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Since Day One
Past lies. Current lust. Forever... love? It's been ten years since Willow Summers moved away from all she knew, and it seems it still wasn't enough time apart. Returning to Wyoming for a family reunion was her grandpa's dying wish, but the hostility and heartache she finds certainly weren't. Feeling completely alone, an unexpected cowboy with his own mysterious history rides into her life. Her past left her untrusting of love, while his left him unable to believe in the possibility of a future. Will they both be able to put aside their harrowing pasts and come together, or will they be forever destined to remain as another broken memory? Trigger conversations eluding to past rape and sexual assault and child abuse (not onscreen), emotional abuse, violence, and some unhealed trauma.
349 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 11, 2024
94 people are currently reading
502 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
August 21, 2025
OH MY GOD WHY ARE GENERIC FEMALE CHARACTERS SO UNSELF-AWARE
GIRL YOU'RE 27 GET A GRIP
... I have so mamy questions
3 stars to 2 because it got less funny and more wtaf
page 216 makes the book title - and 274 (ugh)
was the plot twist 30 pages before the end necessary?
AND THEN SOMEONE HAD A HEART ATTACK? bro.
AND THEN WHATS HER NAME ISOLATED HIM AND HAD HIS KID?
this was all too cliche for me im sorry
first 45 pages was a bit of a drag but it's getting there
also i want to kill the mother
NOTES:
- My food was long gone, the comfort filling my soul with warmth. Despite the loneliness swallowing me whole during dinner, there was a sense of healing that felt like it was beginning. Or maybe it was me letting go.
- I needed something to make me feel again. Or to take me away from all of this pain. I needed some rush of adrenaline and the ability to scream.
- “That’s the difference between you and them,” he whispered, tugging me out of the side-by-side. Scooping me up, he trudged through the shin- deep snow again around the front of the Razor. “You care.”
- He wasn’t saying I couldn’t do it, but that I didn’t have to. He wanted to take care of me. I let that thought roll around my head. Someone wanted to take care of me.
- “Did you ever ask Willow what happened?“
- These people were now merely people I once knew, and that was it; I owed them nothing.
funny parts:
- “You have a lot of pride in something there’s not a lot of.”
- Tipping the brim of his hat down, a shadow fell across his face, deepening the dark features chiseled out from stone. His Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed, and my brows twitched as I tipped my head. He was— “You always stare at men like that?” His deep voice sheared through my thoughts.
- “Oh, my gosh! Look how beautiful!” I placed a hand over my mouth in exaggerated wonder and then pointed at another random place. “I’ve never seen anything like this!” “Okay, stop. Now you’re just being annoying,” he groaned, and laughter slipped past my lips.
- pumping comfort?? really????
- “They sell fake scuffed and worn-out boots?” “Yes.” He chuckled. “Something I learned about from your cousin Marissa. She’s got a pair on.” I grimaced. “Yikes.
- “You’re cute and all, but no,”
- “Well, Gunnar, Willow here is their head trainer.” Bill looked wide- eyed at Gunnar. “Did you not know that?” Gunnar’s eyes drilled holes as deep as oil wells into me, and I couldn’t help it. I grinned even wider, feeling a little bit of justice come my way.
- “Anything else you’d like to share with me?” “No, not right now,” I answered with a devilish grin, and he chuckled.
- “I can walk,” I quipped, and he chuckled. “But this is faster. Now, shush,”
- MONOPOLY??? REALLY?
- im so sorry what was 122 and 123
almost smut:
- “Well, there’s some hot coffee and the not-so-fancy breakfast that’s prepared for the hands in the lodge if you want some.” His hazel eyes scanned my figure, the outline hidden away by the bundles of layers I wore. His piercing gaze shot shivers down my spine as if he could see the buckle my sweatshirt was concealing.
- “Hold on, Princess,” he commanded, giving me the permission needed to wrap my arms around his waist. To prevent the bitter cold from freezing my fingers, I slipped my hands into his coat pockets. He remained still for another half of a second, his hat dipping down toward where my hands were tucked away. Between my arms, I felt his broad chest expand, a heavy-weighted breath filling his lungs, and then he clucked at his horse, asking the creature to move onward.
- 49 accidental moment
- The bruise ached, but I barely noticed that dull thump beneath the electricity that zapped through my skin.
- His hand suddenly brushed against the braid that swung across my back, and I paused as he swept some flakes out of my hair. His gaze lingered against mine, the gentle white of fresh snow highlighting the piercing amber and blues of his irises.
-im sorry how was page 99 possible
- because for whatever confusing reason, the look that crossed his face briefly had made my stomach flip with an unexpected feeling I wanted more of.
oooh is this going to be a one bed trope??
“We are stuck. You’re gonna have to climb out, and we are going to have to bunker down in the cabin just a few yards ahead until the storm stops,” he said, gesturing to my right. I glanced between the man who was already up to his knees in snow and the white blanket beside me.
“You’re being serious,” I said, bewildered.
- “Why would I be mad at you? Yeah, we are maybe stuck here. All alone. Just the two of us. Which is such a damn shame.”
- “Put me down.” The words came out in an exhausted slur.
He shook his head with a goofy grin. “Uh-uh. You need to go to bed.” “Where are you going to sleep?” I groggily asked.
