Hudson Rawlins is the eldest of four sons, and a chip off the old block. He doesn't do relationships. He is happy working the ranch and being left alone.
Addy Howard has a six month contract as the new equine vet for Lewistown, Montana. And she has just been assigned as the ride along vet for the Rosewood ranch annual muster. But she hasn’t been on a horse since her horrific fall at the Show Jumping Olympic Qualifiers.
When her past sees them thrust together, will Hudson finally crack and let her in?
Or will the expectations his father for both of them mean things between them heat up just for shatter apart?
This book was my first cowboy romance and it DID NOT DISAPPOINT 🥹 I’m obsessed with Hudson & Addy’s love story. I love how their friendship developed; it was so real and intimate, I felt like I was witnessing it firsthand. I honestly thought most cowboy romances would be cringey, but boy was I wrong about this one.
Tough Love scratched in itch I didn’t even know I had and I’m afraid I can never get enough now 😭
8/19/25: review to come…in the meantime, this book had my heart breaking multiple times 😩😭 anyway, I’ll be dreaming of a romantic cowboy now thanks guys 🙃😙🤠😭
it was very insta-lust but the H was so very rude to her in the beginning which i normally don’t mind but he would be rude to her and then in his mind be like “i’m so hard right now” 😂 he was just very beta to me and i didn’t like that.
there wasn’t really anything that stood out to me, like the writing wasn’t bad, it was just a little toooo descriptive. but there were PLENTY of spicy scenes and i think that saved it for me 😂😅 they didn’t have full on sex until like 70% but the other things they did started at like 40% and it was nice 😂😂😂😂
no real ow/om drama
the H had an ex that broke his heart five years ago and he is still hurt by it but he gave up on women after that so i’m assuming he’s been celibate since then 😂 the h was in a three year relationship with a guy that constantly cheated on her but no mention of their last time and he does come back trying to cause drama but she wants nothing to do with him.
there is also her boss who is a creep and he tries to assault her and calls her a slut.
AND THEN MY LEAST FAVORITE TYPE OF THIRD ACT BREAK UP….the “she deserves better so i’m letting her go live her life even if we are both miserable” 😅😅😅😅
all this to say: it wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t my favorite. i did get this as an arc but i don’t think im going to continue the series.
The spice? YES. Goodness gracious yes please. It was a slow build up but it was worth every second because we got the inner monologue of the characters and they did not hold back their dirty thoughts.
The characters? YES MA’AM!!!! Our grumpy MMC (super sexy cowboy with veiny forearms? SWOOOON) Super smart vet FMC who is sunshine and goodness and sweetness and everyone loves her plus she’s GORGEOUS, and honestly, I think I love her as well. She can be my girlfriend.
The storyline: sweet and deep and with great background+supporting characters.
Another bonus? I cried a few times. Several from happy crying and a few times from sad crying. The epilogue was EVERYTHING. EVVVVVERYYYYTHINNNGGG.
And there’s going to be more books in the series that are about the other characters? I am STOKED about it.
5/5 for this cozy romance. It was written well, too, and it was so easy to read. Very well done.
I was fully invested from the beginning. I went through a full range of emotions while reading it which is something I love in a book.
Adeline is so strong and resilient. Addy never backs down and overcomes her trauma with the help of our favorite cowboy, Hudson. Huddy is grumpy and brooding but only because he is overcoming his own heartbreak. Together they heal and grow and create a beautiful relationship. And their chemistry?! Their spice?! YES PLEASE!!
I definitely recommend this read for anyone looking for a beautiful romance full of cowboys and love. I can't wait for book 2!
“She decided I was worth her forever, and I will spend the rest of mine making damn sure I earn it. Even if it's one kiss at a time.”
Dear lord! Huddy and Addy.. where do I begin! This love story is one for every animal loving, cowboy hunting, strong headed woman out there! These two are fire and ice and just fit perfectly! I love the story and the time line was just perfect! My heart broke for Huddy in NYC, but had a feeling our girl couldn’t stay away! If she was thinking it I was ready to scream! I can’t wait to see what happens with Reedsy and Rubes!!!
This story is so sweet and fun! I thoroughly enjoyed it. I cried and I laughed, together some. I love Addy and Huddys story! I highly recommend it for anyone in their cowboy era of reading or anyone at all that just loves a good romance book. It’s now became my favorite book! ❤️
This book was such a sweet, comforting read and then BAM! Emotional damage. Addy’s accident wrecked me. Like, actual tears. I wasn’t prepared and frankly, I feel betrayed in the best way.
