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Set Me Free, Cowboy
She grew up as cowgirl as you can get, until he came along.
After her life goes awry, Brexlynn Phillips runs as far as she can in an attempt to escape his abuse. For two years, she manages to remain hidden and safe, keeping that torture and her knowledge of her previous cowgirl life a secret from everyone she meets. Until her job sends her and some coworkers back to a ranch in Montana. It's a couple states away from her old home town, and only for a couple months, so she thinks everything will be fine.
Except the monster she once managed to escape from returns. Determined to keep her past a secret from everyone around her, she does something desperate in order to remain hidden. Thrown into a fake relationship with a mysterious man to protect herself, can she find a way to trust another cowboy with her heart and still remain safe? Can she find a way to break free from the torture or will her secret cost not just her life, but the cowboy's life as well?
Trigger past references to emotional, physical, and sexual abuse as well as rape. Unhealed trauma, stalking, violence, blood, drugs. Some explicit, consensual intimate touching.
After her life goes awry, Brexlynn Phillips runs as far as she can in an attempt to escape his abuse. For two years, she manages to remain hidden and safe, keeping that torture and her knowledge of her previous cowgirl life a secret from everyone she meets. Until her job sends her and some coworkers back to a ranch in Montana. It's a couple states away from her old home town, and only for a couple months, so she thinks everything will be fine.
Except the monster she once managed to escape from returns. Determined to keep her past a secret from everyone around her, she does something desperate in order to remain hidden. Thrown into a fake relationship with a mysterious man to protect herself, can she find a way to trust another cowboy with her heart and still remain safe? Can she find a way to break free from the torture or will her secret cost not just her life, but the cowboy's life as well?
Trigger past references to emotional, physical, and sexual abuse as well as rape. Unhealed trauma, stalking, violence, blood, drugs. Some explicit, consensual intimate touching.
473 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 2, 2023
605 people are currently reading
1359 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
March 13, 2024
I really and truly hope that if my crazy ex gets out of jail and finds me then stabs me in the leg while I'm on a horse when there is no one around but then I ride up to my friends and love interest and pass out and fall off of the horse that someone would have the critical thinking skills to take me to a HOSPITAL. Ya know instead of waking up in the back of a truck several hours later with a bleeding leg and a concussion.... (she was not being taken anywhere just waiting on her to wake up...)
Also how phones stopped existing in the last 2 chapters. Why.
Also how phones stopped existing in the last 2 chapters. Why.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 1, 2024
The book started off good. I easily got into the story and enjoyed it. Halfway through and then the rest of the book turned into a bit of a mess, then the story was just all over the place.
While Brex was being abused by her ex husband-Matt, Tate knew about it but did nothing so he can collect evidence.. something about that just rubs me in the wrong way because it happened over a course of what 2 or 3 weeks? After a few days of capturing the abuse he didn’t think to just send the evidence through and contact police? Also, I’ve never been stabbed in the leg before but I’m guessing it’s not a fucking fun time but she’s over there hopping around, making out and getting frisky in a truck with a stab wound, all because she refuse to have her ex husband send her to the hospital for the 2nd time. Oh all right just let it get infected it’s not like you don’t work at a ranch with dust and shit 🤦🏻♀️
Also, let me mention she was sent with her co workers to get information and live the country life on the ranch to get ideas or feedback for their western clothing line or something? There was no mention of what they learned and even when she got sent overseas by her boss at the end all she talked about was them flying to a few different countries and then about her co workers because they’re gossipers while she threw herself a pity party for missing Tate.
Why did two grown ass adults allow other adults that weren’t the authorities to separate them in the first place? I don’t fucking know. What made me laugh when Brex was being taken away by men Tates mom brought to escort her off the ranch, Tate comes riding in on his horse yelling to his “mama” not to take her away from him. Are you 35 and a grown man or 15? Wtf? Your mama can’t do shit because you own the bloody ranch! Omg I was delirious at that point and wasn’t sure if I had anymore patience to continue on🤷🏻♀️by 75-80% I wanted to be done with the story.
I’d like to read other books by this author to see if I might like them better than this one.
While Brex was being abused by her ex husband-Matt, Tate knew about it but did nothing so he can collect evidence.. something about that just rubs me in the wrong way because it happened over a course of what 2 or 3 weeks? After a few days of capturing the abuse he didn’t think to just send the evidence through and contact police? Also, I’ve never been stabbed in the leg before but I’m guessing it’s not a fucking fun time but she’s over there hopping around, making out and getting frisky in a truck with a stab wound, all because she refuse to have her ex husband send her to the hospital for the 2nd time. Oh all right just let it get infected it’s not like you don’t work at a ranch with dust and shit 🤦🏻♀️
Also, let me mention she was sent with her co workers to get information and live the country life on the ranch to get ideas or feedback for their western clothing line or something? There was no mention of what they learned and even when she got sent overseas by her boss at the end all she talked about was them flying to a few different countries and then about her co workers because they’re gossipers while she threw herself a pity party for missing Tate.
Why did two grown ass adults allow other adults that weren’t the authorities to separate them in the first place? I don’t fucking know. What made me laugh when Brex was being taken away by men Tates mom brought to escort her off the ranch, Tate comes riding in on his horse yelling to his “mama” not to take her away from him. Are you 35 and a grown man or 15? Wtf? Your mama can’t do shit because you own the bloody ranch! Omg I was delirious at that point and wasn’t sure if I had anymore patience to continue on🤷🏻♀️by 75-80% I wanted to be done with the story.
I’d like to read other books by this author to see if I might like them better than this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 24, 2023
The beginning was great but then I have no idea what happened with the rest of the book, felt so unlike the characters and truly felt like two different people were writing this book, it seemed to change after 60% and it made absolutely no sense.
Scene weren’t thought out enough.
It was like it wanted to be spicy but then at the last minute slam behind close doors and then time travel- it made no sense. Either commit to full spice or not because it doesn’t make much sense to tease spice chapter after chapter to then randomly stop spice all together.
I can’t get my head around this book, like are we sure there wasn’t two different people writing this??