“On the couch, Princess,”
- My arms tucked between us, my fingers easily able to press into his bare chest and, despite my head telling me not to, I did it anyway.
smut (im waitinggg)
- “The moment we leave this cabin, this never happened. Until then, I will let you look as much as you’d like. Deal?” I blurted out without thinking, before realising what I also insinuated along with my spoken words. Shock pulled his eyes wide for a moment. Tipping his head slowly, a hungry gaze wiped the surprise away. “Deal. But keep in mind that this was your idea, Princess. I don’t need to see any part of you to know I like what’s there.“
- I wanted him to take me for a ride that no one else would ever know about. Right at this moment.
- 134/136 was... in his sleep????
- Gunnar placed a hand under my chin and lifted it up, tilting my head to the side. His lips brushed against my ear as he whispered, “Stop being so respectful, Princess. If you want something, take it.”
- “That’s your fault, Princess,” he said, narrowing his eyes darkly.
- 138-142 flirting and reading
- 144-??
- Warmth from his hands spread across my face, his hot breath mixing with mine under the cold approval of the moon.
- his fingers digging into my hips. An inch was all that separated my body and his, which was an inch too much.
- 219
- Greedily, aggressively, he pressed his lips deeper against mine, his hands cupping my cheeks, refusing to let me go. Only when he needed a breath did he finally end the kiss. He smiled against my mouth in perfect bliss.
GIRL YOU'RE 27 GET A GRIP
... I have so mamy questions
3 stars to 2 because it got less funny and more wtaf
page 216 makes the book title - and 274 (ugh)
was the plot twist 30 pages before the end necessary?
AND THEN SOMEONE HAD A HEART ATTACK? bro.
AND THEN WHATS HER NAME ISOLATED HIM AND HAD HIS KID?
this was all too cliche for me im sorry
first 45 pages was a bit of a drag but it's getting there
also i want to kill the mother
NOTES:
- My food was long gone, the comfort filling my soul with warmth. Despite the loneliness swallowing me whole during dinner, there was a sense of healing that felt like it was beginning. Or maybe it was me letting go.
- I needed something to make me feel again. Or to take me away from all of this pain. I needed some rush of adrenaline and the ability to scream.
- “That’s the difference between you and them,” he whispered, tugging me out of the side-by-side. Scooping me up, he trudged through the shin- deep snow again around the front of the Razor. “You care.”
- He wasn’t saying I couldn’t do it, but that I didn’t have to. He wanted to take care of me. I let that thought roll around my head. Someone wanted to take care of me.
- “Did you ever ask Willow what happened?“
- These people were now merely people I once knew, and that was it; I owed them nothing.
funny parts:
- “You have a lot of pride in something there’s not a lot of.”
- Tipping the brim of his hat down, a shadow fell across his face, deepening the dark features chiseled out from stone. His Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed, and my brows twitched as I tipped my head. He was— “You always stare at men like that?” His deep voice sheared through my thoughts.
- “Oh, my gosh! Look how beautiful!” I placed a hand over my mouth in exaggerated wonder and then pointed at another random place. “I’ve never seen anything like this!” “Okay, stop. Now you’re just being annoying,” he groaned, and laughter slipped past my lips.
- pumping comfort?? really????
- “They sell fake scuffed and worn-out boots?” “Yes.” He chuckled. “Something I learned about from your cousin Marissa. She’s got a pair on.” I grimaced. “Yikes.
- “You’re cute and all, but no,”
- “Well, Gunnar, Willow here is their head trainer.” Bill looked wide- eyed at Gunnar. “Did you not know that?” Gunnar’s eyes drilled holes as deep as oil wells into me, and I couldn’t help it. I grinned even wider, feeling a little bit of justice come my way.
- “Anything else you’d like to share with me?” “No, not right now,” I answered with a devilish grin, and he chuckled.
- “I can walk,” I quipped, and he chuckled. “But this is faster. Now, shush,”
- MONOPOLY??? REALLY?
- im so sorry what was 122 and 123
almost smut:
- “Well, there’s some hot coffee and the not-so-fancy breakfast that’s prepared for the hands in the lodge if you want some.” His hazel eyes scanned my figure, the outline hidden away by the bundles of layers I wore. His piercing gaze shot shivers down my spine as if he could see the buckle my sweatshirt was concealing.
- “Hold on, Princess,” he commanded, giving me the permission needed to wrap my arms around his waist. To prevent the bitter cold from freezing my fingers, I slipped my hands into his coat pockets. He remained still for another half of a second, his hat dipping down toward where my hands were tucked away. Between my arms, I felt his broad chest expand, a heavy-weighted breath filling his lungs, and then he clucked at his horse, asking the creature to move onward.
- 49 accidental moment
- The bruise ached, but I barely noticed that dull thump beneath the electricity that zapped through my skin.
- His hand suddenly brushed against the braid that swung across my back, and I paused as he swept some flakes out of my hair. His gaze lingered against mine, the gentle white of fresh snow highlighting the piercing amber and blues of his irises.
-im sorry how was page 99 possible
- because for whatever confusing reason, the look that crossed his face briefly had made my stomach flip with an unexpected feeling I wanted more of.
oooh is this going to be a one bed trope??
“We are stuck. You’re gonna have to climb out, and we are going to have to bunker down in the cabin just a few yards ahead until the storm stops,” he said, gesturing to my right. I glanced between the man who was already up to his knees in snow and the white blanket beside me.
“You’re being serious,” I said, bewildered.
- “Why would I be mad at you? Yeah, we are maybe stuck here. All alone. Just the two of us. Which is such a damn shame.”
- “Put me down.” The words came out in an exhausted slur.
He shook his head with a goofy grin. “Uh-uh. You need to go to bed.” “Where are you going to sleep?” I groggily asked.
