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Sterling Ridge #1
Light on Love
Laurel Montgomery strives to put her career of behavioral profiling for the military first in life. But when her drive lands her in harm’s way, she finds herself in an unexpected place, the wide-open west.As a threat arises against Laurel, the Navy’s idea to protect her is to send her away from the base in Virginia to a cattle ranch, off the grid, in Wyoming. Hayes Ranch is owned and operated by the legendary ex-Navy SEAL, Brett Hayes, and they guarantee her safety there under his watchful eye. What wasn’t part of the information provided to her is that the veteran warfighter is a young, attractive, brooding cowboy. Suddenly finding herself living in close quarters with him, and immersed in the western ranching culture, Laurel begins to wonder if her priorities have been wrong all along. Now she’s working alongside horses in a breathtaking mountain valley and spending more time learning about herself than discovering who it is threatening her. Laurel feels her heart wrestling with a change in her priorities, and wonders if her growing connection with Brett is part of the reason for that.
197 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 23, 2023
46 people are currently reading
744 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
June 27, 2025
Unfortunately, this book had the same amount of flavor as a wet paper towel.
Laurel Montgomery is a psychological analyst for the military, and when her life is threatened, she is shipped off to find safety with iconic ex-navy SEAL, Brett Hayes, who owns a ranch in Wyoming. She's supposed to be there for her protection, and he's considered a standoffish asshole, but he isn't what her coworkers told her he'd be and Hayes Ranch is feeling an awful lot like a home it's not supposed to be.
My boyfriend bought me this book this past Christmas because he knows my love for cowboy romance runs DEEP, but this book was a miss. After reading this book, I realized that it was just too military for me and way too short. Each chapter was important to forward the plot and romance, but I wanted more fluff in order for me to feel something for these two. Because I didn't care for them, I didn't care for the book.
The suspense storyline also felt so odd. It's stated that her life is on the line, and that's why she meets Brett anyway, but the romance and suspense plots were not evenly distributed enough. I also wasn't a big fan of the author's writing style. She writes in a way that dances around the words. For example, instead of saying "I want you," she'll write "It's you that I want." Sure! That's different, but there were so many times when there were too many filler words. This review is far from perfect, and I use filler words like I need air to breathe. I'm not an author, but I am a book recommender/ reviewer, and that's just how I feel!
Like I said, the military aspect was a LOT. I don't love reading military books, but a lot of western romances have them, but generally the military isn't mentioned very often, but in this book it was EVERYWHERE. My rating was not damaged in any way from this because the synopsis sets you up to know that, and I'm not going to negatively rate a book when expectations were set up for me by the author/ publisher.
Overall, I don't plan on continuing this series. All the books in this series are quite short, and I just don't care to read quick romance books when I could have a longer one that impacts me more. I'm sad this didn't work for me, but I am glad I read it. If you want a quick yeehaw romance novella, then I'm sure you'll like this.
Laurel Montgomery is a psychological analyst for the military, and when her life is threatened, she is shipped off to find safety with iconic ex-navy SEAL, Brett Hayes, who owns a ranch in Wyoming. She's supposed to be there for her protection, and he's considered a standoffish asshole, but he isn't what her coworkers told her he'd be and Hayes Ranch is feeling an awful lot like a home it's not supposed to be.
My boyfriend bought me this book this past Christmas because he knows my love for cowboy romance runs DEEP, but this book was a miss. After reading this book, I realized that it was just too military for me and way too short. Each chapter was important to forward the plot and romance, but I wanted more fluff in order for me to feel something for these two. Because I didn't care for them, I didn't care for the book.
The suspense storyline also felt so odd. It's stated that her life is on the line, and that's why she meets Brett anyway, but the romance and suspense plots were not evenly distributed enough. I also wasn't a big fan of the author's writing style. She writes in a way that dances around the words. For example, instead of saying "I want you," she'll write "It's you that I want." Sure! That's different, but there were so many times when there were too many filler words. This review is far from perfect, and I use filler words like I need air to breathe. I'm not an author, but I am a book recommender/ reviewer, and that's just how I feel!
Like I said, the military aspect was a LOT. I don't love reading military books, but a lot of western romances have them, but generally the military isn't mentioned very often, but in this book it was EVERYWHERE. My rating was not damaged in any way from this because the synopsis sets you up to know that, and I'm not going to negatively rate a book when expectations were set up for me by the author/ publisher.
Overall, I don't plan on continuing this series. All the books in this series are quite short, and I just don't care to read quick romance books when I could have a longer one that impacts me more. I'm sad this didn't work for me, but I am glad I read it. If you want a quick yeehaw romance novella, then I'm sure you'll like this.
February 13, 2024
Laurel, a contractor for the Navy as a profiler in Virginia, finds herself in a dangerous situation where she needs to go into hiding. She's sent off to Wyoming to stay with Brett, a decorated ex-Navy SEAL. Brett owns a cattle ranch and has a loyal team that helps him run it. Laurel and Brett are officially one of my favorite book couples, I very much enjoyed getting to know them as individuals as well as them becoming a couple. I also enjoyed getting to know all of the side characters, including the horses!
