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The Darling Brothers #1
Sweet Like Whiskey
The only thing worse than letting him in is the thought of letting him go.
Jackson
If there’s one thing I don’t need upsetting my quiet and comfortable routine in the small town of Darling, Montana, it’s newcomer Ash Alcott crash landing on my family’s ranch like some sort of blonde angel.
I don’t need his flirting. Or his smile. I don’t need the way he makes me question whether or not I’m truly happy being alone at forty. I certainly don’t need to be giving him riding lessons or appreciating the meals he cooks for the ranch.
The man is dangerous for my equilibrium. And he could up and leave at any given moment, tiring of this way of life. It’s happened before.
No, I’m better off ignoring the way he looks at home in a new pair of boots and how my family and the ranchers all adore him. Ash may have brought some sunshine into our lives, but it’s best he learn sooner rather than later…
Ain’t nothing sweet about being saddled with a cowboy like me.
Sweet Like Whiskey is a grumpy/sunshine, small town romance between a stubborn cowboy and the optimistic out-of-towner who’s determined to win him over. There’s ranch life, close-knit family dynamics, gorgeous mountain views, moonlit shenanigans in a hayloft, and one very HEA. It’s book 1 in The Darling Brothers series but can be read as a standalone.
Jackson
If there’s one thing I don’t need upsetting my quiet and comfortable routine in the small town of Darling, Montana, it’s newcomer Ash Alcott crash landing on my family’s ranch like some sort of blonde angel.
I don’t need his flirting. Or his smile. I don’t need the way he makes me question whether or not I’m truly happy being alone at forty. I certainly don’t need to be giving him riding lessons or appreciating the meals he cooks for the ranch.
The man is dangerous for my equilibrium. And he could up and leave at any given moment, tiring of this way of life. It’s happened before.
No, I’m better off ignoring the way he looks at home in a new pair of boots and how my family and the ranchers all adore him. Ash may have brought some sunshine into our lives, but it’s best he learn sooner rather than later…
Ain’t nothing sweet about being saddled with a cowboy like me.
Sweet Like Whiskey is a grumpy/sunshine, small town romance between a stubborn cowboy and the optimistic out-of-towner who’s determined to win him over. There’s ranch life, close-knit family dynamics, gorgeous mountain views, moonlit shenanigans in a hayloft, and one very HEA. It’s book 1 in The Darling Brothers series but can be read as a standalone.
320 pages, Paperback
First published October 24, 2024
577 people are currently reading
2815 people want to read
About the author
Emmy Sanders
25 books1,688 followersEmmy Sanders, author of sweet, steamy, swoony MM romance, would describe herself as a lover of love. She's obsessed with both reading and writing romance and believes everyone deserves their happy ending. Queer herself, Emmy has a soft spot for LGBTQ+ fiction, but MM is where her heart lies. Her debut novel, Fool Hearts, released in 2022.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 674 reviews
October 31, 2024
let’s quickly get over the easy issues: this is boring, no real feelings that make sense, ash sexually harasses his employer but no one really cares and said employer is as interesting as some dirt. oh and i’m not sure why we needed the ex there. completely pointless.
okay, now we can get to the important part.
when i started this, i said that i would drop it immediately if the chronic pain was too much. that’s not me being ableist, that’s me not wanting to read about chronic pain because i have to deal with that in my life.
oh, boy, how wrong i was.
the chronic pain thing is completely useless. it’s in the name only.
ash has chronic pain, however it doesn’t bother him at all. he lives everyday just not thinking about pain, because i guess he’s just better than the rest of us, and he can do everything. no issues. he can stand all day and horse ride and not feel a thing, his back maybe hurts a bit but he’s so strong and amazing so he just ignores it.
of course, of course, he has exactly the grand number of two flares up, but it’s nothing that a hot pack can’t fix! he can just ignore the pain and be normal again the next day.
how convenient, i really wish he could at least share his secrets with us.
i really wish emmy made the character have some flare ups from an old injury. because he behaves that way.