“On the couch, Princess,”
- My arms tucked between us, my fingers easily able to press into his bare chest and, despite my head telling me not to, I did it anyway.
smut (im waitinggg)
- “The moment we leave this cabin, this never happened. Until then, I will let you look as much as you’d like. Deal?” I blurted out without thinking, before realising what I also insinuated along with my spoken words. Shock pulled his eyes wide for a moment. Tipping his head slowly, a hungry gaze wiped the surprise away. “Deal. But keep in mind that this was your idea, Princess. I don’t need to see any part of you to know I like what’s there.“
- I wanted him to take me for a ride that no one else would ever know about. Right at this moment.
- 134/136 was... in his sleep????
- Gunnar placed a hand under my chin and lifted it up, tilting my head to the side. His lips brushed against my ear as he whispered, “Stop being so respectful, Princess. If you want something, take it.”
- “That’s your fault, Princess,” he said, narrowing his eyes darkly.
- 138-142 flirting and reading
- 144-??
- Warmth from his hands spread across my face, his hot breath mixing with mine under the cold approval of the moon.
- his fingers digging into my hips. An inch was all that separated my body and his, which was an inch too much.
- 219
- Greedily, aggressively, he pressed his lips deeper against mine, his hands cupping my cheeks, refusing to let me go. Only when he needed a breath did he finally end the kiss. He smiled against my mouth in perfect bliss.
January 18, 2024
I love a cowboy romance and no one writes them like R.L Atkinson. The characters were amazing! Learning what Willow went through broke my heart. Gunner is my favourite cowboy ever! He’s gruff and grumpy but the sweetest man in the world. So glad they have a HEA!
January 21, 2024
Never expected to feel this way about this book🥹
Just. Wow.🥹
I picked up this book because cowboy romances happen to be one of my all time favorite romance genres, and recently, I have been picking up random, one-off books to pass the time. What I didn’t know is how quickly I would eat it up and how sad I would be once it was over. I found a true gem without even knowing it.
This book is a romance, but not in the way most are. It was not full of smut, but instead, tender and heart wrenching emotion. I felt so close to Willow and Gunnar, and their relationship was the greenest flag I’ve ever seen, despite some misunderstandings along the way that have to do with their dark pasts. These two people have been through so much and are so broken, but they find a way to help eachother through it all while simultaneously falling deeper in love with every smile and scar they share with one another. Their love was tender and vulnerable, full of longing, and I don’t think I’ve ever read about two people who are more of a soul mate match than these two. True love is truly found in the unlikeliest of places at the unlikeliest of times.
It is a happily ever after, but one that is not easily achieved, and I wouldn’t have it any other way because it just made the impact all the more emotional. My only complaint is that I wanted to read more about the life ahead of these two beautiful souls 🥹❤️
I have no idea why this book has so little reviews, but it is officially a competitor for my favorite book of all time. My heart will never be the same, and I will never stop thinking about this book. Just like the way that Gunnar feels about Willow 💘
Just. Wow.🥹
I picked up this book because cowboy romances happen to be one of my all time favorite romance genres, and recently, I have been picking up random, one-off books to pass the time. What I didn’t know is how quickly I would eat it up and how sad I would be once it was over. I found a true gem without even knowing it.
This book is a romance, but not in the way most are. It was not full of smut, but instead, tender and heart wrenching emotion. I felt so close to Willow and Gunnar, and their relationship was the greenest flag I’ve ever seen, despite some misunderstandings along the way that have to do with their dark pasts. These two people have been through so much and are so broken, but they find a way to help eachother through it all while simultaneously falling deeper in love with every smile and scar they share with one another. Their love was tender and vulnerable, full of longing, and I don’t think I’ve ever read about two people who are more of a soul mate match than these two. True love is truly found in the unlikeliest of places at the unlikeliest of times.
It is a happily ever after, but one that is not easily achieved, and I wouldn’t have it any other way because it just made the impact all the more emotional. My only complaint is that I wanted to read more about the life ahead of these two beautiful souls 🥹❤️
I have no idea why this book has so little reviews, but it is officially a competitor for my favorite book of all time. My heart will never be the same, and I will never stop thinking about this book. Just like the way that Gunnar feels about Willow 💘
January 6, 2024
Emotional rollercoaster 🎢 I laughed. I cried. I had butterflies. I was angry. I found myself smiling way too much while reading this beauty. What a fantastic read. Gunnar and Willow will forever have a piece of my heart. If I can give this one a 10/5 ⭐️ I would!
January 12, 2024
ARC Review ✨
This was my first cowboy romance, and I loved it so damn much!!! Gunner was a dream come true!! The way he stuck up for Willow was amazing! He truly is such a wonderful human! I just wish he was real! 🤣🤣 On a serious note, this book put me through so many emotions! I balled my eyes out, laughed till I cried, and got frustrated! Willow's family is horrendous and I relate to how she felt! Willow is definitely a superstar though for proving her family wrong! R.L. Atkins is a phenomenal author and I will most definitely be reading more of her books!!
This was my first cowboy romance, and I loved it so damn much!!! Gunner was a dream come true!! The way he stuck up for Willow was amazing! He truly is such a wonderful human! I just wish he was real! 🤣🤣 On a serious note, this book put me through so many emotions! I balled my eyes out, laughed till I cried, and got frustrated! Willow's family is horrendous and I relate to how she felt! Willow is definitely a superstar though for proving her family wrong! R.L. Atkins is a phenomenal author and I will most definitely be reading more of her books!!
