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Pride and Pranks #1
That Fine Line
All I wanted was a quiet summer on my family’s ranch in Idaho…
I didn’t think that was too much to ask. With my fiancé in California, I was back home for three months to plan my wedding. I had colors to pick, cows to milk, and a wedding dress to squeeze into.
Which was why I didn’t need anybody messing with me.
Especially not the guy who had dedicated his whole life to making mine a joke. The guy who filled my high school locker with frogs and my hot car with cans of tuna. I mean…I always got him back. But not this summer. Things were different now. I was engaged. I had grown up. I would NOT fall victim to Cade’s pranks, teasing, or his manly charms.
If only my dad hadn’t hired the moron to cowboy for him this summer.
Now my childhood enemy is living on our ranch and seems to think we have a score to settle.
And all bets are off.
I didn’t think that was too much to ask. With my fiancé in California, I was back home for three months to plan my wedding. I had colors to pick, cows to milk, and a wedding dress to squeeze into.
Which was why I didn’t need anybody messing with me.
Especially not the guy who had dedicated his whole life to making mine a joke. The guy who filled my high school locker with frogs and my hot car with cans of tuna. I mean…I always got him back. But not this summer. Things were different now. I was engaged. I had grown up. I would NOT fall victim to Cade’s pranks, teasing, or his manly charms.
If only my dad hadn’t hired the moron to cowboy for him this summer.
Now my childhood enemy is living on our ranch and seems to think we have a score to settle.
And all bets are off.
288 pages, Unknown Binding
First published April 21, 2021
365 people are currently reading
5908 people want to read
About the author
Cindy Steel
7 books1,598 followersCindy Steel was raised on a dairy farm in Idaho. She grew up singing Garth Brooks and Reba McEntire songs at the top of her lungs and learning to solve all of life’s problems while milking cows and driving tractors—rewriting happy endings every time. She met and married a handsome Idaho boy and is the proud mother of two wild and sweet twin boys. Which means she is also now a collector of bugs, sticks, rocks, and slobbery kisses. She loves making breakfast, baking, photography, reading a good book, and staying up way past her bedtime to craft stories that will hopefully make you smile.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,078 reviews
February 16, 2024
That Fine Line by Cindy Steel
Narrated by Stefanie Kay
Kelsey and Cade. Don't those names sound like they'd be in a big heart? Never happened because Cade has been Kelsey's arch prank enemy since the second grade.
Kelsey has just graduated from college and she's home for one last summer before her big wedding to her wealthy college fiancé. She grew up on a dairy farm/working ranch and going away to college changed her into a different person. She went from a fun loving, low key country girl to someone who is a serious, career minded, fancy dress wearing rich guy's wife to be. Sure, there are stresses to be had with having to meet a rich family's high standards in all things. But this is her now, she's not a country girl anymore.
Why did she even decide to go home for the summer? She has a wedding to plan and she thought it would be the thing to do, plan a wedding with her mom, pick out a dress, flowers, all those wedding things that a girl dreams of doing. The old Kelsey had dreamed of marrying in her dad's pasture but she's not that Kelsey anymore. The new Kelsey has a fiancé who is willing to let him mom plan their wedding and who wants her to cut her summer at home short to be with him.
Kelsey has always kept a journal detailing every single prank that country boy Cade played on her throughout all her growing up years. She had to prank him back so those pranks are in the journal, too. And there are lists of what she wanted when she grew up. Lists that are so different than the life she's going to be leading. Coming home is tugging at those past wants and Kelsey is seeing what pre college Kelsey is leaving behind by embracing the new post college Kelsey forever forward.
Can you believe it? Her arch prank nemesis, Cade, is living and working on her dad's farm for the entire summer. They've called a prank truce but old habits die hard. And Cade's really filled out and grown up. He actually looks like the kind of guy she wanted to marry someday in her dad's pasture. But she's different now, right?
This is a sweet, funny, silly story which hits on some serious issues about halfway through the book. That's when it got really interesting since pranking can seem so second grade. Not that I think pranks will ever not be a part of Kelsey's life. Stefanie Kay did a fine job of narrating this story that is so clean that no doors had to even be closed.
Audiobook pub Sept 20 2022
Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for this ARC.