Wtf was the last 40%, nothing made sense
The characters seemed to loose all brain function and development.
So many plot holes, story was not thought out.
I actually don’t know what happened.
Nothing make any sense.
Such a disappointing read.
Should have been dual PoV. That would make more sense.
Scene weren’t thought out enough.
It was like it wanted to be spicy but then at the last minute slam behind close doors and then time travel- it made no sense. Either commit to full spice or not because it doesn’t make much sense to tease spice chapter after chapter to then randomly stop spice all together.
I can’t get my head around this book, like are we sure there wasn’t two different people writing this??
Wtf was the last 40%, nothing made sense
The characters seemed to loose all brain function and development.
So many plot holes, story was not thought out.
I actually don’t know what happened.
Nothing make any sense.
Such a disappointing read.
Should have been dual PoV. That would make more sense.
January 16, 2025
This started out good and cute, but dragged on. Miss girl is literally letting herself get abused and at this point I’m just wasting my time reading this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 2, 2023
Man oh man. Where do I start with this book?
You got the grumpy cowboy, and the sassy girl pretending not to have a clue about anything ranch related.
-The insta-attraction 🥰
-Fake dating🤭
-Who did this to you🫠
-Sassy heroine 🤪
-COWBOY hero. 🥵
-horses. Just, just horses 🐴
I cried at 10% 😢
The love I felt at 50%😍
Then the SHOCK at 51%😱 (I personally played War by Chance Peña 🎶around this time and I felt it fit perfectly with the mood🎶)
I was blessed to have been chosen as an ARC reader for this book. I couldn’t be more grateful for it!
The plot twists had my devouring this book. I didn’t want to put it down. This is the first book in a while that I have just wanted to keep reading. I did get to about 90% and wanted to just stop🛑… because I ✨DIDN’T WANT IT TO END. ✨
I liked the tension between the two Tate and Brex. The lack of spice was extremely refreshing. I’m so used to reading such spice heavy books. I loved that this was different
If I could give this book more than 5 stars I would.
10/10 will be reading again!
You got the grumpy cowboy, and the sassy girl pretending not to have a clue about anything ranch related.
-The insta-attraction 🥰
-Fake dating🤭
-Who did this to you🫠
-Sassy heroine 🤪
-COWBOY hero. 🥵
-horses. Just, just horses 🐴
I cried at 10% 😢
The love I felt at 50%😍
Then the SHOCK at 51%😱 (I personally played War by Chance Peña 🎶around this time and I felt it fit perfectly with the mood🎶)
I was blessed to have been chosen as an ARC reader for this book. I couldn’t be more grateful for it!
The plot twists had my devouring this book. I didn’t want to put it down. This is the first book in a while that I have just wanted to keep reading. I did get to about 90% and wanted to just stop🛑… because I ✨DIDN’T WANT IT TO END. ✨
I liked the tension between the two Tate and Brex. The lack of spice was extremely refreshing. I’m so used to reading such spice heavy books. I loved that this was different
If I could give this book more than 5 stars I would.
10/10 will be reading again!
November 5, 2023
✨ARC Read✨
This is the first book I’ve read by this Author, also my first western romance read & I stayed up all night to finish this book because it kept me hooked for that I give this book a 4 rating! It has great world building & interesting characters throughout the story, with a good bit of depth to their personalities.
Some TW: physical, mental, & emotional abuse.
Some transparency on my review: The story hit home hard. I have CPTSD and left my family behind to move across the country to start over. My tight knit community also failed me by continually supporting my abusers, so you could say I relate somewhat to the female main character. I found familiarity in that “small town world,” due to growing up in the South, reputation means a lot where I am from. So I gravitated to that familiarity after seeing some teasers for the book on TikTok. At times it absolutely triggered me, the familiar feeling of abandonment wounds came up hard, but I knew what I was getting myself into and the book helped me work through some things. I will give my honest opinions from my perspective and I know it’s probably biased because of my personal life experiences.
That being said, I will jump into cons first by saying I feel like the behavior of the FMC is sometimes unhealthy. It’s to be expected especially while in the thralls of current abuse occurring to her, but a bit more acknowledgement of her growth in the end would’ve definitely made this book a 5 star for me. I do think the Author does a fantastic job of representing how abuse can affect the way you think and react to others.
The male main character has some unflattering traits as well. They seemed a bit skimmed over, with my impression being that it is presented as he is not as bad as her ex. Flawed and making mistakes is one thing, but he actively chooses some questionable methods. He just didn’t sit well with my soul, even after finding out his reasons for why he did some things, it would’ve been more enjoyable if he’d directly apologized or taken accountability for his hand, instead of leaving her to often blame herself. Not that it’s his fault that she did, but those things made me develop a dislike for him. It wasn’t until the very end I warmed up to him some, but maybe that’s my personal trust issues.
I think there were some opportunities for his character to better support her in standing on her own two feet, without him being so avoidant of her, as well as at times borderline codependent. He striked me as that prideful brooding male type, because the expectation fell on the FMC to anticipate his needs several times, to understand his prospective without him really directly acknowledging hers. I will give him credit for being supportive on the sidelines by trying to trap her ex in the act of abuse, but his lack of healthy communication at times was a turn off. It was too much for my taste, but others may feel differently & that’s okay, just not my thing. I would’ve appreciated more focus on the FMC realizing that she didn’t deserve to be left in the dark by him. If he had made more of an acknowledgement of his true feelings than he did, it would’ve helped me appreciate his character more. Men who communicate their feelings and their intentions are hot 🔥
Now for the pros, reading certain parts of this book was very healing and most satisfying! Especially when the parents are confronted by the MC for how they treated their daughter (the FMC) and the abusive ex husband finally getting what he deserves in the end. I have a lot of respect for the MC stepping in, it was very Hero saving damsel vibes. The MC does eventually show up for her emotionally and I see how the intention was he was leaving room for her to make her own choices. The FMC does finally start to open up to others in the end which was enjoyable to see as well. During the healing process, especially in the beginning, she starts to find herself again, learning who she is outside of the abuse. She went through so much turmoil, exploring that part of herself was so important and would’ve loved more focus on that being her internal monologue throughout instead of so much self sacrificing and self deprecating at times. Her journey is what kept me absolutely hooked to this book.
