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Quiver
Kye Manchester is no stranger to ambition. She sacrificed more than she cares to admit to become a highly acclaimed actress. Now more than a decade after her big break, her prospects are waning, and in a moment of desperation, she tells a lie that sends her spiraling back to where she started, and to the one woman she swore she’d never let herself need again. Fletcher Bouchard isn’t just Kye’s first love and her greatest heartbreak, she’s also a world-champion mounted archer in a unique position to help Kye gain the skills she needs with a horse and bow, only she has no inclination to do so. Tensions flare immediately after Kye returns to their small hometown, and neither woman knows how to back down where the other is concerned. Driven, wounded, and resentful, they also happen to be the only person in each other’s lives who understands how to walk the razor’s edge between sanity and obsession. The two women reluctantly agree to work together under the common goal of getting back to the lives they each built in spite of the other. However, during long days and nights of training, embers of the past rekindle fires hot enough to incinerate their defenses. As arrows and tempers fly, will passion burn hot enough to push Kye and Fletcher past old patterns in search of true healing? Or will the sharp point of lingering pain shatter their second chance at the love story of a lifetime?
Quiver is an enemies-to-lovers, ice queen romance about the power of love, redemption, and the choices that make us who we are.
Quiver is an enemies-to-lovers, ice queen romance about the power of love, redemption, and the choices that make us who we are.
364 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 6, 2024
30 people are currently reading
961 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Spangler
33 books854 followersRachel Spangler never set out to be an award winning author. She was just so poor and so easily bored during her college years that she had to come up with creative ways to entertain herself, and her first novel, Learning Curve, was born out of one such attempt. She was sincerely surprised when it was accepted for publication and even more shocked when it won the Golden Crown Literary Award for Debut Author. She also won a Goldie for her second novel, Trails Merge. Since writing is more fun than a real job, and so much cheaper than therapy, Rachel continued to type away, leading to the publication of The Long Way Home and LoveLife. She plans to continue writing as long as anyone anywhere will keep reading.
Rachel, and her partner, Susan, are raising their young son in Western New York. They spend winters skiing and their summers traveling and watching their beloved Cardinals. Regardless of the season, Rachel always makes time for a good romance, whether she's reading it, writing it, or living it.
Rachel can be found online at www.rachelspangler.com or on Facebook.
Rachel, and her partner, Susan, are raising their young son in Western New York. They spend winters skiing and their summers traveling and watching their beloved Cardinals. Regardless of the season, Rachel always makes time for a good romance, whether she's reading it, writing it, or living it.
Rachel can be found online at www.rachelspangler.com or on Facebook.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
March 4, 2024
5⭐️
Wow, what a wild ride. In this second-chance romance, two hotheads clash like wild-eyed bulls. Words fly back and forth like sharp arrows, hurting both of them. But despite all the bickering, old, suppressed feelings are reawakened too.
Kye Manchester is an accomplished actress, but lately, her career is waning. An over-hasty promise made at an audition for a big role forces her to go back to the countryside where she comes from to ask her childhood friend and first love for help. It doesn't sound so difficult, but Fletcher Bouchard is anything but a fan of her.
Fletcher, world champion in the sport of mounted archery, has never forgiven Kye for leaving her and how she left her. But she has never been able to forget her either. Now she suddenly stands before her and asks for help. But old demons, the suppressed anger and disappointment, creep out and prevent a civilized conversation for the time being. When she gives in and helps Kye with the training, a hot ride begins.
Through the heated debates, the two of them learn a lot about themselves, and so the mutual admiration for each other's achievements grows. It takes time for them to realize that they should listen to each other, before talking. As a result, and also through self-reflection, their perceptions of what happened in the past change and they begin to understand each other better. I could have shaken them more than once to knock some sense into them and finally have a serious conversation. But as is the way with stubborn people, they have to bump their heads a few times first.
The supporting cast, primarily Ava and Bex, are wonderful and without the four-legged friends Bear, Gabrielle, and Winston the story would only be half as good. And let's not forget the sizzling chemistry and steamy sex scenes. Hot!
Rachel Spangler describes the sport of mounted archery in a vivid and captivating way. How Fletcher trains Kye made me see the sport and now I can understand the appeal of this discipline. Complex techniques of riding without reins and archery combined with power and elegance.
The author has once again managed to captivate me with their story from the very first moment, I could hardly put the book down. I got drawn into the vortex of emotions, and I love it when this is happening when I can feel everything the MCs are feeling. See for yourself how the two of them manage to find a common path.
Thanks to Rachel Spangler for receiving an ARC for an honest review.
Wow, what a wild ride. In this second-chance romance, two hotheads clash like wild-eyed bulls. Words fly back and forth like sharp arrows, hurting both of them. But despite all the bickering, old, suppressed feelings are reawakened too.
Kye Manchester is an accomplished actress, but lately, her career is waning. An over-hasty promise made at an audition for a big role forces her to go back to the countryside where she comes from to ask her childhood friend and first love for help. It doesn't sound so difficult, but Fletcher Bouchard is anything but a fan of her.
Fletcher, world champion in the sport of mounted archery, has never forgiven Kye for leaving her and how she left her. But she has never been able to forget her either. Now she suddenly stands before her and asks for help. But old demons, the suppressed anger and disappointment, creep out and prevent a civilized conversation for the time being. When she gives in and helps Kye with the training, a hot ride begins.
Through the heated debates, the two of them learn a lot about themselves, and so the mutual admiration for each other's achievements grows. It takes time for them to realize that they should listen to each other, before talking. As a result, and also through self-reflection, their perceptions of what happened in the past change and they begin to understand each other better. I could have shaken them more than once to knock some sense into them and finally have a serious conversation. But as is the way with stubborn people, they have to bump their heads a few times first.
The supporting cast, primarily Ava and Bex, are wonderful and without the four-legged friends Bear, Gabrielle, and Winston the story would only be half as good. And let's not forget the sizzling chemistry and steamy sex scenes. Hot!