Hudson? Ohhh Hudson. Gruff, growly, blue-eyed cowboy with a secret soft side? Say less. I’m already packing my bags for Montana.
Now look, the ol’ “we’re just a fling, right?” miscommunication trope made an appearance (y’all know it’s not my fave), but I powered through. Mostly because I was fully invested in this stubborn duo and their journey to Happily Ever After™.
Also, shoutout to the side characters; I’m obsessed. Each one was so well-written and I can’t wait to fall in love with every single one of them
If you’re after a solid cowboy romance with plenty of swoon, a dash of angst, and small-town charm that’ll make you consider moving to the middle of nowhere… this one’s for you.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶️🌶️🌶️ First I’d like to thank the author and book funnel for the opportunity to read this as an ARC I’m beyond grateful! Anyone who knows me would know I’m a sucker for a small town cowboy romance and that still stands after reading this book. It’s decently spicy but the main focus is still the overall plot/storyline which believe me when I say, will pull at your heartstrings. There’s a lot of mental battle within the main characters which is why I loved this book so much. The fact that it is written in dual POV gives you the ability to really feel what each character is feeling and understand everything they may be going through. I absolutely loved Addy and Hudson’s story they truly are the cutest couple and I can’t wait for the rest of the series!
I was gifted an ARC from the author in exchange for a review but honestly, this book was impossible to put down.
Very much a book where both characters immediately realize the other one could get them in trouble, because they feel a romantic pull. It’s somewhere between mutual pining and slow burn and written SO WELL.
I love me a misunderstood, grumpy, cowboy like it’s nobody’s business and this book is giving just that. He also is the first to help our former Olympian trials contender to get back on a horse after a terrible accident and career ending injury who’s struggling finding her place on her family’s ranch.
These two were built for each other and I’m SO glad that Hudson got his head out of his ass and saw what his dog Charlie saw from day one. When Charlie hated EVERYONE else, he was immediately in love with Addy, similar to Huddy himself.
I absolutely LOVED this book, I finished it in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down! As a veterinary nurse, reading this book brought a smile to my face- especially the propofol joke! I always love a grumpy x sunshine, and a cowboy romance at that. Such a good read and I can’t wait for the next one!
⭐️⭐️⭐️.25 - It was… OK… I believe this was the author’s debut novel, so if that’s the case, this was definitely leaps and bounds above many of the other debuts I’ve read.
I found the first 20% or so a bit slow and felt the MMC was a bit excessive with how cold he was toward the FMC - even if it was because he was trying to save himself from falling for her. I also found a constant mentions of him getting hard just by being in her presence a bit much. I know it’s been a while, sir, but you’re 34 years old…
The bulk of the story had some cute, romantic, intimate moments that had me in my feels and the roundup brought some Yellowstone vibes which I enjoyed. I thought the captain/ship analogy was sweet and liked the way it was tied into the ending 🥲
There were a fair amount of spicy scenes, which started out good enough, but began to feel transactional and repetitive when the MCs kept getting each other off following the same tit for tat formula. I also found the author’s choice of wording strange at times… There was plenty of x-rated language sprinkled throughout, so I didn’t understand the frequency with which “apex” replaced naming actual parts. It felt like something that would suit a closed door read - and this was not that. Another reviewer summarized it well in pointing out that the casual use of “apex” outside of these scenes made the whole thing awkward.
—Spoilers Below—
MMC Hudson was swoon-worthy enough when we got to see his soft side, but I was never drooling over him in a way that I’d adopt him as my next book boyfriend. As we got around to the dreaded third act breakup, he went from viable MMC to a useless, pouty baby. After making zero attempt to feel out whether Addy might want to stay or expressing his dream of a future with her, the man drove 4 days to win her back but then sees her through a window with her ex and bolts?! Where was the fight for her?! Why didn’t he confront her ex? That scene was just a strange vibe all around. Why did Ruby even invite him to the table in the first place?
The lack of fire on Hudson’s part and the general absence of communication between… everyone… made for a disappointing denouement. I was very confused about why Addy wasn’t pitched to replace Justin if he wanted out of the clinic business - the perfect solution for everyone. Some variation of this doesn’t come until too late. Why wasn’t Hudson privy to the discussion between his father and Addy?