Narrated by Stefanie Kay
Kelsey and Cade. Don't those names sound like they'd be in a big heart? Never happened because Cade has been Kelsey's arch prank enemy since the second grade.
Kelsey has just graduated from college and she's home for one last summer before her big wedding to her wealthy college fiancé. She grew up on a dairy farm/working ranch and going away to college changed her into a different person. She went from a fun loving, low key country girl to someone who is a serious, career minded, fancy dress wearing rich guy's wife to be. Sure, there are stresses to be had with having to meet a rich family's high standards in all things. But this is her now, she's not a country girl anymore.
Why did she even decide to go home for the summer? She has a wedding to plan and she thought it would be the thing to do, plan a wedding with her mom, pick out a dress, flowers, all those wedding things that a girl dreams of doing. The old Kelsey had dreamed of marrying in her dad's pasture but she's not that Kelsey anymore. The new Kelsey has a fiancé who is willing to let him mom plan their wedding and who wants her to cut her summer at home short to be with him.
Kelsey has always kept a journal detailing every single prank that country boy Cade played on her throughout all her growing up years. She had to prank him back so those pranks are in the journal, too. And there are lists of what she wanted when she grew up. Lists that are so different than the life she's going to be leading. Coming home is tugging at those past wants and Kelsey is seeing what pre college Kelsey is leaving behind by embracing the new post college Kelsey forever forward.
Can you believe it? Her arch prank nemesis, Cade, is living and working on her dad's farm for the entire summer. They've called a prank truce but old habits die hard. And Cade's really filled out and grown up. He actually looks like the kind of guy she wanted to marry someday in her dad's pasture. But she's different now, right?
This is a sweet, funny, silly story which hits on some serious issues about halfway through the book. That's when it got really interesting since pranking can seem so second grade. Not that I think pranks will ever not be a part of Kelsey's life. Stefanie Kay did a fine job of narrating this story that is so clean that no doors had to even be closed.
Audiobook pub Sept 20 2022
Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for this ARC.
February 12, 2023
4⭐ for the audiobook.
Featuring ~ single 1st person POV, dual timeline, enemies to lovers, pranks, characters in their 20's, clean romance, body shaming, farm life, no steamage
Kelsey and Cade didn't get off on the right foot when they were in second grade, which led to years of pranks. Kelsey went off to college and leaves the pranks behind.
Now she's back in her hometown helping her parents on the farm all while planning her wedding to Parker. She wasn't expecting to have to work side by side with Cade for a whole summer. One thing leads to another and they're back to their old pranking ways. You know that old saying that when a boy picks on you it means they like you.
I enjoyed this one. I thought it was super cute and fun. Kelsey kept a journal and noted all the pranks, which was a great addition to the story. Most characters were lovable, expect Parker and his family.
Narrated by Stefanie Kay for 8 hours and 48 minutes, easy to follow at 2x. I thought she did a wonderful job.
*Thanks to Dreamscape Media, Cindy Steel and NetGalley for the advance audiobook. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Follow me here ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
Featuring ~ single 1st person POV, dual timeline, enemies to lovers, pranks, characters in their 20's, clean romance, body shaming, farm life, no steamage
Kelsey and Cade didn't get off on the right foot when they were in second grade, which led to years of pranks. Kelsey went off to college and leaves the pranks behind.
Now she's back in her hometown helping her parents on the farm all while planning her wedding to Parker. She wasn't expecting to have to work side by side with Cade for a whole summer. One thing leads to another and they're back to their old pranking ways. You know that old saying that when a boy picks on you it means they like you.
I enjoyed this one. I thought it was super cute and fun. Kelsey kept a journal and noted all the pranks, which was a great addition to the story. Most characters were lovable, expect Parker and his family.
Narrated by Stefanie Kay for 8 hours and 48 minutes, easy to follow at 2x. I thought she did a wonderful job.
*Thanks to Dreamscape Media, Cindy Steel and NetGalley for the advance audiobook. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Follow me here ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
January 19, 2023
A really fun and cute read that had me grinning with amusement at every turn. I loved the pranks and the banter between the h +H. Honestly, normally I'm not a big fan of prank wars but this book worked for me. And despite the comedic tone of the story, I really liked that the author was able to weave in realistic elements without bogging down the pace of the story!