Rachel Spangler describes the sport of mounted archery in a vivid and captivating way. How Fletcher trains Kye made me see the sport and now I can understand the appeal of this discipline. Complex techniques of riding without reins and archery combined with power and elegance.
The author has once again managed to captivate me with their story from the very first moment, I could hardly put the book down. I got drawn into the vortex of emotions, and I love it when this is happening when I can feel everything the MCs are feeling. See for yourself how the two of them manage to find a common path.
Thanks to Rachel Spangler for receiving an ARC for an honest review.
March 6, 2024
A fun book that is serious and preys on all the senses. RS is a superb writer who again proves she at the height of her powers. Recommended.
March 17, 2024
Absolutely loved this !
February 23, 2024
Quiver is a delightful second chance sports romance that centres around high school sweethearts Kylie and Fletcher alongside a wonderful support cast, with Ava, Bex and some less prominent but still delightful other side characters. It also has some adorable fur characters including horses, Winston and Gabrielle. As well as Fletcher and Ava’s fur child named Bear. Kylie is back in her hometown of Vermont for a crash course on Horse Archery for a movie role she put it all on the line for. Asking her ex to help made for an interesting rollercoaster of emotions that followed. Although this book is a standalone, it does have characters from previous books, in which some of these characters have made appearances.
This story started off slow with a whole lot of tension. I enjoyed getting both girls POV throughout the book and how Rey gave the animals such adorable little personalities. I especially loved Winstons sass and Bears puppy like qualities. I loved the way the story has side characters that are involved in the plot and were so wholesome. It was so heartwarming. I also found it added a nice balance to the tension in a way that was realistic. At times I would have loved to have yelled at the characters to do what I wanted, but the tension had me on the edge of my seat the entire time; desperate for an HEA.
The story was a second chance, but also at the same time an enemies to lovers romance. Which was chefs kiss for that slow burn packed tension. I enjoyed Kylies banter and Fletchers sass for the most part, but sometimes they both deserved a hearty hmph with their antics. I enjoyed the way it was written in a way that was quite raw in emotion, as opposed to only graphic.
I received a free copy of this book from Rey and am voluntarily leaving a review.
⭐️ 4
🌶️ 3
This story started off slow with a whole lot of tension. I enjoyed getting both girls POV throughout the book and how Rey gave the animals such adorable little personalities. I especially loved Winstons sass and Bears puppy like qualities. I loved the way the story has side characters that are involved in the plot and were so wholesome. It was so heartwarming. I also found it added a nice balance to the tension in a way that was realistic. At times I would have loved to have yelled at the characters to do what I wanted, but the tension had me on the edge of my seat the entire time; desperate for an HEA.
The story was a second chance, but also at the same time an enemies to lovers romance. Which was chefs kiss for that slow burn packed tension. I enjoyed Kylies banter and Fletchers sass for the most part, but sometimes they both deserved a hearty hmph with their antics. I enjoyed the way it was written in a way that was quite raw in emotion, as opposed to only graphic.
I received a free copy of this book from Rey and am voluntarily leaving a review.
⭐️ 4
🌶️ 3
February 12, 2024
Quiver is both an enemies-to-lovers and second-chance romance, and that combination was super intriguing to me. It’s also a Rachel Spangler novel, and I’ve found their work to be some of the most consistently enjoyable sapphic romances.
I didn’t love Quiver, if I’m being honest. I didn’t need a book about Fletcher, who appears in Christmas Mouse. Fletcher is broody and closed-off. And then there’s Kylie, who treats Ava (Fletcher’s ex) in ways that are unjustifiable. So we have two difficult-to-like protagonists. It’s unique, I’ll give Spangler credit. The problem with Quiver, though, is that in order to make this work (for this reader), the chemistry between these characters better be off-the-charts. This is often the strength of enemies-to-lovers stores and, well, Spangler doesn’t succeed here. Too much is conveniently buried under some vague past trauma that’s constantly alluded to but explained far too late. I preferred the sparks between Kylie and Ava more. Whoops.
Having written all that, I found the book really readable. Kylie is funny, at least, and the world of mounted archery was interesting to read about. But as a romance? I didn’t buy it.
I didn’t love Quiver, if I’m being honest. I didn’t need a book about Fletcher, who appears in Christmas Mouse. Fletcher is broody and closed-off. And then there’s Kylie, who treats Ava (Fletcher’s ex) in ways that are unjustifiable. So we have two difficult-to-like protagonists. It’s unique, I’ll give Spangler credit. The problem with Quiver, though, is that in order to make this work (for this reader), the chemistry between these characters better be off-the-charts. This is often the strength of enemies-to-lovers stores and, well, Spangler doesn’t succeed here. Too much is conveniently buried under some vague past trauma that’s constantly alluded to but explained far too late. I preferred the sparks between Kylie and Ava more. Whoops.
Having written all that, I found the book really readable. Kylie is funny, at least, and the world of mounted archery was interesting to read about. But as a romance? I didn’t buy it.
April 19, 2024
This was a peculiar second chance novel. The main reason is the dynamic between the two main characters. In most novels I read, the characters balance each other out. In this one, their main traits are quite similar: driven, strong-headed, a bit of loners, and with an ice queen vibe. The resentment between these two was very strong and almost hard to read in the first half of the book. But Spangler stayed true to these characters, and they don’t melt at the first opportunity. They both have a wall of protection, merging with a wall of resentment and trauma of rejection. The angst and tension are pretty high, giving some unusual conflict and intense scenes (the hayloft scene was🔥).They are both complex and not the "nice" characters I am used to. I admit it took some time to warm up to them, and even though it got better eventually, I am still not sure I like these characters on a deep level. But it doesn't prevent me from rooting for them.
The mounted archery definitely set up interesting and rather sexy scenery!
Overall, I had a good time reading the story of these two finding their way back to each other, and it was nice to see Ava and Bex again.
The mounted archery definitely set up interesting and rather sexy scenery!
Overall, I had a good time reading the story of these two finding their way back to each other, and it was nice to see Ava and Bex again.