I also have a very hard time believing Harry was just out to get his son wifed up the whole time and is that much of a romantic. It didn’t suit him. He was way more off a hard ass than that and I feel like he could have had a meaningful moment with his son without the next level cheese.
As we know, I’m an absolute sucker for a small town, cowboy romance and this book was no exception! 😍
The theme of ‘Tough Love’ featured all the way into the epilogue of this book and I loved that so much!
My heart was literally in my mouth during the prologue where we read about Addy’s accident! 😭
Hudson being the grumpy cowboy ‘yes man’ dishes out the ‘Tough Love’ to get Addy back on a horse, and the way he melts during this process is just 🤌🏼🤌🏼🤌🏼
I started the book with such a negative view of Harry but absolutely melted towards him and his (again) ‘Tough Love’ ways! He’s giving John Dutton iykyk. 😍
Also this was the first cowboy romance book I’ve read where the ranch owners wife is still alive, and it bought such a beautiful dynamic to the book!
I loved this book....I sobbed, I laughed, I cried some more, my heart shattered and was put back together. That is a love story for the ages. The strength Addy shows and the support Hudson gives is everything... I want to read it again and again for the first time. I cannot wait for more Rosewood Ranch stories. Go on read it, you won't regret it
I was an ARC review for this amazing book and I feel lucky! This book made me laugh, cry, smile cheesy, and cheer them on. If you are in the cowboy romance era this is the one for you! I read this book l one day and I could not put it down! Addy and Huddys story was incredible, the brought out what they both needed in each other. Huddy the grump and addy the brave. Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ I also really loved Harry, and the way he thinks! Run and don’t walk to get this book to read 🖤🖤
I have been on a cowboy kick lately and this book sucked me in from the beginning! I love Hudson and Addy and this story and this family! I couldn’t wait to see what happened next and I can’t wait for Reed and Ruby’s story next!
I had the honour to be an ARC reader for this beautiful book 💖💜. This is possibly one of the hottest cowboy books I've ever read in my life. This book got me so emotional, I liked the storyline, I loved the characters development and the dynamic that they had, everything was in point. the grumpy x sunshine trope was perfect, the healing process and how Addy faced her fears and the love scenes were the best. And all of the side characters were great and I hope they all get books!
I'm surprised to see that none of the reviews are talking about the MMC's Oedipus complex and the FMC's enthusiasm about it because that is my main complaint about this story.
First of all, you should know this story is not a romance. It is erotica. Nothing wrong with that, of course, just something to be aware of if you're looking for an easy book to read during your lunch break at work (like I was). I was not prepared to be reading about Hudson's easy and frequent arousal while sitting next to my coworkers. The word "thrust" in the description should've been my clue, but I guess I skimmed over that part.
So, the main thing that creeped me out is that the MMC's mom gave him a nickname that only she calls him. Except, for some reason, the FMC decides to start calling him this nickname too. And the MMC likes it. Y'all, she uses this name during explicit sex scenes. My husband also has a nickname that only his mom calls him, and while I have called him this name a handful of times in a joking way, I know for a fact if I used it during sex, that would be an immediate mood killer for him. Why would you want to think about your mom while having sex? Why would you want your partner to be thinking about his mom during sex? Every time FMC used this name, it repulsed me and took me right out of the story.
Spoilers ahead!
There were also other little things that drove the point home but didn't creep me out as much as the name thing. For example, MMC's parents have a little joke that Pa is the ship and Ma is the captain, and MMC and FMC start saying this about themselves as well. They fool around at his mom's birthday party and then leave the party early to have sex for the first time, which was planned out by MMC, complete with scattered flowers (why would you *plan* your first time together to be during your mom's birthday party??) Right before they have said first-time sex, FMC brings up his mom. To his credit, he says he doesn't want to think about his mom right then, but it was still weird that it happened at all. FMC got his mom a personalized bracelet referencing the captain thing as a present, and much later in the story, Ma gives FMC the same bracelet, so they have matching bracelets. Overall, just a lot of weird MMC comparing FMC to his mom, FMC comparing herself to his mom, other people comparing her to his mom.
No judgement on what other people like, different strokes for different folks and all, but it was a hard no for me personally, and I won't be reading the rest of the series because of that.