All of that being said, despite the cons previously mentioned I still absolutely felt that this is a great Author, her story got my full attention, and her book was very well written! I might not be in a place in my life where I can connect to all of it or relate to it as much as I thought I would. Perhaps Tate just isn’t my type 😅Regardless, I am very glad I gave this book a chance and also that I tried something new. I plan to read her other books in the future!
This is the first book I’ve read by this Author, also my first western romance read & I stayed up all night to finish this book because it kept me hooked for that I give this book a 4 rating! It has great world building & interesting characters throughout the story, with a good bit of depth to their personalities.
Some TW: physical, mental, & emotional abuse.
Some transparency on my review: The story hit home hard. I have CPTSD and left my family behind to move across the country to start over. My tight knit community also failed me by continually supporting my abusers, so you could say I relate somewhat to the female main character. I found familiarity in that “small town world,” due to growing up in the South, reputation means a lot where I am from. So I gravitated to that familiarity after seeing some teasers for the book on TikTok. At times it absolutely triggered me, the familiar feeling of abandonment wounds came up hard, but I knew what I was getting myself into and the book helped me work through some things. I will give my honest opinions from my perspective and I know it’s probably biased because of my personal life experiences.
That being said, I will jump into cons first by saying I feel like the behavior of the FMC is sometimes unhealthy. It’s to be expected especially while in the thralls of current abuse occurring to her, but a bit more acknowledgement of her growth in the end would’ve definitely made this book a 5 star for me. I do think the Author does a fantastic job of representing how abuse can affect the way you think and react to others.
The male main character has some unflattering traits as well. They seemed a bit skimmed over, with my impression being that it is presented as he is not as bad as her ex. Flawed and making mistakes is one thing, but he actively chooses some questionable methods. He just didn’t sit well with my soul, even after finding out his reasons for why he did some things, it would’ve been more enjoyable if he’d directly apologized or taken accountability for his hand, instead of leaving her to often blame herself. Not that it’s his fault that she did, but those things made me develop a dislike for him. It wasn’t until the very end I warmed up to him some, but maybe that’s my personal trust issues.
I think there were some opportunities for his character to better support her in standing on her own two feet, without him being so avoidant of her, as well as at times borderline codependent. He striked me as that prideful brooding male type, because the expectation fell on the FMC to anticipate his needs several times, to understand his prospective without him really directly acknowledging hers. I will give him credit for being supportive on the sidelines by trying to trap her ex in the act of abuse, but his lack of healthy communication at times was a turn off. It was too much for my taste, but others may feel differently & that’s okay, just not my thing. I would’ve appreciated more focus on the FMC realizing that she didn’t deserve to be left in the dark by him. If he had made more of an acknowledgement of his true feelings than he did, it would’ve helped me appreciate his character more. Men who communicate their feelings and their intentions are hot 🔥
Now for the pros, reading certain parts of this book was very healing and most satisfying! Especially when the parents are confronted by the MC for how they treated their daughter (the FMC) and the abusive ex husband finally getting what he deserves in the end. I have a lot of respect for the MC stepping in, it was very Hero saving damsel vibes. The MC does eventually show up for her emotionally and I see how the intention was he was leaving room for her to make her own choices. The FMC does finally start to open up to others in the end which was enjoyable to see as well. During the healing process, especially in the beginning, she starts to find herself again, learning who she is outside of the abuse. She went through so much turmoil, exploring that part of herself was so important and would’ve loved more focus on that being her internal monologue throughout instead of so much self sacrificing and self deprecating at times. Her journey is what kept me absolutely hooked to this book.
All of that being said, despite the cons previously mentioned I still absolutely felt that this is a great Author, her story got my full attention, and her book was very well written! I might not be in a place in my life where I can connect to all of it or relate to it as much as I thought I would. Perhaps Tate just isn’t my type 😅Regardless, I am very glad I gave this book a chance and also that I tried something new. I plan to read her other books in the future!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 6, 2025
did not expect to love this so much and devour it in one sitting lol
thoughts:
- "No matter what novel you read by me, none will have any explicit sex scenes." rude
- so much for a quick read RIP
- OH NO THE EXES NAME IS MATTHEW AHH
- OH NO SHES HIDING SHES A REDHEAD HAHAA I CANT
- Oakley is such a bitch
- half way through and fucking hell can someone run over matt with a horse and kill him please
- good ending was a fucking relief - fuck matt - wish he died though
- actually i prefer the actual ending that was a smart shot hahaha
ALSO THE PHOTOS FROM THE WEDDING SO EARLY IN THE BOOK HAHAHA I CANT ITS PERFECT
- ugh why are all the mothers and parents so FUCKING ANNOYING
OH COME ON THEY MADE HER LEAVE THIS BOOK IS STILL GOING AHH
- how dare you make me tear up at 1am
cool moments:
- Jake’s brown eyes lingered on me, scrutinizing my outfit change, and his gaze paused at my boots. While my coworkers hadn’t noticed yet since I’d slipped them on at the last minute, he did. He saw that they were worn from use, broken in. A flash of confusion sparked through his face before he looked away without mentioning his observation.
- A soft, rose glow brushed across the sparkling fields covered in a crisp frost from the early morning
- Jake tilted his head. “How’d you know how to fix it?” he asked. There it was. His curiosity was warranted, because I did something I shouldn’t have known how to do.
- oooh she's spoiling her secret past life
“Which one can’t be ridden?” Aubrey shouted, and I pointed to the buckskin who looked way too familiar. So familiar like one I’d seen before. One I once loved. One I once owned. “The only mare, the buckskin,” I said and all eyes flashed to me, once more confused and curious. “How the hell did you know that?” Jake asked, stepping a little closer to me, and his horse followed. “Google,” I said at the exact same time he did. I bit my bottom lip as he shook his head, not believing me, and turned to the rest of the group knowing I wasn’t going to say anything else.
