Homestead Heart

Ash Ridge: Colorado Cowboys #1

by Audrey Bell

When she moves in to take care of her grandmother’s family homestead, sparks fly with the grumpy, sexy cowboy next door.

***

Callie

When I move back to Ash Ridge County, Colorado, it feels like coming home. I spent every summer as a little girl living with my grandmother, Cora, on the McClaren homestead, riding horses bareback, and eating apples from the orchard for supper.

And now the place is officially mine, with its sprawling garden, greenhouse, barns, and livestock.

The only dark spot to tarnish my happiness is the neighbor next door, Landon Hewitt. He’s grumpy, brooding, and so hot that I’m tongue-tied like an idiot when I accidentally cross paths with him. If he wasn’t so sour, I would have enjoyed licking every inch of him.

Too bad he wants nothing to do with me.

Landon

I can’t take my eyes off Callie McClaren next door. She has that wholesome summer girl quality about her with wind blown hair, a big beaming smile, and a gracious attitude that warms everyone around her. But when it comes time to impress her, I bungle the whole thing.

Now I’m forced to watch as the woman I’m sweet on flirts with my best friend, Beau Collins, and it’s not making my sullen mood any better.

Then disaster strikes the McClaren homestead. Callie’s life is in danger. And I will stop at nothing to make sure she’s safe. When the dust settles, will she give this grumpy cowboy a second chance at winning her heart?

***

Welcome to Ash Ridge, Colorado! All that mountain air makes the men around here bold, brave, and eager to protect the women they love. There is no cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed HEA in every title.

So, get cozy with your e-reader and treat yourself to a romantic adventure in the Colorado countryside!

Genres: Westerns, Romance, Contemporary

122 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 20, 2024

Reviews

[Miš · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.3

[Ashley ADirtyRead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute cowboy romance

Adorable dude - just a wholesome little cowboy who finally found someone to love.
Love quick - he's a *v*

[kymagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Callie (h) moves from the city to take over her grandmother’s Colorado homestead, only to find herself seemingly at odds with Landon (H), the cowboy who lives next door. Landon is drawn to Callie, but his shy, quiet nature gets in the way of expressing how he really feels about Callie, and instead he lets his friend start seeing her. When disaster destroys part of Callie’s place, Landon puts himself in harm’s way to save her animals. Callie realizes just what a good guy Landon is and that she’s going to have to be the one to make a move. Landon is so sweet, caring, and protective despite his horrendous upbringing – loved Callie’s grandmother and her role in Landon’s past. Callie is a really strong young woman – loved her take charge attitude and understanding of Landon’s nature. Hot and steamy cowboy romance with a bit of danger and angst. Bonus epilogue (with sign-up) is a lovely, sweet wrap-up.

[Lorie - Bookaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of emotions

I have read several of Audrey's books, but this one threw me for a loop toward the end.

Who wouldn't want a hot, sexy cowboy who sweeps you off your feet, to whisper sweet nothings in your ear, and kisses you good-night when he drives you home?

"I want a cowboy who doesn't think twice about racing into a burning building to save my horses. Every single one of them."
I want a cowboy who moves heaven and earth to get the entire town to build a barn for me."
"I want a cowboy who calls me a city girl like an insult, even though he can't take his eyes off of me." (Taken from the book)

It was long overdue for this Colorado cowboy to trade in his bashfulness for bliss and start being the man his father would never let him become. It was no wonder Landon didn't want Callie to have his last name and he didn't want to keep it either.

I look forward to the rest of the books in this series. Look out for Rory and Beau (Book 2) who seem to can't stand each other only to have massive crushes on each other. Will they finally admit to their feelings?

Enjoy and happy reading!

[Andi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh I just wasn’t feeling this one. I really struggled with my feelings on this one throughout the whole book. There were good parts and then there were parts that just didn’t sit right with me and over shadowed the good parts. I just couldn’t get over having her date the MMC’s best friend, especially since he is the town manwhore. Also the FMC with her oh by the way I broke up with your friend now let’s get naked thing just felt a little jarring considering the MMC was a virgin and typically very shy. Can’t say I will continue the series this just didn’t grab me enough, plus the next one is about the best friend manwhore, and that trope ain’t my jam.

[GollyRojer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story has a nice premise: underdog gets the girl; but it's too short, no time to get to know the characters. There is a nice touch in that when the FMC realizes the MMC is too conflicted to make a move on her, she takes the situation in hand and makes an unabashed, straightforward move on him. That part I really liked; but then she immediately has sex with him. It wasn't time for that; they didn't even have a relationship yet.
All in all, an enjoyable tale which could have been a lot more enjoyable had it been longer.

[PAMpublish · Rating 4 out of 5]

A contemporary Colorado western written in alternating chapters via the main characters, Callie and Landon. Callie inherits her grandmother's ranch where she grew up as a child. The rundown farmhouse nearby is owned by Landon - a down-on-his-luck cowboy. Despite poor first impressions, once they come to know one another, things get hot and heavy. Good story but explicitly steamy - not for everyone!

