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Rosewood Ranch #2
Heart & Hope
Ruby Robbins has exactly six rules.
The first one, no dating, no distractions.
Second, no hoping and praying, just long hours and hard work.
She has her entire career trajectory mapped out and a point to prove to her overachieving, emotionally unavailable, Manhattan family. But when her boss throws her a curve ball and an assignment in who knows where Montana, she grits her teeth and gets on with the job.
There's only one problem, her new client is an old-fashioned woman set in her ways, who believes a woman Ruby's age should be married with kids by now. And when she assumes her new event planner is married, Ruby can't bring herself to correct her.
She can't let her boss down.
But how the hell is she supposed to find a fake husband out in hicksville?
Reed Rawlins is the youngest of four brothers, and the one nobody takes seriously.
Being a total goof probably doesn't help.
The ladies man as his oldest brother Hudson calls him.
Direction or focus is something he's never had. Unless you count his love for his truck... And when Harry hands him millions in ranch and machinery, and most of all high expectations, he is backed into a corner. One he has no idea how to break free from without letting down the entire family.
Not without giving up a secret he has held close to his chest his whole life.
Harry's plans for him and the ranch he never wanted are many, and the thought of disappointing his Ma . . . devastating.
The first one, no dating, no distractions.
Second, no hoping and praying, just long hours and hard work.
She has her entire career trajectory mapped out and a point to prove to her overachieving, emotionally unavailable, Manhattan family. But when her boss throws her a curve ball and an assignment in who knows where Montana, she grits her teeth and gets on with the job.
There's only one problem, her new client is an old-fashioned woman set in her ways, who believes a woman Ruby's age should be married with kids by now. And when she assumes her new event planner is married, Ruby can't bring herself to correct her.
She can't let her boss down.
But how the hell is she supposed to find a fake husband out in hicksville?
Reed Rawlins is the youngest of four brothers, and the one nobody takes seriously.
Being a total goof probably doesn't help.
The ladies man as his oldest brother Hudson calls him.
Direction or focus is something he's never had. Unless you count his love for his truck... And when Harry hands him millions in ranch and machinery, and most of all high expectations, he is backed into a corner. One he has no idea how to break free from without letting down the entire family.
Not without giving up a secret he has held close to his chest his whole life.
Harry's plans for him and the ranch he never wanted are many, and the thought of disappointing his Ma . . . devastating.
353 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 24, 2024
419 people are currently reading
1545 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 215 reviews
June 4, 2025
Such a swoon worthy love story. Reed is my kinda country man. He was such a lovable goof, but also the strong, loyal kinda man every country girl loves!
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October 28, 2024minutes before he saw h and became instantly smitten, he was with two ow planning to screw them both
The redhead scoots off to the bar as I drop into the couch on the back wall. She dots a kiss to my cheek, and I take her chin with my free hand. She covers my mouth with hers a second later. My cock stretches in my pants, digging into her ass.
“Don’t forget about me, Reed.” The couch dips beside me as the redhead settles in close, placing the drinks on the coffee table in front of us.
“We should call it a night,” I say, knowing full well they will protest.
“Can we come with you?” the woman on my lap says, tilting her head to one side, biting her bottom lip. The redhead leans over and nips my ear. “Both of us?”
Plan prepped, executed, and successful. All blood has migrated south, and my rational brain has closed up shop for the night.
“Are you sure?” I put on my most innocent face, nursing my injured hand, but my grin pokes through.
The redhead slaps my shoulder and giggles. “Don’t play dumb with us, we know all about your reputation.
he didn't sleep with them because his dick fell limp shortly after, starts fake dating h the next day and apparently it was love at first sight for him. Yeah, right asshole 👹👹👹
The redhead scoots off to the bar as I drop into the couch on the back wall. She dots a kiss to my cheek, and I take her chin with my free hand. She covers my mouth with hers a second later. My cock stretches in my pants, digging into her ass.
“Don’t forget about me, Reed.” The couch dips beside me as the redhead settles in close, placing the drinks on the coffee table in front of us.
“We should call it a night,” I say, knowing full well they will protest.
“Can we come with you?” the woman on my lap says, tilting her head to one side, biting her bottom lip. The redhead leans over and nips my ear. “Both of us?”
Plan prepped, executed, and successful. All blood has migrated south, and my rational brain has closed up shop for the night.
“Are you sure?” I put on my most innocent face, nursing my injured hand, but my grin pokes through.
The redhead slaps my shoulder and giggles. “Don’t play dumb with us, we know all about your reputation.
he didn't sleep with them because his dick fell limp shortly after, starts fake dating h the next day and apparently it was love at first sight for him. Yeah, right asshole 👹👹👹
October 24, 2024
Reedsy and Ruby are everything.
Reed was such a loveable goof. He was so devoted to his family that he was willing to be unhappy. Reed had tremendous character growth from being selfless to doing what he wants in life. He was always down to help his family and Ruby in any way possible, and I loved that he got that reciprocation from Ruby. I loved that there was representation for male anxiety in this book, I feel like that does not get touched on enough.