Note: This is a clean romance.
Rating: 4/5
Note: This is a clean romance.
Rating: 4/5
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April 28, 2025I've meant to read this for ages and then it had 2 days left of my audiobook loan and I blew through it in 24 hours. Just pure fun and I'm absolutely reading the next one.
January 22, 2024
“That’s the thing about love stories, sometimes it takes a wrong turn to go in the right direction. Sometimes home is exactly right where you left it.”
April 3, 2025
That Fine Line does not draw much of laughter or amusement from me. I feel.the story is so so. Nothing special.
My first read from Miss Steel.
3 stars
My first read from Miss Steel.
3 stars
April 5, 2021
I beta read an early version of this RomCom, and let me just tell you--readers are in for a treat! The hilarious pranks, witty dialogue, and incredible relationship that Cindy writes is just fantastic! I really connected with Kelsey and felt her frustration, confusion, and annoyance with Cade. You will be laughing, groaning, and feeling for the main characters through the entire book. And if you're able to put it down while reading, I applaud you ;)
Now I just need to know when I'm getting Tessa's story!
Now I just need to know when I'm getting Tessa's story!
May 6, 2021
I discovered Cindy Steel last year when I picked up A Christmas Spark, which I fell absolutely in love with. With the mention of a small-town setting, I was eagerly anticipating this release!
Returning to her hometown of Eugene, Idaho for the summer, Kelsey is looking forward to spending time with her family on their dairy farm and ranch before officially marrying her fiancé. While Kelsey is engaged for a large portion of this story, it’s a wonderful rediscovery of the parts of herself that have been lost beneath her relationship.
With a feud that spans from childhood, I adored the back-and-forth torment between Kelsey and Cade, the ranch worker who makes her blood boil. As they continue their epic prank war and flirty banter, Cade was such a small-town hero to swoon for.
Considering Kelsey was initially engaged to be married, I did find the happily-ever-after progressed quickly with Cade—but I have zero complaints! Thanks to their perfect chemistry, I was in complete bliss when they finally came together. This was such an adorable, clean romance.
⚠️ Content Warning: Kelsey experiences body shaming and the pressure to lose weight (not from the hero), leading to extreme dieting.
Returning to her hometown of Eugene, Idaho for the summer, Kelsey is looking forward to spending time with her family on their dairy farm and ranch before officially marrying her fiancé. While Kelsey is engaged for a large portion of this story, it’s a wonderful rediscovery of the parts of herself that have been lost beneath her relationship.
With a feud that spans from childhood, I adored the back-and-forth torment between Kelsey and Cade, the ranch worker who makes her blood boil. As they continue their epic prank war and flirty banter, Cade was such a small-town hero to swoon for.
Considering Kelsey was initially engaged to be married, I did find the happily-ever-after progressed quickly with Cade—but I have zero complaints! Thanks to their perfect chemistry, I was in complete bliss when they finally came together. This was such an adorable, clean romance.
⚠️ Content Warning: Kelsey experiences body shaming and the pressure to lose weight (not from the hero), leading to extreme dieting.
April 26, 2021
Do you ever feel like there is an alternate reality you living another life you’d secretly love to live?
I’ve always dreamed of living on a ranch. I also fantasize regularly about going horse back riding. Who’s going to make this happen for me?
That Fine Line was the book I didn’t know I needed but I definitely am so glad it found it’s way into my life.
Cade and Kelsey have been pranking each other ever since elementary school. What started out as mean spirited pranks turns into a big part of their lives really digging into that meaning of “fine line between love and hate”. When Kelsey returns home for the summer (4 years after high school) and finds her dad has hired her nemesis to work their land for the next little bit forced proximity gets the best of them and an all out prank war continues on...just like good old times.
I could really feel Cindy in this book. You could tell first hand she grew up on a ranch and I felt like I was in it to win it with these characters and this book because of that.
I guess I have a thing for cowboys/farmers 😂
The chemistry was amazing. Cindy writes these two so well in their banter and interactions with one another that there isn’t a dull moment. I’ve got to hand it to her for her creativity in coming up with all the fun pranks.
It’s cute and flirty and fun while still having the substance of good character development and meaningful content. So many small moments and scenes that put a big smile of my face.