December 19, 2023
This book is everything!!!! Gunnar and willow have my heart!!! ❤️ 5/5 stars!!!
January 2, 2024
This book was really great.
I loved the story, the angst.
Definitely recommend
I loved the story, the angst.
Definitely recommend
June 4, 2024
Amazing but the “break-up” was bs and didn’t make sense
December 6, 2024
I kinda regret reading this… it was hard to finish unfortunately. But the beginning was funny.
January 11, 2024
Willow & Gunnar are actual perfection🤩
Since Day One takes you on an emotional journey as Willow & Gunnar navigate their feelings. Watching Willow finally be treated the way she should had my heart aching😭
Gunnar is a top tier book boyfriend. He was so understanding of her trauma & wanted to give her the world.
The tension & chemistry between these two was 🌶️🌶️🌶️ I loved watching their relationship unfold. And that forced proximity was the best 😭 seeing them become so comfortable & open with each other melted my heart 🫶🏼
This book was absolutely amazing. I love protective cowboys & strong heroines that finally find the love they deserve 🥰
Since Day One takes you on an emotional journey as Willow & Gunnar navigate their feelings. Watching Willow finally be treated the way she should had my heart aching😭
Gunnar is a top tier book boyfriend. He was so understanding of her trauma & wanted to give her the world.
The tension & chemistry between these two was 🌶️🌶️🌶️ I loved watching their relationship unfold. And that forced proximity was the best 😭 seeing them become so comfortable & open with each other melted my heart 🫶🏼
This book was absolutely amazing. I love protective cowboys & strong heroines that finally find the love they deserve 🥰
June 17, 2025
ARC review
Have tried to post this mutliple times since July 2024
I absolutely loved it. I have a thing for cowboys anyway being a rider myself but the fact that the author knew about horses made this a big plus for me.
I thought it was pretty predictable reading through it but there was a few twists i didn't see coming.
Definitely recommend to anyone who loves a good cowboy or just a sweet romance.
Does have a few TW so make sure you read these first
Have tried to post this mutliple times since July 2024
I absolutely loved it. I have a thing for cowboys anyway being a rider myself but the fact that the author knew about horses made this a big plus for me.
I thought it was pretty predictable reading through it but there was a few twists i didn't see coming.
Definitely recommend to anyone who loves a good cowboy or just a sweet romance.
Does have a few TW so make sure you read these first
November 10, 2024
R.L Atkinson has done it again with this masterpiece. I was gifted and participated in the ARC of Since Day One. The way that she captures her readers through her writing and bringing up sensitive subjects like emotional trauma such as SA and mental manipulation by family is not an easy task with the content, however, with the way that she explained and developed the characters through out the entire book with their growth as individuals was beyond amazing to read. As a reader I do appreciate that the trauma is limited on details and is done out of the book. Also to add that this book is very closed door as far as spicy, but Atkinson does not disappoint with her choice of words when these scenes do occur.
Willow, is a reiner that goes on a family retreat after 10 years of having no contact with her family until a death changes that. From the moment that she set foot in Wyoming, she is met by a grumpy cowboy named Gunner that sets the pace for the trip. Over the course of few banters between the two within a few days and interactions she realizes that her secret of being a reiner and an actual cowgirl is blown when her sass sneaks out and catches Gunner out of the blue.
Over the course of the book, you start to see in this grumpy cowboy who is content in his life start to change and show sides of himself that many do not see until an interaction between a hateful family member and Willow. They are forced by weather to stay in a cabin isolated by a snowstorm. The truth comes out and secrets are no longer secrets. But can they last after all has been spilled and the past comes to light?
Please buckle up for this amazing book that will have you laughing, giggling, and crying as if you are right there in the bleachers with Willow and Gunner.
Willow, is a reiner that goes on a family retreat after 10 years of having no contact with her family until a death changes that. From the moment that she set foot in Wyoming, she is met by a grumpy cowboy named Gunner that sets the pace for the trip. Over the course of few banters between the two within a few days and interactions she realizes that her secret of being a reiner and an actual cowgirl is blown when her sass sneaks out and catches Gunner out of the blue.
Over the course of the book, you start to see in this grumpy cowboy who is content in his life start to change and show sides of himself that many do not see until an interaction between a hateful family member and Willow. They are forced by weather to stay in a cabin isolated by a snowstorm. The truth comes out and secrets are no longer secrets. But can they last after all has been spilled and the past comes to light?
Please buckle up for this amazing book that will have you laughing, giggling, and crying as if you are right there in the bleachers with Willow and Gunner.
December 3, 2024
This book truly had so much potential and it is sad that it didn't live up to it (according to me)
The characters, while 27 and 34, did not act their age at all. The FMC was childish and the MMC hard to read. It's hard to believe for me that adults act like they did.
So much was left unexplained - I don't know why an author describes their past's as being so traumatizing when she doesn't explain anything/ leaves things incomplete. Especially the MMCs childhood.
The story didn't have a clear red thread, it felt like I was reading a bunch of short stories that sort of fit together but didn't make sense in the grand scheme of things.
The ending was horrible and completely unnecessary. Again, how can two adults be irresponsible. The fact the FMC hid everything didn't make sense either (I get why, but I don't get why..)
It was fun reading about cowboys/ girls though and learning more about the western life - Yellowstone does that to you.
Slight spoiler:
I don't know, I think I'm kind of tired of reading women that get completely lost to motherhood and choose the man over everything, I understand he owned his ranch so he couldn't just up and leave but yeah..