I will be honest, in the beginning. I thought Ruby was going to be too stuck up for Reed and the ranch. However, her character growth made me love her so much. Ruby truly realized that her life of rules and only caring about work was not the way to live. I love that she instantly felt so at home with the Rawlins’ but I wished she would have stood up for herself sooner. She got lost in her career and lies and it ultimately spiralled and brought her down.
The plot of this book was overall solid, but I felt like it was jumping around in a few places. I thought the plot with Olivia (Ruby’s boss) would be more touched on for how much she was mentioned. The plot for Reed’s Holiday cabins was well done, and I was so happy to see all the brothers together for the opening party and how they all supported Reed and Ruby.
This book had every trope worth reading: fake marriage, a secret relationship, friends to lovers, and more. I wish we had more time with Reed and Ruby, but I will look forward to seeing them in Mack’s book next!
Thank you to Alexandra for the ARC, I will mentally be living at R & R Ranch forever.
Overall Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Reed was such a loveable goof. He was so devoted to his family that he was willing to be unhappy. Reed had tremendous character growth from being selfless to doing what he wants in life. He was always down to help his family and Ruby in any way possible, and I loved that he got that reciprocation from Ruby. I loved that there was representation for male anxiety in this book, I feel like that does not get touched on enough.
I will be honest, in the beginning. I thought Ruby was going to be too stuck up for Reed and the ranch. However, her character growth made me love her so much. Ruby truly realized that her life of rules and only caring about work was not the way to live. I love that she instantly felt so at home with the Rawlins’ but I wished she would have stood up for herself sooner. She got lost in her career and lies and it ultimately spiralled and brought her down.
The plot of this book was overall solid, but I felt like it was jumping around in a few places. I thought the plot with Olivia (Ruby’s boss) would be more touched on for how much she was mentioned. The plot for Reed’s Holiday cabins was well done, and I was so happy to see all the brothers together for the opening party and how they all supported Reed and Ruby.
This book had every trope worth reading: fake marriage, a secret relationship, friends to lovers, and more. I wish we had more time with Reed and Ruby, but I will look forward to seeing them in Mack’s book next!
Thank you to Alexandra for the ARC, I will mentally be living at R & R Ranch forever.
Overall Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
November 6, 2024
This is my first Alexandra Banks' book and I really enjoy her writing style. The story itself is adorable and so are the characters. Ruby is the typical city girl and Reed is a charming cowboy living on a family farm. I love how different their lifestyles are and yet, the chemistry between them feels all-so-natural. However, I would appreciate more sizzling tension with the protagonists as Ruby and Reed's romance seems a little more like an instalust to me. Hopefully the rest of this series will be more addictive!
***Thanks to the author for kindly providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.***
***Thanks to the author for kindly providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.***
October 16, 2024
I have wanted to read Ruby and Reed’s story since I first met them. I knew there was so much more to them than their outward actions and who they portrayed to the world, and I wasn’t remotely disappointed once I got to know the real them.
I found myself hoping, a theme of this story, throughout the entire book. Hope of survival. Hope of love. Hope of happiness. Hope of finding oneself. Hope of family. It wasn’t easy and a few times I wanted to throw up my hands in frustration because as real as the obstacles were, the romantic in me just wanted it to all be okay.
Some areas could have been explored more, Ruby’s family. The outcome of her decisions at the end. Then there was a little bit of the oddness of the opening and backtracking to be fully immersed in their story since it really started in book one. But the romance and the characters themselves (all of them) was so real, so full, and so moving that I am very content.
Now of course onto the next brother—yay!
I found myself hoping, a theme of this story, throughout the entire book. Hope of survival. Hope of love. Hope of happiness. Hope of finding oneself. Hope of family. It wasn’t easy and a few times I wanted to throw up my hands in frustration because as real as the obstacles were, the romantic in me just wanted it to all be okay.
Some areas could have been explored more, Ruby’s family. The outcome of her decisions at the end. Then there was a little bit of the oddness of the opening and backtracking to be fully immersed in their story since it really started in book one. But the romance and the characters themselves (all of them) was so real, so full, and so moving that I am very content.
Now of course onto the next brother—yay!
January 29, 2025
4⭐️ | 2.5🌶
Ruby and Reed were exactly what I needed at the time. That instant attraction. He falls first, boy obsessed, found family. I ate this up. I loved everyone in this book except for Ruby's family and a few others. The way the Rawlinses just accepted Ruby with open arms when she so deeply craved belonging and love had me melting. I wasn't found of Harry in book 1 but he's grown on me. Alex's writing is always filled with emotion and found family. The anxiety rep was great. can't wait for Grace to crack Mack's shell
Ruby and Reed were exactly what I needed at the time. That instant attraction. He falls first, boy obsessed, found family. I ate this up. I loved everyone in this book except for Ruby's family and a few others. The way the Rawlinses just accepted Ruby with open arms when she so deeply craved belonging and love had me melting. I wasn't found of Harry in book 1 but he's grown on me. Alex's writing is always filled with emotion and found family. The anxiety rep was great. can't wait for Grace to crack Mack's shell
October 16, 2024
This book, damn! Serve me up a slice of Reed Rawlin. Put me in some cowboy boots and call me darlin
Found family
Fake marriage
Small town
Anxiety Rep
She doesn't date
City girl meets montana Cowboy
How do I become a Rawlin because sign me up! I absolutely fell in love with this family and Ruby. They have my whole heart. Ruby is determined and headstrong and set on her goals, but she thinks too much with her head and definitely needs to learn to follow her heart. Who better to teach her than Mr Reed Rawlin, who manages to break down her walls along with all her strinct rules with the help of his family.
