Small Town Cowboy Romance
Out 5/29
Brooke Montgomery takes us back to the ranch for Book 3 in the Sugarland Creek series is a unique take on an amnesia romance and dislike to lovers. Landen and Ellie had quite the journey and I was not expecting some of the twists and turns it took me on.
First off, I was very moved by Ellie and Ranger's partnership and connection. As a farm girl myself, who has loved animals my whole life, there is just something about the bond with your horse that cannot be compared to anything else. I choked up with emotion seeing them work in sync and win at their competitions. It made me so happy.
Next, there was the strange animosity that Ellie has for Landen. It seemed so strong and almost irrational that it bordered on making her unlikable. Of course, all things get revealed and I saw her perspective to a large degree. But Landen is so charming and I loved his persistence and a bit of befuddlement as to why this girl just wouldn't give him a break. Poor guy!
I of course loved all the side characters and seeing how the other couples and their babies are getting along. That is always a benefit to a small town series with siblings in each book as we get to see the family grow.
Where I struggled with this book was in the pacing and timeline of everything. I think the amnesia trope came in way too late for me. Maybe it's because book 2 set this up already, and I on edge just waiting for us to catch up already.. as the percentages slipped by I was getting frustrated with how little book was left for the actual romance. Then once we DO catch up to the epilogue of book 2... everything just felt like it was in hyper-drive. And the romance felt rushed for me. I feel like I didn't get enough time with them as a couple.
Also.. the suspense element again, felt very off. But I won't harp on it. I thought it was clever how a certain person was connected with Ellie and the reveals were very clever. I think many people will enjoy uncovering it.
The spice: The scene in that truck was HOT! The phone calls were spicy and sweet at the same time and I thought there was a lovely element of fun as well. Again though, I feel like there was not enough time for everything.
I have greatly enjoyed this series over all, so I don't want to seem to down on it. I just think my hype for this book got the better of me. I look forward to the Twins books in the coming months.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶🌶.5
CW: death, suicide (mentioned), grief, see others from author
*Thank you to Love Notes PR for an ARC of this title.*
.
.
.
.
#Bookreview #romancereview #newrelease #booklover #smalltownromance #cowboyromance
As a fellow romance reader, I totally get the appeal of a good small town cowboy romance. There's just something magical about escaping to a close-knit community where everyone knows your name, and the heroes wear hats and boots. It's not just about the rugged charm of a cowboy, is it? It's about the genuine connection they have to their land, their animals, and often, their families. It’s about discovering that deep, undeniable connection in a setting that feels both familiar and idyllic. For me, it’s the escapism – the thought of a simpler life, away from the hustle, where true love feels destined to bloom amidst hay bales and starlit nights. I always find myself drawn to stories where the hero might seem a bit rough around the edges, but has a heart of gold underneath – maybe even a 'reverse grumpy sunshine' dynamic where the heroine brings out his softer side. What I personally look for in these stories is a strong sense of place. I want to feel like I'm right there in that small town, experiencing the local diner, the community events, and the tight-knit friendships. And of course, the cowboy himself! He needs to be honorable, protective, and maybe a little bit stubborn. It's always a bonus when there's a rescue element, or a hero who's unexpectedly good with kids or animals – seriously, nothing melts my heart faster than a cowboy with a puppy! Beyond the setting and the hero, the plot needs to keep me hooked. I love tropes like enemies-to-lovers, second chances, or even an amnesia plotline (though, like in the book I just reviewed, the timing has to be just right to keep the romance flowing!). Sometimes it's a city girl finding love on a ranch, or a cowboy returning home to confront his past. The possibilities are endless, but the heart of it always comes back to genuine emotion and enduring commitment. The emotional journey is key – I want to see the characters grow and overcome real challenges. And let's not forget the 'spice' factor! A well-written intimate scene can really elevate the connection between the characters, adding to the overall intensity of their romance. It's not just about the physical attraction; it’s about the respect, the shared values, and the way they challenge each other to be better. If you're like me, always on the hunt for your next great read in this genre, authors like Brooke Montgomery consistently deliver. Her books often capture that perfect blend of small-town charm and cowboy allure. While the article mentions 'Stay Fall With Me' in relation to the author's work, it really encompasses the feeling of getting lost in these stories. Finding an author whose voice resonates with you can make all the difference. Don't be afraid to try new series; sometimes the best hidden gems are found by stepping a little outside your usual picks. A truly great small town cowboy romance leaves you with a warm, fuzzy feeling and a belief that true love really does exist, usually with a beautiful sunset over a ranch as a backdrop.