I also have a hard time believing they really loved each other. They had known one another for three weeks and after those were you did nothing to try to reconcile properly. She lied and hid from his child and he well I don't know what he was thinking really. The author does explain their reasoning but if that is love I don't want it.
The characters, while 27 and 34, did not act their age at all. The FMC was childish and the MMC hard to read. It's hard to believe for me that adults act like they did.
So much was left unexplained - I don't know why an author describes their past's as being so traumatizing when she doesn't explain anything/ leaves things incomplete. Especially the MMCs childhood.
The story didn't have a clear red thread, it felt like I was reading a bunch of short stories that sort of fit together but didn't make sense in the grand scheme of things.
The ending was horrible and completely unnecessary. Again, how can two adults be irresponsible. The fact the FMC hid everything didn't make sense either (I get why, but I don't get why..)
It was fun reading about cowboys/ girls though and learning more about the western life - Yellowstone does that to you.
Slight spoiler:
I don't know, I think I'm kind of tired of reading women that get completely lost to motherhood and choose the man over everything, I understand he owned his ranch so he couldn't just up and leave but yeah..
I also have a hard time believing they really loved each other. They had known one another for three weeks and after those were you did nothing to try to reconcile properly. She lied and hid from his child and he well I don't know what he was thinking really. The author does explain their reasoning but if that is love I don't want it.
February 16, 2024
The angst... The forced proximity... THE TENSION BETWEEN THESE TWO CHARACTERS!!!!
My favorite, absolute favorite, part about this authors writing style is her ability to write emotionally charged scenes. She's able to put feelings into words in a way that leaves me speechless. Her non-explicit sex scenes are written in a way that feel like poetry and if you blink, you miss it. It's all about the emotions and what the characters are feeling inside.
I cannot wait to see what comes next from this author. I know it'll be equally as heart wrenching but comforting in a way like all her others.
This book does have triggers so check them out. I received a copy of this book to read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own!
My favorite, absolute favorite, part about this authors writing style is her ability to write emotionally charged scenes. She's able to put feelings into words in a way that leaves me speechless. Her non-explicit sex scenes are written in a way that feel like poetry and if you blink, you miss it. It's all about the emotions and what the characters are feeling inside.
I cannot wait to see what comes next from this author. I know it'll be equally as heart wrenching but comforting in a way like all her others.
This book does have triggers so check them out. I received a copy of this book to read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own!
December 22, 2023
I would like to preface this by saying I live in a region where cowboys are very common. I married one, in fact.
The main thing about this story that I disliked was the characteristics the author gave the MMC trying to sell him as a cowboy-type that was really quite false to what cowboys really are.
The rude attitude just because we was put out for having to come get her isn't typically something you'd see right from the jump with a cowboy as they are typically more polite than that to a person they don't know or hardly know and the fact that said cowboy was meant to be driving a jacked up truck (which is extremely impractical for a working cowboy and wouldn't be useful to him at all wether he was working on a ranch or trying to pull a trailer with animals in it) are just a couple of the things that that didn't ring true about who this character was meant to be and who this type of man actually is.
Both of these things happened early on in the book and kinda of turned me off to the male main character so finishing felt a little difficult overall.
The story was cute enough and well written enough with few to no glaring grammatical errors, but I felt as though this was written by someone who loves the idea of a cowboy/cowgirl dynamic but didn't actually know anything about these type of people. I can 100% certainly state that no cowboy worth his salt would ever do either one of the above things mentioned as a cowboy is nothing if not polite and practical - literally their born nature.
If you are a reader who doesn't know much about these types of people or also have preconceived notions of who they are then this book is for you, but if you actually live in a region in which these people work or live and are similarly bothered by inaccurate stereotypes then maybe don't read this particular western style romance.
The main thing about this story that I disliked was the characteristics the author gave the MMC trying to sell him as a cowboy-type that was really quite false to what cowboys really are.
The rude attitude just because we was put out for having to come get her isn't typically something you'd see right from the jump with a cowboy as they are typically more polite than that to a person they don't know or hardly know and the fact that said cowboy was meant to be driving a jacked up truck (which is extremely impractical for a working cowboy and wouldn't be useful to him at all wether he was working on a ranch or trying to pull a trailer with animals in it) are just a couple of the things that that didn't ring true about who this character was meant to be and who this type of man actually is.
Both of these things happened early on in the book and kinda of turned me off to the male main character so finishing felt a little difficult overall.
The story was cute enough and well written enough with few to no glaring grammatical errors, but I felt as though this was written by someone who loves the idea of a cowboy/cowgirl dynamic but didn't actually know anything about these type of people. I can 100% certainly state that no cowboy worth his salt would ever do either one of the above things mentioned as a cowboy is nothing if not polite and practical - literally their born nature.
If you are a reader who doesn't know much about these types of people or also have preconceived notions of who they are then this book is for you, but if you actually live in a region in which these people work or live and are similarly bothered by inaccurate stereotypes then maybe don't read this particular western style romance.
December 30, 2023
I was absolutely blown away by this book.
I’m not normally a romance reader, but if I do read a romance, it’s a cowboy romance 😎
Right off the bat there was a banter between our main characters. You could just tell by the moment they meet they had to be together.
Willow’s family is trash, through and through, but I’m super glad she had an even better found family that she could rely on during hard times and while she was growing up, finding herself and making a name for herself in the reining world as a trainer.
Gunnar is the gruff cowboy with a “f**k off” attitude towards everyone except the ones he cares about. Willow just crashes into him as soon as she gets off the plane and he just knew she was something special for him.
