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Whittier Falls #1
Balancing Act
Eryn Blake is rich, famous, and getting on my last nerve. Too bad she’s also the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid eyes on. Keeping my hands off her might be the hardest thing I’ve ever done.
I’ve lived and breathed Red Downs Ranch since I was born. Now it’s up to me to take the reins and make it thrive the way my father did. But the reality of managing six thousand acres has got me feeling more than a little on edge. Now I have to deal with some influencer heiress who wants to move in and open a fancy resort right next to my ranch—next to my home. Not happening on my watch. This land was built for ranching and grit, not celebrities and yoga. I’ll do what I have to do to keep her from settling here. Except she’s won over half the town and surprises me at every turn. And when she looks at me with those big amber eyes, well, it’s distracting in ways I don’t have time for. When someone else tries to stop Eryn’s plans—and threatens her in the process—I can’t just let her fend for herself. Now I’m protecting the one person who’s threatening my legacy.
And god help me, but I can’t find it in myself to regret it.
Balancing Act is a steamy enemies-to-lovers, grumpy/sunshine small town western romance filled with heat, humor, and a hint of suspense.
I’ve lived and breathed Red Downs Ranch since I was born. Now it’s up to me to take the reins and make it thrive the way my father did. But the reality of managing six thousand acres has got me feeling more than a little on edge. Now I have to deal with some influencer heiress who wants to move in and open a fancy resort right next to my ranch—next to my home. Not happening on my watch. This land was built for ranching and grit, not celebrities and yoga. I’ll do what I have to do to keep her from settling here. Except she’s won over half the town and surprises me at every turn. And when she looks at me with those big amber eyes, well, it’s distracting in ways I don’t have time for. When someone else tries to stop Eryn’s plans—and threatens her in the process—I can’t just let her fend for herself. Now I’m protecting the one person who’s threatening my legacy.
And god help me, but I can’t find it in myself to regret it.
Balancing Act is a steamy enemies-to-lovers, grumpy/sunshine small town western romance filled with heat, humor, and a hint of suspense.
314 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 21, 2024
18 people are currently reading
356 people want to read
About the author
Kate McWilliams
19 books407 followersKate McWilliams is a lifelong storyteller and unapologetic romance fan who relishes in cozy nights, happy endings, and the magic of a good love story.
When she’s not writing, she’s likely curled up with a book, heading out on an adventure, or looking for any excuse to enjoy a Diet Coke in a new restaurant.
Kate lives in Pennsylvania, dreaming up stories and perfecting the art of a well-timed nap.
When she’s not writing, she’s likely curled up with a book, heading out on an adventure, or looking for any excuse to enjoy a Diet Coke in a new restaurant.
Kate lives in Pennsylvania, dreaming up stories and perfecting the art of a well-timed nap.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
March 24, 2024
Tropes:
🐎 Cowboy MMC
🐎 Influencer FMC
🐎 Grumpy x sunshine
🐎 Small Town
🐎 Enemies to lovers
🐎 Protectice MMC
I received an ARC for this book in exchange for an honest review. A huge thank you for this honor to read this early! 🫶🏻 These are 100% my true feelings and unbiased opinions on this book.
This was a very quick read as it was super fast paced, it seemed to fly right by! It was the literal definition of grumpy x sunshine. Eryn is a ray of sunshine, she’s a happy go lucky social media influencer who is just trying to look for a little bit of an escape from that world and a little bit of tranquility while trying to start a new business. Gray, is the grumpiest cowboy I have encountered in a book lol most of the time he just speaks in grunts, but then when he meets her, there is an insta love type moment no matter how much he wants to deny it. Her overwhelming happiness and her sunshine draw him in. It was so lovely to see these two come together they are complete opposites and they bring out a lot of good in each other and really ground each other too.
I did really enjoy the little bit of mystery/suspense aspect that we got here. It was really fun and I didn’t see it coming. I had some theories throughout the whole book of what I thought was going on and I was wrong. Overall, this was a lovely, quick, fast paced, cowboy romance. and of course as you all know, I’m always in my cowboy romance era so of course I sprinted to sign up for this ARC 😂
🐎 Cowboy MMC
🐎 Influencer FMC
🐎 Grumpy x sunshine
🐎 Small Town
🐎 Enemies to lovers
🐎 Protectice MMC
I received an ARC for this book in exchange for an honest review. A huge thank you for this honor to read this early! 🫶🏻 These are 100% my true feelings and unbiased opinions on this book.
This was a very quick read as it was super fast paced, it seemed to fly right by! It was the literal definition of grumpy x sunshine. Eryn is a ray of sunshine, she’s a happy go lucky social media influencer who is just trying to look for a little bit of an escape from that world and a little bit of tranquility while trying to start a new business. Gray, is the grumpiest cowboy I have encountered in a book lol most of the time he just speaks in grunts, but then when he meets her, there is an insta love type moment no matter how much he wants to deny it. Her overwhelming happiness and her sunshine draw him in. It was so lovely to see these two come together they are complete opposites and they bring out a lot of good in each other and really ground each other too.
I did really enjoy the little bit of mystery/suspense aspect that we got here. It was really fun and I didn’t see it coming. I had some theories throughout the whole book of what I thought was going on and I was wrong. Overall, this was a lovely, quick, fast paced, cowboy romance. and of course as you all know, I’m always in my cowboy romance era so of course I sprinted to sign up for this ARC 😂
March 21, 2024
If sexy, grumpy cowboys in cozy small towns are your cup of tea, you'll definitely be served in Balancing Act!
This was a cute and heartwarming read, with some light suspense to keep you on your toes! It's also a quick read, at less than 300 pages!
Grumpy x sunshine is one of my favorite tropes and you couldn't find a better grump than Gray, the MMC! Eryn, on the other hand, is such a fierce and kind character, I immediately loved her!
My only complaint was I kind of wish this was a bit longer, only because I wanted more of them as enemies! I wanted to see them butt heads a bit more!
This was a great cowboy romance, perfect for those of us in our small town romance era! I definitely recommend it and I'm looking forward to the next books in the series!
Thank you to The Author Agency and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
This was a cute and heartwarming read, with some light suspense to keep you on your toes! It's also a quick read, at less than 300 pages!
Grumpy x sunshine is one of my favorite tropes and you couldn't find a better grump than Gray, the MMC! Eryn, on the other hand, is such a fierce and kind character, I immediately loved her!
My only complaint was I kind of wish this was a bit longer, only because I wanted more of them as enemies! I wanted to see them butt heads a bit more!
This was a great cowboy romance, perfect for those of us in our small town romance era! I definitely recommend it and I'm looking forward to the next books in the series!