I was invested in this book and could not put it down! The writing style is so good. there's witty banter and shamless flirting with some steamy spice thrown in the mix. I love that there's mmc anxiety rep, and it was done so well.
I'm so happy to have discovered this series and can not wait for Mack's story, I'm already pining for it!
Found family
Fake marriage
Small town
Anxiety Rep
She doesn't date
City girl meets montana Cowboy
How do I become a Rawlin because sign me up! I absolutely fell in love with this family and Ruby. They have my whole heart. Ruby is determined and headstrong and set on her goals, but she thinks too much with her head and definitely needs to learn to follow her heart. Who better to teach her than Mr Reed Rawlin, who manages to break down her walls along with all her strinct rules with the help of his family.
I was invested in this book and could not put it down! The writing style is so good. there's witty banter and shamless flirting with some steamy spice thrown in the mix. I love that there's mmc anxiety rep, and it was done so well.
I'm so happy to have discovered this series and can not wait for Mack's story, I'm already pining for it!
October 24, 2024
"I think the old man has met his match in this small blonde with more spark than a wildfire in summer after the driest winter."
Heart & Hope is my first read by author Alexandra Banks, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm such a sucker for a cowboy romance, and let me tell you, I wasn't prepared for cowboy Reed Rawlings. This 28-year-old reluctant cowboy had such a fun, golden retriever attitude and wasn't afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve. Ruby Robbins was an uptight, sticks-to-the-rules event planner who needed to learn how to relax and unwind to keep her job in New York City; of course, Great Falls, MT, was her next destination. I can't blame Ruby; it would have been hard for me to resist all that is the beauty of Montana, especially when a fun cowboy willing to play her fake husband, his open-armed family, and her best friend were waiting for her there. She wasn't prepared for how Reed would worm his way into her heart and want to stay. He wasn't prepared for Ruby to help him change his future while making his father proud.
"This wild and free man - the opposite of everything I have ever been, ever wanted - has me coming apart at the seams with one sweep of his hand through his unruly hair."
Heart & Hope gave us a hot Montana cowboy who wasn't afraid to lay it all on the line for our FMC, falling first and falling HARD, and an uptight city girl who, though hesitant, fell into a found family that accepted her with open arms. Reed and Ruby's relationship from friends to lovers was sweet, spicy, and perfect, and I honestly couldn't get enough. How can you not fall in love with a cowboy who buys you perfect boots? *Swoon* I am looking forward to more books from Alexandra Banks. She writes spicy love stories with true family, mature characters, and appropriate terminology for the world she immerses her readers in. Something I greatly appreciate! I think anyone looking for a sweet and spicy cowboy romance should pick this up immediately!
Thank you, Alexandra Banks for the ARC I received, and I'm reviewing it voluntarily and honestly.
Heart & Hope is my first read by author Alexandra Banks, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm such a sucker for a cowboy romance, and let me tell you, I wasn't prepared for cowboy Reed Rawlings. This 28-year-old reluctant cowboy had such a fun, golden retriever attitude and wasn't afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve. Ruby Robbins was an uptight, sticks-to-the-rules event planner who needed to learn how to relax and unwind to keep her job in New York City; of course, Great Falls, MT, was her next destination. I can't blame Ruby; it would have been hard for me to resist all that is the beauty of Montana, especially when a fun cowboy willing to play her fake husband, his open-armed family, and her best friend were waiting for her there. She wasn't prepared for how Reed would worm his way into her heart and want to stay. He wasn't prepared for Ruby to help him change his future while making his father proud.
"This wild and free man - the opposite of everything I have ever been, ever wanted - has me coming apart at the seams with one sweep of his hand through his unruly hair."
Heart & Hope gave us a hot Montana cowboy who wasn't afraid to lay it all on the line for our FMC, falling first and falling HARD, and an uptight city girl who, though hesitant, fell into a found family that accepted her with open arms. Reed and Ruby's relationship from friends to lovers was sweet, spicy, and perfect, and I honestly couldn't get enough. How can you not fall in love with a cowboy who buys you perfect boots? *Swoon* I am looking forward to more books from Alexandra Banks. She writes spicy love stories with true family, mature characters, and appropriate terminology for the world she immerses her readers in. Something I greatly appreciate! I think anyone looking for a sweet and spicy cowboy romance should pick this up immediately!