I was enthralled from the very beginning to the end. I felt the pacing was perfect, not too slow and not too fast. Thank goodness the author put a lot of effort into explaining processes in simpler ways so I never felt lost (I don't have much Navy or ranching knowledge!).
I can't wait to read the next book which focuses on Grey! The book is written in 3rd person, which at first I was honestly a little hesitant because I typically enjoy reading dual POVs, but it didn't take away from my excitement while reading it. I suspect this'll be in the top 5 books at the end of the year for me. :)
I was enthralled from the very beginning to the end. I felt the pacing was perfect, not too slow and not too fast. Thank goodness the author put a lot of effort into explaining processes in simpler ways so I never felt lost (I don't have much Navy or ranching knowledge!).
I can't wait to read the next book which focuses on Grey! The book is written in 3rd person, which at first I was honestly a little hesitant because I typically enjoy reading dual POVs, but it didn't take away from my excitement while reading it. I suspect this'll be in the top 5 books at the end of the year for me. :)
March 5, 2024
3.75 ⭐️
This sweet and heartwarming story was such a comfort read. I felt like I was experiencing a sitcom in a fictional world I genuinely wanted to be a part of.
This book touched a kindred place in my soul and never had me wanting cowboy boots more. Laurel is who I want to be when I grow up: an intelligent and independent profiler who gets to live in a perpetual love story.
While I loved the atmosphere, the heart and the criminal minds-esque elements of this story, I wish that some of the story was fleshed out more in lieu of constant time jumps. I would’ve loved the story to have been longer so we could understand the FMC and MMC more as characters; employing first person and dual POV also could've helped achieve this. While there were so many parts of this story that had me clenching my heart, there were some places that could’ve benefited from editing that took me out of the story momentarily.
Overall, I really resonated with this story and will be keeping it on my shelf as a comfort re-read. I look forward to reading more about the backdrop of Sterling Ranch!
This sweet and heartwarming story was such a comfort read. I felt like I was experiencing a sitcom in a fictional world I genuinely wanted to be a part of.
This book touched a kindred place in my soul and never had me wanting cowboy boots more. Laurel is who I want to be when I grow up: an intelligent and independent profiler who gets to live in a perpetual love story.
While I loved the atmosphere, the heart and the criminal minds-esque elements of this story, I wish that some of the story was fleshed out more in lieu of constant time jumps. I would’ve loved the story to have been longer so we could understand the FMC and MMC more as characters; employing first person and dual POV also could've helped achieve this. While there were so many parts of this story that had me clenching my heart, there were some places that could’ve benefited from editing that took me out of the story momentarily.
Overall, I really resonated with this story and will be keeping it on my shelf as a comfort re-read. I look forward to reading more about the backdrop of Sterling Ranch!
January 19, 2024
Unfortunately I didn’t love this book. It was very dry. Kind of reminded me of reading a textbook 🙁 I couldn’t relate to either of the main characters and felt like they had no depth whatsoever.
This is told in 3rd person for anyone wondering, so that was also really hard for me. While it didn’t take anything away from the story, I find it harder to connect with the characters through third person pov.
This is told in 3rd person for anyone wondering, so that was also really hard for me. While it didn’t take anything away from the story, I find it harder to connect with the characters through third person pov.
March 7, 2024
Drop everything and read it now….do it!
February 4, 2024
Navy profiler, Laurel, is sent to Stirling Ridge ranch for three months when a high risk enemy sets their sights on her. While there, she’s under the tight protection of Brett, a decorated retired navy SEAL. Laurel is warned of him being distant and somewhat cruel, but the cowboy she meets is anything but, and soon an attraction grows. Amongst blooming romance though, a threat still lurks…
Things I liked:
* Laurel’s job immediately hooked me in and I was desperate to learn more about her work throughout the story
* Such strong Yellowstone vibes!
* Although it was a bit confusing at times and I was re-reading them a lot, I enjoyed the in depth parts of Laurel’s work. It’s obvious that the author put a lot of research into her job with the Navy and in turn this made a really strong part in the story
* The start of the story was giving me hardcore Pete Mitchell vibes in Top Gun 😂 You know when he’s at that house by the ocean riding his motorbike? Obviously Laurel is with the navy, not the Air Force, but it really pumped up that military vibe and I was all there for it. I could imagine the base, with dressed soldiers and huge ships docked. Maybe the odd jet zooming over. I can’t express how much the author nailed setting up this scenery!