- page 36 my heart
- Several different guys asked me to dance, and I said yes to every single one of them. Not once did we exchange names, nor had I ever met them before, but I didn’t care, it was fun.
- He was totally onto me, and I wasn’t sure how that made me feel
- page 56 kissing a guy to hide from abusive ex whos meant to be in prison
- My fingers mindlessly touched my lips. He had kissed me back. At the end, he’d kissed me back.
- The cowboy eventually sighed, threw off the gloves, and lifted his hat from his head. My gaze slid away from the new cow-calf pair and rested upon the stranger beside me. He was close enough that I was finally able to make out his features. He ran a veiny hand through his dark, super curly
hair cut into a short mullet style, and his eyes met mine as he replaced his black hat. Hazel eyes I’d seen before.
- “Someone randomly kissed you?” I interjected, feigning innocence, and Tate glared at me for a moment before his eyes twinkled with humor.
- “Who said I’m from New York?” I answered with a question, and his eyes shot my way as I clamped my hand over my mouth. “I knew it,” he said, the smile widening to a grin. “Knew what?” Stupid, stupid me, I thought.
- SERIOUSLY MATTHEW WAS AT THE WEDDING TATE BROUGHT HER TO AGH
- “That’s exactly why I would’ve expected them to be back. That’s a long time…” I leaned back against the counter as Tate tipped his head forward. Shock etched across his face. “I’m sorry, what?” (hahahaha)
- Then he paused. “You have freckles,” he breathed out in surprise
- 203 spoilers it was once her horse tate
- I found him watching me under that hat of his. This was his idea. To run and let me run as fast as I
needed to breathe for a moment before turning around and going back to work
- And I screamed. I held my arms out wide and trusted Becky to take me where we needed to go as I screamed, and cried, and swore, and yelled, and cried again. I didn’t care who heard or saw as the fence neared and I tucked my pelvis tight into the saddle, picked up the reins, spun her hind end around through that dirt and shot off toward the cattle. This was so freeing. He’d set me free.
- 213 Had Tate figured it out?
- “Do me a favor?” “What’s that?” “Knock Oakley down a peg.” My mouth fell open. “What?” I asked, stunned by what he said. “I’m not stupid, Brexlynn. You ride like you were born in the
saddle. Plus, on Becky no less, and you missed every one of my lessons. So obviously you can ride well, and that buckle says you’ve won before. In barrels.” A wicked grin slowly spread across his face.
“Okay, so you caught me.” I threw my hands in the air, and he chuckled. “The real question is, why do you care about humbling Oakley a little?” He rocked the cigarette between his teeth. “Because I don’t like how she’s been talking to and about you. Whether someone's ridden three times or three thousand times doesn’t give her that right.”
- Tate began singing, beautifully as usual, the eerie lyrics that told a story. Then I began to pluck along. Eyes shot my direction as I added in the second guitar part, but I didn’t care that everyone else was staring at me.
- I don’t care that you were drunk, Tate. Drunk words are sober thoughts
fucking hell
“In the five years we were married, I only went to the ER once, despite all the times he beat me,” I slurred out, flopping my head to face his side. He watched the water, but I knew he was listening. “It was right after I finished my run at the NFR. He jerked me off of my horse, pissed that I didn’t get first place, and kicked me so hard it cracked most of the ribs on my right side.”
- chapter 29 - 254 jesus christ
- “Brex, this ex-husband of yours was at the rodeo tonight, wasn’t he,” he asked, more as a statement than anything else, and I glanced his way. He was gripping the steering wheel so tightly that his knuckles and fingers were turning white. I nodded but didn’t speak. “I know him, don’t I.” Once again, it wasn’t much of a question, as he stared straight ahead, so I didn’t answer. He already knew. Maybe not who it was exactly, but he knew.
quotes:
- I hadn’t realized how much I actually missed all of this despite the fear that accompanied it.
- “I googled stuff,” I quickly said, and they all nodded,
accepting my lie.
- In the fury and fear, I found beauty watching her well-maintained muscling contract and expand.
Despite her being unsafe to ride, someone had spent the time taking good care of her.
- By the time I was done, by the time my head was empty of the stressful thoughts and worries that hung heavily upon my shoulders, the sun had disappeared, leaving the sky painted black
- I could survive this. Maybe even enjoy it a little.
- I was angry at myself for still being afraid.
- For the next hour or so, we walked and eventually trotted along the fence line. I giggled a few times as I was shoved out of position, but it took only a couple mistakes to get things back under me. A surge of confidence bolted through me, and I smiled. And then I let her run
- My body froze, my lungs gasped for air as I stared at that same cowboy with a black hat, who was sitting still on his horse far across the property. It was too dark to make out his face, too dark to really see any details, but a shiver ran down my back and I knew. He was watching me. Had been watching me this entire time.
- I was no longer afraid of someone seeing me
- “Question for a question. If I answer, then you answer another one of mine. Deal?” he said, and I glanced his way, pausing. I was a terrible liar, but really good at skirting around providing too much information if I was prepared, so I nodded once before he continued.
- “You, Brexlynn Phillips, are not very good at lying,”
- I smiled softly. “I’ll be fine. I’m used to being alone.” He sighed. “Yeah, that’s what I hate.”
- “I’m thinking that I’m tired of feeling so out of control,”
- “Why didn’t you do anything sooner? Or tell me that you knew?” “Because you deserved to be in control, Brex. I wanted to give you the time you needed to find your own strength and courage.”
- Maybe he was still thinking of me. Still longing for me as much as I longed for him. That hope, however, was also slowly destroying me
close to smut:
- “Well, if you’ve been listening, then why don’t you get on and show me.” He raised an eyebrow and leaned forward against his knees.
- And then he leaned forward. “You really think that will keep me from tasting the strawberry one?” he whispered, his mouth hovered dangerously close as I paused my chewing. For just a moment. I couldn’t pull my eyes away from his lips that were nearly against mine.
- The room was pitch black and all I could hear was our rapid heartbeats and the shouting outside of the door. Footsteps pounded past the closed doorway and Tate stepped in closer, his chest pressing into my body, shoving my back against the cold wall. My heart raced, feeling every beat of his own, every expansion of his lungs as his warm air washed over my face.