Thank you, Alexandra Banks for the ARC I received, and I'm reviewing it voluntarily and honestly.
February 3, 2025
Det här kan vara en av de bästa small town yeehaw böckerna jag läst? Ville DIREKT läsa om? ❤️🔥🤠🥹 Jag är en torsk för Reed Rawlins? Pls sir, ha ett låtsasäktenskap med mig ☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️
October 24, 2024
Omg! I absolutely LOVED Reed and Ruby! The way that boy loved her unconditionally and the growth that she had through the book was just amazing!! I want a “Reedsy” in my life please and thank you!! I can’t wait for more of the Rawlins boys!
I absolutely loved the way that Ruby supported Reed and helped him find his “niche” in ranching life, and the way that Reed would do whatever it took to help Ruby get ahead in her job and achieve her goals and dreams was just perfect! I kinda wanted to crawl into the pages and slap Olive, Morley, and the Inn owners upside the head for the way that they behaved towards Ruby. I loved seeing little tidbits of Hudson and Addy, and I can’t wait to see more of this family when we get Mack and Lawson’s books!!
Friends to Lovers
Found Family
Even though she says it first- I say he falls first
Fake Marriage
Golden Retriever MMC
I absolutely loved the way that Ruby supported Reed and helped him find his “niche” in ranching life, and the way that Reed would do whatever it took to help Ruby get ahead in her job and achieve her goals and dreams was just perfect! I kinda wanted to crawl into the pages and slap Olive, Morley, and the Inn owners upside the head for the way that they behaved towards Ruby. I loved seeing little tidbits of Hudson and Addy, and I can’t wait to see more of this family when we get Mack and Lawson’s books!!
Friends to Lovers
Found Family
Even though she says it first- I say he falls first
Fake Marriage
Golden Retriever MMC
February 3, 2025
I love this book so much and the names of the characters. This book was adorable
February 18, 2025
4.5⭐️
I was WAITING for Reed and Ruby’s book and it didn’t disappoint! These two had a connection, a connection that was there from the very first time they saw each other. I also loved seeing the others come back! I always love seeing the family aspects of books and this has such a strong family connection. This book really showed the meaning of family and I’ll forever be a fan of the Rawlins Family book! I read this book quickly and easily and I really enjoyed the story line throughout.
This story follows Ruby as she finds herself in Montana on a work assignment. The only problem is, her new client is very old fashioned and believes a women Ruby’s age should be married, and assumes just that, that ruby has a husband. Which in fact, she doesn’t. Not wanting to let her boss down, she hunts down a fake husband. In comes Reed Rawlins, the youngest of the Rawlins boys, and always willing to lend a hand to Ruby. His family have these high expectations for him, but the only problem is, he has no intention of filling them, but doesn’t want to let them down. Both Reed and Ruby help each other, bringing them even closer than just friends.
- Duel POV
- Fake marriage
- Secret relationship
- Friends to lovers
- Found family
Reed Rawlins is probably my favourite Rawlins brother. He is such a goofball, that loves his family unconditionally. Reed is just the perfect MMC, he loves, he cares, he protects, he laughs but he also has feelings that show that not all men are perfect and that they can have anxiety too, which isn’t touched on much. I just adored the banter and laughs Reed was able to have and I absolutely fell in love with his willingness to be there for Ruby no matter what she wanted or needed, and not just Ruby, but his family too. The best thing about him, he wasn’t afraid to show his emotions to Ruby, he wanted her to see all of him.
Ruby Robins, you QUEEN. I loved Ruby in the whole book. She had her rules and lived by them, but realising that’s not all life is about was such a big step for her. She was held back by her work and thoughts, but having not only Reed, but the whole Rawlins family back her was so special.
Their relationship is special, they both show each other the encouragement they both need to fix up their lives for the better. They were made for each other, there is no other way to explain it. I really enjoyed their story and I can’t wait to watch this series grow.
#bookreview #books #nosuchthingastoomuchreading #rosewoodranchseries #heartandhope #alexandrabanks #reedrawlins #rubyrobbins
I was WAITING for Reed and Ruby’s book and it didn’t disappoint! These two had a connection, a connection that was there from the very first time they saw each other. I also loved seeing the others come back! I always love seeing the family aspects of books and this has such a strong family connection. This book really showed the meaning of family and I’ll forever be a fan of the Rawlins Family book! I read this book quickly and easily and I really enjoyed the story line throughout.
This story follows Ruby as she finds herself in Montana on a work assignment. The only problem is, her new client is very old fashioned and believes a women Ruby’s age should be married, and assumes just that, that ruby has a husband. Which in fact, she doesn’t. Not wanting to let her boss down, she hunts down a fake husband. In comes Reed Rawlins, the youngest of the Rawlins boys, and always willing to lend a hand to Ruby. His family have these high expectations for him, but the only problem is, he has no intention of filling them, but doesn’t want to let them down. Both Reed and Ruby help each other, bringing them even closer than just friends.