February 10, 2024
Spangler always delivers! I couldn't read this book fast enough, and even though I knew how it must end, I was spellbound by these characters and the love they felt for each other. Another well-crafted, can't-miss novel from this talented author.
April 16, 2025
Small town vibes with lesbians shooting arrows while on horseback in Vermont.
At some point, I forgot that this story had some of the characters from Christmas Mouse. I was pleasantly reminded when Bex and Ava and Grams showed up in this book. I guess I wasn’t prepared for the angst in this due to Christmas Mouse being so incredibly fluffy and warm.
Kylie and Fletcher were both so hard on themselves due to decisions they both made in their early 20s. I was a ridiculous pile of anxiety and hot mess back when I was in my 20s, so I get it. If I could find my stone tablet diaries from back then, I could prove with documentation, but I think my pet stegosaurus might have buried them in my parents’ back yard. And I definitely related to beating myself up for stuff that I am unable to change from the past. Rachel teased the conflict out over the course of the story, so it wasn’t a case of one major blow up and all is well. Both characters were super stubborn and stuck in their ways, Fletcher being the ice butch and Kye being the more outwardly fiery one. The balance of their personalities was an interesting dynamic to explore.
There was a little more spice than I’ve come to expect from Rachel’s books, but as always, it’s not overly explicit. The hayloft scene could have been much more spicy and I probably would have added another star. I’m happy to say that Rachel Spangler is becoming one of my go-to authors and I’ve still got a ton of her back catalogue to get through.
At some point, I forgot that this story had some of the characters from Christmas Mouse. I was pleasantly reminded when Bex and Ava and Grams showed up in this book. I guess I wasn’t prepared for the angst in this due to Christmas Mouse being so incredibly fluffy and warm.
Kylie and Fletcher were both so hard on themselves due to decisions they both made in their early 20s. I was a ridiculous pile of anxiety and hot mess back when I was in my 20s, so I get it. If I could find my stone tablet diaries from back then, I could prove with documentation, but I think my pet stegosaurus might have buried them in my parents’ back yard. And I definitely related to beating myself up for stuff that I am unable to change from the past. Rachel teased the conflict out over the course of the story, so it wasn’t a case of one major blow up and all is well. Both characters were super stubborn and stuck in their ways, Fletcher being the ice butch and Kye being the more outwardly fiery one. The balance of their personalities was an interesting dynamic to explore.
There was a little more spice than I’ve come to expect from Rachel’s books, but as always, it’s not overly explicit. The hayloft scene could have been much more spicy and I probably would have added another star. I’m happy to say that Rachel Spangler is becoming one of my go-to authors and I’ve still got a ton of her back catalogue to get through.
March 16, 2024
This book was great, it was full of tension and longing between Kye and Fletcher, the characters were relatable and felt real, the storyline itself was very well thought out and you could tell that a lot of time and effort went into the research of mounted archery.
The connection between Kye and Fletcher was believable throughout, and I was rooting for them from the beginning. I loved the icyness of Fletcher in the beginning and loved whatching her thaw out. I felt the pain and turmoil that both of the main characters were going through throughout the book. I loved all the animals in the book from Bear, Fletcher's Dog 🐕 and all the horses 🐎 within.
I really liked the side characters, too. Bex and Ava were an integral part of the storyline, and I loved how they got involved with Fletcher and Kye.
The Audiobook was great too, Ann Shanks Etter really brings the book to life, and I loved the character voices they were great, and I really enjoyed listening to the book while following along with the book in hand
This book has already been released and is available for purchase. I absolutely recommend this book.
Star rating. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice rating. 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Narrating Rating. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The connection between Kye and Fletcher was believable throughout, and I was rooting for them from the beginning. I loved the icyness of Fletcher in the beginning and loved whatching her thaw out. I felt the pain and turmoil that both of the main characters were going through throughout the book. I loved all the animals in the book from Bear, Fletcher's Dog 🐕 and all the horses 🐎 within.
I really liked the side characters, too. Bex and Ava were an integral part of the storyline, and I loved how they got involved with Fletcher and Kye.
The Audiobook was great too, Ann Shanks Etter really brings the book to life, and I loved the character voices they were great, and I really enjoyed listening to the book while following along with the book in hand
This book has already been released and is available for purchase. I absolutely recommend this book.
Star rating. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice rating. 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Narrating Rating. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 19, 2024
Es uno de los libros más aburridos que he leído en mucho tiempo. Me tarde horrores en leerlo y es que en realidad es una historia lineal y muy larga.
Las protagonistas tienen resentimientos que a mi parecer fueron muy sosos, no hay trama de nada y el final estuvo terrible.
Las protagonistas tienen resentimientos que a mi parecer fueron muy sosos, no hay trama de nada y el final estuvo terrible.
February 25, 2024
Quiver is one powerful love story! It had me feeling all kinds of things—frustration, compassion, joy, and finally, satisfaction. Spangler really takes readers on a journey with this one, and it is so worth it. They experience an emotional connection with the characters, making it a completely absorbing read. For those who have ever loved another intensely and consumingly, it resonates in intimately familiar ways.
Spangler impressed me with this novel. Not only is it well-written, but it’s emotionally in touch with the realities of first loves and complex relationships. It’s not rushed, ensuring that the character arcs are authentically built. Spangler focuses on contrasting but relatable experiences that allow Kye and Fletcher to evolve organically. Furthermore, Spangler avoids predictable stereotypes and emphasizes the characters’ emotions in a nuanced and meaningful way. The result is a compelling and affecting narrative, and it’s hard to put down.
Final remarks…
As per usual, Spangler does their homework and creates a rich, vivid story world for readers to explore and enjoy. Their veritable and detailed descriptions paint a setting and storyline that feels credible and true. This attention to detail provides readers with dependable, investable characters—ones with genuine depth. Kye and Fletcher’s struggles, triumphs, and relationships are portrayed with veracious modulation and definable shading, allowing readers to connect on a personal and emotional level. Furthermore, their well-rounded development addresses significant challenges, showcasing real, genuine growth. This all makes for some reverberating and compelling storytelling, and I highly recommend it.
