✶✶✶ / 5 𝔰𝔱𝔞𝔯𝔰 ꔫ

Thank you to Victory Editing and NetGalley for allowing me to read this arc prior to the release in exchange for my honest opinion.

⊹₊ ˚‧︵‿₊୨୧₊‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹

This book follows Elsie, a ballet dancer who once had a thriving career—and an even better husband. Her world begins to unravel after a career-ending injury, followed by a devastating miscarriage that leads her to push everyone away, including her husband, Beau. But Beau can’t stay away. After a night spent together, Elsie finds herself pregnant once again. While Beau is ready to support her, Elsie isn’t ready to let him back in—still grieving, still struggling to accept this new pregnancy and everything it means.

⊹₊ ˚‧︵‿₊୨୧₊‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹

This is a second-chance, small-town romance with an accidental pregnancy trope. I have to admit, these combinations aren’t usually my favourite and aren’t something I tend to gravitate towards—but I found the premise interesting and thought I’d give it a go.

Surprisingly, I enjoyed the book. It was very easy to read, and I finished it in one sitting. It also features something I personally adore in books—short chapters. The pacing was solid, and the characters were likeable. That said, they weren’t my favourite, but for someone who loves these tropes, I can absolutely see how this would rate higher on their scale.

I really don’t enjoy pregnancy tropes of any kind, but I’m determined to branch out and try new things. I’d say my main issue with this aspect of the story was the lack of real healing or character development for Elsie. While I think these delicate subjects were handled with care, the story was missing the realistic support you’d hope someone in her situation would seek—such as therapy, support groups, or even conversations about mental health.

That said, I do recognise that for some women, it can be incredibly difficult to process and speak about their experiences. Still, I would have loved to see Elsie access therapy or receive some form of support for her grief and trauma. Without giving away spoilers, there’s a mental health concern written into the plot, but there’s no resolution to it—no coping mechanisms or meaningful support introduced. Having a supportive partner is important, of course, but we also didn’t see Beau learning how to help her or navigating that part of their relationship. There was a beautiful opportunity for this to be explored more deeply, but sadly, it wasn’t.

All that being said, I’d like to mention that this book isn’t particularly romance-heavy. That’s not an issue, but don’t go into it expecting serious heat or a romance-driven plot. While there is some spice, the focus is more on Elsie as she processes her emotions and grief, comes to terms with her pregnancy, and slowly begins to let Beau back into her life.

3.5 stars!

Don't be fooled by the cute cover! This story will break you and put you back together again. This is a second chance romance with high stakes - small town cowboy meets professional ballerina

This story was emotionally heavy! Elsie's (fmc) grief felt so raw and real it was almost like you're experiencing it alongside her. The battles she faces with depression and anxiety felt authentic and the more sensitive themes were handled with care by the author.

This book does not just use anxiety as a
trope, but rather shows the complexity of surviving mental illness. Elsie isolates herself, has frequent panic attacks and completely loses her sense of self in the midst of grief and injury. She feels shame for not healing quicker and she's exhausted pretending to be okay in front of others. Her panic, grief and shame are not dismissed, they're respected - this is a rare honesty we see in romance books but the representation is very much needed!

This story really will stay with you, if you've experienced anxiety or loss then Elsie's story feels like finally being seen. This is not about being saved but instead is about saving yourself though knowing you're worthy of the help and support of those around you. Healing is not linear, and mental illness is messy but as 'not our first rodeo' will show you - love can still meet you in the middle of a mess.

Don’t let the cute, cozy cover fool you—this is not a light-hearted cowboy romance. This book dives into some heavy emotional territory, tackling themes of miscarriage, identity loss, and the quiet unraveling of a marriage under the weight of grief. As someone who has experienced multiple miscarriages, I found parts of this story deeply personal and handled with care.

The FMC, Elsie, has her world upended—first by the loss of her ballet career, and then by a devastating pregnancy loss. Her response is to retreat inward, shutting out the world and, heartbreakingly, her incredibly patient husband, Beau. While Elsie’s grief is front and center, I appreciated that the author didn’t forget Beau’s pain. It’s rare to see a male character given space to grieve and be supported by those around him.