Thank you to The Author Agency and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
July 7, 2024
Gray, broody, hot cowboy.....yummy. Sign me up! This man is so in tune with his ranch and all things related to it, but he's out of tune with the world around him, u til one ErynBlake enters their small town and it seems the town and chemistry nudge them together.
Eryn notices the handsome cowboy immediately, I mean you'd have to be blind to not. But he is broody around everyone however she notices with her he does tend to somewhat drop his guard and sometimes almost smile. Their is a sexual chemistry and they are bound to combust and when they do, holy hotness.
But someone is out to stop Eryn. Can they figure out who it is before it's too late? This was an amazing read and loved the spice level. Hot cowboys, oh yeah....reading on!
Eryn notices the handsome cowboy immediately, I mean you'd have to be blind to not. But he is broody around everyone however she notices with her he does tend to somewhat drop his guard and sometimes almost smile. Their is a sexual chemistry and they are bound to combust and when they do, holy hotness.
But someone is out to stop Eryn. Can they figure out who it is before it's too late? This was an amazing read and loved the spice level. Hot cowboys, oh yeah....reading on!
March 25, 2024
This is my first by the author, but I am definitely going back to read more!
I will forever be in my grumpy x sunshine, cowboy/ small town era and this book checked all the boxes for me!
I loved grumpy Gray and how resistant to change he was in the first part of the book. My favorite part, was that Gray's resistance, didn't stop him from being super possessive of Eryn.
There was also a surprise element of suspense that was an awesome edition to the book!
I can't wait for more in the series!
I will forever be in my grumpy x sunshine, cowboy/ small town era and this book checked all the boxes for me!
I loved grumpy Gray and how resistant to change he was in the first part of the book. My favorite part, was that Gray's resistance, didn't stop him from being super possessive of Eryn.
There was also a surprise element of suspense that was an awesome edition to the book!
I can't wait for more in the series!
April 9, 2024
Balancing Act (arc) review
Rating: 1.5/5 stars ???
Okay I normally love and cowboy romance, but this one did not do it for me.
I think at only 289 pages the storyline moved so fast and that meant it just didn’t do it justice and didn’t flow well, leaving plot holes all over the place. I wanted to like it, but just couldn’t, it felt rushed and just wanted to be something it just wasn’t.
The romance between the two main characters was insta love (nothing wrong with that), but after that it just felt so so rushed and like there was no actual connection between them.
The spice scenes I felt were poorly written, and just didn’t go well/right and felt like they were just there for the sake of it.
I kinda liked the FMC, (well I wanted to like her) with her dreams and aspirations for her wellness retreat and ‘finding herself’ but this also just fell so flat for me (character based and storyline based, she just wasn’t written well and the storyline just didn’t make 100% sense and felt random at times)
The MMC is meant to be this ‘broody/grumpy cowboy, who hates everyone but her”, and he is meant to be 37 years old (which is fine, dont mind an age gap, although the FMC’s age was never mentioned I think) but he just acts like a fucking teenager. It (and he) was awkward af.
I was seriously going to DNF at 62% when the ‘L’ bomb was just randomly dropped and it was SO AWKWARD (I actually cringed). I only had 100 pages left, so thought I’d carry on (mainly because I’m not a quitter, I HATE dnf’ing) but I should have DNF’ed, that ending. Ughhhhhh.
Rating: 1.5/5 stars ???
Okay I normally love and cowboy romance, but this one did not do it for me.
I think at only 289 pages the storyline moved so fast and that meant it just didn’t do it justice and didn’t flow well, leaving plot holes all over the place. I wanted to like it, but just couldn’t, it felt rushed and just wanted to be something it just wasn’t.
The romance between the two main characters was insta love (nothing wrong with that), but after that it just felt so so rushed and like there was no actual connection between them.
The spice scenes I felt were poorly written, and just didn’t go well/right and felt like they were just there for the sake of it.
I kinda liked the FMC, (well I wanted to like her) with her dreams and aspirations for her wellness retreat and ‘finding herself’ but this also just fell so flat for me (character based and storyline based, she just wasn’t written well and the storyline just didn’t make 100% sense and felt random at times)
The MMC is meant to be this ‘broody/grumpy cowboy, who hates everyone but her”, and he is meant to be 37 years old (which is fine, dont mind an age gap, although the FMC’s age was never mentioned I think) but he just acts like a fucking teenager. It (and he) was awkward af.
I was seriously going to DNF at 62% when the ‘L’ bomb was just randomly dropped and it was SO AWKWARD (I actually cringed). I only had 100 pages left, so thought I’d carry on (mainly because I’m not a quitter, I HATE dnf’ing) but I should have DNF’ed, that ending. Ughhhhhh.
March 17, 2024
THIS BOOK. 🤠😍🫶🏼😩🤭
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
This book had me giggling & kicking my feet. I do not usually gravitate toward cowboy romances, so I was very excited to branch out of my comfort zone whenever I received the ARC for this!
Grey & Eryn 🤤😮💨 absolutely delicious romance. The tension & angst between them from the very beginning was phenomenal. Honestly the best tension between a couple that I have read in a very long time.
I appreciate the friend group that Eryn has throughout this book. LOVE the found family & combining of both friend groups throughout some parts of the book!
There is a mystery element in the background of this book that shines at the end & I truly did not expect it! We do not get a lot of explanation for that, which I would have liked to have, but it did not necessarily take away from the plot.
Grumpy/sunshine, cowboy/city girl, found family, touch her & 💀
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5 (in my opinion - I do not read a lot of spice though)
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
This book had me giggling & kicking my feet. I do not usually gravitate toward cowboy romances, so I was very excited to branch out of my comfort zone whenever I received the ARC for this!
Grey & Eryn 🤤😮💨 absolutely delicious romance. The tension & angst between them from the very beginning was phenomenal. Honestly the best tension between a couple that I have read in a very long time.
I appreciate the friend group that Eryn has throughout this book. LOVE the found family & combining of both friend groups throughout some parts of the book!
There is a mystery element in the background of this book that shines at the end & I truly did not expect it! We do not get a lot of explanation for that, which I would have liked to have, but it did not necessarily take away from the plot.
Grumpy/sunshine, cowboy/city girl, found family, touch her & 💀
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5 (in my opinion - I do not read a lot of spice though)
March 23, 2024
Kate McWilliams made me want to take a trip to Whittier Falls and visit Red Downs Ranch with the way she so vividly described the beauty of the land and ranch in this small town romance. I felt like I was being transported there with her beautiful story telling. I literally wanted to be led up the mountain on a horse to a secret waterfall with the grumpy but sexy cowboy.
Gray and Eryn were the perfect opposites attract, grumpy sunshine couple. She brought light and love to his life that he didn't even realize he was missing or wanted. Eryn comes to town for a wellness retreat with her close friends, and instantly feels a pull to Whittier Falls, like she finally found where she belongs. Taking a leap of faith in herself, she decides to but the property right beside Red Downs Ranch and build her dream retreat.