All that said, if you're into that or if you're neutral, it's a decent story. Easy read, predictable conflicts, a couple sad animal things, heavy on the steam, light on the logic. Basically what one would expect from erotica.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Maybe it’s because I’m in a reading rut, but I’m so tired of female characters that everyone is obsessed with. Everyone this girl meets loves her, even the grumpiest of old men? 2 creepy men that can’t take no for an answer? The whole family desperate for her to stick around after seeing her for 2 second? She has zero characteristics to make her this amazing. Also, Huddy? Terrible nickname.
This book is a cute little love story where two people that don't want to fall in love because of the heartbreaking in their past relationship with people that did not love them like they should of. So, I really like the slowing burning in this book like would this start seeing each other or are they just going to let the past in and not be happy in life. I love the support they have gotten from friends and family around them and saying they should be together, and I get it she was going to be there for 6 months before she had to leave again but with a broken heart she had left after everything because he was afraid that he was holding her back from her dream but little did he know that his family had his back and every way because his dad offer her an partnership with his son but at the time he did not know that because he was too pig head to see how she really felt about him and their future. I love how his other brother was talking to her best friend I can't wait to read their story and I'm glad she finally put her dumb ex-boyfriend into place like come on dude she moves state to get away from you like I was thanking goddess she finally told him to leave her and get out her life for good. I'm glad they got marry and had a little girl and a little boy on the way.
“And every which way I look at it, it looks a lot like the start of something that could very well be once in a lifetime.”
4.5 ⭐️
I am utterly speechless. From the moment I picked up ‘Tough Love’, I was transported into Rosewood Ranch. There is something magical in the way that Alexandra Banks writes because her words brought this book to life. I could picture the town, the ranch and the characters vividly. I’m SHOCKED. It honestly felt like I was IN this story, and I think there’s always something so extraordinarily special when you can connect to a book, but it doesn’t actually feel like you’re reading a book.
Hudson is easily top tier boyfriend worthy. He’s labelled as ‘grumpy’ but I honestly think that he is just closed off and guards his heart with iron steel. Let me tell you though… this MAN… once he lets his guard down he is romantic, attentive and just plain BEAUTIFUL🤌🏼 Anytime he called her “sweet girl” I melted.
Addy was also such a great FMC, and I loved seeing the dynamics between her and Huddy🥹. Although she had some trauma, she was strong and resilient, but also had this nurturing and sweet personality which lit up every person she met.
If you love cowboy romances you NEED to pick this up! Especially if you’re a fan of series such as Chestnut Springs, Rebel Blue Ranch or Wells Ranch 🏜️🐄🌼🐴🏠
Arc review 🤠🏇💖- Addy was a show jumper on her childhood horse Jewls when a terrible accident caused an injury & trauma when she gave up riding all together to become a vet. She takes off across the country to help out at a new vets where she meets the Rawlins family who own a ranch. Hudson Rawlins is next in line to take over his family ranch, looking after the pregnant mares meaning he needs to work alongside Addy. He quickly realises the attraction is too much to ignore & tries to push Addy away as he is still recovering from a messy break up himself. However being the Rawlins vet means needing to be able to ride for the roundup & the only person who’s able to get her back on that horse is Hudson. Spending quality time together and baring their deepest insecurities only brings them closer together. They both overcome their fears together realising working and coming together in healing for them both but not without obstacles.
This is a good cowboy / city girl romance! There is angst & tension and lots of spice. The storyline is really good it just sometimes seemed to go off on slight tangents which didn’t feel important to the story and some of the spice was repetitive for me but it did exactly what I wanted it to do & all the characters were really likeable, relatable and fun and I look forward to reading about side characters in the next book.
A strong 3.75⭐️!
Thank you to the author for the opportunity for an ARC 📖
Where do I even start on this one? This was my 3rd cowboy/ranch book this year and I absolutely loved it! Were there some parts that were frustrating as a reader? Absolutely, but I think they were necessary given the background of both MC's, as well as internal and external influences.
My heart felt for Addy working through her trauma and getting back in the saddle but man she was a tough, bada** woman in this story. She stole everyone's hearts whether she realized it or not and I think that is what's so beautiful about her.
Hudson... Omg this man was frustrating at times but also SO sweet when he finally let the wall around his heart crumble down. His respect for Addy, how he stood up for her, that quiet love he showed her constantly, and while he was a bit of a dumb-dumb in parts, you could feel how he was battling what was best for her. He kept her at the forefront of his own needs.
And Harry, man he kind of did them dirty but when he explained it all out, I was bawling like a baby.