- Duel POV
- Fake marriage
- Secret relationship
- Friends to lovers
- Found family
Reed Rawlins is probably my favourite Rawlins brother. He is such a goofball, that loves his family unconditionally. Reed is just the perfect MMC, he loves, he cares, he protects, he laughs but he also has feelings that show that not all men are perfect and that they can have anxiety too, which isn’t touched on much. I just adored the banter and laughs Reed was able to have and I absolutely fell in love with his willingness to be there for Ruby no matter what she wanted or needed, and not just Ruby, but his family too. The best thing about him, he wasn’t afraid to show his emotions to Ruby, he wanted her to see all of him.
Ruby Robins, you QUEEN. I loved Ruby in the whole book. She had her rules and lived by them, but realising that’s not all life is about was such a big step for her. She was held back by her work and thoughts, but having not only Reed, but the whole Rawlins family back her was so special.
Their relationship is special, they both show each other the encouragement they both need to fix up their lives for the better. They were made for each other, there is no other way to explain it. I really enjoyed their story and I can’t wait to watch this series grow.
#bookreview #books #nosuchthingastoomuchreading #rosewoodranchseries #heartandhope #alexandrabanks #reedrawlins #rubyrobbins
March 8, 2025
Reed and Ruby were as adorable as I thought they would be, and as always I adored the moments with the Rawlins family. The couple has great banter and I loved seeing them build something together even more than the actual fake relationship trope, that never really felt that fake to me seeing how they cared for each other already. And the spice was spicing in this one! However this might be my least favorite of the series so far and it has everything to do with the fact that most of the friendship dynamic between Reed and Ruby was actually seen in the first book. Instead of (or in addition to) seeing those same events rehashed in their POVs at the start of the this book, I would have loved to see them interacting a little in the time between the ending of book 1 and Ruby returning for work and starting the fake relationship with Reed, just to drive home the fact that these two became friends in the meantime. The feeling I have is that I wouldn't have enjoyed them as much as I did if I hadn't read book 1, which is something that didn't happen when I read Mack and Gracie's story in book 3, which is the book I started the series with.
Rating: 3.5 ⭐
Spice: 3.5 🌶️
Rating: 3.5 ⭐
Spice: 3.5 🌶️
October 16, 2024
Another hit by Alexandra Banks. I laughed, I cried, I hoped, I dreamed. This story has it all. I couldn't put this book down from start to finish.
Reed Rawlins is the new book boyfriend in town. A man who just needed someone to believe in him and help him discover what he wants in life, who better to do so than a woman who has all the rules she needs to live the life she thinks she wants.
Reed Rawlins is the new book boyfriend in town. A man who just needed someone to believe in him and help him discover what he wants in life, who better to do so than a woman who has all the rules she needs to live the life she thinks she wants.
October 15, 2024
Move over Huddo! There's a new Rawlins that makes our heart beat faster than it should!
This book was SO good. Reed was seriously the best mmc ever. He's so freaking sweet. Ruby was a legit boss babe!
This book was SO good. Reed was seriously the best mmc ever. He's so freaking sweet. Ruby was a legit boss babe!
October 14, 2024
What a thanksgiving read
I strongly recommend reading book 1 first as these come off as more of an interconnected series especially character wise.
It’s Ruby and Reeds turn in this fast paced insta love he falls first cowboy read.
I strongly recommend reading book 1 first as these come off as more of an interconnected series especially character wise.
It’s Ruby and Reeds turn in this fast paced insta love he falls first cowboy read.
July 26, 2025
Oh, I loved this.
I enjoyed Hudson and Addy's story, but my heart officially belongs to Reed ❤️
The Rawlins family are absolutely perfect in every way.
This book is so heartwarming. The story was also funny, maddening, and well, the spice was spicy! 😂🌶
I enjoyed Hudson and Addy's story, but my heart officially belongs to Reed ❤️
The Rawlins family are absolutely perfect in every way.
This book is so heartwarming. The story was also funny, maddening, and well, the spice was spicy! 😂🌶
October 18, 2024
I absolutely loved this book!
The banter was absolutely GIVING, the spice was spicing🌶️, the found family in this series is truly amazing.
I absolutely love Louisa! She is so sweet and such a great mother figure. All the characters are incredible to be honest.
I cannot wait for book 3! I really love this authors writing style! I find it super easy to read.
The banter was absolutely GIVING, the spice was spicing🌶️, the found family in this series is truly amazing.
I absolutely love Louisa! She is so sweet and such a great mother figure. All the characters are incredible to be honest.
I cannot wait for book 3! I really love this authors writing style! I find it super easy to read.
February 25, 2025
3/5 stars - Didn’t enjoy this one as much as the first in the series. I don’t prefer the fake dating/fake marriage trope anyway and while I do feel like that wasn’t this overarching theme, this book felt way more smutty than book 1. I ended up skimming parts of chapters because it just felt so redundant and overdone.