One of my biggest things I loved about this book was there is actually western riding included and it’s highly talked about. Atkinson goes into great detail about how not doing great in a competition feels, the work that goes into getting horses ready to show, the proper names for the tack and the movements of the horses. All of it just made me super excited! (I show horses in the western discipline 😂)
I give the book about a 4.5 ⭐️
I am someone who likes some spice to my books and there wasn’t any really included in it.
I’m also not too big on the whole pregnancy trope’s and them being hidden from the other person for a while (even if there was a reason behind it), unless it’s necessary.
Overall, I loved it! I’m definitely recommending to everyone!
I’m not normally a romance reader, but if I do read a romance, it’s a cowboy romance 😎
Right off the bat there was a banter between our main characters. You could just tell by the moment they meet they had to be together.
Willow’s family is trash, through and through, but I’m super glad she had an even better found family that she could rely on during hard times and while she was growing up, finding herself and making a name for herself in the reining world as a trainer.
Gunnar is the gruff cowboy with a “f**k off” attitude towards everyone except the ones he cares about. Willow just crashes into him as soon as she gets off the plane and he just knew she was something special for him.
One of my biggest things I loved about this book was there is actually western riding included and it’s highly talked about. Atkinson goes into great detail about how not doing great in a competition feels, the work that goes into getting horses ready to show, the proper names for the tack and the movements of the horses. All of it just made me super excited! (I show horses in the western discipline 😂)
I give the book about a 4.5 ⭐️
I am someone who likes some spice to my books and there wasn’t any really included in it.
I’m also not too big on the whole pregnancy trope’s and them being hidden from the other person for a while (even if there was a reason behind it), unless it’s necessary.
Overall, I loved it! I’m definitely recommending to everyone!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 1, 2024
✨ Spoilers ✨
𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞/𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫:
Since Day One - R.L Atkinson
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠:
⭐⭐⭐⭐.✨/5
𝐌𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬:
- Willow Summers
- Gunnar Johnson
𝐐𝐮𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬:
“Why are you being so nice?” “I have a consistently great view, and that makes me very happy.”
“I haven’t stopped thinking about you since the day we met,”
“Love is so scary. But there’s a life waiting for you."
𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬:
Willows on a trip to visit her family at a retreat, but she finds out this isn't a retreat at all. She meets Gunnar and slowly things fall into place.
𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬:
This story had the perfect start. Willow and Gunnar had the perfect bickering going on and it was hilarious. Gunnar was perfect. He is what dream men are made of. Sweet, sexy and caring all in one body. Anytime he opened his mouth I melted inside. The found family aspect of this was written wonderfully. Everyone just took in Willow so easily. They were all just so loving to her. Willow was such a a cool character. She was sassy, funny and strong. This had very mild spice but it didn't take away how great this story was. I love reading books by this author and will continue to do so.
𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬:
• Strangers to lovers
• Age gap
• Found family
• One bed
• He calls her "Princess" 🫠
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞:
🌶️/5
𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞/𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫:
Since Day One - R.L Atkinson
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠:
⭐⭐⭐⭐.✨/5
𝐌𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬:
- Willow Summers
- Gunnar Johnson
𝐐𝐮𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬:
“Why are you being so nice?” “I have a consistently great view, and that makes me very happy.”
“I haven’t stopped thinking about you since the day we met,”
“Love is so scary. But there’s a life waiting for you."
𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬:
Willows on a trip to visit her family at a retreat, but she finds out this isn't a retreat at all. She meets Gunnar and slowly things fall into place.
𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬:
This story had the perfect start. Willow and Gunnar had the perfect bickering going on and it was hilarious. Gunnar was perfect. He is what dream men are made of. Sweet, sexy and caring all in one body. Anytime he opened his mouth I melted inside. The found family aspect of this was written wonderfully. Everyone just took in Willow so easily. They were all just so loving to her. Willow was such a a cool character. She was sassy, funny and strong. This had very mild spice but it didn't take away how great this story was. I love reading books by this author and will continue to do so.
𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬:
• Strangers to lovers
• Age gap
• Found family
• One bed
• He calls her "Princess" 🫠
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞:
🌶️/5
July 23, 2025
Overall...a good story....but....
I really wanted to rate this book between a 3.5 to 3.8, but, you know. It is a great story with amazing banter and chemistry between the characters but SPOILER ALERT!!!!!! DO NOT CONTINUE IF YOU DO NOT WANT TO KNOW THE ENDING.
The lead up to the happy ending just frustrated me. The timeline of him waiting for almost 2 years to see her just doesn't sit well with me. Yeah, he was "being respectful" and honoring her wish of everything being temporary, but come on!!!! Yeah, she was also thinking about not wanting to "burden him with a baby" after he said he didn't want kids but again, come on!!!! Its clear how much they cared for each other "Since Day One" and the character of Gunner that Atkinson wrote clearly shows he would do the right thing and how much he loved Willow. No way a man or woman who had the feelings they had could stay away for 2 years. No way would the people around them who cared about them and knew them would allow either of them to be SO STUPID!!!
Again, I really wanted to try and find a reason to rate it higher, but the timeline to the ending just could not let me do it.
I really wanted to rate this book between a 3.5 to 3.8, but, you know. It is a great story with amazing banter and chemistry between the characters but SPOILER ALERT!!!!!! DO NOT CONTINUE IF YOU DO NOT WANT TO KNOW THE ENDING.