I am a new fan of Cindy and I can’t believe this is her first full length book! I will be anxiously waiting to see what she comes out with next ♥️
I’ve always dreamed of living on a ranch. I also fantasize regularly about going horse back riding. Who’s going to make this happen for me?
That Fine Line was the book I didn’t know I needed but I definitely am so glad it found it’s way into my life.
Cade and Kelsey have been pranking each other ever since elementary school. What started out as mean spirited pranks turns into a big part of their lives really digging into that meaning of “fine line between love and hate”. When Kelsey returns home for the summer (4 years after high school) and finds her dad has hired her nemesis to work their land for the next little bit forced proximity gets the best of them and an all out prank war continues on...just like good old times.
I could really feel Cindy in this book. You could tell first hand she grew up on a ranch and I felt like I was in it to win it with these characters and this book because of that.
I guess I have a thing for cowboys/farmers 😂
The chemistry was amazing. Cindy writes these two so well in their banter and interactions with one another that there isn’t a dull moment. I’ve got to hand it to her for her creativity in coming up with all the fun pranks.
It’s cute and flirty and fun while still having the substance of good character development and meaningful content. So many small moments and scenes that put a big smile of my face.
I am a new fan of Cindy and I can’t believe this is her first full length book! I will be anxiously waiting to see what she comes out with next ♥️
April 4, 2022
I Love The Book!
This was an easy five star read for me. So fun, so amusing. Great build up of tension. I loved how the setting and characters came alive in my mind. That was the best ending- it gave me butterflies and goosebumps! My book friends were so good to recommend bumping this story up to the top. What a great diversion. I loved this book!
This was an easy five star read for me. So fun, so amusing. Great build up of tension. I loved how the setting and characters came alive in my mind. That was the best ending- it gave me butterflies and goosebumps! My book friends were so good to recommend bumping this story up to the top. What a great diversion. I loved this book!
April 6, 2024
Set on an Idaho farm/ranch this story is loaded with fun and adventures! Kelsey goes home after college and realizes what a great life she had growing up. Cade has a summer job with her dad. It’s a perfect set up! Her dad is great. I appreciate how her parents are written by the author. This is a true enemy to love romance. This is my favorite trope. This book has depth and complexities that I wasn’t expecting but appreciate. I appreciate the clean sweet love story and look forward to reading more stories from Cindy Steel.
September 28, 2022
3 stars ⭐⭐⭐
This book was 100% what I expected it was going to be, which also means it was 100% predictable; but you know what? That’s okay, because this book is also 100% what I needed it to be right now. Which is something silly, fun and cute with likable characters that I could just sit back and enjoy! And with Stefanie Kay’s great narration, it made it even easier to do just that.
My only complaint was...
Anyway, with that said, this book was overall enjoyable. With a protagonist like Kelsey, who is not only likable but also very relatable, a love interest like Cade who is loveable from the start and a silly cute romance to root for, this is must read for any rom-com fan.
I received the audiobook recording of this publication via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This book was 100% what I expected it was going to be, which also means it was 100% predictable; but you know what? That’s okay, because this book is also 100% what I needed it to be right now. Which is something silly, fun and cute with likable characters that I could just sit back and enjoy! And with Stefanie Kay’s great narration, it made it even easier to do just that.
My only complaint was...
Anyway, with that said, this book was overall enjoyable. With a protagonist like Kelsey, who is not only likable but also very relatable, a love interest like Cade who is loveable from the start and a silly cute romance to root for, this is must read for any rom-com fan.
I received the audiobook recording of this publication via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
July 25, 2024
I loved everything about this book! (Except there was one part where an animal gets killed, that’s never something I like without a warning personally!) But…The banter was on point, the chemistry and tension was so good! I love the small farm feel and the Summer atmosphere. I did have a spoiler for this book so that was a little bit disheartening but overall didn’t take away my love for the story.
April 25, 2022
My main pet peeve of this book is the main character is engaged and moved home to plan her wedding while her fiancé stays in California. So of course you know the romance is not with him and that just insinuates emotional cheating - which was a big reason why I rated this book lower and took me awhile to finish. And the biggest thing that was annoying, is the fiancé (Parker) did not add anything to the book. The romance and the whole novel would have been 10 times better had the wedding, dress, and fiancé been nixed. She could have just moved home for the summer to plan her next step out - like applying for jobs, where to move, etc.