Strengths…
Well-written
Compelling, engaging storyline
Raw, honest character development
A poignant and tender tale
4.5 stars
Spangler impressed me with this novel. Not only is it well-written, but it’s emotionally in touch with the realities of first loves and complex relationships. It’s not rushed, ensuring that the character arcs are authentically built. Spangler focuses on contrasting but relatable experiences that allow Kye and Fletcher to evolve organically. Furthermore, Spangler avoids predictable stereotypes and emphasizes the characters’ emotions in a nuanced and meaningful way. The result is a compelling and affecting narrative, and it’s hard to put down.
Final remarks…
As per usual, Spangler does their homework and creates a rich, vivid story world for readers to explore and enjoy. Their veritable and detailed descriptions paint a setting and storyline that feels credible and true. This attention to detail provides readers with dependable, investable characters—ones with genuine depth. Kye and Fletcher’s struggles, triumphs, and relationships are portrayed with veracious modulation and definable shading, allowing readers to connect on a personal and emotional level. Furthermore, their well-rounded development addresses significant challenges, showcasing real, genuine growth. This all makes for some reverberating and compelling storytelling, and I highly recommend it.
Strengths…
Well-written
Compelling, engaging storyline
Raw, honest character development
A poignant and tender tale
4.5 stars
March 2, 2024
I'm a little surprised with this novel, and not in het best of ways. I read most of Rachel Spangler books and I happen to like them all very much. I rated them at least 4 and some even 5 stars, but this one gets hardly 3. I did not like the MC's very much. Both seperately as well as together they did not sparkle. The story itself was somewhat boring. Not a lot was happening. Only the same lessons of shooting arrows and riding horses. I did not feel any chemistry between the MC's. Only anger and annoyance. I don't get why this book has so many good reviews. I even thought about not going on with reading this novel a couple of times, but I kept on going, expecting it was going to become better any time. But it didn't really.
February 20, 2024
Quiver by Rachel Spangler is a second chance, small town, celebrity, ice Queen romance that explores the notion of how holding on to the past can hold back a future you crave and deserve.
Kye Manchester, star of screen and theatre, is drowning in the world she chose to be a part of. She has a slim chance to be the star of a movie that could restart her career. More than that it’s a part that ignites a hunger in her that she hasn’t felt for a long time. The major catch is that to get it she needs to revisit a past that hurts and the one person who has the power to shatter her dreams, both on and off the silver screen.
Fletcher Bouchard is a world champion mounted archer. She also runs a school on her farm to teach others her craft. She is brilliant, accomplished but also lost- although she’d never admit it. Kye is her first love and after she left it took everything Fletcher had not to shatter. Now she’s back and Fletch is determined to keep the walls she built high around her.
Reluctantly they work together with an end goal that when they’re done, they walk away and get back to their lives. But, with two similarly obsessive women who both burn hot within, can they keep the fires at bay or will they burn each other to the ground. And if they do can something even more beautiful grow from the ashes?
Rachel Spangler never disappoints. They have an astounding ability to write deep, raw emotions that jump off the page and make their characters all the more alluring. I adore that they never shy away from ‘real’ feelings and stay true to the characters, even if that means this reader was screaming at the page for Fletch and Kye “to get over themselves, and kiss and make up already” ahh, if only life was that simple!
The world of mounted archery is fascinating and Spangler writes the scenes with a meticulous eye to detail. I could feel the rise and fall of the horse and rider, feel the wind in my hair, and smell the hay and earth. It was spectacular, my heart was pounding and adrenaline was running through my veins.
I’m going out in a limb here and saying we have two ice queens in this book. Kye is icy, has a sharpe quick wit and keeps everyone at arm’s length.
Fletch is more open with people but has high walls to protect herself, but with Kye she is pure ice.
While Kylie is icy because Fletcher gave her an ultimatum and rejected her all those years ago. Fletch is icy because she is so stubborn that she couldn’t take any responsibility for what happened when her and Kye were younger.
These characters are brilliant, complexed and have the most beautiful, heartbreaking and breathtaking character arcs.
The romance in the book is all fire and ice from both Fletch and Kye. It’s one of those ‘a tiny step forward then 10 steps back’ kinda deals. There’s reasons for this and they are all valid and hurt, and I’m not crying, you are! I swear I wanted to bang this pairs heads together, but I also knew it was vital for them to work it out in their own time in order for them to heal. Plus when it exploded, boy, oh boy, was it an inferno *fans self*
I fell in love with all the characters, the setting, the animals, and the swirling emotions.
I loved everything about this story. It’s angsty but also so sweet. Hard going, yet an easy read. It’s yin and Yang working together perfectly to create a wonderful sense of balance when it’s allowed to.
This book took me on a wild ride. So saddle up people and hold tightly to the reins, because although this story takes you on a path filled with potholes, and obstacles, it is totally worth the ride.
It’s a solid 5 stars from me for a book filled with healing and redemption, obsession and desire. What a gorgeous romance. Now please excuse me while I nurse my book hangover *sighs*
Arc received from the author.
Kye Manchester, star of screen and theatre, is drowning in the world she chose to be a part of. She has a slim chance to be the star of a movie that could restart her career. More than that it’s a part that ignites a hunger in her that she hasn’t felt for a long time. The major catch is that to get it she needs to revisit a past that hurts and the one person who has the power to shatter her dreams, both on and off the silver screen.
Fletcher Bouchard is a world champion mounted archer. She also runs a school on her farm to teach others her craft. She is brilliant, accomplished but also lost- although she’d never admit it. Kye is her first love and after she left it took everything Fletcher had not to shatter. Now she’s back and Fletch is determined to keep the walls she built high around her.
Reluctantly they work together with an end goal that when they’re done, they walk away and get back to their lives. But, with two similarly obsessive women who both burn hot within, can they keep the fires at bay or will they burn each other to the ground. And if they do can something even more beautiful grow from the ashes?
