breath play
- praise kink
- possessive MMC
- found family
- he fell first
- talks of death, grief, and cheating

I absolutely DEVOURED this book and I cannot wait for the next one. This is a small town romance comfort book read and a perfect palate cleanse book. Not to mention the array of emotions I felt, from giggling to almost tears from both laughing hard and sensitive subjects.

CeCe (Cecilia) Ashby the FMC just moved back to her family's ranch after breaking things off with her toxic fiancée. She is very sassy and straightforward and will no longer be chasing after any man. She starts working at the local ice rink to find out her new boss is none other that her brother's best friend, Nash.

I loved everything about Nash Carter. That man could do no wrong in my eyes. He's the sexy, ex NHL hockey player, and part time cowboy MMC, and best friends with the Ashby brothers. And the things that came out of this man's mouth had me craving more.

"You're the queen I crawl to. I'll kneel at your feet for the rest of my fucking life. Now, sit on your throne."

"Come, little queen, soak my face. Baptize me... and then, I'll fuck you like the king that owns this pussy."

A huge thank you to NetGalley, Paisley Hope and Random House Publishing for the eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Welcome to Silver Pines!

Get ready to fall in love with Cece and Nash. Holding The Reins gets a hold of you and wont let go. From CeCe coming home after years and a breakup away to Nash giving back to those who were there for him when he needed it most on his darkest days. This was really a turn the page to find out how this small town romance unfolds with falling in love with the one person both CeCe and Nash shouldn't be. Right off the bat you know that one night is not enough for them. Flashbacks and reminiscing of the times they grew up together show that they really cared for each other and morphed into something more as they spend more time together. Family and friends are just as lovable and make you want more of them and the little peaks of what is to come has me dying to get back to Silver Pines!

Absolutely loved it and cant wait for more!

3.5 ⭐️

I loved having the opportunity to receive an ARC and read this, it was so cute! I loved the characters and the family dynamics, plus the setting! There were times though towards the end where spice scenes would pop up and I would mostly skim through them, it felt a bit much at times because it was happening so often. Other than that, I really liked it! I’m *super* excited for book two following Wade!!

Star: 5
Spice: 3.5

Oh!
My!
GOOOODNESSSSS gracious!!

Tropes:
-small town romance
-cowboy romance
-small age gap romance
-found family
-brother's best friend
-friends to lovers
-forced proximity
-protective MMC
-amazing girl gang
-office romance
-dirty talk


This book, which was a debut release, is a MUST read!!!! The magic that was put into this incredible love story was so captivating. I couldn’t help but get sucked in from the start! Who doesn’t love a small town, retired hockey player turned part-time cowboy with friends to lovers vibe? I mean you can’t get better than that mash up! Nash Carter has entered the world of book boyfriends, and he does not disappoint. There was literally nothing I did not like about his character. If only he was real and coming home straight to me. (Did you see what I did there?)
I think what I loved about Nash so much was his protective state, he had millions, but with other millionaires, they are so domineering, demanding, controlling, and cold at times. Where even though Nash loved to be in control, he has a soft, tender side to him. Him braiding her hair…STOP! IT! RIGHT! NOW!!!!

I was absolutely in giggles from page one and didn’t stop throughout the book unless I was cheesing hard, panting, or tearing up. The chemistry between not only Nash and CeCe but the other side characters and their relationships were amazing! Cece and Nash were soooooo good together. Nash is her brother’s best friend, part of the family as Mama Jo considers him one of her sons, but more importantly he’s the childhood friend that’s always had her back. He’s been part of their family since the beginning so watching Cece’s feelings transform as she realized, “Crap, I don’t love him like a brother”, was just so satisfying. The character development between the MCs was so good and their chemistry was SO HOT! Speaking of hot, those spicy scenes were on another level. I mean the bourbon scene? SHEESH. And the tequila scene… I’m dead!

The way I went feral for this book and still am, shows how much this book has a hold on me. Nash and CeCe were the best friends to lovers characters and the best way to start off this series. I’m reeling to get my hands on the second.

A perfect cowboy romance. I loved everything about this book and cannot wait to read the rest of the series.

I want to move to Laurel Creek, Kentucky and make friends with these characters!! Cece and Nash are couple goals but I also really enjoyed the side characters too. I loved all the banter and angst between Cece and Nash! He was smitten by Cece and I just love the way he takes care of her. The way they were able to overcome past obstacles and grief, communicate and fall in love. All the perfect tropes in one book make this such a fun read. And not to mention all the spice- the bourbon scene!! If you love small town romances, brother’s best friend, forced proximity, found family and secret relationship then add this to your TBR!

”We’re not a phase. We’re the exact opposite of a phase. We’re always. I’m going to follow you everywhere you go for the rest of this life. And then, I’m going to follow you into the next.”