* The romance between Laurel and Brett was really well done. It was natural and well-paced for two people who would find themselves in the circumstances. Sometimes it felt like we needed a bit more moments between them to build up the chemistry, and if their character arcs were a bit more refined then their relationship could even be better
Things I thought could’ve been better:
* Laurel and Brett’s character arcs were a bit confusing at times. Especially when Brett, a dignified SEAL was determined to keep his feelings at bay, but then was often the one making the moves on Laurel. Laurel’s arc was missing a bit throughout the story and I would’ve liked to have seen a bit more emotion from her about her inner conflict
* I found it a bit strange and inaccurate that for such a high profile “mission”, Brett and Laurel shared so much information about why she’d been sent to the ranch with the ranch hands. Especially when they were talking about the classified documents Laurel had to review 😅 This just didn’t match with Brett’s trait of being a highly respected soldier
* I applaud the author for doing something different and writing in only Laurel’s POV, but I do think if we had it in Brett’s POV too it would give the story that real military vibe and break up the day to day scenes with Laurel on the ranch
* For such a high stakes storyline, the resolution was a little flat
Things I liked:
* Laurel’s job immediately hooked me in and I was desperate to learn more about her work throughout the story
* Such strong Yellowstone vibes!
* Although it was a bit confusing at times and I was re-reading them a lot, I enjoyed the in depth parts of Laurel’s work. It’s obvious that the author put a lot of research into her job with the Navy and in turn this made a really strong part in the story
* The start of the story was giving me hardcore Pete Mitchell vibes in Top Gun 😂 You know when he’s at that house by the ocean riding his motorbike? Obviously Laurel is with the navy, not the Air Force, but it really pumped up that military vibe and I was all there for it. I could imagine the base, with dressed soldiers and huge ships docked. Maybe the odd jet zooming over. I can’t express how much the author nailed setting up this scenery!
* The romance between Laurel and Brett was really well done. It was natural and well-paced for two people who would find themselves in the circumstances. Sometimes it felt like we needed a bit more moments between them to build up the chemistry, and if their character arcs were a bit more refined then their relationship could even be better
Things I thought could’ve been better:
* Laurel and Brett’s character arcs were a bit confusing at times. Especially when Brett, a dignified SEAL was determined to keep his feelings at bay, but then was often the one making the moves on Laurel. Laurel’s arc was missing a bit throughout the story and I would’ve liked to have seen a bit more emotion from her about her inner conflict
* I found it a bit strange and inaccurate that for such a high profile “mission”, Brett and Laurel shared so much information about why she’d been sent to the ranch with the ranch hands. Especially when they were talking about the classified documents Laurel had to review 😅 This just didn’t match with Brett’s trait of being a highly respected soldier
* I applaud the author for doing something different and writing in only Laurel’s POV, but I do think if we had it in Brett’s POV too it would give the story that real military vibe and break up the day to day scenes with Laurel on the ranch
* For such a high stakes storyline, the resolution was a little flat
September 15, 2025
ᯓ★: 2.5
«Giving you my heart
was the easiest thing I’ve ever done.»
Laurel is a profiler for the military and due to one of her operations she’s personally targeted by a terrorist group. In order to keep her safe, her general sends her to ex-NAVY seal turned cowboy Brett’s ranch. What begins as an unwanted journey necessary for her safety quickly turns into a fun experience with a real possibility of finding love.
── .✦
Light on Love is a short love story that doesn’t know if it wants to be a cowboy romance or a military romance, so it ends up being a mix of both.
Let’s start by saying that the plot is fucking dumb. Once we’ve gotten over this fact maybe you’ll be able to enjoy the book. The military aspect is very present, but it truly is so stupid. Even if you ignore the fact that they would never ever hire a psychologist who’s had her license for one year (like, I think terrorist threats is a field in which is valid to want somebody with experience 😭) everything related to that threat is dumb. But we’re not gonna talk about that.
The cowboy aspect on the other hand was limited in my opinion. Yes, we learn how the ranch works and we meet some of the cowboys but that’s pretty much it. I love cowboy romances so I wish the author had developed this further.
Now let’s get to the characters. The book is really short so I understand that it can’t give us insight about every little detail about Laurel and Brett, but I would’ve liked to get to know them better. We don’t know much about them apart from their jobs and, of course, Brett’s strong abs, biceps, etc. 🙄 I could sense the chemistry being there (at least from Laurel’s part) but everything happened so quickly, it didn’t click for me. I’m generally not a fan of the man’s POV but this book desperately needed to explore Brett’s feelings much more.
It’s a quick read. It’s a cute book. I didn’t hate it, I didn’t love it. I have a feeling that this saga works when you don’t know what to read and want something to get out of a reading slump. I’ll be reading the rest of the series, for now.
⛰️🎖️💙🐴🏕️
«Giving you my heart
was the easiest thing I’ve ever done.»
Laurel is a profiler for the military and due to one of her operations she’s personally targeted by a terrorist group. In order to keep her safe, her general sends her to ex-NAVY seal turned cowboy Brett’s ranch. What begins as an unwanted journey necessary for her safety quickly turns into a fun experience with a real possibility of finding love.
── .✦
Light on Love is a short love story that doesn’t know if it wants to be a cowboy romance or a military romance, so it ends up being a mix of both.
Let’s start by saying that the plot is fucking dumb. Once we’ve gotten over this fact maybe you’ll be able to enjoy the book. The military aspect is very present, but it truly is so stupid. Even if you ignore the fact that they would never ever hire a psychologist who’s had her license for one year (like, I think terrorist threats is a field in which is valid to want somebody with experience 😭) everything related to that threat is dumb. But we’re not gonna talk about that.