January 3, 2025
4.5🌟 I loved this boooook and I can’t wait for Mack’s next❤️🔥
May 15, 2025
⭐️ 3 ⭐️ Cute but cheesy at times. Like super cheesy. I wanted to like this so much more than I did but unfortunately some things were just too much. I’m excited to continue the series though.
October 23, 2024
"Ruby Robbins, the only girl I've ever wanted with my heart and soul. And the one I can't f'n have."
Sweet baby Jesus, that Reed Rawlins says the best things all the time. This was my first Alexandra Banks book and I fell in love with her writing immediately. Rubes and Reedsy consumed me. I always love a story where the playboy MMC meets THE ONE and Ruby definitely had him working for it.
These two actually started out as friends. They connected immediately (it was love at first sight for Reed). Ruby needs a huge favor and Reed is there for her. The thing about Ruby is she lives by these rules and leaves no room for actual living and fun. Reed starts to slowly show her those things are actually possible along with success. The poor thing has a family that is basically non existent in her life, her best friend is her family. She soon gets that feeling of belonging with Reed's family so now not only has he started worming his way into her heart but his family has too. She sees Reed when others don't. She sees ranching isn't the lifestyle he wants and she starts helping him figure out a plan for something he would actually enjoy doing. She fights herself internally though when it comes to admitting how she really feels about Reed.
Reed, sweet talkin' Reed. He doesn't want to disappoint anyone and keeps so much to himself to prevent that from happening. It takes Ruby coming to town and her encouragement for him to start speaking up for himself. It is a given he falls for her and he falls hard. Always in the back of his mind though is the fact she isn't staying. At the same time he wants to be the one to show her love is a real possibility and that she does belong by his side.
The connection between these two is absolute perfection. Yup, there were a few times I wanted to yell at both of them for not speaking up but all in all I thoroughly enjoyed the journey these two took together. Ruby is it for Reed, there will never be another. Her having never felt the love of a man in a romantic way she isn't sure how to handle it and who better to show her than THE Reed Rawlins. He is the one that is made for her!
Sweet baby Jesus, that Reed Rawlins says the best things all the time. This was my first Alexandra Banks book and I fell in love with her writing immediately. Rubes and Reedsy consumed me. I always love a story where the playboy MMC meets THE ONE and Ruby definitely had him working for it.
These two actually started out as friends. They connected immediately (it was love at first sight for Reed). Ruby needs a huge favor and Reed is there for her. The thing about Ruby is she lives by these rules and leaves no room for actual living and fun. Reed starts to slowly show her those things are actually possible along with success. The poor thing has a family that is basically non existent in her life, her best friend is her family. She soon gets that feeling of belonging with Reed's family so now not only has he started worming his way into her heart but his family has too. She sees Reed when others don't. She sees ranching isn't the lifestyle he wants and she starts helping him figure out a plan for something he would actually enjoy doing. She fights herself internally though when it comes to admitting how she really feels about Reed.
Reed, sweet talkin' Reed. He doesn't want to disappoint anyone and keeps so much to himself to prevent that from happening. It takes Ruby coming to town and her encouragement for him to start speaking up for himself. It is a given he falls for her and he falls hard. Always in the back of his mind though is the fact she isn't staying. At the same time he wants to be the one to show her love is a real possibility and that she does belong by his side.
The connection between these two is absolute perfection. Yup, there were a few times I wanted to yell at both of them for not speaking up but all in all I thoroughly enjoyed the journey these two took together. Ruby is it for Reed, there will never be another. Her having never felt the love of a man in a romantic way she isn't sure how to handle it and who better to show her than THE Reed Rawlins. He is the one that is made for her!
October 22, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 🌶️🌶️
🤠 Found Family
🤠 Fake Marriage
🤠 Small Country Town
🤠 Friends to Lovers
🤠 Opposites Attract
🤠 Dual POV
Move over Hudson, Reed has swooped on in and stolen your top spot I’m afraid! Sign me up to R&R Ranch as that is where I want to live from now on!
I absolutely adored this book. It starts off with an introduction into the life of our city girl FMC Ruby. She is an event planner ready to take on the world and make it big in this space! She is given a new assignment which takes her to Great Falls.
Enter Reed Rawlins, our golden retriever, hilarious, sensitive hunk of an MMC. We meet him in a bar surrounded by women wanting to conquer the “Great Reed Rawlins”.
Pretty quickly we are sucked into their love story, beginning as friends through Addy (Ruby’s best friend, and sister-in-law of Reed) progressing through to a hilarious fake marriage and beyond.
I was absolutely obsessed with the way that Ruby helped Reed figure out what he wanted in life, rather than just following the natural path laid out for him, that he didn’t want. She also helps him overcome his crippling anxiety. Reed gives her space when she needs it and is always there to take care of her and help her to figure out that rules aren’t always meant to be so regimented.
Their dynamic was so intense and incredible, both struggling but bringing out the best in each other and their character growth was brilliant. I also loved the softer side of Harry that we got to see in this book, as well as more of Captain Louisa!
I cannot wait for the next book in this series Saving Grace!
Thank you Alexandra for trusting me with this series, I feel completely honoured!