Try as he may, Gray can't seem to stay away from the princess social media influencer that's doing funny things to his insides. Eryn is getting whiplash from Gray's back and forth, hot and cold attitude, and pushes his buttons to get the reaction they both want. When the two of them finally come together it's like fireworks on the Fourth of July! He falls fast and hard but Eryn is right there with him. That man wasted no time claiming what was his!
When someone starts damaging Eryn's property, and danger strikes, Gray proves to be the man she knew he had in him and rushes to her rescue, further solidifying the future they will build together. With the support of his brother and family, and Eryn's friends, Gray makes Eryn's dreams come true by helping get her retreat ready for business. Seeing the surly, grumpy (dirty talking - whew!) cowboy be all soft and sweet for his princess was heartwarming and I am very much looking forward to more from this sweet couple in future installments of Whittier Falls.
I can't wait to see what Walker gets up to in book 2....
Gray and Eryn were the perfect opposites attract, grumpy sunshine couple. She brought light and love to his life that he didn't even realize he was missing or wanted. Eryn comes to town for a wellness retreat with her close friends, and instantly feels a pull to Whittier Falls, like she finally found where she belongs. Taking a leap of faith in herself, she decides to but the property right beside Red Downs Ranch and build her dream retreat.
Try as he may, Gray can't seem to stay away from the princess social media influencer that's doing funny things to his insides. Eryn is getting whiplash from Gray's back and forth, hot and cold attitude, and pushes his buttons to get the reaction they both want. When the two of them finally come together it's like fireworks on the Fourth of July! He falls fast and hard but Eryn is right there with him. That man wasted no time claiming what was his!
When someone starts damaging Eryn's property, and danger strikes, Gray proves to be the man she knew he had in him and rushes to her rescue, further solidifying the future they will build together. With the support of his brother and family, and Eryn's friends, Gray makes Eryn's dreams come true by helping get her retreat ready for business. Seeing the surly, grumpy (dirty talking - whew!) cowboy be all soft and sweet for his princess was heartwarming and I am very much looking forward to more from this sweet couple in future installments of Whittier Falls.
I can't wait to see what Walker gets up to in book 2....
March 25, 2024
“We’re here to enjoy ourselves in nature, not commune with cowboys.”
Gray has his hands full with Red Downs Ranch, but that doesn’t stop him from scowling at the new girl in town. Eryn is rich, beautiful, and social media famous - but she desperately wants to start a new career away from the hustle and bustle of LA. Building a wellness retreat in beautiful Whittier Falls feels like a dream come true…except for her grumpy neighbour, Gray. Too bad they can’t seem to stay away from each other…
“It was easier, somehow, talking to the horses. They didn’t need explanations or reassurances about bottom lines and land acquisitions. With them, actions spoke louder, and they knew mine by heart.”
What a sweet, steamy cowboy romance! I adored Eryn’s supportive friend group, I love seeing that in books but especially in romances. It shows how the characters come to make their choices, and I like seeing how they handle their relationships with friends and family as well as with their romantic interest. How Gray talks to and about his horses is positively swoonworthy! Any animal lover can relate, but it’s different with horses. I appreciated the little details of Gray’s involvement with their care. Horses are a lifestyle, not a hobby, and it’s always satisfying to see the horse obsession portrayed well. I would’ve liked to see more of Eryn’s relationship with her father, even though I did like how Gray set a solid boundary with him. Familial pressure can be great, but it’s nothing compared to the pressure we put on ourselves to exceed their expectations. If you’re loving cowboy romances or want to get into them, this is a great book to add to your list!
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
Gray has his hands full with Red Downs Ranch, but that doesn’t stop him from scowling at the new girl in town. Eryn is rich, beautiful, and social media famous - but she desperately wants to start a new career away from the hustle and bustle of LA. Building a wellness retreat in beautiful Whittier Falls feels like a dream come true…except for her grumpy neighbour, Gray. Too bad they can’t seem to stay away from each other…
“It was easier, somehow, talking to the horses. They didn’t need explanations or reassurances about bottom lines and land acquisitions. With them, actions spoke louder, and they knew mine by heart.”
What a sweet, steamy cowboy romance! I adored Eryn’s supportive friend group, I love seeing that in books but especially in romances. It shows how the characters come to make their choices, and I like seeing how they handle their relationships with friends and family as well as with their romantic interest. How Gray talks to and about his horses is positively swoonworthy! Any animal lover can relate, but it’s different with horses. I appreciated the little details of Gray’s involvement with their care. Horses are a lifestyle, not a hobby, and it’s always satisfying to see the horse obsession portrayed well. I would’ve liked to see more of Eryn’s relationship with her father, even though I did like how Gray set a solid boundary with him. Familial pressure can be great, but it’s nothing compared to the pressure we put on ourselves to exceed their expectations. If you’re loving cowboy romances or want to get into them, this is a great book to add to your list!
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
March 22, 2024
What to expect:
🔥Enemies to Lovers 🔥Grumpy/Sunshine 🔥Small Town Romance 🔥Cowboy/Western 🔥City Girl/Country Boy
Eryn Blake is rich, famous, and getting on my last nerve. Too bad she’s also the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid eyes on. Keeping my hands off her might be the hardest thing I’ve ever done.
I’ve lived and breathed Red Downs Ranch since I was born. Now it’s up to me to take the reins and make it thrive the way my father did. But the realities of managing six thousand acres has got me feeling more than a little on edge.
Now I have to deal with some influencer heiress who wants to move in and open a fancy resort right next to my ranch. Next to my home. Not happening on my watch.
This land was built for ranching and grit, not celebrities and yoga. I’ll do what I have to do to keep her from settling here. Except she’s won over half the town and surprises me at every turn. And when she looks at me with those big amber eyes, well, it’s distracting in ways I don’t have time for.
When someone else tries to stop Eryn’s plans—and threatens her in the process—I can’t just let her fend for herself. Now I’m protecting the one person who’s threatening my legacy.
And god help me, but I can’t find it in myself to regret it.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This was an enjoyable read, I love small town romances and this one was nice. There was an unexpected plot twist at the end that left me on the edge of my seat. It had spice and a fierce FMC, a grumpy cowboy, love and a HEA. What else do you need?
March 21, 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️.5
This was your typical grumpy sunshine, small town, hot headed cowboy romance. I liked Grey, as he was your average touch her and die rancher MMC, but he won't go down as one of my favs.
With the FMC, Eryn, a daughter of a wealthy billionaire and famous for being a social media influencer, as well as appearing on a few TV shows. With needing a change of the everyday post and grind, she pushes her besties to go away for a getaway, but also making it a 2and1 trip by prospecting out a new prospect adventure. Which leads her to Whittier Falls.