The cowboy aspect on the other hand was limited in my opinion. Yes, we learn how the ranch works and we meet some of the cowboys but that’s pretty much it. I love cowboy romances so I wish the author had developed this further.
Now let’s get to the characters. The book is really short so I understand that it can’t give us insight about every little detail about Laurel and Brett, but I would’ve liked to get to know them better. We don’t know much about them apart from their jobs and, of course, Brett’s strong abs, biceps, etc. 🙄 I could sense the chemistry being there (at least from Laurel’s part) but everything happened so quickly, it didn’t click for me. I’m generally not a fan of the man’s POV but this book desperately needed to explore Brett’s feelings much more.
It’s a quick read. It’s a cute book. I didn’t hate it, I didn’t love it. I have a feeling that this saga works when you don’t know what to read and want something to get out of a reading slump. I’ll be reading the rest of the series, for now.
⛰️🎖️💙🐴🏕️
December 17, 2023
I wish this book was longer! That is what I will start off with.
I adored this book. It was not dual pov and I usually reach for those but I gave this book a shot and I am so glad I did!
Brett Hayes is the grumpy rancher/Navy Seal MMC of this story and Laurel works for the Navy as a analyst. Laurel is in danger from a case she was put on. Her coworker/friend Ray gives her the option of staying on base (where she can not be protected that well) or to go to his friend Brett who was known as being a top Seal when he was active duty. Laurel chooses to have the protection from Brett and as Laurel gets to know Brett and his ranch family she finds herself conflicted when his protection will no longer be needed.
I loved the chemistry that Brett and Laurel had in this book. There were times I was smiling from ear to ear when reading their interactions. The post it notes were hilarious and sound like something a man like Brett would do. I love how Laurel made herself comfortable on his ranch and in his home even with the situation she was in. I loved the cooking scenes in this book. Cooking was something Laurel enjoys doing but never gets the chance to cook for others so when she has the opportunity she cooks and leaves her meals for Brett to come home to (which turns out to be his favorite part of the day). While Brett is busy working his ranch Laurel realizes she is lonely and sets off to explore the ranch and is instantly pulled to a horse Dune. Brett is drawn to Laurel and they can't help the chemistry between them and exploring their feelings.
I loved the moments between Brett and Laurel. He was open with her but also respected her decisions and choices. The cooking scenes, post it notes and training scenes were swoon worthy. I honestly can not wait for the next book in this series!
I adored this book. It was not dual pov and I usually reach for those but I gave this book a shot and I am so glad I did!
Brett Hayes is the grumpy rancher/Navy Seal MMC of this story and Laurel works for the Navy as a analyst. Laurel is in danger from a case she was put on. Her coworker/friend Ray gives her the option of staying on base (where she can not be protected that well) or to go to his friend Brett who was known as being a top Seal when he was active duty. Laurel chooses to have the protection from Brett and as Laurel gets to know Brett and his ranch family she finds herself conflicted when his protection will no longer be needed.
I loved the chemistry that Brett and Laurel had in this book. There were times I was smiling from ear to ear when reading their interactions. The post it notes were hilarious and sound like something a man like Brett would do. I love how Laurel made herself comfortable on his ranch and in his home even with the situation she was in. I loved the cooking scenes in this book. Cooking was something Laurel enjoys doing but never gets the chance to cook for others so when she has the opportunity she cooks and leaves her meals for Brett to come home to (which turns out to be his favorite part of the day). While Brett is busy working his ranch Laurel realizes she is lonely and sets off to explore the ranch and is instantly pulled to a horse Dune. Brett is drawn to Laurel and they can't help the chemistry between them and exploring their feelings.
I loved the moments between Brett and Laurel. He was open with her but also respected her decisions and choices. The cooking scenes, post it notes and training scenes were swoon worthy. I honestly can not wait for the next book in this series!
January 23, 2024
2.5 spicy
“Haven’t you heard the rule? Wear the hat, ride the cowboy.” 🤠
Oh boy oh boy Hayes Ranch!!
Brett Hayes is the grumpy rancher/Ex Navy Seal of this story and Dr. Laurel Montgomery works for the Navy as an analyst. Laurel is in danger from a case she was put on.
This book was incredible. Let's just say I'd like to have some cinnamon rolls too, had me smiling and laughed a little, it was just written amazingly. It was a slow burn romance but he fell first which I love and the best part was he didn’t hold back on his feelings he literally laid it out for her and how he was already in love with her even before meeting her. He would do anything to protect her. It’s amazing how the chemistry laurel and Brett had was beautiful. They fit right for each other. Laurel never shied away from Brett when it came to telling him everything feeling like he was the safest person to tell everything too, especially when it came to being intimate. I like the fact that they never made Laurel a damsel and distress, just a woman with curiosity and want to prove to everyone that she was more than a disappointment and want to find love and be happy just like how Brett wanted too. Also orange post-it are my favorite thing.
I do wish the story was a little longer and get to know more about both of their past.
Favorite word and line that just got be smiling
“Honey” Brett favorite word for his Laurel
“You’ve got a gift for calming wild things.”