The 2nd half of this book though I stayed up until 1:30 am and I have a 3 month old, so that's saying a lot. I loved Cade. Like LOVED Cade. He was so funny, charming, and just enough of a bad boy to make me swoon. While the prank thing was a little weird and the prom night scenario was underwhelming, the anticipation to that first kiss made me keep reading because I could not sleep until it happened.
I also liked the inner turmoil of the main character, of her trying to blend her two identities and what she really wanted.
The 2nd half of this book though I stayed up until 1:30 am and I have a 3 month old, so that's saying a lot. I loved Cade. Like LOVED Cade. He was so funny, charming, and just enough of a bad boy to make me swoon. While the prank thing was a little weird and the prom night scenario was underwhelming, the anticipation to that first kiss made me keep reading because I could not sleep until it happened.
I also liked the inner turmoil of the main character, of her trying to blend her two identities and what she really wanted.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2025
this was such a fun and easy summer romance. Very few authors know how to keep a story closed door and still bring the tension and Cindy delivers every time.
I loved the Idaho setting, the characters and as always, the dialogue is wonderful.
THOUGHTS
The audiobook is the worst. Her male voice sounded like a kid going through puberty and the women all sounded nearly the same or like a peppy Karen.
the romance was a little rushed in the end and the beginning was a little slow.
OVERALL:
If you want a closed door summer romance, with pranks galore, and something to put a smile on your face, read this book or anything by Cindy.
I loved the Idaho setting, the characters and as always, the dialogue is wonderful.
THOUGHTS
The audiobook is the worst. Her male voice sounded like a kid going through puberty and the women all sounded nearly the same or like a peppy Karen.
the romance was a little rushed in the end and the beginning was a little slow.
OVERALL:
If you want a closed door summer romance, with pranks galore, and something to put a smile on your face, read this book or anything by Cindy.
August 29, 2022
Kelsey is back home to spend time with her family and plan her wedding. She expects to have one last summer on the farm, but her plans are jumbled by her worst nightmare: Cade. I loved the banter and the endless pranks between Cade and Kelsey. enemies to lovers -small-town romance. I loved the family and community of the ranch and how everyone came together to help one another. If you want something to pass your time, make you laugh, and make you feel good, get this book.
September 2, 2022
3.5 rounded up.
This was a fun, enemies to lovers, small town romance. I did kind of wish it was a dual POV but the witty banter and the pranks between high school rivals was enjoyable. I didn't love the a-hole fiance or how insta-marriage the ending was. Overall I liked it but didn't love it. Would still recommend for fans of Sarah Adams. Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review!! I'm very excited that indie author Cindy Steel's books are finally coming out in audio format!!
This was a fun, enemies to lovers, small town romance. I did kind of wish it was a dual POV but the witty banter and the pranks between high school rivals was enjoyable. I didn't love the a-hole fiance or how insta-marriage the ending was. Overall I liked it but didn't love it. Would still recommend for fans of Sarah Adams. Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review!! I'm very excited that indie author Cindy Steel's books are finally coming out in audio format!!
January 10, 2025
Ok this was so cute!! First of all, the FMC’s name is kelsey marten, like come on that’s pretty much my name lol. So many similarities to my life in this book including: the boy working for her dad, her NAME, and even the terrible diet she didn’t want to be on (iykyk). Also one more detail of my past that I won’t mention because it’s a potential spoiler haha. Such a good time!!
January 26, 2024
A sweet romantic comedy about two frenemies who fall in love. Prank wars, farm life and sunshine! I definetely needed it for the winter blahs.
July 18, 2022
Oh wow, Cindy Steel is such a fun author! I just read through my Kindle highlights and they got me laughing again as I remembered the hilarious snark and banter between the two main characters.
A definite win for any fan of romcom and clean romance.
I liked Kelsey! From the first chapter I related to her: she played softball but she didn't define herself as an athlete; she liked ranching but didn't wear cowboy boots.