The lead up to the happy ending just frustrated me. The timeline of him waiting for almost 2 years to see her just doesn't sit well with me. Yeah, he was "being respectful" and honoring her wish of everything being temporary, but come on!!!! Yeah, she was also thinking about not wanting to "burden him with a baby" after he said he didn't want kids but again, come on!!!! Its clear how much they cared for each other "Since Day One" and the character of Gunner that Atkinson wrote clearly shows he would do the right thing and how much he loved Willow. No way a man or woman who had the feelings they had could stay away for 2 years. No way would the people around them who cared about them and knew them would allow either of them to be SO STUPID!!!
Again, I really wanted to try and find a reason to rate it higher, but the timeline to the ending just could not let me do it.
January 11, 2024
I was blessed to be chosen as an Arc Reader for this book, and it did not disappoint!
At only the third chapter I felt all the pain that Willow had gone through with just the one sentence her mom said. The banter between the two MC’s really is SINCE DAY ONE and I’m here for it. I really loved how the development between the two really came forward. The caring nature Gunnar had for Willow made me swoon. The emotional roller coaster I went through during this book was the greatest. I love going on R.L. Atkinson’s rides while reading. It always leaves me with remembering the story and the characters. I will say this is the ONLY third act breakup I will accept. The way that R.L. Atkinson can capture such emotional scenes and make me feel them so intensely is awesome. I rarely feel the urge to smile or cry or laugh when reading and she’s one author that has always been able to do it for me
-sassy heroine
- caring hero
-Cowboy/cowgirl love story
-forced proximity
-strangers to lovers
-age gap
At only the third chapter I felt all the pain that Willow had gone through with just the one sentence her mom said. The banter between the two MC’s really is SINCE DAY ONE and I’m here for it. I really loved how the development between the two really came forward. The caring nature Gunnar had for Willow made me swoon. The emotional roller coaster I went through during this book was the greatest. I love going on R.L. Atkinson’s rides while reading. It always leaves me with remembering the story and the characters. I will say this is the ONLY third act breakup I will accept. The way that R.L. Atkinson can capture such emotional scenes and make me feel them so intensely is awesome. I rarely feel the urge to smile or cry or laugh when reading and she’s one author that has always been able to do it for me
-sassy heroine
- caring hero
-Cowboy/cowgirl love story
-forced proximity
-strangers to lovers
-age gap
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 18, 2023
This is the 2nd book I've read by RL Atkinson, I want to start this review off by letting other readers know that this book contains some details of SA, although the scene takes place off page, the flashbacks could trigger someone who is sensitive to that content.
Now to the review, this is Gunner and Willow's story. Willow hasn't stayed in contact with her family for 10 years, they convinced her to attend a "retreat" in Wyoming on a ranch. She left 17 home at 17 and became a successful cowgirl. Gunner worked at the ranch and although he was a typical broody cowboy, he knew Willow was special. This is a slow burn, and on my scale not spicy. BUT I loved the plot, Willow's past made it difficult for her to get close to men, she and Gunner clicked almost right away. I loved their chemistry and how he allowed her to do something that would make most men uncomfortable while he read to her. Was the plot twist and the ending a bit cheesy? Yeah. Did I eat that shit up? Absolutely.
Now to the review, this is Gunner and Willow's story. Willow hasn't stayed in contact with her family for 10 years, they convinced her to attend a "retreat" in Wyoming on a ranch. She left 17 home at 17 and became a successful cowgirl. Gunner worked at the ranch and although he was a typical broody cowboy, he knew Willow was special. This is a slow burn, and on my scale not spicy. BUT I loved the plot, Willow's past made it difficult for her to get close to men, she and Gunner clicked almost right away. I loved their chemistry and how he allowed her to do something that would make most men uncomfortable while he read to her. Was the plot twist and the ending a bit cheesy? Yeah. Did I eat that shit up? Absolutely.
January 7, 2024
It is rare that I read a book and find myself on a journey of discovery and healing. Since Day One is a beautiful book that took me on an emotional roller coaster through Willow and Gunnar relationship with each other and themselves. Throughout the book Atkinson’s beautiful writing style drew me in and connected me to the characters immediately. She creates big worlds that the reader can feel as much as they can visualize. I struggled between not wanting to put the book down and not wanting to finish too fast because I wasn’t ready to be finished with the characters. The ending was just as amazing as the climax of the story (in the interest of avoiding spoilers I will avoid saying more, but if you are reading reviews to decide if you should read this book take this as a sign. This is a great book that provides both an amazing storyline and emotional intrigue).
January 3, 2024
This book. Shew this book has my heart. The way I instantly fell for Gunner. Him and Willow absolutely clicked "Since day one". The chemistry and banter between them was nothing shy of perfection. I really enjoyed the way they grew and came together. Her "knight in rough leather".
One of my favorite parts of the entire book was the cabin. Iykyk. Everything about that encounter was perfect. I loved how intimate the relationship was growing and how Willow finally letting someone in.
When I say my emotions were on overdrive the entire book I'm not kidding, I absolutely love the writing style of R.L. Atkinson and the way she makes me really connect with the characters and make me feel what there going through.
One of my favorite parts of the entire book was the cabin. Iykyk. Everything about that encounter was perfect. I loved how intimate the relationship was growing and how Willow finally letting someone in.