Right away with the arrival of Eryn in twin, it flips Grey's life upside down, but for the better. He fights hits feelings for her and pushes her away, while she feels the same, she demands respect and for Grey to own up to his feelings. Once he comes to terms with the facts that he's falling for her, they connect and the sparks fly. He becomes protective, possessive, and won't stop until she's safe.
There's a twist towards the end that I didn't see coming, keeping entertained. It felt a bit rushed and not much information or explanation as to the reasoning behind the twist and what further happened, but it didn't necessarily take away from the main story.
I had the opportunity to read this as an ARC in return for my honest review.
Tropes.
🤠Cowboy romance
🤠Grumpy X sunshine
🤠Enemies-to-lovers
🤠Dual POV
🤠Small town
🤠Forces proximity
🤠Touch her and die
🤠Found family
🤠Violence/kidnapping
🌶️🌶️.5
This was your typical grumpy sunshine, small town, hot headed cowboy romance. I liked Grey, as he was your average touch her and die rancher MMC, but he won't go down as one of my favs.
With the FMC, Eryn, a daughter of a wealthy billionaire and famous for being a social media influencer, as well as appearing on a few TV shows. With needing a change of the everyday post and grind, she pushes her besties to go away for a getaway, but also making it a 2and1 trip by prospecting out a new prospect adventure. Which leads her to Whittier Falls.
Right away with the arrival of Eryn in twin, it flips Grey's life upside down, but for the better. He fights hits feelings for her and pushes her away, while she feels the same, she demands respect and for Grey to own up to his feelings. Once he comes to terms with the facts that he's falling for her, they connect and the sparks fly. He becomes protective, possessive, and won't stop until she's safe.
There's a twist towards the end that I didn't see coming, keeping entertained. It felt a bit rushed and not much information or explanation as to the reasoning behind the twist and what further happened, but it didn't necessarily take away from the main story.
I had the opportunity to read this as an ARC in return for my honest review.
Tropes.
🤠Cowboy romance
🤠Grumpy X sunshine
🤠Enemies-to-lovers
🤠Dual POV
🤠Small town
🤠Forces proximity
🤠Touch her and die
🤠Found family
🤠Violence/kidnapping
March 21, 2024
I was hooked on this book from the start! It was the perfect pace, so easy to get into and devour. I’m pretty sure this was the fastest I’ve read an ARC in weeks!
Eryn was so full of joy and determination, when the characters describe her as sunshine I truly felt it. She was adorable and loyal, maybe to a fault at times, but her rosy view on life is to be admired.
Gray was such a big softie disguised as a gruff cowboy. Him falling so hard and quick for Eryn made me swoon, from the nicknames to the care he gives her when she needs it. Despite her amazing friend group (that I hope we see more of), she needed more people in her corner, and Gray offers that and more.
I did not expect the plot twist at the end, and I’m so grumpy about it because it was so good! I’m a little sad we didn’t get more backstory on it or more info, it could have been elaborated on instead of glossed over.
I wasn’t a big fan of the insta-love situation, it was just way too fast for me. I love both enemies to lovers and insta-love tropes, but rushing into both at the same time didn’t do them justice. I would have loved a little more build up to the love confession!
Thank you to Kate and The Author Agency for my ARC copy in exchange for my honest review!
Read if you enjoy:
🌼 Cowboy romance
🌾 Enemies to lovers
🌼 Grumpy x sunshine
🌾 City girl x country boy
🌼 Small town
Eryn was so full of joy and determination, when the characters describe her as sunshine I truly felt it. She was adorable and loyal, maybe to a fault at times, but her rosy view on life is to be admired.
Gray was such a big softie disguised as a gruff cowboy. Him falling so hard and quick for Eryn made me swoon, from the nicknames to the care he gives her when she needs it. Despite her amazing friend group (that I hope we see more of), she needed more people in her corner, and Gray offers that and more.
I did not expect the plot twist at the end, and I’m so grumpy about it because it was so good! I’m a little sad we didn’t get more backstory on it or more info, it could have been elaborated on instead of glossed over.
I wasn’t a big fan of the insta-love situation, it was just way too fast for me. I love both enemies to lovers and insta-love tropes, but rushing into both at the same time didn’t do them justice. I would have loved a little more build up to the love confession!
Thank you to Kate and The Author Agency for my ARC copy in exchange for my honest review!
Read if you enjoy:
🌼 Cowboy romance
🌾 Enemies to lovers
🌼 Grumpy x sunshine
🌾 City girl x country boy
🌼 Small town
March 20, 2024
📚: Balancing Act by Kate McWilliams
Tropes:
👉 Cowboy
👉 Small Town
👉 Enemies to Lovers
👉 Grumpy/Sunshine
TWs 😟: Violence/kidnapping
Main Takeaway 🏹: Grumpy/Sunshine goodness!
Synopsis 📜: Eryn is the daughter of a billionaire and a famous influencer on a trip to the country with her friends and she feels an instant connection with the town and its people. Well, almost all of its people.
Grey is a grumpy cowboy trying to keep his family’s ranch and legacy thriving. When he meets Eryn, he starts feeling things he hasn’t let himself feel before and he doesn’t like it. He wants to purchase the land that’s available next to his ranch to expand the ranch but Eryn beats him to it and plans to open a retreat center. Instead of fighting her at every move like he wants to, he finds himself falling for her and defending her from a mystery person opposing her plans.
Personal Thoughts 🤔: Grey is the epitome of what it means to be a grumpy cowboy and I love how much his world turns upside down by the appearance of Eryn in his town. She’s a bright ray of sunshine, even when almost every man in her life keeps telling her she can’t achieve her goals. Grey morphs into the most protective and swoony book boyfriend I’ve read in a while and I enjoyed every page of their story.
Tropes:
👉 Cowboy
👉 Small Town
👉 Enemies to Lovers
👉 Grumpy/Sunshine
TWs 😟: Violence/kidnapping
Main Takeaway 🏹: Grumpy/Sunshine goodness!
Synopsis 📜: Eryn is the daughter of a billionaire and a famous influencer on a trip to the country with her friends and she feels an instant connection with the town and its people. Well, almost all of its people.
Grey is a grumpy cowboy trying to keep his family’s ranch and legacy thriving. When he meets Eryn, he starts feeling things he hasn’t let himself feel before and he doesn’t like it. He wants to purchase the land that’s available next to his ranch to expand the ranch but Eryn beats him to it and plans to open a retreat center. Instead of fighting her at every move like he wants to, he finds himself falling for her and defending her from a mystery person opposing her plans.