I love characters that are well rounded like that and don't fit into a predetermined 'tomboy' mold or 'cowgirl' mold. By the way, I know cowboy romances are a big thing right now, but I just can't swoon over cowboy boots, country music, and a cowboy hat. I've tried, and I just CAN'T. So Cade was perfect: outdoorsy, hardworking, rancher-type, but he wore a baseball hat and was an awesome baseball player versus a cowboy. He was also a great mix of well-rounded qualities. Like him, I came to crave something REAL in their relationship, versus the constant pranks and quips.
I was nervous at first because Parker seemed sweet and I don't like breaking nice boys' hearts. But the entire wedding dress storyline had me 100% disenchanted with him. Since she was in that relationship for a lot of the book, she wasn't able to fully appreciate or respond to Cade's flirting, which is definitely a drawback to this type of romance trope.
Btw, this was not a love triangle. It was more about Kelsey's growth and discovering what she really wanted. I think the author handled Kelsey's character arc very well. And I really liked how she broke up with Parker - firm but considerate. (I really, really don't enjoy characters who are mean or inconsiderate when breaking up, and I don't care how clueless or cocky their ex is. Just, be nice. So I was thrilled that Kelsey handled that situation graciously.) Also, Kelsey's inner dialogue and thought processes seemed realistic, which is super important to me as a reader.
I loved the ending scene (no spoilers) and how Cade went out on a limb, and then when it seemed stable, he went out even further! It was SO perfect, and had me sighing with a goofy smile on my face. (I wouldn't have been satisfied any other way, tbh!)
PS The chapter headings from her journal were entertaining and added to the story.
I am VERY excited to get Tessa and Logan's story next. ;)
*no, I have no idea if that's a thing, but yes, I'm still sending my wish to the heavens and crossing my fingers
Content:
Swearing - a couple light swears.
Sex - none. some very, very light innuendo when Cade flirted sometimes. some kissing.
Violence - none.
Trigger warning - some body shaming and body image topics that were handled very well (but made me want to strangle two certain side characters).
A definite win for any fan of romcom and clean romance.
I liked Kelsey! From the first chapter I related to her: she played softball but she didn't define herself as an athlete; she liked ranching but didn't wear cowboy boots.
I love characters that are well rounded like that and don't fit into a predetermined 'tomboy' mold or 'cowgirl' mold. By the way, I know cowboy romances are a big thing right now, but I just can't swoon over cowboy boots, country music, and a cowboy hat. I've tried, and I just CAN'T. So Cade was perfect: outdoorsy, hardworking, rancher-type, but he wore a baseball hat and was an awesome baseball player versus a cowboy. He was also a great mix of well-rounded qualities. Like him, I came to crave something REAL in their relationship, versus the constant pranks and quips.
I was nervous at first because Parker seemed sweet and I don't like breaking nice boys' hearts. But the entire wedding dress storyline had me 100% disenchanted with him. Since she was in that relationship for a lot of the book, she wasn't able to fully appreciate or respond to Cade's flirting, which is definitely a drawback to this type of romance trope.
Btw, this was not a love triangle. It was more about Kelsey's growth and discovering what she really wanted. I think the author handled Kelsey's character arc very well. And I really liked how she broke up with Parker - firm but considerate. (I really, really don't enjoy characters who are mean or inconsiderate when breaking up, and I don't care how clueless or cocky their ex is. Just, be nice. So I was thrilled that Kelsey handled that situation graciously.) Also, Kelsey's inner dialogue and thought processes seemed realistic, which is super important to me as a reader.
I loved the ending scene (no spoilers) and how Cade went out on a limb, and then when it seemed stable, he went out even further! It was SO perfect, and had me sighing with a goofy smile on my face. (I wouldn't have been satisfied any other way, tbh!)
PS The chapter headings from her journal were entertaining and added to the story.
I am VERY excited to get Tessa and Logan's story next. ;)
*no, I have no idea if that's a thing, but yes, I'm still sending my wish to the heavens and crossing my fingers
Content:
Swearing - a couple light swears.
Sex - none. some very, very light innuendo when Cade flirted sometimes. some kissing.
Violence - none.
Trigger warning - some body shaming and body image topics that were handled very well (but made me want to strangle two certain side characters).