- I studied his hazel gaze, wondering what he was feeling. I didn’t even notice that I was still pressed lightly against his body, that he still stood between my legs as he stared back into my green eyes. The world spun on at a regular pace, but right here, between us, something shifted again. The corners of my mouth slowly crept upwards, and his mirrored mine just half a second later. “Let’s just stay here,” he whispered this time.
- “Just sounds like an excuse to own a very sexy pair of panties,” he teased, jumping out of the way, and I ran after him. I chased him around the room, laughing and smiling despite the embarrassment that my cheeks were showing.
- He laughed even harder, so I ducked under, slicked my hair back, and broke the surface again. His laugh changed quickly as his eyes filled with hunger. Obvious, explicit neediness. Desire for something that wasn’t his, but he had the look he was about to take it regardless.
- “I can go change,” I whispered, and he slowly shook his head. “Don’t you dare. You look beautiful,” he breathed out, his voice cracked slightly and he blinked from the stupor that I’d apparently put him
in. “Absolutely beautiful,” he tenderly said again, a smile caressing his face.
- “What?” he said, chuckling. “Please,” I groaned. “You sound desperate. Do tell why?” I glanced over my shoulder to find his eyes jammed closed but a massive grin on his face. “Tate,” I whined, and he clicked his tongue. “If you want me to proceed, Brex baby, you must oblige to my request,” he said. “When did you become so posh and speak like that?” I teased, and he laughed. “I have an education, my dear.” He added a horrible English accent to those words, and I couldn’t help but giggle. “Fine. But no making fun of me.”
- He tasted sweet, like honey at autumn time coated with a sharp fresh mint leaf.
smut pending:
- page 127 almost kiss ugh
- “I feel snubbed and want to know what it’s like. What it is supposed to feel like.” I glanced up at his face. He was watching me, whatever look was spreading across his figure was one I’d never seen directed toward me before from anyone. It wasn’t one that scared me either, it made me feel…
desired? Taking a steadying breath, I spoke just a few more words. “And not alone,” I whispered. He inhaled sharply, understanding the implications of my words, and wet his lips.
- 145 - 146 pool moment (almost moment)
- 169 photos at the wedding, 170
- 185-189
- One last little make-out session before all of this would end. He tasted as wonderful as the first time, maybe a little better, and I leaned in closer, harder
- 195
- 269- 275 tate taking care of brex
- He knelt down in front of me and began to unfold my jeans. He was so close to me that I couldn’t help it. I reached out and ran my fingers across his cheek, brushing the prickly facial hair.
Tate froze. And I went immediately still as my mind caught up with what my hand had done. Quickly retracting it, I bit down on my bottom lip and looked away. Staring at anything but Tate. My heart raced in my chest, the burning desire to just lean forward and collapse in his embrace was slowly
drilling any sense of self control away from me. All ignited because I simply touched his face. “Do that again, please,” he whispered.
- 290-294
- “You just said something very naughty,” he spoke, and I let my hands fall from my mouth, grimacing. “Good girl,” he quietly growled. I blinked, dumbfounded, as everything in me began to roar hot. A blistering excitement of fire blasted through me, and I couldn’t look away from him. Tate let the grin slide away, to be replaced with something possessive and powerful. My heart was pounding so hard I could’ve sworn that he could hear it, see it jump from my chest.
- 310 - 312?
- Delicate lips pressing upon my neck as he gripped me tightly, expressing everything and asking for nothing in return.
thoughts:
- "No matter what novel you read by me, none will have any explicit sex scenes." rude
- so much for a quick read RIP
- OH NO THE EXES NAME IS MATTHEW AHH
- OH NO SHES HIDING SHES A REDHEAD HAHAA I CANT
- Oakley is such a bitch
- half way through and fucking hell can someone run over matt with a horse and kill him please
- good ending was a fucking relief - fuck matt - wish he died though
- actually i prefer the actual ending that was a smart shot hahaha
ALSO THE PHOTOS FROM THE WEDDING SO EARLY IN THE BOOK HAHAHA I CANT ITS PERFECT
- ugh why are all the mothers and parents so FUCKING ANNOYING
OH COME ON THEY MADE HER LEAVE THIS BOOK IS STILL GOING AHH
- how dare you make me tear up at 1am
cool moments:
- Jake’s brown eyes lingered on me, scrutinizing my outfit change, and his gaze paused at my boots. While my coworkers hadn’t noticed yet since I’d slipped them on at the last minute, he did. He saw that they were worn from use, broken in. A flash of confusion sparked through his face before he looked away without mentioning his observation.
- A soft, rose glow brushed across the sparkling fields covered in a crisp frost from the early morning
- Jake tilted his head. “How’d you know how to fix it?” he asked. There it was. His curiosity was warranted, because I did something I shouldn’t have known how to do.
- oooh she's spoiling her secret past life
“Which one can’t be ridden?” Aubrey shouted, and I pointed to the buckskin who looked way too familiar. So familiar like one I’d seen before. One I once loved. One I once owned. “The only mare, the buckskin,” I said and all eyes flashed to me, once more confused and curious. “How the hell did you know that?” Jake asked, stepping a little closer to me, and his horse followed. “Google,” I said at the exact same time he did. I bit my bottom lip as he shook his head, not believing me, and turned to the rest of the group knowing I wasn’t going to say anything else.
- page 36 my heart
- Several different guys asked me to dance, and I said yes to every single one of them. Not once did we exchange names, nor had I ever met them before, but I didn’t care, it was fun.
- He was totally onto me, and I wasn’t sure how that made me feel
- page 56 kissing a guy to hide from abusive ex whos meant to be in prison
- My fingers mindlessly touched my lips. He had kissed me back. At the end, he’d kissed me back.
- The cowboy eventually sighed, threw off the gloves, and lifted his hat from his head. My gaze slid away from the new cow-calf pair and rested upon the stranger beside me. He was close enough that I was finally able to make out his features. He ran a veiny hand through his dark, super curly
hair cut into a short mullet style, and his eyes met mine as he replaced his black hat. Hazel eyes I’d seen before.