Personal Thoughts 🤔: Grey is the epitome of what it means to be a grumpy cowboy and I love how much his world turns upside down by the appearance of Eryn in his town. She’s a bright ray of sunshine, even when almost every man in her life keeps telling her she can’t achieve her goals. Grey morphs into the most protective and swoony book boyfriend I’ve read in a while and I enjoyed every page of their story.
March 23, 2024
‘’Promise me you’ll live, Gray. Truly live. Find some happiness with your one life.
Oh, I don't say it often enough; how much I love western romances!
Balancing Act is about the two main characters, Gray and Eryn. So the story is told from their perspectives. He is a real cowboy, she is a social media influencer and their paths converge in the story.
There is a good build up to the story. It's not right off the bat, "Hey, you're pretty, let's share a bed"... No, the romantic tension is built up in the story, and I really appreciate that. But once Gray and Eryn find each other, there is a lot of spice to it! The story of the small village and its inhabitants is told in detail. I love the western atmosphere on the page. I would love to live there myself. That wonderful family feeling of a ranch and a small town. Everyone is family, whether related by blood or not. I love that!
I really fell in love with the characters in this book. For example, the way Gray really talks like a cowboy to Eryn.... Whew! Also the brotherly bond between Gray and Walker, as well as between Gray and Mason is to be loved. And of course the love that Gray has for Eryn and expresses to her in his own way <3
Balancing Act is a story to dream away in the western spheres. It has a lot of drama, humor and romance, as well as a touch of suspense with a twist in the plot! But most of all, a happy ending. Highly recommended!
Oh, I don't say it often enough; how much I love western romances!
Balancing Act is about the two main characters, Gray and Eryn. So the story is told from their perspectives. He is a real cowboy, she is a social media influencer and their paths converge in the story.
There is a good build up to the story. It's not right off the bat, "Hey, you're pretty, let's share a bed"... No, the romantic tension is built up in the story, and I really appreciate that. But once Gray and Eryn find each other, there is a lot of spice to it! The story of the small village and its inhabitants is told in detail. I love the western atmosphere on the page. I would love to live there myself. That wonderful family feeling of a ranch and a small town. Everyone is family, whether related by blood or not. I love that!
I really fell in love with the characters in this book. For example, the way Gray really talks like a cowboy to Eryn.... Whew! Also the brotherly bond between Gray and Walker, as well as between Gray and Mason is to be loved. And of course the love that Gray has for Eryn and expresses to her in his own way <3
Balancing Act is a story to dream away in the western spheres. It has a lot of drama, humor and romance, as well as a touch of suspense with a twist in the plot! But most of all, a happy ending. Highly recommended!
March 21, 2024
This one has a few tropes that I really enjoyed for my small town reads. I think that it started off really strong, but it just didn’t hit the way that I wanted it to by the end! It’s a little difficult with this being an arc, and there was quite a few things that needed to be readjusted – the author did say that she had fixed some things! I did not find the FMC easy to connect with, felt that she may have lacked some personality. However, I really did love the MMC - he was incredibly grumpy and only living for his ranch. The underlining plot was interesting to say the least, but I’m still not understanding why it happened. The added suspense of who was terrorizing Eryn (FMC) definitely added to the story, but I don’t feel like it made a lot of sense at the end. And the lingo that Gray (MMC) had just didn’t fit - I felt his country pieces were misplaced and not fitting, and the spicy scenes were cringe to me. Overall, this really is a decent read. I would imagine that it’s better with the changes that were done before release, so for that, I will rate it just a little bit higher.
Plot: 3.5
Spice: 3
Tropes you’ll find: small town, cowboy / ranch, country boy / city girl, grumpy / sunshine
As always, I appreciate the arc for an honest review.
Plot: 3.5
Spice: 3
Tropes you’ll find: small town, cowboy / ranch, country boy / city girl, grumpy / sunshine
As always, I appreciate the arc for an honest review.
March 21, 2024
Who doesn’t love a good small town, opposites attract book? Add in a couple hot cowboys, and you’ve got a recipe for a good time!
🐴Tropes🐴
»Enemies to Lovers »Grumpy/Sunshine »Small Town Romance »Cowboy/Western »City Girl/Country Boy
Eryn no longer felt fulfilled in what she does. She needs more substance. Her dream of owning a wellness retreat seems like a pipe dream until she takes a friend vacation to Whittier Falls, Montana. She feels strangely at home, and when she meets Grey, the grumpy ranch owner, her world shifts.
Grey wants one thing. To succeed and grow his ranch that’s been handed down to him. When volun-told to give a trail tour to some tourists, he reluctantly agrees. He’s immediately drawn is Eryn and touching her sends sparks through his body. He’s willing to break down his walls for her, until he finds out she purchased a property he had his eye on for a while.
Drama ensues and they find themselves on rocky ground regardless of their obvious attraction. Will they be able to look past their differences and figure out how to be together?
I loved the bit of suspense we get in this book. There’s some dubious activity happening to Eryn’s property that’s caused a lot of set backs for her.
Eryn and Grey were almost in the insta-love category. They both knew there was more to their attraction to each other. Their journey to each other was really heartwarming and their growth as individuals was great!
🐴Tropes🐴
»Enemies to Lovers »Grumpy/Sunshine »Small Town Romance »Cowboy/Western »City Girl/Country Boy
Eryn no longer felt fulfilled in what she does. She needs more substance. Her dream of owning a wellness retreat seems like a pipe dream until she takes a friend vacation to Whittier Falls, Montana. She feels strangely at home, and when she meets Grey, the grumpy ranch owner, her world shifts.
Grey wants one thing. To succeed and grow his ranch that’s been handed down to him. When volun-told to give a trail tour to some tourists, he reluctantly agrees. He’s immediately drawn is Eryn and touching her sends sparks through his body. He’s willing to break down his walls for her, until he finds out she purchased a property he had his eye on for a while.
Drama ensues and they find themselves on rocky ground regardless of their obvious attraction. Will they be able to look past their differences and figure out how to be together?
I loved the bit of suspense we get in this book. There’s some dubious activity happening to Eryn’s property that’s caused a lot of set backs for her.
Eryn and Grey were almost in the insta-love category. They both knew there was more to their attraction to each other. Their journey to each other was really heartwarming and their growth as individuals was great!
March 22, 2024
Rating: 4.5/5⭐️
Spice: 3.5/5🌶️
Welp, I’m officially in my cowboy romance era🤠I remember seeing this cover for the first time & instantly fell in love. I was also hooked on this book from the start! I really enjoyed the city girl/country boy dynamic. I absolutely loved Gray & Eryn’s characters!
Eryn was not someone you could put in a box which I admired. Everyone thought they had her pegged, but she continued to surprise them all. She was strong willed & determined to follow her dream. She was so humble & kind considering her wealthy, big city upbringing. “Business Barbie”🫶🏼
Gray is what cowboy dreams are made of! Possessive, protective, kind of grumpy, hard working, but yet loving & tender when the time calls for it. I adored his Mother & Grandmother!