if it wasn’t clear, i’d like to explain that chronic pain isn’t just something that you can ignore and go on with your life. yes, you get used to some pain, so you can “ignore” it, but it’s still there. it means not doing tons of things because you either can’t or because you’ll be in too much pain after. sometimes it means not being able to get out of bed. it means people cutting you off because you can’t do what most people do. it means isolation. it means people, even doctors, not believing you because they can’t find anything wrong with you.
so no, you don’t live a normal life. you don’t just ignore it and it’s fine. it’s just not the physical pain (that apparently doesn’t impact the character most of the time), it’s also mentally exhausting.
i could talk about this for way longer, but i really think you get the point.
okay, now we can get to the important part.
when i started this, i said that i would drop it immediately if the chronic pain was too much. that’s not me being ableist, that’s me not wanting to read about chronic pain because i have to deal with that in my life.
oh, boy, how wrong i was.
the chronic pain thing is completely useless. it’s in the name only.
ash has chronic pain, however it doesn’t bother him at all. he lives everyday just not thinking about pain, because i guess he’s just better than the rest of us, and he can do everything. no issues. he can stand all day and horse ride and not feel a thing, his back maybe hurts a bit but he’s so strong and amazing so he just ignores it.
of course, of course, he has exactly the grand number of two flares up, but it’s nothing that a hot pack can’t fix! he can just ignore the pain and be normal again the next day.
how convenient, i really wish he could at least share his secrets with us.
i really wish emmy made the character have some flare ups from an old injury. because he behaves that way.
if it wasn’t clear, i’d like to explain that chronic pain isn’t just something that you can ignore and go on with your life. yes, you get used to some pain, so you can “ignore” it, but it’s still there. it means not doing tons of things because you either can’t or because you’ll be in too much pain after. sometimes it means not being able to get out of bed. it means people cutting you off because you can’t do what most people do. it means isolation. it means people, even doctors, not believing you because they can’t find anything wrong with you.
so no, you don’t live a normal life. you don’t just ignore it and it’s fine. it’s just not the physical pain (that apparently doesn’t impact the character most of the time), it’s also mentally exhausting.
i could talk about this for way longer, but i really think you get the point.
May 7, 2025
Sweet Like Whiskey is a fantastic low-angst cowboy romance that I completely devoured. I could not get enough of this lovely romance between rancher Jackson and his recent hire Ashley. Their chemistry is instant and although they are complete opposites in terms of their personalities, they both share the desire and need to belong to someone, to have a sense of home.
Overall, I completely fell head over heels for this world and its vast array of characters. These four brothers are all so much fun and I cannot wait for each to get their own HEA.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
Overall, I completely fell head over heels for this world and its vast array of characters. These four brothers are all so much fun and I cannot wait for each to get their own HEA.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
October 12, 2024
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes down below.
I want warm skin pressed against mine at night. I want to dig my fingertips into muscle and hear the sounds of someone unraveling because of my touch. I want to see that look in their eyes that lets me know I’m seen, I’m heard, I’m loved. Goddamn it, I want love.
ARC review
Gosh, Emmy is a really good writer, and I enjoyed this story a whole heckuva lot. It was hell trying to pick quotes for this review because I highlighted about half the damn book. Ashley (love this name for men) and Jackson were both sweethearts and kind people, but wonderfully distinct characters.
His kiss is brutal, and I’d almost think it angry if I couldn’t feel the desperation behind every movement.
Things I wanted to do while reading this:
- eat food with twenty ranchers
- visit a petting zoo
- play with baby goats
- drink whiskey (I don’t even like whiskey)
- ride a… horse
- try rice pudding
I must admit this was maybe a tad too low on angst for my current moods, but it was a wonderful story about adult men who communicated well throughout, and that’s very refreshing. Jackson was hurt quite badly by his ex, and although it is mentioned a few times it really didn’t feel like it affected him.
Ashley might not save a horse, but he does ride a cowboy, and let’s be honest, that’s why we’re reading this.
When I can finally manage a breath, I murmur his name, a small, “Jack,” stolen from my lips like the breath he’s stolen from my lungs.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Cowboy MC
Forced proximity
Grumpy/sunshine
Small town
Grumpy cowboy
Big family
Ranch life
Found family
Hands-free orgasm
Hayloft shenanigans
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Alcohol consumption
Explicit sexual content
MC with chronic pain
Missing child (found safe)
Injured MC
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: Ash’s ex comes into town, trying to get him back, but Ash is not interested. Doesn’t create problems for Ash and Jackson.