The emotional depth is definitely there, and the book explores important issues like the fear of vulnerability, the isolation that comes with grief, and how even strong marriages can falter when communication breaks down. There’s power in the message that “hurt people hurt people,” and the couple’s journey to reconnect and rebuild feels real.

That said, I struggled with the pacing and tone. The emotional weight often overshadowed the romance, and at times it felt like the story got stuck in its grief without much movement. While I appreciated the rawness, it left me emotionally drained rather than uplifted.

If you’re looking for a romance with real emotional stakes and a focus on healing rather than heat, this might be the right book for you. Just go in knowing it’s a quieter, heavier read than the cover suggests.

A couple who separated after a miscarriage and a career lost find a way back to one another when they discover they're pregnant once again and that the love between them is still there. Elsie Jennings thought she had it all figured out with a blooming ballet career, a husband who adored her and being pregnant... only an injury destroys her career and then she has a miscarriage that breaks something deeper in her. Elsie pushes everyone away including her husband saying she needs space and for him to leave while she figures herself out. Beau Jennings has never stopped loving Elsie, he's still in love with her and despite her asking for space he'll wait as long as she needs for her. Yet when they have a one night stand and it ends in Elsie getting pregnant again, Beau is determined to stay around and help her and make her see that he's not going anywhere... can Elsie heal after everything or is it too soon? So this was definitely a story about healing and about grief. Beau was the perfect partner for Elsie, he was so patient and loving with her while she figured out her own grief. This is a great book for anyone who wants a story about healing.

Release Date: July 11, 2025

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Netgalley and ARC provided by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

I loved the premise of this book and felt that it was executed well! I think writing about mental health can be very hard and nuanced. I think Madison depicted the FMC struggles and experiences with poise and accuracy. I think she also portrayed the difficulties and emotions of loving someone who is battling their mental health through the MMC. He had the appropriate balance of support, challenge, and love. Another important aspect is how people not actively involved portray mental health. For example the MMC's twin and his opinions really highlighted that from an outsiders perspective mental health can appear confusing and selfish. I think the there was a string foundation, strong story line, and strong themes that added to the success of this book. The romance as top tier. Cannot wait to keep reading the series!

This book? Exactly the kind of read I’m always in the mood for. Cowboy romance with all my favourite tropes—second chance, marriage in trouble, accidental pregnancy—and every single one of them was done so well!

I completely fell in love with Elsie and Beau’s story. I loved watching her growth, her healing, and the way she slowly started letting Beau back in. You could really feel how much he cared for her and how steady he was, always there even when things got tough. Their relationship felt real, messy at times, full of emotion, but so full of love.

Honestly, I devoured this book. It had all the comfort of a small-town romance, but also the depth that made me feel connected to the characters. Definitely a new favourite and one I’ll be thinking about for a while.


⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️,75

WHAT A FUN STORY!! From the moment I read the blurb I knew this one was one I was going to be obsessed with and it did not disappoint! What a ride, the tension was HIGH, I loved it!

Tropes:
╰⪼ Second chance romance
╰⪼ Accidental pregnancy
╰⪼ Dual POV

I see what the author was aiming for, but this fell flat. While the story tackles serious themes like divorce, miscarriage, and panic attacks, it didn’t deliver the emotional impact I was hoping for. I didn’t feel fully convinced of Beau and Elsie’s relationship, and much of the writing felt like it was telling rather than showing. Still, the week-by-week pregnancy format was a sweet touch and will appeal to readers who enjoy softer, domestic romances.

Thanks to NetGalley, Madison Wright and Victory Editing for the ARC.

When ex-ballerine Elsie runs into her horse rider husband Beau at a bar after two months of separation, she doesn’t expect to end up pregnant, just as she’s starting to pull herself together after a hard year.

Throughout her pregnancy Beau and Elsie come back together till their marriage is even better than before, and I loved seeing Elsie allow herself to be vulnerable with her husband and her friends and family too.

This was a gentle and tender love story full of both funny and sad moments, with a whole host of wonderful characters making me really look forward to the next book in the Lucky Stars series. It’s somewhere around a 3.5/4 for me, but I’m rounding it up for my review here.