This book took me on an emotional rollercoaster from laughing to awwing to crying. It was beautiful, had a beautiful ending and I can't wait to read book 2!
**5 Stars – A Perfect Blend of Romance and Heartfelt Connection**
"Tough Love" by Alexandra Banks is an absolute gem! From the moment I started reading, I was captivated by the beautiful and spicy story set in a charming small-town ranch. The dynamics between the characters are incredibly well-crafted, especially the relationship between Hudson and his family. grumpy sunshine meets small town vet.
Addy, the visiting vet, is a perfect and wholesome addition to the narrative. Her character is relatable and endearing, making it easy to root for her throughout the book. The chemistry between Hudson and Addy is palpable, and their romance unfolds in a way that feels both natural and deeply satisfying.
Alexandra Banks has done an outstanding job weaving together a tale of love, family, and personal growth. If you're looking for a story that will tug at your heartstrings while keeping you hooked from beginning to end, "Tough Love" is the book for you. Highly recommend!
--- thank you to Alexandra for allowing me to be an ARC reader. I can’t wait until Book 2!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
What a beautiful, heartwarming story! ❤️ I’m obsessed with these Montana Ranchers now 😍 Devoured it in two short sittings!
After an accident changes the trajectory of her life, follow Addy’s journey of healing, self discovery and falling in love ❤️
I have been an animal lover ever since I was a little girl and I LOVE how they feature so prevalently through this story. Charlie absolutely stole my heart (I’m a dog person, if you couldn’t tell) and all the lovely scenes with horses and ranch life had me wanting to pack up and move to Montana.
All the characters were wonderfully relatable and endearing, I honestly couldn’t pick a favourite. The plot lines and character development all well delivered, and the entire story perfectly paced.
Overall, and easy going , heartwarming and albeit slightly emotional… feel good, cozy read.
Rating 🌟🌟🌟🌟 Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Thank you so much author, Alexandra Banks for the chance to enjoy this as an ARC. I’m so inlove with this series already and CANNOT WAIT for Reed and Ruby’s story!!
This was my first Alexandra Banks novel and she did a small town cowboy romance perfectly. Thank you to Alexandra for the opportunity to read this. I finished it in two sittings😍 It was your perfect easy read to escape into a small country towns ranch and fall inlove all over again. The main characters were relatable and honestly really likeable. The spice was perfect allowing for the plot and love story of Adeline and Hudson ( Addy and Huddy) to shine through but was still STEAMY!! 🌶️The sentiment of the yellow daisies showing up so many times was so sweet like it was apart of each monumental event together. I really enjoyed the dual POV allowing us to understand each characters emotions, internal battles, and perspectives. The epilogue has my heart and I can’t wait for the next story of Reed and Ruby 😍 🤎 Grumpy/Sunshine
All Addy ever wanted was to be an Olympic jumper. But after suffering a massive injury and loss of her horse, she isn’t even thinking about getting back on a horse. She’s accepted her new future, equine vet! She loves her job and she’s good at it! When she accepts a short term contract for a small town clinic, she doesn’t expect to revisit her past trauma. But when a ranch owner demands she accompanies them on the yearly roundup she learns she’s going to have to stomp that fear out. And quick if she wants to continue working. Fret not, Hudson, Huddy, knows how hard his Pa can be an offers ridding lessons. Slowly, as Huddy patiently coaching her back on a horse and fuels her fire again, Addy falls for both the boy and the ranch life. Some Tough Love is what both needed to free themselves from their past traumas. Catch Hudson and Addy is this STEAMY cowboy romance!
“His name is a plea, a chant. And it sinks into my soul, like it was waiting to come home.”
I’m such a sucker for a cowboy romance - the city girl who moves to the country and finds that ranch life is what her soul needs. Hudson & Addy were not supposed to fall in love, they knew that better than anyone..
I really loved the banter within this book & the family dynamic between Hudson’s parents and siblings 💗 the way Hudson was so angsty and grumpy yet down to the core it was all out of love just melted me. His adoration for Addy from the start set this book up for the perfect grumpy x sunshine romance!
The emotions that Addy deals with after her accident were so empowering, and I loved watching her conquer a fear that has crippled her in the past, it had such an emotional impact.
I love a book that can take you through every emotion, and the spice did not disappoint 🔥
“Addy, you could bring a man to the brink of starvation looking like this, sweet girl”
Thank you so much @alexandrabanks for the arc I cannot wait to continue the rosewood ranch series 🫶