“It seems to me that you’ve spent your life letting people see what they want to see about you. But I’m happy just seeing you, all the parts of you.”
“You might not be what I came for,
But since I arrived, it’s only you that I want.”
- Laurel
“I love you. I’ll keep loving you. When you’re ready, come home.” -Brett
(I can’t wait for there wedding.)
(Definitely can’t wait for the next book)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 21, 2024
He falls first + no third act breakup + caretaking!
A work assignment finds Laurel in harm’s way; and to stay safe, she flees to the middle of nowhere Wyoming where she’ll be protected by a legendary ex-Navy SEAL.
Laurel & Brett find themselves living in close quarters as roommates. While immersed in reaching culture and helping her boss solve the assignment that put her in danger, Laurel begins to question her priorities.
Read if you love…
👏🏼no third act breakup
✨forced proximity, roommates
🐴ranch life / cowboy romance adjacent
✨he falls first
🧡post it notes
✨bodyguard + protectee
🍳they cook for each other
✨he teaches her self defense
🔥bonfires
✨caretaking
🫶🏼found family
I binge read this one in an evening because I had to know what happens!
I loved the mix of tropes, the setting, and all of the characters.
I lovedddd the micro tropes: he teaches her self defense, they cook for each other, he forces her to rest instead of throwing herself into work 24/7, and post-it notes left for each other. 🫠
One of my favorite micro tropes is no third act breakup. I love when an author can weave in outside drama that allow the MCs to work together to survive it and strengthen their relationship. And while I didn’t completely predict the drama in this one, I loved how it was done and the callbacks to earlier things in the book!
If you need a cowboy adjacent romance, this one is for you!
📍Wyoming
‼️Content: violence; fighting; guns; mention of military service & terrorism; death of parents, past
A work assignment finds Laurel in harm’s way; and to stay safe, she flees to the middle of nowhere Wyoming where she’ll be protected by a legendary ex-Navy SEAL.
Laurel & Brett find themselves living in close quarters as roommates. While immersed in reaching culture and helping her boss solve the assignment that put her in danger, Laurel begins to question her priorities.
Read if you love…
👏🏼no third act breakup
✨forced proximity, roommates
🐴ranch life / cowboy romance adjacent
✨he falls first
🧡post it notes
✨bodyguard + protectee
🍳they cook for each other
✨he teaches her self defense
🔥bonfires
✨caretaking
🫶🏼found family
I binge read this one in an evening because I had to know what happens!
I loved the mix of tropes, the setting, and all of the characters.
I lovedddd the micro tropes: he teaches her self defense, they cook for each other, he forces her to rest instead of throwing herself into work 24/7, and post-it notes left for each other. 🫠
One of my favorite micro tropes is no third act breakup. I love when an author can weave in outside drama that allow the MCs to work together to survive it and strengthen their relationship. And while I didn’t completely predict the drama in this one, I loved how it was done and the callbacks to earlier things in the book!
If you need a cowboy adjacent romance, this one is for you!
📍Wyoming
‼️Content: violence; fighting; guns; mention of military service & terrorism; death of parents, past
February 5, 2024
so so so much to love about this, them (laurel + brett), ca steinhaus!!!
this being her debut book…it’s amazing!!! and the cover, y’all don’t even get me started. you know how much i love cowboy covers like this!
the only thing i didn’t love about this book was that the writing and the third person pov made it hard to fully connect with the characters and their stories. there were times i was reading a scene that i would normally swoon over or just love and i wasn’t with this book because i just didn’t feel like i knew them. this was also written in a way that weeks would pass and it just felt like i couldn’t fully comprehend the feelings and thoughts the characters were having because we didn’t get the full extent of them. I don’t know if that makes sense but you know.
with that being said, there were other moments i absolutely devoured and LOVED. when brett is on the phone with ray and asking about what she likes??? LOVED. the post it notes?? LOVED. brett loving the foods she’s made him?? LOVED. brett just everytime he talked?? LOVED.
some of my favorite things:
-Brett’s whiskey brown eyes 🫠
-Brett’s shirt, stetson, and laurels boots (iykyk) 😉
-the post it notes
-this quote: “i think it would be an honor to belong to you, laurel montgomery.”
so 4/5 stars and completely recommend if you want a sexy cowboy, rancher, ex navy seal, who loves his people and teaches her how to defend herself, and has a little bit of found family vibes. you love this!!!
so thankful to christine for an arc and giving me the opportunity to love these characters a little early.
this being her debut book…it’s amazing!!! and the cover, y’all don’t even get me started. you know how much i love cowboy covers like this!
the only thing i didn’t love about this book was that the writing and the third person pov made it hard to fully connect with the characters and their stories. there were times i was reading a scene that i would normally swoon over or just love and i wasn’t with this book because i just didn’t feel like i knew them. this was also written in a way that weeks would pass and it just felt like i couldn’t fully comprehend the feelings and thoughts the characters were having because we didn’t get the full extent of them. I don’t know if that makes sense but you know.
with that being said, there were other moments i absolutely devoured and LOVED. when brett is on the phone with ray and asking about what she likes??? LOVED. the post it notes?? LOVED. brett loving the foods she’s made him?? LOVED. brett just everytime he talked?? LOVED.
some of my favorite things:
-Brett’s whiskey brown eyes 🫠
-Brett’s shirt, stetson, and laurels boots (iykyk) 😉
-the post it notes
-this quote: “i think it would be an honor to belong to you, laurel montgomery.”
so 4/5 stars and completely recommend if you want a sexy cowboy, rancher, ex navy seal, who loves his people and teaches her how to defend herself, and has a little bit of found family vibes. you love this!!!
so thankful to christine for an arc and giving me the opportunity to love these characters a little early.