Rachel Spangler never disappoints. They have an astounding ability to write deep, raw emotions that jump off the page and make their characters all the more alluring. I adore that they never shy away from ‘real’ feelings and stay true to the characters, even if that means this reader was screaming at the page for Fletch and Kye “to get over themselves, and kiss and make up already” ahh, if only life was that simple!
The world of mounted archery is fascinating and Spangler writes the scenes with a meticulous eye to detail. I could feel the rise and fall of the horse and rider, feel the wind in my hair, and smell the hay and earth. It was spectacular, my heart was pounding and adrenaline was running through my veins.
I’m going out in a limb here and saying we have two ice queens in this book. Kye is icy, has a sharpe quick wit and keeps everyone at arm’s length.
Fletch is more open with people but has high walls to protect herself, but with Kye she is pure ice.
While Kylie is icy because Fletcher gave her an ultimatum and rejected her all those years ago. Fletch is icy because she is so stubborn that she couldn’t take any responsibility for what happened when her and Kye were younger.
These characters are brilliant, complexed and have the most beautiful, heartbreaking and breathtaking character arcs.
The romance in the book is all fire and ice from both Fletch and Kye. It’s one of those ‘a tiny step forward then 10 steps back’ kinda deals. There’s reasons for this and they are all valid and hurt, and I’m not crying, you are! I swear I wanted to bang this pairs heads together, but I also knew it was vital for them to work it out in their own time in order for them to heal. Plus when it exploded, boy, oh boy, was it an inferno *fans self*
I fell in love with all the characters, the setting, the animals, and the swirling emotions.
I loved everything about this story. It’s angsty but also so sweet. Hard going, yet an easy read. It’s yin and Yang working together perfectly to create a wonderful sense of balance when it’s allowed to.
This book took me on a wild ride. So saddle up people and hold tightly to the reins, because although this story takes you on a path filled with potholes, and obstacles, it is totally worth the ride.
It’s a solid 5 stars from me for a book filled with healing and redemption, obsession and desire. What a gorgeous romance. Now please excuse me while I nurse my book hangover *sighs*
Arc received from the author.
March 3, 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭐✨4.5/5
I love a good sports romance (even though I’m not a very sporty person lol), but I especially love the more unconventional ones…and Horse Archery is definitely not a sport you are going to find a lot of romance books about! I love the way Rey wove the intricacies of the sport throughout the story - it made me feel like I was there watching it. And I can only imagine how muscular those thighs have to be…🥵 Seriously though - such a cool sport! Plus you get horses (and an adorable dog) as side characters!
Fletcher and Kylie are like gasoline and fire - very combustible! In more ways than one. You could cut the tension between them with a knife! They were infuriating at times because you could see how good they were together underneath all the stored up anger, hurt, and betrayal. But they were both so stubborn at times that they wouldn’t get out of their own way. I did love the banter and sass and little quips between them! Especially when they were playful and not words used as daggers! But Fletcher was so icy and closed off to even friendship with Kylie at times, using all her might to keep Kylie at an arm’s length. And honestly…they both needed a lot of melting! But in those moments when they finally gave into those desires and that pull towards each other…ugh! The way Rey captured their intimacy was both sexy and beautiful.
And when a tragedy strikes, unspoken truths are revealed and things begin to shift between for the better. But the ghosts of their past continue to haunt their present…and the only way forward is to confront their past head on. Which means unboxing the feelings they’ve both kept stored away for so long - and that is always a bit messy, but also incredibly powerful and freeing.
It took me a little bit to get into the story, but I was glued to the page for at least the entire second half of the book. It was a highly enjoyable, and I would even say unique read!
Also - I didn’t realize when I started this book that Fletcher was the Fletcher from Rachel Spangler’s book, Christmas Mouse. So I was very excited to get to see more of Bex and Ava’s relationship because I adored that book! And Fletcher was still the same grumpy person she was in that book!
🏳️🌈Rep: Lesbian FMCs
📝Tropes/Themes: Return to Hometown, Sports Romance (Horse Archery), Celebrity, Second Chance, Ice Queen, Enemies to Lovers
⚠️TW/CW: sexual content, injury/injury detail, blood, mention of animal death
I love a good sports romance (even though I’m not a very sporty person lol), but I especially love the more unconventional ones…and Horse Archery is definitely not a sport you are going to find a lot of romance books about! I love the way Rey wove the intricacies of the sport throughout the story - it made me feel like I was there watching it. And I can only imagine how muscular those thighs have to be…🥵 Seriously though - such a cool sport! Plus you get horses (and an adorable dog) as side characters!
Fletcher and Kylie are like gasoline and fire - very combustible! In more ways than one. You could cut the tension between them with a knife! They were infuriating at times because you could see how good they were together underneath all the stored up anger, hurt, and betrayal. But they were both so stubborn at times that they wouldn’t get out of their own way. I did love the banter and sass and little quips between them! Especially when they were playful and not words used as daggers! But Fletcher was so icy and closed off to even friendship with Kylie at times, using all her might to keep Kylie at an arm’s length. And honestly…they both needed a lot of melting! But in those moments when they finally gave into those desires and that pull towards each other…ugh! The way Rey captured their intimacy was both sexy and beautiful.
And when a tragedy strikes, unspoken truths are revealed and things begin to shift between for the better. But the ghosts of their past continue to haunt their present…and the only way forward is to confront their past head on. Which means unboxing the feelings they’ve both kept stored away for so long - and that is always a bit messy, but also incredibly powerful and freeing.
It took me a little bit to get into the story, but I was glued to the page for at least the entire second half of the book. It was a highly enjoyable, and I would even say unique read!
Also - I didn’t realize when I started this book that Fletcher was the Fletcher from Rachel Spangler’s book, Christmas Mouse. So I was very excited to get to see more of Bex and Ava’s relationship because I adored that book! And Fletcher was still the same grumpy person she was in that book!
