I loved both Nash and CeCe so much, but also this book was filled to the brim with incredible side characters it was impossible not to love this! I loved seeing Nash’s growth and learning to trust and love CeCe despite being scared of getting hurt due to last trauma. He was protective of her, so sweet, and so dang spicy.. the MOUTH on this man 🤤 the bourbon, the crawling to her, the “SIT ON YOUR THRONE” hot diggity dog 🔥🔥🔥 seeing his growth throughout this book was incredible. Top tier book BF.

CeCe is an incredibly lovable, down to earth and brilliant FMC. She is healing from a past horrible relationship and learning to find the love she deserves. She also is dealing with the grief of losing a parent (which I unfortunately know all too well) and her journey was so relatable to me. Seeing her slowly heal, love herself and figure out what she deserves was great. Her girl gang was so funny and I wish I could join them at sangria Sunday! I was rooting for her the whole time, she’s a queen.

Overall this was an incredible read, it was everything you want in a romance with the tension, angst, and spice. The plot was amazing and the pacing was perfect to keep you hooked the whole time! The characters were all so lovable even the side ones! I cannot wait to return to Silver Pines and see what comes for the rest of the gang! 🩷🩷

~Romance, Small-town, Brother's Best Friend, and more!~

Holding The Reins by Paisley Hope follows recently single CeCe Ashby. After leaving her long-term toxic relationship, CeCe is finally home at her family's horse ranch in Laurel Creek, Kentucky. CeCe finds out that even though she is home, things have changed. Since her father's death, Nash Carter, her brother's best friend, has taken a bigger part at the ranch and in the town. It seems like everywhere she is, he appears. So when CeCe goes to apply for the one job in town that uses her degree, its no surprise her new boss is Nash. Still, CeCe is not past the years of tormenting her brothers and Nash put her through, not to mention his constant need to protect her from everything and everyone. So when things between them start to cross the line from friends to more, they are determined to keep things professional. But sometimes, feelings can't be hidden, and chances have to be taken.

4.5| This is an adorable and quick read. I sped through this book in one sitting because it was so hard to put down. I absolutely loved the family dynamic in this book. I enjoyed how well-balanced all the characters were; they all had quirks and interesting backstories. While I do wish certain characters were elaborated on more, I assume it was done intentionally, and I am excited to read more in future books. A part of this book that I was glad was touched on was grief. It was discussed on both sides and showcased how people deal with situations differently. Neither character's pushed the other to talk about certain things. While some parts of this book were over the top and a little much, I was pleased that the grief portion was dealt with in a realistic and gracious way. CeCe's father was always remembered, and his memory was never far from both characters. He was remembered in such a sweet way throughout the book that it was heartwarming to read. I wish we had seen more of Nash's relationship with Cole and Wade. While we see glimpses of it throughout his POV, I wanted to see more.

I loved the descriptions of the scenery in this book. Especially when compared to where CeCe used to live, that contrast was significant and said a lot about her character and her past. One part I didn't enjoy was in the beginning, where Nash constantly mentioning CeCe is like family. I understand he is trying to convince himself, but it just seems weird. I found the balance of the day-to-day life and romance was well done. We got to see some bits of CeCes job while also seeing how her relationship was developing. I liked how CeCe had a soild group of friends. She had a strong support system that continued despite everything going on. I initially disliked Ginger but eventually warmed up to her because of her unwavering loyalty to CeCe. The epilogue was cute and did a great job wrapping the book up.

Overall, this was a great read and a more amazing debut book. The characters had great chemistry, the side characters had depth, and the scenery was picturesque. This book is a perfect mix of different tropes that it has something for everyone! I am excited to see what's next for this series and for this author!

I love a good country romance, and this fit the bill nicely. Best friend’s little sister is a trope I enjoy very much, so I adored Cece and Nash. I skipped through the love scenes a bit because they get a bit too graphic for my taste, but that’s a personal preference.

Thanks as always to NetGalley for the ARC.

CeCe Rae returns home after 7 years away. Leaving her cheating ex-boyfriend and moving on to greener pastures. Upon her return sparks fly between her and former bad-boy Nash Carter. CeCe is off limits to Nash because he’s basically her third older brother. But as they spend more time together their chemistry becomes impossible to deny. But Nash doesn’t do feelings… or does he?

I wanted to love this book so much. I was excited for the cover, I love a hot cowboy, and the dedication was amazing! But man I was cringing my way through this. The dialogue is beyond cheesy and just unrealistic, there’s a ton of internalized misogyny, and the sex scenes are all spice and no tenderness. I think this is probably for Elsie Silver fans, but probably not for the Lyla Sage girlies. Not to rant but like the two evil ex-wives? Like why? And the grandpa’s fingering jokes? I wanted to put the book down then and there but I persevered. Just so much to unpack here.

Hot Cowboy
Brothers best friend
NHL player (because that’s a trope now?)
Small town

Thanks netgalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Dell for this ARC! I was just approved and ate the entire book up in 3 hours accidentally. Such a fun cowboy romance with a touch of sports romance too!

LOOOVED this book and the note to the readers. Fell in love with this author the moment I read the dedication. Story is overall great and very relatable.

I don’t even know where to start. I laughed, I blushed, I kicked my feet with happiness. How this was a debut novel I’ll never know. Paisley Hope slayed with this book.
Nash freaking Carter. Former pro hockey player. Part time cowboy. Absolute king and boss. I loved his character so much. This book has a lot of amazing spice and i highly recommend.
Cecelia and Nash were perfect for each other. CeCe was coming from a bad marriage and Nash had past trauma. Their story was incredible and their chemistry was off the charts. I really enjoyed their banter.

Also, all of the side characters added so much depth to the story. I couldn’t put it down.

SHIT THIS WAS SO GOOD.

I really needed a nice lighthearted read and this hit all my spots. The banter, the side characters, the chemistry between Nash and CeCe and just the overall vibe was so good.

I am SO excited for all the rest to come!

Star rating: ★★★★★
Spice rating: 4 🥵🔥

This is now my new personality, IT WAS SO GOOD 😫🫶🏼 CeCe and Nash kept me hooked, giggling, kicking my feet and gasping throughout the entire thing🥹

Please please pleaseeee go read this book! Utter cowboy romance perfection 🤭