February 1, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️️
🔥🔥
I really enjoyed this book even though I was nervous as it is written in third person. I tend to go towards books written in dual POV (first person) but I felt it was written well. The author did a good job portraying the feelings of both characters and really setting the scene.
In this book we meet Laurel who is a military profiler. But when her job causes her to be in danger, she is sent off the grid to stay with an ex-military cowboy (talk about hitting the jackpot)! Brett is grumpy and doesn't want anyone in his space including Laurel.
She starts to do things around the ranch that have Brett rethinking his grumpy demeanor. She cooks for him and even makes him smile sometimes. Even though she is an assignment and he has to keep her safe, he can't help but fall for her.
I know Laurel and Brett tried to hold off as long as they could but once they gave in to each other it was everything! The spice in this book was good and the suspense kept me on edge!
The twist at the end was a bit predictable but it was still crazy to read as everything unraveled! This was a great small town book with a twist! I loved the characters and their chemistry was hot! Will definitely be reading more from this author!
Read if you like:
🧡 Nicknames
🧡 Protective MMC
🧡 Heroine in danger
🧡 Cowboy/ex Military
🧡 No 3rd act break up
🧡 He falls first
🧡 Forced proximity
🧡 Found family
🔥🔥
I really enjoyed this book even though I was nervous as it is written in third person. I tend to go towards books written in dual POV (first person) but I felt it was written well. The author did a good job portraying the feelings of both characters and really setting the scene.
In this book we meet Laurel who is a military profiler. But when her job causes her to be in danger, she is sent off the grid to stay with an ex-military cowboy (talk about hitting the jackpot)! Brett is grumpy and doesn't want anyone in his space including Laurel.
She starts to do things around the ranch that have Brett rethinking his grumpy demeanor. She cooks for him and even makes him smile sometimes. Even though she is an assignment and he has to keep her safe, he can't help but fall for her.
I know Laurel and Brett tried to hold off as long as they could but once they gave in to each other it was everything! The spice in this book was good and the suspense kept me on edge!
The twist at the end was a bit predictable but it was still crazy to read as everything unraveled! This was a great small town book with a twist! I loved the characters and their chemistry was hot! Will definitely be reading more from this author!
Read if you like:
🧡 Nicknames
🧡 Protective MMC
🧡 Heroine in danger
🧡 Cowboy/ex Military
🧡 No 3rd act break up
🧡 He falls first
🧡 Forced proximity
🧡 Found family
October 25, 2023
𝐋𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 𝐎𝐍: (𝘸𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘯 𝘴𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘨) 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘯, 𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘺 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦, 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥.
After a threat puts military profiler Laurel in harms way, she’s sent to a cattle ranch in Wyoming under the protection of ex-Navy SEAL, Brett. ✋🏻
Now y’all know I was already sold on this man! Say no more! 😝 But, what I loved so so much was that he was supportive of her work and helped her gain confidence and skills to protect herself.
Laurel was also able to get inside his heart and allow him to open up. 🫶🏻 I loved seeing her realize maybe she’s where she was always meant to be!
"𝓘𝓽 𝓼𝓮𝓮𝓶𝓼 𝓽𝓸 𝓶𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝔂𝓸𝓾'𝓿𝓮 𝓼𝓹𝓮𝓷𝓽 𝔂𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓵𝓲𝓯𝓮 𝓵𝓮𝓽𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓹𝓮𝓸𝓹𝓵𝓮 𝓼𝓮𝓮 𝔀𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓽𝓱𝓮𝔂 𝔀𝓪𝓷𝓽 𝓽𝓸 𝓼𝓮𝓮 𝓪𝓫𝓸𝓾𝓽 𝔂𝓸𝓾. 𝓑𝓾𝓽 𝓘'𝓶 𝓱𝓪𝓹𝓹𝔂 𝓳𝓾𝓼𝓽 𝓼𝓮𝓮𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝔂𝓸𝓾, 𝓪𝓵𝓵 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓹𝓪𝓻𝓽𝓼 𝓸𝓯 𝔂𝓸𝓾."
They share so many sweet moments and some steamy ones too. I wish we could have gotten more of Brett’s POV too. 👀😮💨 I’ve been living too long in that dual POV world haha.