When I say my emotions were on overdrive the entire book I'm not kidding, I absolutely love the writing style of R.L. Atkinson and the way she makes me really connect with the characters and make me feel what there going through.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 10, 2024
Omg what I would give to read this book for the first time again 😭😭 I loved every angsty minute of this book. It was deep and emotional and overall amazing. Willow coming back to her family after being estranged for so long and handling her business was just amazing. She is just so strong and overcame a lot from her past. And then there’s Gunnar, who is grumpy and has his own set of baggage, but is patient with Willow and her fears and apprehensions. They were what the other needed and helped heal pieces of themselves they weren’t looking to heal. I loved their sassy banter and how comfortable they were with each other. It was an amazing slow burn with communication when things went south, for the most part. It just amazing how invested I was with them and their story.
April 19, 2024
- ARC Review -
THIS IS A MUST READ! R.L. Atkinson is one of my favorite authors of all time and her books are always at the top of my recommendation list to other readers! "Since Day One" immediately had me in a chokehold from the first page! The author's ability to truly make the reader feel each character's emotions is what captured me between the pages. I loved seeing how after Willow's hard past she learns to trust in love again as she and Gunnar fall deeper for each other. If you're looking for a cowboy romance to take you on an emotional roller coaster, that is accurate in it's details of the Western world with witty banter, forced proximity, and a great surprise ending this is the book for you!
THIS IS A MUST READ! R.L. Atkinson is one of my favorite authors of all time and her books are always at the top of my recommendation list to other readers! "Since Day One" immediately had me in a chokehold from the first page! The author's ability to truly make the reader feel each character's emotions is what captured me between the pages. I loved seeing how after Willow's hard past she learns to trust in love again as she and Gunnar fall deeper for each other. If you're looking for a cowboy romance to take you on an emotional roller coaster, that is accurate in it's details of the Western world with witty banter, forced proximity, and a great surprise ending this is the book for you!
October 7, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 — 3.5 out of 5 stars
“Since Day One” was an engaging read with well-developed, memorable characters that carried the story from start to finish. The author did an excellent job building emotional depth and tension throughout — the dialogue felt authentic, and the pacing kept me invested.
However, the ending felt a bit rushed, almost as if the story ran out of runway right when it needed to soar. A few loose ends could’ve used more closure or reflection to match the strength of the buildup.
Overall, a good book that’s definitely worth the read, especially if you enjoy strong character arcs and emotional storytelling — just be prepared for an ending that leaves you wanting a bit more.
“Since Day One” was an engaging read with well-developed, memorable characters that carried the story from start to finish. The author did an excellent job building emotional depth and tension throughout — the dialogue felt authentic, and the pacing kept me invested.
However, the ending felt a bit rushed, almost as if the story ran out of runway right when it needed to soar. A few loose ends could’ve used more closure or reflection to match the strength of the buildup.
Overall, a good book that’s definitely worth the read, especially if you enjoy strong character arcs and emotional storytelling — just be prepared for an ending that leaves you wanting a bit more.
December 19, 2023
R.L. Atkinson has quickly become one of my favorite authors. Her attention to detail when writing, the banter between characters, every story line pulls you right into the characters and you feel as they feel. "Since Day One" from beginning to end had my undivided attention. The story was so well written, the twists and turns throughout were well timed and unexpected. I really enjoyed Willow and Gunner so much, I was not ready for their story to end. Gunner is such a gentleman and handled Willow exactly as she needed to be able to trust and learn to fully love someone without bounds. Willow's journey to the life she deserved was so beautiful and the ending was such a beautiful surprise.
January 12, 2024
This book... made me have so many emotions, and I never once desired to put it down once I started it. Everything about the book was amazing, and the descriptive laungue the author used me feel like I was a third wheel tagging along with Willow and Gunner on the ranch. I really love the story between these two and the way she described the ranch, horses, and the skills both have with the horses is amazing. It's really refreshing to read a cowboy romance that has ACTUAL cowboying in it. Gunners soft and protective demeanor of Willow really displays the many sides of a cowboy. Definitely a must read. ❤️
January 22, 2024
Another great book, worth bumping everything on my TBR for, as every book of hers had before this one. Gunner and Willow are some of my favorite characters of hers to date, from the tension and sharp banter in the beginning to the development of their relationship to the heartwarming conclusion. All my favorite tropes of found family, forced proximity, snowed in with one bed, are present along with a few others.
The level of emotion that is in this book, along with the fact that she keeps things non-explicit hooked me in her first book and keeps me coming back for more.
Cannot recommend it enough, and can’t wait to see what else comes out in the future.
The level of emotion that is in this book, along with the fact that she keeps things non-explicit hooked me in her first book and keeps me coming back for more.
Cannot recommend it enough, and can’t wait to see what else comes out in the future.
March 6, 2024
This was a good cowboy romance but I think it was missing a lot of things. For example, there wasn’t a good character development from the FMC, she didn’t resolve her problems with her family, she doesn’t have to have a relationship with them but stop running and even later, she was running from Gunner instead of speaking honestly about what happen and it took 2 years to come clean! That was my biggest problem with this story, there was a lot of loose ends. The plot lot itself was very vague but the relationship between the MCs was very cute, I loved the banter. And love seeing a cowgirl for a change!! Overall, it had a lot of potential but for me it didn’t quite hit the mark.
January 11, 2024
I received this book as an arc member give my thoughts of own free will . Willow a champion in riding horses has to go see her family after 10 years being non speaking to each other . The parents and a man was horrible story must read to know more . She meets gunner a rancher / rodeo champion as well . Connect and fall in love but with her history waiting for shoe to drop . Later she has gage and she has to decide if she should be with her love of her life . I asked writer if going to continue story sure hope so . Was book drunk after reading it 😍❤️ must read . Way better than 5 stars .
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