🏳️🌈Rep: Lesbian FMCs
📝Tropes/Themes: Return to Hometown, Sports Romance (Horse Archery), Celebrity, Second Chance, Ice Queen, Enemies to Lovers
⚠️TW/CW: sexual content, injury/injury detail, blood, mention of animal death
August 29, 2025
Great first chapter!
About 30% in I wanted there to be a chink in the wall between the mains. There wasn't really but the writer did a great job of maintaining the pressure and although there would be the occasional thinning of the walls there was never really any cracks. Somehow, although I wanted them to move forward I was totally immersed in their present and how it was impacted by the past.
About 70% in, and the mains are getting on, not smoothly but smoother, I like how the writer has upped the anti and reminded us that there is another possibility of barrier. One main leaving, a rerun of the past. This creates a tension. The writer again doesn’t overplay that, and we have in good time the realisation by one main that the situation isn’t the same….. That keeps me interested, as I have been throughout.
The parallel with the skittish horse is so well done, we see it immediately then the main points it out to the other main and we see the dawning.
When they fall again! Wow, just wow!
I knew how things would end with the romance, because it is a romance, but the secondary issue, the audition, no idea and compelled to read on. Real life could wait.
About 30% in I wanted there to be a chink in the wall between the mains. There wasn't really but the writer did a great job of maintaining the pressure and although there would be the occasional thinning of the walls there was never really any cracks. Somehow, although I wanted them to move forward I was totally immersed in their present and how it was impacted by the past.
About 70% in, and the mains are getting on, not smoothly but smoother, I like how the writer has upped the anti and reminded us that there is another possibility of barrier. One main leaving, a rerun of the past. This creates a tension. The writer again doesn’t overplay that, and we have in good time the realisation by one main that the situation isn’t the same….. That keeps me interested, as I have been throughout.
The parallel with the skittish horse is so well done, we see it immediately then the main points it out to the other main and we see the dawning.
When they fall again! Wow, just wow!
I knew how things would end with the romance, because it is a romance, but the secondary issue, the audition, no idea and compelled to read on. Real life could wait.
March 2, 2024
The really interesting thing about books like these is that I get to learn about a new sport or competitive event that I knew nothing about. In this case, a sport combining archery and horseback riding sounds incredible and cool and I want to see it in person now, after hearing about the skill needed to do the difficult maneuvers. Rachel Spangler does a great job of making the sport accessible to someone who has never heard about it before, and setting up the perfect protagonist to excel in it (her parents are Olympians in horse riding and archery who named their kids Fletcher and Ryder, haha).
Kylie and Fletcher are really interesting protagonists because the basic problem with them has always been a narrow focus on their individual goals at the expense of their relationship, and that continues to be a problem as they must work together to give Kylie a crash course in horseback archery, which is a step further than her existing skill on horseback. There's a lot of angst and lack of communication and then finally some growth and maturity and it's very well done.
Would recommend, unless you dislike angst.
Kylie and Fletcher are really interesting protagonists because the basic problem with them has always been a narrow focus on their individual goals at the expense of their relationship, and that continues to be a problem as they must work together to give Kylie a crash course in horseback archery, which is a step further than her existing skill on horseback. There's a lot of angst and lack of communication and then finally some growth and maturity and it's very well done.
Would recommend, unless you dislike angst.
February 12, 2024
It was a joy to be back in the world of Christmas Mouse this time with Fletcher and Kylie, and considerably more angst. Second chance is officially my favorite trope. It lends built-in tension and chemistry, demanding that the pages keep turning. I couldn’t put it down. Mounted archery?!! Yes, please!!! The only thing I struggled with was the element of miscommunication. Also I didn’t see either character as an ice queen- but that didn’t detract at all from the story. I loved the love between these women despite their differences, and their journey together and separately.
Short summary: Kylie is one audition away from the role of her life or washing out. All she needs to do is prove she can shoot an arrow from a moving horse and for that she needs the help of a woman 12 years in her past, who will barely look at her.
Thank you to the author. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
Short summary: Kylie is one audition away from the role of her life or washing out. All she needs to do is prove she can shoot an arrow from a moving horse and for that she needs the help of a woman 12 years in her past, who will barely look at her.
Thank you to the author. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
February 24, 2024
Writing a tale about two ice queens is tricky. Having two characters that aren't immediately likable or nice is tricky. Second-chance books are easy to muck up with the reasons they fell apart in the first place, so awful, championing any reconciliation is unthinkable.
Rachel Spangler has written two characters that, by the end, I was championing the hell out of. And made me yet again want to know more about a sport I could not have given to hoots about before.
If you like any of the following ice queens, sports romances, celebrity romances, small-town settings and books where the MC's emotional character arcs are explored in depth. Which in my opinion this author excels at writing, this should be for you.
If you're a fan of the author there are easter eggs galore.
Rachel Spangler has written two characters that, by the end, I was championing the hell out of. And made me yet again want to know more about a sport I could not have given to hoots about before.
If you like any of the following ice queens, sports romances, celebrity romances, small-town settings and books where the MC's emotional character arcs are explored in depth. Which in my opinion this author excels at writing, this should be for you.
If you're a fan of the author there are easter eggs galore.
June 17, 2025
(3.5 stars)
This sapphic romance has both the second chance and enemies to lovers tropes. Kylie Manchester is a good actress with a waning career. After grossly exaggerating her skill with mounted archery at an audition, she returns to her rural Vermont hometown in the hopes that her ex Fletcher will train her to the level necessary to get the role. Fletcher is a world-class mounted archer and now runs a school for horse archery. Kylie and Fletcher were deeply in love throughout their youth, but they had a very painful breakup when they were in their early 20s. Twelve years have not healed the wounds, but Fletcher reluctantly agrees to train Kylie. Tensions flare and boil over, leading them both to realize that they must resolve the past in order to work together.