July 18, 2022
This is a cute story. I love the whole coming to yourself. I really understood the main characters reasons for wanting to leave home and re-invent herself. Then the need to come back home to your roots before making one of the biggest decisions of your life. The whole story is told from her point of view and that made it hard for me to really get to know the love interest. The whole first half of this book is pretty much just us learning about our main character. The author told a very detailed story of her and her reasons. I got a little lost in all that. I wanted a romance but there weren't many sparks of tension until 60% in. This was a good thing for the girl, I didn't want her to be a cheating punk but the fiancé should have been faded out sooner so we could have gotten more of the love story. So for me a bit boring. It ended very well. This is clean with some kisses and you have to like cowboys and country living:}
January 20, 2023
1/19/23: My library recently acquired this on audio, so obviously, I needed to give it a listen! This is a ridiculously sweet romance, a kissing book if you will. I'll be forever grateful to my sister in law for introducing me to this author.
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This was a super sweet book. I stayed up way too late reading it.
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This was a super sweet book. I stayed up way too late reading it.
September 19, 2022
This has been on my rader since its release and when I saw the audio come up on Bookstagram and Net Galley - I jumped on it!
This was a fun and sweet romcom. There were some unique moments, some predictable and some that had me smiling like a fool.
Kelsey comes home to work her father's ranch one more time before she gets married. She has everything planned out, hanging with her bestie, wedding dress shopping with Mom. What she doesn't plan is her high school nemesis isn't only in town but working for her dad! Cade is sweet, a nuisance and everything in between and worse he knows it.
I think Kelsey's growth is great, it takes her a while to see what she really wants and needs from a partner. The narration was fun and kept me interested. Forced proximity, enemies to lovers, pranks, love triangle with slight action/near death experience/mild fear.
Content: minimal language, near death experience, body image issues
This is my first Cindy Steel book and it won't be my last! I received the alc from Net Galley and Dreamscape. These are my own thoughts and opinions.
This was a fun and sweet romcom. There were some unique moments, some predictable and some that had me smiling like a fool.
Kelsey comes home to work her father's ranch one more time before she gets married. She has everything planned out, hanging with her bestie, wedding dress shopping with Mom. What she doesn't plan is her high school nemesis isn't only in town but working for her dad! Cade is sweet, a nuisance and everything in between and worse he knows it.
I think Kelsey's growth is great, it takes her a while to see what she really wants and needs from a partner. The narration was fun and kept me interested. Forced proximity, enemies to lovers, pranks, love triangle with slight action/near death experience/mild fear.
Content: minimal language, near death experience, body image issues
This is my first Cindy Steel book and it won't be my last! I received the alc from Net Galley and Dreamscape. These are my own thoughts and opinions.
December 22, 2024
Mehhh, cool but have read better.
August 23, 2021
I’m not usually a romcom reader, so I was pleasantly surprised when I found that I loved this book by Cindy Steel! It has all the great elements for a good romcom: a funny heroine, a swoon worthy enemy (believe me there’s a fine line between love and hate), a selfish fiancé, great side characters, and a fun farm setting where pranks are creative and a given.
When Kelsey left for college, she was hoping to get away from Cade, the boy who pranked and teased her all through school, lose weight, and transform herself into someone totally different from the farm girl she was. Now with a fashionable attorney fiancé, a degree in journalism, a sleek new body, and a new attitude, she figures she’ll go home to her family’s Idaho farm for the summer, plan her wedding, get married, and move to California. But Kelsey is not as content as she thought she’d be. When her fiancé gives her an impossible task, and her future in-laws don’t seem to mesh with her humble Idaho upbringing, she begins to question.
In walks Cade, he’s a handsome veterinary student now who still loves to tease Kelsey aka Red, but his compliments are as searing as his looks. He seems to know just what to do to lift Kelsey’s spirits and bring back the spunk that she’s been missing. When Kelsey breaks her promise to herself to give into the pranks, the fun begins. There’s more to Cade though than just pranks, and as the two get closer, and her fiancé is anything but supportive, she thinks maybe she needs to rethink her future.
Cade and Kelsey have such great chemistry. The fun banter and dialogue leads to plenty of sparks between the two. The pranks are fun but not hurtful. At the heart of their relationship is attraction, admiration, and growing love. One of the things I really liked about this story is that Kelsey didn’t cheat on her fiancé. While she has her doubts, she doesn’t act on anything until she talks to her fiancé.