“You know, I am sick & tired of men telling me what I can & can not do. What I know & what I don’t. What I’m good at & when I’m bound to fail. None of you know anything about a determined woman.”
🤠Enemies to Lovers
🤠Small Town Romance
🤠Grumpy/Sunshine
🤠He Falls First
Thank you to The Author Agency & Kate! I can’t wait to read the next book on the series.
Spice: 3.5/5🌶️
Welp, I’m officially in my cowboy romance era🤠I remember seeing this cover for the first time & instantly fell in love. I was also hooked on this book from the start! I really enjoyed the city girl/country boy dynamic. I absolutely loved Gray & Eryn’s characters!
Eryn was not someone you could put in a box which I admired. Everyone thought they had her pegged, but she continued to surprise them all. She was strong willed & determined to follow her dream. She was so humble & kind considering her wealthy, big city upbringing. “Business Barbie”🫶🏼
Gray is what cowboy dreams are made of! Possessive, protective, kind of grumpy, hard working, but yet loving & tender when the time calls for it. I adored his Mother & Grandmother!
“You know, I am sick & tired of men telling me what I can & can not do. What I know & what I don’t. What I’m good at & when I’m bound to fail. None of you know anything about a determined woman.”
🤠Enemies to Lovers
🤠Small Town Romance
🤠Grumpy/Sunshine
🤠He Falls First
Thank you to The Author Agency & Kate! I can’t wait to read the next book on the series.
March 21, 2024
grumpy/sunshine? This book is the epitome of it.
it’s a really slow start, and took me awhile to feel engaged with the characters tbh. I did really enjoy both of them in their own ways.
Gray was SOO broody and grumpy. Eryn couldn’t be any more full of sunshine and love. She radiates positivity to those around her.. and slowly she breaks down grays walls. They somehow perfectly complement each other and work so well as a couple.
I liked the bit of suspense towards the end, it added a nice element to the story that I wasn’t expecting! Got a lil fast paced for a second there and I was livin for it!!
I reaaaalllly love a grumpy sunshine trope with meddling moms and grans.. SO GOOD. the family vibe was amazing.
The only thing I didn’t “love” was that some words and phrases were really repetitive and it felt like I was re-reading sentences but it didn’t take away from the story any.
Well worth the read if you enjoy:
-grumpy/shnshine
-he falls first and hard
-meddling parents/grannies
-little bit of suspense
-spice
-small town cowboys
it’s a really slow start, and took me awhile to feel engaged with the characters tbh. I did really enjoy both of them in their own ways.
Gray was SOO broody and grumpy. Eryn couldn’t be any more full of sunshine and love. She radiates positivity to those around her.. and slowly she breaks down grays walls. They somehow perfectly complement each other and work so well as a couple.
I liked the bit of suspense towards the end, it added a nice element to the story that I wasn’t expecting! Got a lil fast paced for a second there and I was livin for it!!
I reaaaalllly love a grumpy sunshine trope with meddling moms and grans.. SO GOOD. the family vibe was amazing.
The only thing I didn’t “love” was that some words and phrases were really repetitive and it felt like I was re-reading sentences but it didn’t take away from the story any.
Well worth the read if you enjoy:
-grumpy/shnshine
-he falls first and hard
-meddling parents/grannies
-little bit of suspense
-spice
-small town cowboys
March 24, 2024
Welcome to Whittier Falls! This book has all the small town/western/grumpy-cowboy/sunshiney-feisty fmc vibes you can handle!
Eryn Blake is looking for something/some place that speaks to her soul but never excepts to find it in Whittier Falls. Little does she know that now only will she find the property she’s been envisioning but also the grumpy cowboy that she never knew she needed until Gray Anderson scowls and works his way into her heart.
Gray definitely nails the “touch her and d!€”vibes! Grumpy Gray who is known to be a workaholic and does not like change in his small town is thrown for a loop once Eryn arrives! He can’t same to get her out of his head and once he gives in to his feelings? Watch out because no one is getting in his way!
💜Quick Notes💜
Small town
Western/Cowboy vibes
Grumpy x sunshine
City girl meets cowboy
Enemies to lovers
Dash of suspense
💜A couple of my favorite things💜
✨I was really feeling the small town Montana ranch vibes in this! It made the story for me.
✨Eryn and her determination to prove any doubters wrong 💪🏻
Eryn Blake is looking for something/some place that speaks to her soul but never excepts to find it in Whittier Falls. Little does she know that now only will she find the property she’s been envisioning but also the grumpy cowboy that she never knew she needed until Gray Anderson scowls and works his way into her heart.
Gray definitely nails the “touch her and d!€”vibes! Grumpy Gray who is known to be a workaholic and does not like change in his small town is thrown for a loop once Eryn arrives! He can’t same to get her out of his head and once he gives in to his feelings? Watch out because no one is getting in his way!
💜Quick Notes💜
Small town
Western/Cowboy vibes
Grumpy x sunshine
City girl meets cowboy
Enemies to lovers
Dash of suspense
💜A couple of my favorite things💜
✨I was really feeling the small town Montana ranch vibes in this! It made the story for me.
✨Eryn and her determination to prove any doubters wrong 💪🏻
April 9, 2024
Balancing Act 🐴🏔
➖rating: 4.5 ⭐️’s
➖spice level: 2.5/5 🌶’s
a grumpy cowboy 🤠 who speaks in grunts 🤝 a sunshine-y influencer ☀️🤳 looking for a temporary escape
When I say I wanna sell all of my belongings, change my name, and move to a small town in the middle of nowhere, pls know I’m talking about Whittier Falls & Whittier Falls alone 🫶🏻🫡
I always have the best time in Kate’s books & “Balancing Act” was no exception! It’s v fast-paced, has “crawl to me” spice (!!!), a sprinkle of suspense, & honestly I could’ve read an entire book of just the early banter between Eryn & Gray! 🥹
I think Kate also has a knack for creating these lil towns with characters who genuinely feel like they’ve lived there/known each other forever and it just makes visiting them feel that much more special ✨
Thank you soooo much to @katemcwilliamsauthor for the arc in exchange for an honest (and v late 🥲) review + for trusting me to create the ranch map! I’m already foaming at the mouth for Walker’s story! 😮💨
➖rating: 4.5 ⭐️’s
➖spice level: 2.5/5 🌶’s
a grumpy cowboy 🤠 who speaks in grunts 🤝 a sunshine-y influencer ☀️🤳 looking for a temporary escape
When I say I wanna sell all of my belongings, change my name, and move to a small town in the middle of nowhere, pls know I’m talking about Whittier Falls & Whittier Falls alone 🫶🏻🫡
I always have the best time in Kate’s books & “Balancing Act” was no exception! It’s v fast-paced, has “crawl to me” spice (!!!), a sprinkle of suspense, & honestly I could’ve read an entire book of just the early banter between Eryn & Gray! 🥹
I think Kate also has a knack for creating these lil towns with characters who genuinely feel like they’ve lived there/known each other forever and it just makes visiting them feel that much more special ✨
Thank you soooo much to @katemcwilliamsauthor for the arc in exchange for an honest (and v late 🥲) review + for trusting me to create the ranch map! I’m already foaming at the mouth for Walker’s story! 😮💨
June 22, 2024
Review
Balancing Act
By Kate McWilliams
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Balancing Act by Kate McWilliams is the first book in the Whittier Falls series. This was very quick read and I loved how fast phased it was.