Really my only criticism is how often the phrase ‘her face hardens’ ‘his eyes hardened’ etc was used! Once I noticed it I couldn’t stop.

I would give this a 3 stars out of 5. I enjoyed it and had a fun time, the plot set up was quite unique for a romance story too with them coming from . I liked how the more difficult topics were handled and how they both dealt with their grief and loss. Second chance romance isn't always my favourite trope in a romance book so at times it didn't excite me like I thought it was going to and at times. But I LOVE a small town romance every time so this never misses! Thank you to Madison Wright and Victory Editing on NetGalley for this arc.

I don’t love pregnancy plots but this was really enjoyable. I can never fault a cowboy romance, sweet spicy and funny.

Foremost, you for the opportunity to read this book.

I originally chose this because I wanted to broaden my horizons and settle into a cosy, feel-good contemporary. I think this book delivered on being cosy and emotionally raw. I was very intrigued by the concept of a marriage in trouble, when that marriage was still regarding a loved-up couple.

However, I felt that this book was a lot of all tell and no show. I think it dragged out the idea of Elsie not wanting to show vulnerability to her husband, and I was unable to connect with her to feel empathy for that. I think it touches on a very sensitive topic and I am respectful of that, but as there was not much shown about any of it, only told, I just couldn’t connect. As well, I felt mostly that Beau was being treated unfairly. He also suffered, but had to endure it and be left in the dark by someone he loved. I was begging for Elsie to consider therapy so that we could move past the awkwardness of their relationship.

There was not much chemistry between Elsie and Beau, either. It seemed to just rely on them having a history to sell us their idea of a loved-up marriage in crisis. I wasn’t necessarily enthusiastic to see them overcome their demons, because I didn’t have much to go off. As well, I couldn’t connect with his character because I felt he said and did things that were unrealistic.

Please know that I will not be sharing this review on reviewing sites as I do not wish to influence any average ratings. I appreciate the chance to read this and wish the author luck with their book.

I wanted to love this book. Truly. But it just wasn’t my cup of tea. There was a lot to unpack in this book - grief, loss, mental health, a second chance at marriage, and trauma. I highly suggest checking out the trigger warnings prior to diving into this read.

Not our First Rodeo follows Elsie - our ballerina who faced an injury that ultimately ended her career at dancing. After moving back home, she found herself in a depressive state, but eventually climbed out of it after finding out she was pregnant. Thrilled at the news, she started to come out of the darkness only to be brought back into it after miscarrying. She felt lost and like a failure so she distanced herself from her husband, Beau. Ultimately, telling him that she needed space to work on herself and causing him to move back out to a home on his family’s property.

At first, I couldn’t find it in myself to like Elsie as a character. I understood her grief and the sorrow that she faced, but I did not approve of her actions. It wasn’t fair to distance herself and shut out her husband - not when he was also dealing with the loss of their child as well.

Later in the story, we discover that Elsie suffers from anxiety and panic attacks. I didn’t find this surprising after hearing how she grew up and the kind of parents that raised her. However, what surprised me the most was that she hid this from Beau - someone that she’s known for over a decade and mind you, married.

We come to find out that she never let Beau in enough to let him fully know her which is mind boggling to me because how do you not let the one person you’re supposed to spend forever with not know you fully - flaws and all?

In all, Beau was probably one of the most patient fictional characters I’ve read about. Although he was struggling immensely, he stood strong and still gave Elsie his heart even when she wouldn’t let him in.

Over time, I did come to like Elsie. I felt she had some character growth with being able to speak freely without lying, navigating her anxiety and controlling it, and fully letting people in.

But I do feel as if this could have had some more depth and feeling. I read a review where someone mentioned that this book had a lot of telling, and not enough showing. So I do feel as if there could have been some improvement.

Jade’s character was so sweet and thoughtful and I love how she tried to ease some of Elsie’s worries. I also really did enjoy Cooper - he had more of a tough love vibe that I appreciated and truly felt that every story needed. The protectiveness that he portrayed was enduring and I admire that he spoke the truth in regard to Beau putting himself first and asking for what he needs and not just Elsie.