Cindy Steel strikes the perfect balance between humor and touching emotion. The romance was sweet but with plenty of heat. There was also some surprising depth that kept me engrossed in the story and turning the pages to see how it would all work out. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more by this author.
When Kelsey left for college, she was hoping to get away from Cade, the boy who pranked and teased her all through school, lose weight, and transform herself into someone totally different from the farm girl she was. Now with a fashionable attorney fiancé, a degree in journalism, a sleek new body, and a new attitude, she figures she’ll go home to her family’s Idaho farm for the summer, plan her wedding, get married, and move to California. But Kelsey is not as content as she thought she’d be. When her fiancé gives her an impossible task, and her future in-laws don’t seem to mesh with her humble Idaho upbringing, she begins to question.
In walks Cade, he’s a handsome veterinary student now who still loves to tease Kelsey aka Red, but his compliments are as searing as his looks. He seems to know just what to do to lift Kelsey’s spirits and bring back the spunk that she’s been missing. When Kelsey breaks her promise to herself to give into the pranks, the fun begins. There’s more to Cade though than just pranks, and as the two get closer, and her fiancé is anything but supportive, she thinks maybe she needs to rethink her future.
Cade and Kelsey have such great chemistry. The fun banter and dialogue leads to plenty of sparks between the two. The pranks are fun but not hurtful. At the heart of their relationship is attraction, admiration, and growing love. One of the things I really liked about this story is that Kelsey didn’t cheat on her fiancé. While she has her doubts, she doesn’t act on anything until she talks to her fiancé.
Cindy Steel strikes the perfect balance between humor and touching emotion. The romance was sweet but with plenty of heat. There was also some surprising depth that kept me engrossed in the story and turning the pages to see how it would all work out. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more by this author.
June 25, 2021
(4.5 stars) - I don't generally like love triangles...
... but this is DEFINITELY one of the exceptions!
Enemies-to-lovers is one of my favorite tropes, and I already knew after enjoying "A Christmas Spark" that Cindy Steel knows how to do them right.
Cade & Kelsey are effectively best frenemies going all the way back to that disgusting incident in 2nd grade... But Kelsey's getting married & doesn't need Cade's pranks right now... Except she kinda does...?
Watching the two of them regress was seriously entertaining! The humor is never really mean nor does it go too far. And the fairly subtle, gentle progression the author takes them on from enemies to friends to more was deliciously believable.
I'm so hoping that the author will be giving us a story with Tessa & Logan next!
*Romance level: passionate kisses, nothing graphic
*Parents: There's a plot thread that illustrates how easy it is to slip into an unhealthy situation or relationship and not necessarily recognize it - it's a great message to share & discuss with older teens to new adults
... but this is DEFINITELY one of the exceptions!
Enemies-to-lovers is one of my favorite tropes, and I already knew after enjoying "A Christmas Spark" that Cindy Steel knows how to do them right.
Cade & Kelsey are effectively best frenemies going all the way back to that disgusting incident in 2nd grade... But Kelsey's getting married & doesn't need Cade's pranks right now... Except she kinda does...?
Watching the two of them regress was seriously entertaining! The humor is never really mean nor does it go too far. And the fairly subtle, gentle progression the author takes them on from enemies to friends to more was deliciously believable.
I'm so hoping that the author will be giving us a story with Tessa & Logan next!
*Romance level: passionate kisses, nothing graphic
*Parents: There's a plot thread that illustrates how easy it is to slip into an unhealthy situation or relationship and not necessarily recognize it - it's a great message to share & discuss with older teens to new adults
June 19, 2021
Even though the relationship was kinda rushed at the end and I wanted Cade’s point of view, this book is just so well-written I had to bump it to five stars. Looking forward to more!
4.5 stars
4.5 stars
July 5, 2021
Great read. I'll definitely read more by this author.
September 9, 2024
I just loved every minute of this book. Well, maybe not the time Red spent alone with her bitchy soon to be mother in law. Cade was just the perfect cowboy and Kelsey was the only one who didn’t see it. It was just fun to see her slowly realize how much she loved her life on the ranch. This was just the perfect book for me right now. I love it when I find a new author I love.💕
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May 28, 2021 Nominated for a 2021 Swoony Award, to vote click here: https://tinyurl.com/y593ce67
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