Eryn is a ray of sunshine social media Influencer who’s on the hunt for a place to start her tranquil small town business. Gray is a grumpy cow boy who speak in grunts and scowls. When they meet it’s an instant love connection that they both try to fight in ppppppthe beginning as Eryn is buying the land next to Gray that he wanted to expand his families business.
I loved watching these polar opposite come together and being out the best in each other. Now the ending I did not see coming. I loved the suspense and thrill of the ending.
My only critique is I wish it was longer and that they were enemies for longer!
Kate McWilliams writing is engaging and had me hooked from the start. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
Read if you Enjoy
🤠 Enemies to lovers
🤠 Small town romance
🤠 Grumpy vs Sunshine
🤠 Dual POV
🤠 Protective MMC
🤠 Smut
Balancing Act
By Kate McWilliams
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Balancing Act by Kate McWilliams is the first book in the Whittier Falls series. This was very quick read and I loved how fast phased it was.
Eryn is a ray of sunshine social media Influencer who’s on the hunt for a place to start her tranquil small town business. Gray is a grumpy cow boy who speak in grunts and scowls. When they meet it’s an instant love connection that they both try to fight in ppppppthe beginning as Eryn is buying the land next to Gray that he wanted to expand his families business.
I loved watching these polar opposite come together and being out the best in each other. Now the ending I did not see coming. I loved the suspense and thrill of the ending.
My only critique is I wish it was longer and that they were enemies for longer!
Kate McWilliams writing is engaging and had me hooked from the start. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
Read if you Enjoy
🤠 Enemies to lovers
🤠 Small town romance
🤠 Grumpy vs Sunshine
🤠 Dual POV
🤠 Protective MMC
🤠 Smut
March 18, 2024
It’s been awhile since a I’ve read a cowboy romance and this one did not disappoint! Gray & Eryn were the perfect mixture of grumpy/sunshine and a slight enemies to lovers.
Gray is a ranch owner and Eryn (who we’ve met briefly in Kate’s previous series) is a popular influencer. Her and her friends went to Montana for a mini vacation and to scope out a place to open a relaxing retreat & inn.
That location? The plot of land that is next to Grays ranch that he was vetoed out of buying. The grump gets grumpier!
I loved Eryn’s friends and I especially loved Grays grandma!
There was a suspense element that was a total surprise to me in the end.
I gave this one 4.5 stars (rounded to 5) only because I wished their banter and “dislike” for each other lasted a little longer. It was a slow burn but when the spice hit… it hit HARD.
I cannot wait for Masons story (Grays friend, and SINGLE DAD!!).
Gray is a ranch owner and Eryn (who we’ve met briefly in Kate’s previous series) is a popular influencer. Her and her friends went to Montana for a mini vacation and to scope out a place to open a relaxing retreat & inn.
That location? The plot of land that is next to Grays ranch that he was vetoed out of buying. The grump gets grumpier!
I loved Eryn’s friends and I especially loved Grays grandma!
There was a suspense element that was a total surprise to me in the end.
I gave this one 4.5 stars (rounded to 5) only because I wished their banter and “dislike” for each other lasted a little longer. It was a slow burn but when the spice hit… it hit HARD.
I cannot wait for Masons story (Grays friend, and SINGLE DAD!!).
March 22, 2024
Eryn and Gray! Woooh! Gray Anderson is a dream man come true and Eryn has the fire I would love from any woman willing to make her dreams come true and stand her ground.
I slowly began to fall in love with this couple. I admit it started of slow and that had me desperate for their moment. But my goodness those the slow burn BURN, haha. They have moments of cuteness and banter that makes me smile and have me craving what they build and choose. They are the complete opposites when it comes to their characters and where they come from but they both have a heart made out of gold. They both give it their all when it comes growing and continuing to build on their passion, for Eryn it is a dream and for Gray it is his ranch.
Gray is our grumpy hero and Eryn our charming heroine who makes an immediate impact on our serious cowboy. He falls first and she is right behind him, no one makes her feel like him and their sparks fly.
I slowly began to fall in love with this couple. I admit it started of slow and that had me desperate for their moment. But my goodness those the slow burn BURN, haha. They have moments of cuteness and banter that makes me smile and have me craving what they build and choose. They are the complete opposites when it comes to their characters and where they come from but they both have a heart made out of gold. They both give it their all when it comes growing and continuing to build on their passion, for Eryn it is a dream and for Gray it is his ranch.
Gray is our grumpy hero and Eryn our charming heroine who makes an immediate impact on our serious cowboy. He falls first and she is right behind him, no one makes her feel like him and their sparks fly.
March 24, 2024
Balancing Act by Kate McWilliams sent me into want to wanting to read every cowboy romance I could get my hands on. This book is a cowboy and city girl enemies to lovers chef’s kiss of a story between Gray and Eryn. Gray runs his family’s ranch and Eryn is a social media influencer who’s looking to start a new business and find peace, no longer liking the feel of living in L.A. These two butt heads at first but as many say it’s a thin line between hate and passion and they eventually stay on the passion side of the line. Gray is a possessive alpha dirty and at times sweet talking cowboy that made me SWOON. This man has been added to my book boyfriends list. If Gray sounds like your kind of cowboy I definitely recommend this cowboy romance, I devoured it, I couldn’t put it down once I was hooked into the first few chapters. This is the first book in a series of interconnected stand alones and I cannot wait for the next book!
March 24, 2024
This is the first book by Kate that I have read and I cannot wait to read more!
I really liked this book and the writing style immediately hooked me!
The grumpy x sunshine aspect of this book was written so well! The characters were well developed beyond their grumpy/sunshine quality and it didn't define them fully like I've seen in some other books.
I'm also a sucker for small town romances and this one was amazing! I loved the way the relationships between characters were written in a way that seemed they'd actually been developed over years of knowing eachother!
I really enjoyed getting to know the characters and cannot wait for their storys!