- “Someone randomly kissed you?” I interjected, feigning innocence, and Tate glared at me for a moment before his eyes twinkled with humor.
- “Who said I’m from New York?” I answered with a question, and his eyes shot my way as I clamped my hand over my mouth. “I knew it,” he said, the smile widening to a grin. “Knew what?” Stupid, stupid me, I thought.
- SERIOUSLY MATTHEW WAS AT THE WEDDING TATE BROUGHT HER TO AGH
- “That’s exactly why I would’ve expected them to be back. That’s a long time…” I leaned back against the counter as Tate tipped his head forward. Shock etched across his face. “I’m sorry, what?” (hahahaha)
- Then he paused. “You have freckles,” he breathed out in surprise
- 203 spoilers it was once her horse tate
- I found him watching me under that hat of his. This was his idea. To run and let me run as fast as I
needed to breathe for a moment before turning around and going back to work
- And I screamed. I held my arms out wide and trusted Becky to take me where we needed to go as I screamed, and cried, and swore, and yelled, and cried again. I didn’t care who heard or saw as the fence neared and I tucked my pelvis tight into the saddle, picked up the reins, spun her hind end around through that dirt and shot off toward the cattle. This was so freeing. He’d set me free.
- 213 Had Tate figured it out?
- “Do me a favor?” “What’s that?” “Knock Oakley down a peg.” My mouth fell open. “What?” I asked, stunned by what he said. “I’m not stupid, Brexlynn. You ride like you were born in the
saddle. Plus, on Becky no less, and you missed every one of my lessons. So obviously you can ride well, and that buckle says you’ve won before. In barrels.” A wicked grin slowly spread across his face.
“Okay, so you caught me.” I threw my hands in the air, and he chuckled. “The real question is, why do you care about humbling Oakley a little?” He rocked the cigarette between his teeth. “Because I don’t like how she’s been talking to and about you. Whether someone's ridden three times or three thousand times doesn’t give her that right.”
- Tate began singing, beautifully as usual, the eerie lyrics that told a story. Then I began to pluck along. Eyes shot my direction as I added in the second guitar part, but I didn’t care that everyone else was staring at me.
- I don’t care that you were drunk, Tate. Drunk words are sober thoughts
fucking hell
“In the five years we were married, I only went to the ER once, despite all the times he beat me,” I slurred out, flopping my head to face his side. He watched the water, but I knew he was listening. “It was right after I finished my run at the NFR. He jerked me off of my horse, pissed that I didn’t get first place, and kicked me so hard it cracked most of the ribs on my right side.”
- chapter 29 - 254 jesus christ
- “Brex, this ex-husband of yours was at the rodeo tonight, wasn’t he,” he asked, more as a statement than anything else, and I glanced his way. He was gripping the steering wheel so tightly that his knuckles and fingers were turning white. I nodded but didn’t speak. “I know him, don’t I.” Once again, it wasn’t much of a question, as he stared straight ahead, so I didn’t answer. He already knew. Maybe not who it was exactly, but he knew.
quotes:
- I hadn’t realized how much I actually missed all of this despite the fear that accompanied it.
- “I googled stuff,” I quickly said, and they all nodded,
accepting my lie.
- In the fury and fear, I found beauty watching her well-maintained muscling contract and expand.
Despite her being unsafe to ride, someone had spent the time taking good care of her.
- By the time I was done, by the time my head was empty of the stressful thoughts and worries that hung heavily upon my shoulders, the sun had disappeared, leaving the sky painted black
- I could survive this. Maybe even enjoy it a little.
- I was angry at myself for still being afraid.
- For the next hour or so, we walked and eventually trotted along the fence line. I giggled a few times as I was shoved out of position, but it took only a couple mistakes to get things back under me. A surge of confidence bolted through me, and I smiled. And then I let her run
- My body froze, my lungs gasped for air as I stared at that same cowboy with a black hat, who was sitting still on his horse far across the property. It was too dark to make out his face, too dark to really see any details, but a shiver ran down my back and I knew. He was watching me. Had been watching me this entire time.
- I was no longer afraid of someone seeing me
- “Question for a question. If I answer, then you answer another one of mine. Deal?” he said, and I glanced his way, pausing. I was a terrible liar, but really good at skirting around providing too much information if I was prepared, so I nodded once before he continued.
- “You, Brexlynn Phillips, are not very good at lying,”
- I smiled softly. “I’ll be fine. I’m used to being alone.” He sighed. “Yeah, that’s what I hate.”
- “I’m thinking that I’m tired of feeling so out of control,”
- “Why didn’t you do anything sooner? Or tell me that you knew?” “Because you deserved to be in control, Brex. I wanted to give you the time you needed to find your own strength and courage.”
- Maybe he was still thinking of me. Still longing for me as much as I longed for him. That hope, however, was also slowly destroying me
close to smut:
- “Well, if you’ve been listening, then why don’t you get on and show me.” He raised an eyebrow and leaned forward against his knees.
- And then he leaned forward. “You really think that will keep me from tasting the strawberry one?” he whispered, his mouth hovered dangerously close as I paused my chewing. For just a moment. I couldn’t pull my eyes away from his lips that were nearly against mine.
- The room was pitch black and all I could hear was our rapid heartbeats and the shouting outside of the door. Footsteps pounded past the closed doorway and Tate stepped in closer, his chest pressing into my body, shoving my back against the cold wall. My heart raced, feeling every beat of his own, every expansion of his lungs as his warm air washed over my face.
- I studied his hazel gaze, wondering what he was feeling. I didn’t even notice that I was still pressed lightly against his body, that he still stood between my legs as he stared back into my green eyes. The world spun on at a regular pace, but right here, between us, something shifted again. The corners of my mouth slowly crept upwards, and his mirrored mine just half a second later. “Let’s just stay here,” he whispered this time.
- “Just sounds like an excuse to own a very sexy pair of panties,” he teased, jumping out of the way, and I ran after him. I chased him around the room, laughing and smiling despite the embarrassment that my cheeks were showing.