🤠 Found Family
🤠 Fake Marriage
🤠 Small Country Town
🤠 Friends to Lovers
🤠 Opposites Attract
🤠 Dual POV
Move over Hudson, Reed has swooped on in and stolen your top spot I’m afraid! Sign me up to R&R Ranch as that is where I want to live from now on!
I absolutely adored this book. It starts off with an introduction into the life of our city girl FMC Ruby. She is an event planner ready to take on the world and make it big in this space! She is given a new assignment which takes her to Great Falls.
Enter Reed Rawlins, our golden retriever, hilarious, sensitive hunk of an MMC. We meet him in a bar surrounded by women wanting to conquer the “Great Reed Rawlins”.
Pretty quickly we are sucked into their love story, beginning as friends through Addy (Ruby’s best friend, and sister-in-law of Reed) progressing through to a hilarious fake marriage and beyond.
I was absolutely obsessed with the way that Ruby helped Reed figure out what he wanted in life, rather than just following the natural path laid out for him, that he didn’t want. She also helps him overcome his crippling anxiety. Reed gives her space when she needs it and is always there to take care of her and help her to figure out that rules aren’t always meant to be so regimented.
Their dynamic was so intense and incredible, both struggling but bringing out the best in each other and their character growth was brilliant. I also loved the softer side of Harry that we got to see in this book, as well as more of Captain Louisa!
I cannot wait for the next book in this series Saving Grace!
Thank you Alexandra for trusting me with this series, I feel completely honoured!
August 18, 2025
"You ran into me. You didn’t look up to see me. But I saw you, Ruby."
"I see you now."
Ruby's been assigned to head the events in a Montana inn. She became fast friends with Reed, the rancher at Rosewood Ranch. They became close and more even though their lives are miles apart.
Okay.
I have a few notes.
Imma be honest and say I almost dnf this book at around chapter 4. I got the ick. I pushed through to see if that was a one time thing, and good thing it was.
Now, I am not the type of person to be overly critical with writing styles but this book was just hard to read because there's multiple time jumps here and I got confused with the continuity sequences and scenes. Idk if that's the right term. But I had to read back to know what's happening because I got lost many times.
Onto the good parts ~
I love the characters. They were both flawed and complex but once they got together and believe in one another, their lives took a different turn. I also love how both of them are mature enough to communicate, to be upfront and basically act as adult. (You don't see that enough in romance books lol). They both know the stakes of their friendship and relationship that it was a great journey to read towards their happily ever after.
This book got great small town vibes and found family. It was endearing to see.
I did not see myself reading the rest of the series but glad to read this book.
"I see you now."
Ruby's been assigned to head the events in a Montana inn. She became fast friends with Reed, the rancher at Rosewood Ranch. They became close and more even though their lives are miles apart.
Okay.
I have a few notes.
Imma be honest and say I almost dnf this book at around chapter 4. I got the ick. I pushed through to see if that was a one time thing, and good thing it was.
Now, I am not the type of person to be overly critical with writing styles but this book was just hard to read because there's multiple time jumps here and I got confused with the continuity sequences and scenes. Idk if that's the right term. But I had to read back to know what's happening because I got lost many times.
Onto the good parts ~
I love the characters. They were both flawed and complex but once they got together and believe in one another, their lives took a different turn. I also love how both of them are mature enough to communicate, to be upfront and basically act as adult. (You don't see that enough in romance books lol). They both know the stakes of their friendship and relationship that it was a great journey to read towards their happily ever after.
This book got great small town vibes and found family. It was endearing to see.
I did not see myself reading the rest of the series but glad to read this book.
October 24, 2024
*arc review *
3.5/⭐️
2/🌶️
Listen; I was so excited about this story. I love a good friends to lovers, but if I hear about Rubys rules one more time; imma lose my mind.
I get she was raised like that and work is always first, love isnt important. But even when she physically couldn’t stop herself from jumping into Reeds arms when they were reunited, she’s swore up and down that work is better than this.
It was just infuriating- she eventually got better in my eyes, but she wasn’t my favorite.
Reed- his only red flag to me was he ordered his steak well done??!
The pressure this man put on himself was so hard to read cause it felt so real and personal to me, and I loved feeling those emotions, but also I’m wondering how a playboy literally fell in love as first sight.. that’s weird to me, but that boy loved his Ruby and that’s the important part.
I personally was so excited for this, and maybe I’ll reread it later and hopefully like it better. I was just not connecting it to. And that maybe a me thing?
I still can’t wait to see what else is in store for the other two brothers.
3.5/⭐️
2/🌶️
Listen; I was so excited about this story. I love a good friends to lovers, but if I hear about Rubys rules one more time; imma lose my mind.
I get she was raised like that and work is always first, love isnt important. But even when she physically couldn’t stop herself from jumping into Reeds arms when they were reunited, she’s swore up and down that work is better than this.
It was just infuriating- she eventually got better in my eyes, but she wasn’t my favorite.
Reed- his only red flag to me was he ordered his steak well done??!