That being said, just because this didn’t fully captivate me, doesn’t mean it won’t for others. Madison Wright is a new to me author, so although this was a more different and interesting read for me, I don’t think this will be her last for me. The world building did reel me in and the characters were fun.

I’m interested to see how the rest of this series goes and wish the author well!

Thank you, NetGalley, for the approval and allowing me to read this!

4 ⭐️
🌶️🌶️ = 1 open door scene and 1 cracked door scene, some inneudo/discussions of intimacy and lust between a married couple

This book was really sweet. It was a kind of unique concept for a romance book where the couple is already married and has been together for awhile but is having some issues they have to work through. I liked this set-up and thought the story/characters had some nice depth.

However, I felt like the character and relationship development between the main characters was told rather than shown and it was overall lacking something for me. I wish we had gotten to really experience it throughout the course of the whole book, instead of being told some was happening sort of, everything being sort of abruptly fixed, and then everyone just being happy for the rest of the book.

The main characters were sweet though and had some sweet moments. I liked the setting of lucky stars and a small town, and it felt like an easy fun summery read.

Name of the publication/blog/outlet where your review will be published/posted: Goodreads, Fable, and Instagram

Run date for when the review will be posted/published: Instagram review on July 16th, Goodreads and Fable available now

A link to your review, if available, so the publisher can share your review (note: click the link icon): links below, will add Instagram link when live.

For all my cowboy romance lovers (Lyla Sage & Elsie Silver fans I’m looking at you) this is for you!

This story had two main tropes that are typically not my cup of tea (separated marriage & accidental pregnancy) but I ended up really loving the way Wright navigated Beau & Elsie’s love story!

I know this is going to be an incredible interconnected series & can’t wait for the next book!

Thanks to NetGalley & Victory Editing for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Ughhhh Beau and Elsie literally stole my heart. Their story was raw, emotional, challenging and the way they overcame and turned their hurt into love was incredible.

Madison wrote this book with care and love. She took Elsie and Beaus failing marriage and turned it into an incredible loving one. They deserved that second chance and they got it.

Elsie was heartbroken over loss and grief was taking over her life. She didn't know how to tell anyone about it except push them away but that didn't deter Beau. He stayed and kept pushing until she was ready.

Thank you NetGalley for this arc!

I really enjoyed this book, it was a nice quick read for me. This story tackled some heavy topics and overall I thought it was well done, although I do think Elsie could have used some actual therapy. Elsie & Beau are adorable. I’m definitely interested in additional stories following some of the other characters!

I had to put a pause on this book, I may go back to it in the future but for right now I am not in the place to read it. The writing was really good, I just am having trouble with the story right now. Thank you for the opportunity to read it, and I look forward to reading it in the future!

4.5⭐️

This was absolutely beautiful! I was captivated by Elsie and Beau’s story from the first chapter and I loved every second of this story. The anxiety and grief representation were amazing and you could really tell Madison put her entire heart and soul into this book. This story was so emotional and the writing was phenomenal. I loved the Jennings family and I cannot wait to return to Lucky Stars Ranch. If you love cowboy romances, you need to add this to your TBR!

What to expect:
🤎 Cowboy Romance
🤎 Accidental Pregnancy
🤎 Marriage in Crisis
🤎 Former Ballerina
🤎 High School Sweethearts
🤎 Anxiety and Grief Rep.

Thank you to Madison Wright and NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you Netgalley for the E-ARC in exchange for my honest review of Not our First Rodeo by Madison Wright.

So I thought this was a good book, not the greatest, but definitely imo, an average read. The biggest negative for me as the reader, I didn’t feel connected to the characters, I felt like everything was very rushed. I didn’t get attached to their story. This could just be a me problem.
However, I loved how patient Beau was and my heart felt for Elsie and what she went through. Both characters are very easily loved. I just wish some aspects of Elsie were focused on more. I wanted to go more into why she pushed Beau away and I guess, I couldn’t fully understand because Beau was so patient and kind throughout this book.

Overall, this is an easy quick read. I enjoyed the plot line & loved how Madison gave the horses some love in this story and gave them personality. I think you’ll definitely enjoy if you love second chance cowboy romances.