- He laughed even harder, so I ducked under, slicked my hair back, and broke the surface again. His laugh changed quickly as his eyes filled with hunger. Obvious, explicit neediness. Desire for something that wasn’t his, but he had the look he was about to take it regardless.
- “I can go change,” I whispered, and he slowly shook his head. “Don’t you dare. You look beautiful,” he breathed out, his voice cracked slightly and he blinked from the stupor that I’d apparently put him
in. “Absolutely beautiful,” he tenderly said again, a smile caressing his face.
- “What?” he said, chuckling. “Please,” I groaned. “You sound desperate. Do tell why?” I glanced over my shoulder to find his eyes jammed closed but a massive grin on his face. “Tate,” I whined, and he clicked his tongue. “If you want me to proceed, Brex baby, you must oblige to my request,” he said. “When did you become so posh and speak like that?” I teased, and he laughed. “I have an education, my dear.” He added a horrible English accent to those words, and I couldn’t help but giggle. “Fine. But no making fun of me.”
- He tasted sweet, like honey at autumn time coated with a sharp fresh mint leaf.
smut pending:
- page 127 almost kiss ugh
- “I feel snubbed and want to know what it’s like. What it is supposed to feel like.” I glanced up at his face. He was watching me, whatever look was spreading across his figure was one I’d never seen directed toward me before from anyone. It wasn’t one that scared me either, it made me feel…
desired? Taking a steadying breath, I spoke just a few more words. “And not alone,” I whispered. He inhaled sharply, understanding the implications of my words, and wet his lips.
- 145 - 146 pool moment (almost moment)
- 169 photos at the wedding, 170
- 185-189
- One last little make-out session before all of this would end. He tasted as wonderful as the first time, maybe a little better, and I leaned in closer, harder
- 195
- 269- 275 tate taking care of brex
- He knelt down in front of me and began to unfold my jeans. He was so close to me that I couldn’t help it. I reached out and ran my fingers across his cheek, brushing the prickly facial hair.
Tate froze. And I went immediately still as my mind caught up with what my hand had done. Quickly retracting it, I bit down on my bottom lip and looked away. Staring at anything but Tate. My heart raced in my chest, the burning desire to just lean forward and collapse in his embrace was slowly
drilling any sense of self control away from me. All ignited because I simply touched his face. “Do that again, please,” he whispered.
- 290-294
- “You just said something very naughty,” he spoke, and I let my hands fall from my mouth, grimacing. “Good girl,” he quietly growled. I blinked, dumbfounded, as everything in me began to roar hot. A blistering excitement of fire blasted through me, and I couldn’t look away from him. Tate let the grin slide away, to be replaced with something possessive and powerful. My heart was pounding so hard I could’ve sworn that he could hear it, see it jump from my chest.
- 310 - 312?
- Delicate lips pressing upon my neck as he gripped me tightly, expressing everything and asking for nothing in return.
November 1, 2023
When Brexlynn finds herself having to return to the life she left behind. Can she keep her past hidden or will it come back to haunt her. She has sworn off cowboys but soon finds herself in a bind with a new one. Will he be the one or will he break her heart as well.
Another ARC read from @romanceauthormom this book was beautiful. I’ve never felt more connected to a writer than reading this one. I have past trauma that this book brought up some of those memories. That being said I still couldn’t put it down. I read one day till 4:30am. But for a reminder for everyone else ALWAYS check your trigger warnings.
Trigger Warnings: Sexual abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse, conversations eluding to rape and sexual assault, stalking, violence, death, nonconsensual drugging, and references to unhealed trauma.
Dedication: to my husband, for loving me even when I was broken…
#fakedating #cowboyromance #closeddoorromance #darkromance #agegaprelationship
Another ARC read from @romanceauthormom this book was beautiful. I’ve never felt more connected to a writer than reading this one. I have past trauma that this book brought up some of those memories. That being said I still couldn’t put it down. I read one day till 4:30am. But for a reminder for everyone else ALWAYS check your trigger warnings.
Trigger Warnings: Sexual abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse, conversations eluding to rape and sexual assault, stalking, violence, death, nonconsensual drugging, and references to unhealed trauma.
Dedication: to my husband, for loving me even when I was broken…
#fakedating #cowboyromance #closeddoorromance #darkromance #agegaprelationship
March 27, 2024
I'm sorry, what???
The writing was good! The first 50% of the storyline- totally fine.
The second half of the book and the ending?????
The writing was good! The first 50% of the storyline- totally fine.
The second half of the book and the ending?????
January 30, 2024
To be completely honest, I did not think I’d be one to fall in love with cowboy romance but dang, did R.L. Atkinson prove me WRONG! I instantly fell in love with Tate. Watching the chemistry between Tate and Brexlynn was just fantastic. The story was great. The character development was great. That twist though… it almost got me. My feels were all over the place and I wish I could read it again for the 1st time. Please check the trigger warnings (ex: SA) just in case! But I definitely recommend! 4.5⭐️
November 9, 2023
Great read!
Set Me Free Cowboy was a great read! I literally couldn't put it down. The love story was wonderfully written and believable. It's so great when love wins!
Set Me Free Cowboy was a great read! I literally couldn't put it down. The love story was wonderfully written and believable. It's so great when love wins!
April 1, 2025
Overall LOVED. A few kind of cringy parts I do have to say, but outside of those I loved it.
November 26, 2023
fade to next morning scene😪
Was waiting for the most steamy delish scene and it cut to the next morning… but Tate made everything okay bc he’s so yummy
Was waiting for the most steamy delish scene and it cut to the next morning… but Tate made everything okay bc he’s so yummy
November 5, 2023
✨ARC REVIEW✨
This book…THIS BOOK! Don’t walk, RUN to get it. The story is beautifully written and is purely amazing! For those who have been in similar situations as Brex just reading this book feels like a win! I know for me it felt like a win. On a completely different note, I ABSOLUTELY LOVE the chemistry between Tate and Brex! Tate is the book boyfriend….no, correction the book husband you didn’t know you needed! I adore Brex and the character growth she goes through. There have only been a select handful of books where I have been able to relate to the female main character and this book is one of them, Brex is my spirit animal! R.L you did an absolutely fabulous job with the characters and with the story ❤️!