The pressure this man put on himself was so hard to read cause it felt so real and personal to me, and I loved feeling those emotions, but also I’m wondering how a playboy literally fell in love as first sight.. that’s weird to me, but that boy loved his Ruby and that’s the important part.
I personally was so excited for this, and maybe I’ll reread it later and hopefully like it better. I was just not connecting it to. And that maybe a me thing?
I still can’t wait to see what else is in store for the other two brothers.
October 24, 2024
This was my first book from this author but you best believe it won’t be my last! Reedsy is just everything 😍, and Ruby is a sassy soul and I love it. I love their dynamic and the banter/flirting between them. And boy when things got spicy did they get SPICY! 🌶️ 🥵
There may be triggers for some in this book so please read the trigger warnings! I feel like this makes Reed even more relatable, and I love him more for that, that he is so vulnerable with Ruby. “A playboy turned sap” as Reed put. 🥰
And Ruby oh my that spunky city girl who falls for the mountains! Who can blame her. 😁 She breaks all her rules for this man. I love that she finally opens up to him about her family and that he sees it all for himself too. And that she gets her ultimate dream “My ultimate dream: To have a home where I feel I belong and people who love me, lots and lots and always, no matter what!”
This is the perfect feel good cowboy romance with spice that also had me giggling and kicking my feet. I am now a fan of Alex’s for life! ❤️
There may be triggers for some in this book so please read the trigger warnings! I feel like this makes Reed even more relatable, and I love him more for that, that he is so vulnerable with Ruby. “A playboy turned sap” as Reed put. 🥰
And Ruby oh my that spunky city girl who falls for the mountains! Who can blame her. 😁 She breaks all her rules for this man. I love that she finally opens up to him about her family and that he sees it all for himself too. And that she gets her ultimate dream “My ultimate dream: To have a home where I feel I belong and people who love me, lots and lots and always, no matter what!”
This is the perfect feel good cowboy romance with spice that also had me giggling and kicking my feet. I am now a fan of Alex’s for life! ❤️
October 30, 2024
I have so many amazing feelings about this story, I do not know how to even put it all into words. There is so much heart and emotion in this story. Essentially, I am completely and totally in love with Reed...and it is a good thing this amazing man is a fictitious man, because if he was living and breathing, my heart would be in deep trouble and my single forever status would falter greatly! I feel great emotions just writing this. And life, aka work, has kept me from reading as quickly as I wanted, but I'd spend my time thinking about him and how much I wanted to get back to the book. There in my subconscious this man and this story just permeate my every thought. Sigh. Major book hangover. I cannot wait to get a chance to read book one and others to come either. Oh yea, and Ruby was the perfect match for Reed and just what he needed, and him and his family and amazing Montana (another major plus for me in the story) were just what she needed. I just may be slightly jealous of that fictitious woman for getting him and his love forever. Yea, I have fallen for yet another fake man, haha.
October 19, 2024
I loved Tough love, so much but Heart and Hope was so well written. Reed Rawlings is my favourite Rawlings now, move over Hudson 😘
Reed is complex and has many different faucets to his character. He falls so hard for Ruby. He puts her first every time, in any situation. Basically he’s a dream man. I have so many highlights through out the book with him just being amazing. “ you are my whole heart, Ruby Jane Roberts” I could write all day about how much I love Reed. Plus he’s a dirty talker and that is always 👩🍳💋 in my books.
Ruby’s fire personality makes her a character you enjoy reading about “ I think the old man has met his match in this small blonde with more spark than a wildfire in summer after the driest winter” I couldn’t have said it better myself.
Reading their story made me so happy, well done Alexandra Banks!!
I can’t wait for the next instalment in this series. Now I’m off to dream about running away to Montana.
October 24, 2024
This book is freaking amazing! I love a man who is so devoted to family that he would risk his own happiness. Reed had such big character growth because he finally starts doing what he wants with his life. Ruby and his family are the most important things in his life. Ruby’s character growth was also kind of big, she realizes her rules and her job are not the exact way to live, once you set those boundaries nothing seems to work in your favor. When she shows up to the ranch she immediately feels at home with the Rawlins family. The slow burn love connection between Reed and Ruby is perfection. When a man calls a girl “baby” almost right off the bat, it does something to me( swoon😍). I cannot wait to read the next book in this series. If you haven’t read this series you are seriously missing out!
October 24, 2024
I loved Reeds and Ruby’s relationship in this book and how they were what the other needed, in so many ways. How Reedsy never second guessed helping Ruby and showed her she needed to enjoy life, not live it by her rules. The way the Rawlins immediately treated Ruby like family, something she’s never experienced, it honestly melted my heart. I was honestly rooting for them from the moment he first saw her and knew she was exactly what he needed in his life. Also the way the anxiety representation was spot on for me and you don’t see it down with the mmc a lot in books. This book had the perfect amount of banter, flirting and spice if anything it showed me we all need a Reed in our lives. The way the fell in love throughout the book was perfect for me and I was so happy they got the HEA they both deserved.
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