[D.S. Kinahan · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s the usual city girl meets country boy who can’t stand each other at first, but can’t help fantasizing about bedding them. Extra points for a feisty grandma, a virgin, and the fact that it’s a thankfully quick read.

[Hilary Litz · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a short romance, this book packed a lot in!

This is a sweet love story with a few spicy scenes. Callie and Landon are so sweet together and perfect for each other.

[Simone · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 stars

[Vickie Chaisson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a sweet grumpy/sunshine story with all the feels. This book contains all the emotional baggage that Landon and Callie grew up with. He is the quiet, shy kid with a really bad childhood and she was raised by a father who moved her to the city when she only wanted to stay in the country. They are perfect for each other and are surrounded by many supportive friends. As they worked together on their own trust issues and angst they are better equipped to deal with a relationship they each craved. The author builds the connection between all of the characters quickly. This is the first time I've read this author and I will definitely read more of her work.

[Grinning Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

MMC/FMC- Landon and Callie
POV- 1st person dual
Genre- Contemporary Romance
Length- Novella with Bonus Epilogue Available
Heat- 🌋🌋☄️ (1🌋=2☄️). They do the thing and he visits Australia.
Series? Y
Safety? Y + HEA
Triggers - discussion of past abuse, explicit erotic content
Tropes- Cowboy, Enemies to Lovers, Neighbors to Lovers, Opposites Attract, Instalove, Virgin Hero, Grumpy/Sunshine.
What I liked- this was a cute story. I swooned when he did the rescue and I cheered when the town stood behind him.
What I didn’t- I can’t help but wonder how often he did the farrier thing, seeing as how it seemed he was always around.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[casvec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Landon and Callie started off on the wrong foot when he went to her house to tell her about the horse that escaped. Now Landon is kicking himself.

Callie has taken over her grandmother's homestead. She visited during the summer and any other chance she had. But to Landon she is just a city girl.

This is a fast read with a lot of heated tension between Landon and Callie. Landon understands what he did and what he lost, but that does not stop him from trying to make it right. Callie is a sweet and caring woman, and is doing her best continue her grandmother's place, but sometimes he takes help from others.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Callie is ecstatic to be moving home to Ash Ridge, a place where she spent her summers with her grandmother. Her grandmother recently signed the homestead over to her and moved into an assisted living facility. Her first meeting with her new neighbor is less than be desired. He is hot but grumpy, she should stay clear.

Landon gets off on the wrong foot with the cutie next door, Callie. When his best friend asks if her can date her, he does not object. Can he show her what is in his heart without sticking his foot in his mouth? Callie may just be the strong woman that this shy guy needs.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ashley Carr, LSoR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Callie moves to take over her grandmother Cora‘s Homestead. She meets her grumpy neighbor, Landon, when her horse gets out. They get off on the wrong foot with each other, and his best friend swoops in and asks her on a date. Landon is painfully shy just because of the way he was brought up so he doesn’t object when his best buddy wants to go out with Callie, even though he has a crush on her also. When disaster strikes Callie‘s place, Landon puts himself in harms way to save her animals. She looks at him in a whole new light. Will these two get together? I loved the bonus Epilogue!!

[Jacqueline Johnston Cotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A neighbors to more, grumpy / sunshine, opposites attract romance. This book is filled with heartwarming relationships, attraction with all the steam, and characters that you can't help but fall in love with. I loved the connection Landon and Callie had. With the perfect amount of drama, emotion and sweetness this story was completely entertaining and a page turner. I can't wait for the rest of this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Knight Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartwarming read as a loveable grandmother decides she cannot no longer live on her homestead leaving it to her granddaughter, Callie. She loves the homestead life, but the new neighbor did not make a great first impression. However, he did make her heart beat double time. They had an undeniable attraction if they could get past the angst point. You will fall for in love with these adorable characters especially grandma.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[L KQ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saving Her Home

This small-town romance was charming, steamy and a bit emotional as Landon is unable to express his feeling for Callie when she first arrives. Although, there are various obstacles that initially deter their chance at a relationship, once they are able to be together their chemistry is ignited to the fullest.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[CJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has given us a heartwarming story that pulls us into the lives of Callie and Landon, her next door neighbor. The story keeps us turning the pages with connection, insecurities, revelations and steam.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

A slow start to this sweet romance of the shy neighbor and the new owner of the homestead. Liked how these two both had impressions that were misguided, enjoyed the spunky grandma who knew just how to phrase her meaning while being the sweet little old lady, with an an iron will.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cherie Alvaro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ash Ridge: Colorado Cowboys is a new series for Audrey and Book 1 was a great read to start it off. Callie and Landon were great characters to get to know and reading how they got their happily ever after was a joy to read. I am eager to see where these Cowboys find their HEA's.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carlyn Zanidean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was great and had me going through all the feelings. Frustrated, sad, happy, shocked, surprised, amazed, swoon, and falling in love. I m happy these two characters found eachother, they sure bring out the best in eachother.

[Jane litherland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steamy short romance that presses all the right buttons , sweet and steamy and a little bit dreamy. Good story telling.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.