I'd highly recommend this book to anyone who likes small town, grumpy x sunshine, country boy x city girl reads filled with heat, humor and a little suspense.
I really liked this book and the writing style immediately hooked me!
The grumpy x sunshine aspect of this book was written so well! The characters were well developed beyond their grumpy/sunshine quality and it didn't define them fully like I've seen in some other books.
I'm also a sucker for small town romances and this one was amazing! I loved the way the relationships between characters were written in a way that seemed they'd actually been developed over years of knowing eachother!
I really enjoyed getting to know the characters and cannot wait for their storys!
I'd highly recommend this book to anyone who likes small town, grumpy x sunshine, country boy x city girl reads filled with heat, humor and a little suspense.
March 21, 2024
ARC REVIEW
✨I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
"Balancing Act" was a quick read for me. The pacing of the story was fast paced yet it still provided us with a good amount of sweetness and spice. Gray was such a grump and very protective of his family's ranch. Eryn, even though rich, is still kind, humble and is full of sunshine. The tension between the two was instantly there and noticeable. Their bantering was very entertaining. Once they became official, we got filled in with swoon, protectiveness and possessiveness from a cowboy 🤠, and spice 🔥.
The suspense aspect in the story did keep me on my toes. That plot twist was truly unexpected. As quickly as the situation happened, also ended right away.
✨I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
"Balancing Act" was a quick read for me. The pacing of the story was fast paced yet it still provided us with a good amount of sweetness and spice. Gray was such a grump and very protective of his family's ranch. Eryn, even though rich, is still kind, humble and is full of sunshine. The tension between the two was instantly there and noticeable. Their bantering was very entertaining. Once they became official, we got filled in with swoon, protectiveness and possessiveness from a cowboy 🤠, and spice 🔥.
The suspense aspect in the story did keep me on my toes. That plot twist was truly unexpected. As quickly as the situation happened, also ended right away.
March 21, 2024
Those who know me know that I have a predilection for books with the grumpy sunshine trope... If then we find a cowboy being grumpy... You will find me reading this book in no time.... I loved Gray especially with his relationship with Eryn and his ability to turn her life upside down with all his certainties... We would all like a man like Gray who treats us as if we were unique and special... And who understands us quickly even without the need to speak. .. Speaking of the secondary characters, I loved Gray's grandmother immensely.... Unique.... This is a love story of the city and cowboys that you can't miss also for the pinch of suspense you will find... Not I can't wait to read the others in the series. Rating 5 ⭐
March 22, 2024
(ARC Review) 3 Stars
This was fine but completely formulaic. If you’re looking for a cute but not particularly original cowboy romance this will fit the bill. It’s got cowboys, sex, and a little suspense.
The hero was grumpy and closed off but somehow still had instalove for the FMC after only talking a few times. The love declaration felt so rushed and out of left field I didn’t know what was going on.
The heroine had potential, I liked her but never felt like she was fully developed. She could have been a great character but I don’t feel like I got to know her very well.
The suspense did get me, I thought it was going to be someone else so that’s why I’m giving it three stars. I see a lot of potential but unfortunately this one wasn’t for me.
This was fine but completely formulaic. If you’re looking for a cute but not particularly original cowboy romance this will fit the bill. It’s got cowboys, sex, and a little suspense.
The hero was grumpy and closed off but somehow still had instalove for the FMC after only talking a few times. The love declaration felt so rushed and out of left field I didn’t know what was going on.
The heroine had potential, I liked her but never felt like she was fully developed. She could have been a great character but I don’t feel like I got to know her very well.
The suspense did get me, I thought it was going to be someone else so that’s why I’m giving it three stars. I see a lot of potential but unfortunately this one wasn’t for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2024
This book took me four days to read instead of my usual 1.5-2. That’s a testament to the fact that I could put it down and wasn’t itching to flip the pages.
This book isn’t BAD, but I think the author just has a lot of work to do. It seemed like she wanted to throw all the possible romance book tropes/events into one book. At first it was a slow burn, then insta love. Grumpy sunshine but he falls first and harder. I was totally on board until the first time they had sex and then it was like things were happening one after another and the plot just really needed a lot more development. I’m not saying I won’t read books by this author again, but I definitely wouldn’t do an ARC or move her to the top of my TBR
This book isn’t BAD, but I think the author just has a lot of work to do. It seemed like she wanted to throw all the possible romance book tropes/events into one book. At first it was a slow burn, then insta love. Grumpy sunshine but he falls first and harder. I was totally on board until the first time they had sex and then it was like things were happening one after another and the plot just really needed a lot more development. I’m not saying I won’t read books by this author again, but I definitely wouldn’t do an ARC or move her to the top of my TBR
May 2, 2024
Title: Balancing Act
Author: Kate McWilliams
Main Characters: Gray & Eryn
Tropes: Enemies to Lovers, Small Town, Grumpy x Sunshine,
tw/cw: death of a parent, kidnapping,
Small town romance is one of my favourite tropes, and when you throw in a close knit group of friends, even better.
The first half of this book had me hooked, I loved the interaction between Gray and Eryn, full of sarcasm and barbs, it built the tension between them perfectly. I have to say in the second half of the book I was a bit taken aback of the change in Gray’s attitude and character, and I was left a bit like I’d missed some part of the book that lead up to this point.
A nice easy read with some great characters.
Author: Kate McWilliams
Main Characters: Gray & Eryn
Tropes: Enemies to Lovers, Small Town, Grumpy x Sunshine,
tw/cw: death of a parent, kidnapping,
Small town romance is one of my favourite tropes, and when you throw in a close knit group of friends, even better.
The first half of this book had me hooked, I loved the interaction between Gray and Eryn, full of sarcasm and barbs, it built the tension between them perfectly. I have to say in the second half of the book I was a bit taken aback of the change in Gray’s attitude and character, and I was left a bit like I’d missed some part of the book that lead up to this point.
A nice easy read with some great characters.
March 20, 2024
This is the first book I have read by Kate, and I enjoyed it very much.
I love this small town cowboy romance, I love the plot, which was so well written. Eryn and Gray were brilliantly written characters, and I loved how they interacted with each other. Even before they had spoken to each other, they seemed to have a connection that brought up different feelings. I loved Gray's protective side and Eryn's determination, especially when she faced a serious situation and had to deal with it herself.
If you love city girl, cowboy small town romances, this book is definitely one to read.
Thank you for the ARC.
I love this small town cowboy romance, I love the plot, which was so well written. Eryn and Gray were brilliantly written characters, and I loved how they interacted with each other. Even before they had spoken to each other, they seemed to have a connection that brought up different feelings. I loved Gray's protective side and Eryn's determination, especially when she faced a serious situation and had to deal with it herself.
If you love city girl, cowboy small town romances, this book is definitely one to read.
Thank you for the ARC.
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