This book…THIS BOOK! Don’t walk, RUN to get it. The story is beautifully written and is purely amazing! For those who have been in similar situations as Brex just reading this book feels like a win! I know for me it felt like a win. On a completely different note, I ABSOLUTELY LOVE the chemistry between Tate and Brex! Tate is the book boyfriend….no, correction the book husband you didn’t know you needed! I adore Brex and the character growth she goes through. There have only been a select handful of books where I have been able to relate to the female main character and this book is one of them, Brex is my spirit animal! R.L you did an absolutely fabulous job with the characters and with the story ❤️!
November 9, 2023
This is my first book by this R.L. Atkinson. I've been seeing her videos on tiktok promoting the book and instantly knew I had to read it. I flew through this book and don't regret it at all. The MCs are amazing, and I can't get enough of Tate and Brex and wouldnt be opposed to seeing more of them!! The plot was interesting, and at one point, I couldn't figure out how it was going to get wrapped up, but I'm happy with how it all ended. I did feel like the end was rushed a bit, and I really wanted to see Tate lay into his mom about everything or at least have an epilogue that told us how it all turned out. Other than that, I loved this book and am going to check out other books by this author!!
November 5, 2023
SO GOOD
I don’t leave many a review but there was no chance in hell I wasn’t gonna make sure this amazing author got the recognition she deserves. The way she describes everything made me feel like I was actually in the book. I can’t wait to get my physical copy so I can read it over and over and always have Tate and Brex in my life.
I don’t leave many a review but there was no chance in hell I wasn’t gonna make sure this amazing author got the recognition she deserves. The way she describes everything made me feel like I was actually in the book. I can’t wait to get my physical copy so I can read it over and over and always have Tate and Brex in my life.
November 10, 2023
I had read tease of the book online and thought it sounded good. It was amazing, western books are normally hard to read because they aren’t accurate and seem more dude ranch-ish rather than western. The author did an amazing job with the accuracy of rodeoing/cowboying. On top of that she built the story up and never once rushed through the storyline.
November 30, 2023
beautiful book pools at ur heart strings
Beautiful book,deals with some domestic abuse so would like to warn anyone that might be triggered by that.Lovely written. It has a happy ending
Beautiful book,deals with some domestic abuse so would like to warn anyone that might be triggered by that.Lovely written. It has a happy ending
December 2, 2023
Such a good read, this book made me fall in love with cowboy romances!
March 30, 2024
It was so good but also so cringe. Loved every second of it though
December 28, 2024
3.75⭐️
0.5🌶
Good storyline.
0.5🌶
Good storyline.
September 15, 2025
So cute!!
Perfect in every sense from one country girl to another! And if I read correctly and this based on a true story I applaud your courage! Wish you many blessings!
Perfect in every sense from one country girl to another! And if I read correctly and this based on a true story I applaud your courage! Wish you many blessings!
November 14, 2023
Amazing book!! It gave hallmarks vibes with a touch of angst. There is a good dose of miscommunication tropes but it was well worth pushing through for the warm fuzzy feeling you get at the end.
Extremely swoon worthy MMC and a FMC that you want to win. Read it ❤️
Extremely swoon worthy MMC and a FMC that you want to win. Read it ❤️
November 8, 2023
read it!
I loved this story so much and was excited to finally read it. The characters were perfect, kind, sassy, strong, a little broken with a lot of healing. It was fantastic story. Please put this on audiobooks! Swoon!
I loved this story so much and was excited to finally read it. The characters were perfect, kind, sassy, strong, a little broken with a lot of healing. It was fantastic story. Please put this on audiobooks! Swoon!
November 2, 2023
Brex and Tate's story broke my heart in the best possible ways. Brex starts off feeling broken and vulnerable. She hides pieces of herself and tends to run instead of standing her ground when confronted with problems. It felt frustrating at times as a reader but she went through so much trauma, it was important to remember the trauma she experienced that made her feel so unsafe.
Tate ... Oh Tate. He is the most caring man who gives Brex the time and space she needs while simultaneously pushing her to take control of her own life. Because the story is told exclusively from Brex's pov, I definitely went through phases of hating Tate for not doing more but ultimately understood his reasoning behind things once everything came to the surface.
This is the third book I've read by this author. I'm excited to see what will come next! Highly recommend for my closed door romance babes who need a cowboy in their life.
Thank you to the author for a copy of the book to read and review!
Tate ... Oh Tate. He is the most caring man who gives Brex the time and space she needs while simultaneously pushing her to take control of her own life. Because the story is told exclusively from Brex's pov, I definitely went through phases of hating Tate for not doing more but ultimately understood his reasoning behind things once everything came to the surface.
This is the third book I've read by this author. I'm excited to see what will come next! Highly recommend for my closed door romance babes who need a cowboy in their life.
Thank you to the author for a copy of the book to read and review!
November 7, 2023
This might be my new favorite book
This book is absolutely amazing!! I can not remember the last time a story had me laughing and crying all at once. So beautifully written!
This book is absolutely amazing!! I can not remember the last time a story had me laughing and crying all at once. So beautifully written!
November 3, 2023
I loved this book so much! I will definitely be rereading this again! Fantastic! The only issue I have with the book is the ending, I love how it ends, but there's a section at the end that I thought was extremely unnecessary and pulled me away from the book but I will just end right before that part on a reread and thankfully its the last like 5% of the book.
November 4, 2023
I could’ve put this book down!!!
I was lucky enough to get an ARC of this book. Boy I was not disappointed! I literally couldn’t put this book down and almost stayed up all night reading it.
I was lucky enough to get an ARC of this book. Boy I was not disappointed! I literally couldn’t put this book down and almost stayed up all night reading it.
November 4, 2023
I absolutely loved this book! Everything Brex has been through was so heartbreaking. The love that Tate had for her was beautiful to see. Highly recommend this book. I would suggest you view the trigger warnings first just to make sure. Otherwise, really great book!
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