“𝓲𝓽’𝓼 𝓼𝓸𝓶𝓮𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓱𝓮 𝓼𝓮𝓷𝓼𝓮𝓼 𝓲𝓷 𝔂𝓸𝓾, 𝔂𝓸𝓾’𝓿𝓮 𝓰𝓸𝓽 𝓪 𝓰𝓲𝓯𝓽 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓬𝓪𝓵𝓶𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝔀𝓲𝓵𝓭 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰𝓼.”
I loved Hayes Ranch and can’t wait for more from the other guys on the ranch!!
This was a fabulous debut and hello, that cover!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
ℛℯ𝒶𝒹 𝒾𝒻 𝓎ℴ𝓊 𝓁ℴ𝓋ℯ…
👊🏻Protective, ex-Navy SEAL MMC
🤠In her cowgirl era FMC
🔥Cozy read with suspense
📺Comfort Show: Gilmore Girls
🎶Chris Stapleton + Warren Zeiders
👩🏼🍳She loves to cook
🫶🏻He’s a softie for his girl
😮💨Steamy
After a threat puts military profiler Laurel in harms way, she’s sent to a cattle ranch in Wyoming under the protection of ex-Navy SEAL, Brett. ✋🏻
Now y’all know I was already sold on this man! Say no more! 😝 But, what I loved so so much was that he was supportive of her work and helped her gain confidence and skills to protect herself.
Laurel was also able to get inside his heart and allow him to open up. 🫶🏻 I loved seeing her realize maybe she’s where she was always meant to be!
"𝓘𝓽 𝓼𝓮𝓮𝓶𝓼 𝓽𝓸 𝓶𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝔂𝓸𝓾'𝓿𝓮 𝓼𝓹𝓮𝓷𝓽 𝔂𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓵𝓲𝓯𝓮 𝓵𝓮𝓽𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓹𝓮𝓸𝓹𝓵𝓮 𝓼𝓮𝓮 𝔀𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓽𝓱𝓮𝔂 𝔀𝓪𝓷𝓽 𝓽𝓸 𝓼𝓮𝓮 𝓪𝓫𝓸𝓾𝓽 𝔂𝓸𝓾. 𝓑𝓾𝓽 𝓘'𝓶 𝓱𝓪𝓹𝓹𝔂 𝓳𝓾𝓼𝓽 𝓼𝓮𝓮𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝔂𝓸𝓾, 𝓪𝓵𝓵 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓹𝓪𝓻𝓽𝓼 𝓸𝓯 𝔂𝓸𝓾."
They share so many sweet moments and some steamy ones too. I wish we could have gotten more of Brett’s POV too. 👀😮💨 I’ve been living too long in that dual POV world haha.
“𝓲𝓽’𝓼 𝓼𝓸𝓶𝓮𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓱𝓮 𝓼𝓮𝓷𝓼𝓮𝓼 𝓲𝓷 𝔂𝓸𝓾, 𝔂𝓸𝓾’𝓿𝓮 𝓰𝓸𝓽 𝓪 𝓰𝓲𝓯𝓽 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓬𝓪𝓵𝓶𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝔀𝓲𝓵𝓭 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰𝓼.”
I loved Hayes Ranch and can’t wait for more from the other guys on the ranch!!
This was a fabulous debut and hello, that cover!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
ℛℯ𝒶𝒹 𝒾𝒻 𝓎ℴ𝓊 𝓁ℴ𝓋ℯ…
👊🏻Protective, ex-Navy SEAL MMC
🤠In her cowgirl era FMC
🔥Cozy read with suspense
📺Comfort Show: Gilmore Girls
🎶Chris Stapleton + Warren Zeiders
👩🏼🍳She loves to cook
🫶🏻He’s a softie for his girl
😮💨Steamy
December 28, 2023
I was drawn to this book because of its cover - it reminded me of those old Western books! It's a great read - Brett is a retired Navy SEAL with a ranch tasked to protect an important Navy tech, Laurel who has become a target due to her groundbreaking work. While on the ranch, she learns to connect with nature again and cannot help the feelings of warmth and home she feels with Brett. And Brett, despite his past, Brett has never felt like this for anyone. For the first time, he feels he belongs to someone and she becomes everything to him. But danger is near and there's a bit of suspense to the plot as we wonder who wants to hurt Laurel. And when the danger is over, what then? Will she stay or move back to where her job is?
The spice is low, and it's more of a let's wait and get to know each other better before making love type of wait, which I loved. I honestly hope there will be more books in this series!
Tropes: Former SEAL/ cowboy MMC, ranch life, lots of cowboys, in danger MFC, bodyguard setting, suspense, western.
The spice is low, and it's more of a let's wait and get to know each other better before making love type of wait, which I loved. I honestly hope there will be more books in this series!
Tropes: Former SEAL/ cowboy MMC, ranch life, lots of cowboys, in danger MFC, bodyguard setting, suspense, western.
October 26, 2023
I saw this gorgeous cover then read the words protective brooding cowboy, he falls first and high stakes and I was instantly sold. Downloaded and devoured it in the same day. It was sweet and swoon worthy but had a level of suspense which made it a winner for me!
Brett has been hardened from his childhood and military past, but when he was around Laurel he let her see the real him and the moments they shared were so beautiful. The tension and push and pull between them made for an amazing slow burn and I loved the sweet moments they shared.