I very much enjoyed this one. The character growth, both as individuals and as a pair, was really good and so well done. I love that their new relationship grew in fits and starts - the bumpiness and hurt was very real and poignant, even if occasionally frustrating. I could have wished for a little more swoony emotion, but that's a small quibble given how well-drawn the characters and their development was. Plus, mounted archery is just really cool and badass.
This sapphic romance has both the second chance and enemies to lovers tropes. Kylie Manchester is a good actress with a waning career. After grossly exaggerating her skill with mounted archery at an audition, she returns to her rural Vermont hometown in the hopes that her ex Fletcher will train her to the level necessary to get the role. Fletcher is a world-class mounted archer and now runs a school for horse archery. Kylie and Fletcher were deeply in love throughout their youth, but they had a very painful breakup when they were in their early 20s. Twelve years have not healed the wounds, but Fletcher reluctantly agrees to train Kylie. Tensions flare and boil over, leading them both to realize that they must resolve the past in order to work together.
I very much enjoyed this one. The character growth, both as individuals and as a pair, was really good and so well done. I love that their new relationship grew in fits and starts - the bumpiness and hurt was very real and poignant, even if occasionally frustrating. I could have wished for a little more swoony emotion, but that's a small quibble given how well-drawn the characters and their development was. Plus, mounted archery is just really cool and badass.
October 28, 2024
Ahhhhhh⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I'm vibing so hard with Rachel Spangler's writing right now. Just so my type of story progression and character development. Don't sleep on this book.
I'm vibing so hard with Rachel Spangler's writing right now. Just so my type of story progression and character development. Don't sleep on this book.
July 20, 2025
4 stars
February 16, 2024
Another hit
A fine book showing Rey Spangler's comfort with sporting events. She has woven a great story once again. I read this book in one sitting. I recommend it. Thanks. Y
A fine book showing Rey Spangler's comfort with sporting events. She has woven a great story once again. I read this book in one sitting. I recommend it. Thanks. Y
February 10, 2024
Excellent
I've read most of Rachel Spanglers books, this one is by far my favorite. I read it in one day, it was that good. Reasons why I loved it: the topic was so new and refreshing, I loved learning about archery. The characters were real, believable. Kye started of angry and icy, throughout the book she softened and made me cheer for her. Fletch also grew into her own, and went through her own healing arc. There was romance and a bit of spice, which rounded out this book nicely.
I've read most of Rachel Spanglers books, this one is by far my favorite. I read it in one day, it was that good. Reasons why I loved it: the topic was so new and refreshing, I loved learning about archery. The characters were real, believable. Kye started of angry and icy, throughout the book she softened and made me cheer for her. Fletch also grew into her own, and went through her own healing arc. There was romance and a bit of spice, which rounded out this book nicely.
February 14, 2024
I loved this book so much. It is written with an emotional intelligence that makes for really rich, 3-dimensional characters. I was completely sucked in from the start. Be ready for a rewarding rollercoaster of a romance with this book.
June 29, 2025
yes PLEASE let me read this book for the first time again
March 6, 2024
This is a fantastic second chance/ Ice Queen love story. For years Kye and Fletcher were inseparable. Until a big time agent came and watched Kye in a play and she left for Hollywood . But now 12 years later she reads for a movie she really wants, but has to know how to wield a bow and arrow while riding on horseback. She goes to the one person who can train her, Fletcher.
The secondary characters are sweet Ava and Bex, and so are the animals of the farm including Bear the dog. A small town romance with a celebrity coming home for help. I couldn't put this book down! 5 stars!
The secondary characters are sweet Ava and Bex, and so are the animals of the farm including Bear the dog. A small town romance with a celebrity coming home for help. I couldn't put this book down! 5 stars!
June 11, 2024
The story drug out for me. The writing style wasn't my thing, but I enjoyed Bex and kye. I even enjoyed fletcher more toward the end of the book.
October 8, 2025
I'm rating this as 4 stars because I simply don't believe in trying to hurt authors. I think super low ratings are for books that weren't ready to be published, which isn't the case here even if it wasn't for me. So, at the risk of wreaking havoc on the system, 4 = not for me 5 = liked it.
I've seen Spangler speak on panels and always found their comments to be razor sharp. Combined with awards and obvious popularity, I had high hopes for this story. Unfortunately, it's not working for me, mostly because of Fletcher.
Fletcher is painted as the victim, and I struggle with characters who see themselves that way, but it's made so much worse by the fact that she's horrible to Kye every chance she gets. Kye has her moments too, don't get me wrong, but at least overall I can pull for her. Fletcher, I don't even want to get the girl.
She acts like the break up is all on Kye because she chose to pursue an acting career. I haven't even gotten to the break up reveal yet and don't know if I will because I might have to DNF this, but from what's been said so far, they both just chose their careers which required different locations, meaning it was as much Fletcher's choice as Kye's. Maybe there's something dramatic in that break up that would change my mind, but the foreshadowing has not implied that.
My breaking point is the conversation between Ava and Kye after Fletcher's drugged out "I've always loved you" confession in the hospital. Ava is telling Kye that Fletcher deserves more because she was vulnerable and confessed her feelings, and Kye didn't say it back. I can't get on board. Fletcher has done nothing but tell Kye to fuck off since she got there, including after having sex with her, which is awful. Making one little comment now while she was too blitzed to even remember it, is not vulnerability or to be taken seriously. In fact, it would be weird and inappropriate for Kye to try to hold Fletcher to something she clearly was not in her right mind during.
I think my disconnect with this story is that I feel like I'm supposed to think Fletcher is better than she actually comes across on page, and I'm supposed to think Kye is worse than she actually comes across on page. Sweet, steady Fletcher who got her heart broken and never got over it. Selfish, drama queen Kye who left town for the silver screen.
Meanwhile, Kye is the one who came back and is trying to reconnect. She's the one who tried to come back before just to see Fletcher with a new girlfriend. And I just don't see why having a dream as such a sin in the first place. Fletcher is the one who moved on (tried, anyway) and the one who pushes Kye away at every opportunity, often brutally. Their actions just aren't matching up with the profiles I was given. Fletcher is a nice guy who isn't nice and a ride or die who doesn't ride or die.