Thank you to NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group - Ballentine, and Dell Romance for the digital ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I really wanted to love this book, because the premise sounded quite interesting, but I’m giving this a 2.5 stars only because it felt like a mix of done and dusted + powerless by Elsie silver and I felt like it was a little too similar. I think it had the potential to be really unique and different, but the amount of similar tropes and similar scenarios to these other books was off putting to me.

I think if you’re interested in a cute cowboy romance, brother’s best friend you’d like this It was a fun, fast, cute spicy read. I really enjoyed the banter between CeCe and her mom as well as her relationship with her family.

I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley and the author for this opportunity!

This delightful small-town love story is a testament to the charm of its genre. While it embraces the familiar tropes—think brothers’ best friend, age gap, and a mix of cowboy and hockey player dynamics—it does so with a refreshing touch that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish.

The plot unfolds with a perfect blend of romance and spice, delivering plenty of steamy moments that enhance the emotional depth of the characters. The chemistry between the leads is palpable, making their journey feel both authentic and compelling.

Paisley has crafted her characters with great care, infusing them with distinct personalities that resonate. The protagonist’s struggles and triumphs feel real, and the supporting cast adds richness to the narrative, creating a vivid small-town backdrop that is both inviting and familiar.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and found myself invested in the characters’ journeys. I can’t wait to dive into the next installment, Training the Heart. If you’re in the mood for a heartwarming, steamy read that captures the magic of small-town romance, look no further! Highly recommended!

Debut book you say! This was phenomenal, it blew me away. I have seen so many reviews raving about this debut by Paisley and let me tell you, it lived up to the hype!
Nash Carter is a part time cowboy, retired hockey star, bar owner, and a delicious dirty talking man!
Cecelia Rae comes back home after ending her engagement to her long term boyfriend fiance. And let me tell you, Andrew is the biggest douche bag. So good riddens!
With Nash being close to her family and her new boss, Cece tries to keep it casual. Their relationship quickly becomes anything but casual.
I really loved this book, the story, the characters, all of it! I can't wait to read more by Paisley!

For Paisley’s debut novel, she did absolutely amazing! The way she builds the story and the characters is truly amazing. I loved it. It flowed well. It was a good pace. The smut was exquisite!! ABSOLUTE CHEFS KISS. I fell in love with the characters and even the side characters were amazing! Nash & Cece’s story was a beautiful one, I absolutely loved seeing both of them grow and get to a point where they could no longer fight their love for each other! LOVED IT! Need the next book now please! Also this was COWBOY AND HOCKEY MY TWO FAVORITES! Can’t get much better than that!

Five (Dallas) Stars.

Wow. I was not expecting to love this book as much as I did. Nash Carter is definitely living in my head rent free right now.

I was also not expecting Holding The Reins to be this hot. We’re talking four chili peppers - at least.

Nash Carter and CeCe Ashby have some of the most incredible chemistry I’ve read in a contemporary romance.

Yes, this one is sexy. But there’s also plot and a lot of heart here - overcoming incredible loss and traumatic grief. For Nash, it’s learning to trust the universe that robbed him of those he loves, and trust himself to go after what he wants even when it could all disappear again. For CeCe, it’s learning to trust a (seemingly unavailable) man again, after her recent engagement to a philandering city boy ends in dramatic fashion.

Here’s what readers can expect from Holding The Reins:

- (Childhood) Friends to Lovers
- Cowboy AND ex NHL player (plus a gentlemen AND, well, not - IYKYK)
- Best friends’ little sister
- Forced proximity
- “Just once to get it out of our systems”
- Dual POV
- Small town/ workplace romance
- If he wanted to he would

Lastly, the character work was so well done - this family and town will stick with you long after you close this book. Paisley Hope’s side characters and their backstories were perfectly set up. Not too much to detract from the main plot line and couple, but just enough that I simply can’t wait to read the next two installments in the Silver Pine Ranch series!

Thank you to Dell Romance and NetGalley for this eARC. Easily one of my top contemporary romances of 2024.

Perfect for fans of Lyla Sage and Elsie Silver.

4.75/5 stars

So this was a reread, and full disclosure, I didn’t love it the first time. I think that goes to show how much a mood can affect your experience with a book.

It honestly felt like I was reading something else entirely. The way I perceived things the first time and this time are nothing alike.

The banter between characters was so much fun. The snark they all show each other is hilarious. The dialogue all flows very naturally. I laughed so much. I loved all the references to some of my favorite 90s country songs.

Listen, coffee is my love language. Make it for me, buy it for me, bring it to me, drink it with me. Any of those things in any combination. And y’all, Nash Carter keeps his girl caffeinated.

Nash. Whew. That dirty-talking, hockey-playing, part-time cowboy does it right. He says and does all the right things (except that one time, oops). I love the way he cares for her, and he shows his feelings in so many everyday actions.

CeCe is strength and sass, while also showing a vulnerable side. She’s stubborn and does the whole “I can do this in my own,” but realizes she can still find safety with her man. And that it’s okay to feel that.