I will admit was hesitant when I opened it and saw it was in third person POV. This is usually an instant no thanks for me, however this dragged me right in with the high stakes situation mentioned and I couldn’t stop. I did sometimes crave the Brett’s POV however it kept me engaged and I really enjoyed it.
I loved the dynamic between the characters on the ranch and looking forward to what the next book brings!
Brett has been hardened from his childhood and military past, but when he was around Laurel he let her see the real him and the moments they shared were so beautiful. The tension and push and pull between them made for an amazing slow burn and I loved the sweet moments they shared.
I will admit was hesitant when I opened it and saw it was in third person POV. This is usually an instant no thanks for me, however this dragged me right in with the high stakes situation mentioned and I couldn’t stop. I did sometimes crave the Brett’s POV however it kept me engaged and I really enjoyed it.
I loved the dynamic between the characters on the ranch and looking forward to what the next book brings!
February 24, 2025
Oh my goodness! Where has this book been my whole life?
Wow! Brett and Laurel’s story is one of my absolute favorites! I love a good romantic suspense, and add in a cowboy, and this book is pure gold!
I love that both Brett and Laurel tried so hard for so long to fight their feelings for one another. I love that Brett taught her self defense. And there is just something about a man who leaves post it notes everywhere for their house guest 🥰
The fact that Laurel does everything in her power to immerse herself in Brett’s life was just icing on the cake! Light on Love will make you feel all of the feels!
You will love Light on Love if you love
🐴 he falls first
📑 forced proximity
🐴 protective MMC
📑 found family
October 28, 2023
There was quite a lot to love in this novel including a neat cover, a dashing hero and some very cute/spicy dialog. Unfortunately, this did feel like the first draft of a story that could have been further fleshed out/edited. And I really had a hard time liking the main heroine as I was frustrated by her decisions.
Despite skipping through some of this novel I did really wnjoy the scenes with the two leads together and I'm excited to watch Steinhaus grow as a writer and author in her next outing.
Despite skipping through some of this novel I did really wnjoy the scenes with the two leads together and I'm excited to watch Steinhaus grow as a writer and author in her next outing.
December 27, 2023
4.25⭐️ Really amazing for a debut novel! I loved Brett and Laurel and all their interactions. Brett’s protective nature was so sweet and I loved the actual plot of the book. I really love how it shows a compromise between work and personal life. I cannot wait to read the rest of the book in this series when they come out, and more from the author.
“I think it would be an honor to belong to you, Laurel Montgomery.”
“I think it would be an honor to belong to you, Laurel Montgomery.”
January 22, 2024
What a sweet debut romance 🤎 this book made me want to pack up and head west and move on to a ranch. I’m ready to spend my days riding horses and drinking coffee on wrap around porches thank you very much. I’m excited to continue reading this series and get to know more of the characters in Sterling Ridge!
March 12, 2024
Good and cute, just didn’t wow me
This book was good and cute. I loved the main characters. I just felt like it was kind of rushed and just didn’t wow me like some other small town romances do. It was a quick and sweet read though.
This book was good and cute. I loved the main characters. I just felt like it was kind of rushed and just didn’t wow me like some other small town romances do. It was a quick and sweet read though.
March 28, 2024
i loved the concept for this book, a little cowboy military?? thank you yes please
it’s a short read but there’s actually good plot development and character arcs
the who-done-it was predictable and i guessed the mole 10% in but i still enjoyed it overall
it’s a short read but there’s actually good plot development and character arcs
the who-done-it was predictable and i guessed the mole 10% in but i still enjoyed it overall
July 22, 2024
I really wanted to like this book, the blurb and trope was quite interesting. But The writing in 3rd person was not it for me, it was like describing weirdly, it felt flat. I couldn’t connect with the characters, and there was not enough slow burn, it was too fast. the cover is cute though.
March 11, 2025
Cute. A little underwhelming. Maybe due to the fact that it’s written in third-person? I did enjoy the slight suspense of it though even if it’s thoroughly predictable.
Things to know:
- Cowboy romance
- He falls first
- MMC: Retired Navy SEAL
- She’s in her cowgirl era
- Protective MMC
Things to know:
- Cowboy romance
- He falls first
- MMC: Retired Navy SEAL
- She’s in her cowgirl era
- Protective MMC
February 7, 2024
Whoever thought it was a good idea to use third person present tense should be fired.
February 17, 2024
A great debut that I devoured in less than 24hrs. I loved Laurel and Brett’s story, and cannot wait to read about Grey next!
February 19, 2024
This was a sweet, quick read!
February 27, 2024
The third person almost killed me.
It has the bones of a great story just needs some work.
✨ no third act breakup ✨
It has the bones of a great story just needs some work.
✨ no third act breakup ✨
March 19, 2024
Cute and light read! The characters felt like they were missing some depth but still enjoyable
📚: forced proximity
📚: protector
📚: military
📚: forced proximity
📚: protector
📚: military
March 28, 2024
If they knew they didn’t show it.
April 22, 2024
Such a great first book by a new author!!
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