To make matters worse, there's nothing particularly desirable or redeeming about Fletcher. She can do mounted archery, which is cool, but there's nothing in her personality that I'm buying as appealing enough to keep movie star Kye hung up for a decade, or to keep super sweet Ava's loyalty. She's preachy, bitter, self-pitying, and domineering (not in the sexy way).
I'm also not understanding why Ava is still so attached to Fletcher. I get that lesbians staying friends after a break up is very much a thing, and I agree once you're truly happy you stop caring how your ex wronged you. That alone doesn't turn you into great friends, though. The reality is Fletcher was an awful girlfriend to Ava. They all acknowledge this. She was disconnected and in love with Kye the whole time. She would need to offer some serious value for Ava to not only forgive this but become her biggest advocate, and I'm just not seeing what it was.
Fletcher just doesn't really earn anyone's adoration or loyalty on page. We're told she's awesome, but I could have really used some moments of seeing her being awesome.
On a smaller note, some of the conversations just felt unrealistic. Like with Fletcher and Gran, in particular. I just don't see a grandmother offering her granddaughter's ex a long, unsolicited dissertation on her character and dating life. Again, Fletcher was an awful girlfriend. Family members tend not to love that. I just couldn't buy it.
Also a small note, the sex felt sudden and diffused a lot of the tension. Far be it from me to complain about a sex scene. I'll take it, but I don't think the tension was really recaptured after (It never fully is so this is partially universal).
It also felt like a missed opportunity when Fletcher turned out to be such a bottom in the scene. Don't get me wrong, the scene was fine, but Fletcher has been stomping around trying to control Kye for half a book. It's been annoying. This was the moment it could have finally been hot, and it didn't happen.
Anyway, the writing was decent. Spangler clearly has talent. The characters just fell apart for me. I'd give Spangler another go. I'm sure this was just a bad luck match up. I enjoyed Fletcher impaling herself with an arrow a little too much, and that's not good LOL.
I've seen Spangler speak on panels and always found their comments to be razor sharp. Combined with awards and obvious popularity, I had high hopes for this story. Unfortunately, it's not working for me, mostly because of Fletcher.
Fletcher is painted as the victim, and I struggle with characters who see themselves that way, but it's made so much worse by the fact that she's horrible to Kye every chance she gets. Kye has her moments too, don't get me wrong, but at least overall I can pull for her. Fletcher, I don't even want to get the girl.
She acts like the break up is all on Kye because she chose to pursue an acting career. I haven't even gotten to the break up reveal yet and don't know if I will because I might have to DNF this, but from what's been said so far, they both just chose their careers which required different locations, meaning it was as much Fletcher's choice as Kye's. Maybe there's something dramatic in that break up that would change my mind, but the foreshadowing has not implied that.
My breaking point is the conversation between Ava and Kye after Fletcher's drugged out "I've always loved you" confession in the hospital. Ava is telling Kye that Fletcher deserves more because she was vulnerable and confessed her feelings, and Kye didn't say it back. I can't get on board. Fletcher has done nothing but tell Kye to fuck off since she got there, including after having sex with her, which is awful. Making one little comment now while she was too blitzed to even remember it, is not vulnerability or to be taken seriously. In fact, it would be weird and inappropriate for Kye to try to hold Fletcher to something she clearly was not in her right mind during.
I think my disconnect with this story is that I feel like I'm supposed to think Fletcher is better than she actually comes across on page, and I'm supposed to think Kye is worse than she actually comes across on page. Sweet, steady Fletcher who got her heart broken and never got over it. Selfish, drama queen Kye who left town for the silver screen.
Meanwhile, Kye is the one who came back and is trying to reconnect. She's the one who tried to come back before just to see Fletcher with a new girlfriend. And I just don't see why having a dream as such a sin in the first place. Fletcher is the one who moved on (tried, anyway) and the one who pushes Kye away at every opportunity, often brutally. Their actions just aren't matching up with the profiles I was given. Fletcher is a nice guy who isn't nice and a ride or die who doesn't ride or die.
To make matters worse, there's nothing particularly desirable or redeeming about Fletcher. She can do mounted archery, which is cool, but there's nothing in her personality that I'm buying as appealing enough to keep movie star Kye hung up for a decade, or to keep super sweet Ava's loyalty. She's preachy, bitter, self-pitying, and domineering (not in the sexy way).
I'm also not understanding why Ava is still so attached to Fletcher. I get that lesbians staying friends after a break up is very much a thing, and I agree once you're truly happy you stop caring how your ex wronged you. That alone doesn't turn you into great friends, though. The reality is Fletcher was an awful girlfriend to Ava. They all acknowledge this. She was disconnected and in love with Kye the whole time. She would need to offer some serious value for Ava to not only forgive this but become her biggest advocate, and I'm just not seeing what it was.
Fletcher just doesn't really earn anyone's adoration or loyalty on page. We're told she's awesome, but I could have really used some moments of seeing her being awesome.
On a smaller note, some of the conversations just felt unrealistic. Like with Fletcher and Gran, in particular. I just don't see a grandmother offering her granddaughter's ex a long, unsolicited dissertation on her character and dating life. Again, Fletcher was an awful girlfriend. Family members tend not to love that. I just couldn't buy it.
Also a small note, the sex felt sudden and diffused a lot of the tension. Far be it from me to complain about a sex scene. I'll take it, but I don't think the tension was really recaptured after (It never fully is so this is partially universal).
It also felt like a missed opportunity when Fletcher turned out to be such a bottom in the scene. Don't get me wrong, the scene was fine, but Fletcher has been stomping around trying to control Kye for half a book. It's been annoying. This was the moment it could have finally been hot, and it didn't happen.
Anyway, the writing was decent. Spangler clearly has talent. The characters just fell apart for me. I'd give Spangler another go. I'm sure this was just a bad luck match up. I enjoyed Fletcher impaling herself with an arrow a little too much, and that's not good LOL.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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