Paisley knows how to write a spicy scene. My, oh my. It didn’t ever feel awkward. It didn’t feel like she was forcing moments that shouldn’t be there. It was just all so well-done.

I think I just would’ve liked to see a bit more conflict. More with her crazy ex or a closer look into his trauma and that healing process.

I kept wondering what I missed. How everyone was so obsessed with this book and with Nash Carter. I knew I needed to try again to see if I felt differently now, and also in preparation for Wade’s book. And I’m so glad I did. I had such a good time reading it.

Former NHL star turned part-time cowboy? Iconic. Small town, brother’s best friend….only some of the best tropes to exist. Nash also excelled in dirty talk, what more could you ask for? Cece came home to find Nash looked better than ever, and she could barely keep her eyes off him. This was a super cute, and very spicy read. I enjoyed all of the side characters and Sunday Sangria sounds like the best time.

Thank you to NetGalley for the E-ARC!

I loved this fun and dirty read! Especially the small town, brother's best friend, secret dating, and found family in this book. I loved Nash's development and his love for Cece, he was so desperate for her and willing to do anything to make her life easier. I also loved the found family aspect of it. You could tell how much the family loved Nash after taking him in and that he was really a part of their family.

Can't wait to read Wade's book!

A solid book! I enjoyed my time at Silver Pines Ranch, and am looking forward to continuing the series.

I’d recommend if you’re a fan of the following:
* brother’s best friend trope
* cowboy romance
* hockey romance
* close-knit families (ranch fam)
* super cool female friend group

first, what I loved about this book

lovable fmc
I loved CeCe! She’s whip smart, quippy, and ready to not chase another man. She gave Nash a run for his money, so to speak. Their banter was great!

cowboy + hockey mmc
Making Nash Carter both a hockey player and a (part-time) cowboy? Yep, that did it for me! I am a huge fan of both cowboy and hockey romances, so this was a happy medium.

cool group of gals
I love me a good group of super cool, close-knit, firecracker women! I want to be Ginger’s friend so bad (I also wish I could join them at Sangria Sundays). The Not Angels, you will always be famous to me!

guessing who will be paired up in later books
The best part about starting a romance series for me, is getting glimpses into the pairings we’ll see later on and making my guesses for the next book.

next, a couple of bumps in the road for me with this book…

accents in dialogue
I felt like some of the dialogue wasn’t coming out smoothly. Just a few instances of this. It felt a little like the author was picking and choosing when to use a Kentucky Appalachian accent in the dialogue. Granted, it was there most of the time— but there were times where I was just like…this is not how someone would’ve said that. I don’t think most readers, or a very broad audience, would take issue with this. I think it’s just because I’m very close to the region (yes, I know Appalachia is very large and there are many different dialects, but my point stands) that this kind of thing sticks out to me.

nicknames/pet names
The nicknames Nash uses for CeCe were a little cringey for me…but to each their own!
I could never take a man seriously who called me his “little firefly.” When I read this, I would just mentally skip over it and try to pretend it never happened…internally and externally cringing!

timelines
So much was happening during the course of the book, and I felt a little confused toward the end trying to keep track of where we were in the month. I had to actually go back through the book and start marking down dates and events to make sure I remembered everything correctly.

Overall, I did enjoy this book + I’m looking forward to reading about Wade + Ivy later this year. Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Reviews posted 10/1 on Goodreads, StoryGraph, Bookmory, Fable, & Instagram.

This was so so adorable and I adored Nash!! Some parts were a bit slow for me but I still adored this story. It was cute, but nothing really stood out to me. I struggled to connect with the main characters, which is probably why it took me longer than usual to finish. However, if you're looking for an easy read with a bit of some spice this is a great bool for you!!

I was extremely underwhelmed with this book. It has such a cute cover and premise, but just did not deliver.

I have to start first by saying, why were there SO many commas? Like seriously, I felt like I was constantly taking a break in every sentence. Because of the overuse of the commas there were also a lot of run on sentences. The whole thing just annoyed me to no end.

I think my biggest issue with the book was the amount of tropes in it. We had brothers’ best friend, hockey player, small town, and cowboy romance. It was just too much rolled into one. There was so much in it that I found myself bored with each part. Cece as a character was fine I guess, nothing particularly good or bad about her (though I couldn’t remember what her name was until 75% through oddly enough). Nash was also okay, but I felt like we could have had so much more depth from him and all we got were surface level emotions. I would’ve love for there to have been more anecdotes from when the tragedy happened or when he was in the NHL, even a time jump would have been appreciated (and I personally hate those) because it would’ve given so much more to his character.

Another issue I had was that it felt like half the book was setups for the rest of the series. Like yes, Ginger and Cole are flirty - we don’t need to see it every 5 pages! Same with the new girl Ivy and Wade. As soon as she was introduced we all knew she was his love interest - you didn’t have to keep showing us!

Even the epilogue was bland for me - and I LOVE an epilogue.