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual
Genre: Contemporary romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile (no switching on page)
Main characters’ age: 35 and 40
Series: Interconnected standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 308
Happy ending: Yes
I’d forgotten how good it feels to kiss. To be connected to someone in this way. To feel lust and want coalescing like possibilities I want to chase.
“I’m going to have you, Jackson Darling,” he declares with all the confidence of a man who already knows he’s won. “When you’re ready, I’ll be waiting.”
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?...
I want warm skin pressed against mine at night. I want to dig my fingertips into muscle and hear the sounds of someone unraveling because of my touch. I want to see that look in their eyes that lets me know I’m seen, I’m heard, I’m loved. Goddamn it, I want love.
ARC review
Gosh, Emmy is a really good writer, and I enjoyed this story a whole heckuva lot. It was hell trying to pick quotes for this review because I highlighted about half the damn book. Ashley (love this name for men) and Jackson were both sweethearts and kind people, but wonderfully distinct characters.
His kiss is brutal, and I’d almost think it angry if I couldn’t feel the desperation behind every movement.
Things I wanted to do while reading this:
- eat food with twenty ranchers
- visit a petting zoo
- play with baby goats
- drink whiskey (I don’t even like whiskey)
- ride a… horse
- try rice pudding
I must admit this was maybe a tad too low on angst for my current moods, but it was a wonderful story about adult men who communicated well throughout, and that’s very refreshing. Jackson was hurt quite badly by his ex, and although it is mentioned a few times it really didn’t feel like it affected him.
Ashley might not save a horse, but he does ride a cowboy, and let’s be honest, that’s why we’re reading this.
When I can finally manage a breath, I murmur his name, a small, “Jack,” stolen from my lips like the breath he’s stolen from my lungs.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Cowboy MC
Forced proximity
Grumpy/sunshine
Small town
Grumpy cowboy
Big family
Ranch life
Found family
Hands-free orgasm
Hayloft shenanigans
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Alcohol consumption
Explicit sexual content
MC with chronic pain
Missing child (found safe)
Injured MC
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: Ash’s ex comes into town, trying to get him back, but Ash is not interested. Doesn’t create problems for Ash and Jackson.
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual
Genre: Contemporary romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile (no switching on page)
Main characters’ age: 35 and 40
Series: Interconnected standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 308
Happy ending: Yes
I’d forgotten how good it feels to kiss. To be connected to someone in this way. To feel lust and want coalescing like possibilities I want to chase.
“I’m going to have you, Jackson Darling,” he declares with all the confidence of a man who already knows he’s won. “When you’re ready, I’ll be waiting.”
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?...
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July 5, 2025
RATING 4.5 STARS
Sweet Like Whiskey is book one in The Darling Brothers series by Emmy Sanders. This is my third book by this author and I’ve grown to expect these wonderful characters with huge hearts that love so big. I loved meeting the Darling family, four brothers and their very quirky parents. All live on the Darling Ranch, a huge spread of both dairy cows and beef cows, plenty of horses and an adorable petting zoo.
Jackson Darling is forty years old. He is the second oldest of the four Darling brothers. Jackson has always known that ranching would be his life, it’s all he’s ever wanted. He thought for a time that it was what the man he loved wanted too, until he decided it wasn’t and left. Now alone, Jackson has resigned himself to living a solitary life. Until the day he walked into the main house and came face to face with the most beautiful man he’d ever seen. He was captivated but at the same time, had the urge to run far, far away. Because he just knew this man would be trouble.
“I wonder if he’s an angel. An angel sent to torment me.”
Ashley “Ash” Alcott is thirty five years old. He left his life in Maine knowing he needed a fresh start. His best friend, Virginia, lives and works in Darling, Montana and has invited him to come there. After he arrives, she tells him about a job opportunity doing something he loves. Cooking. For both the family and all the ranch employees, three meals a day. It’s a dream come true and it includes room and board. He hasn’t even unpacked yet when one of the brothers walks in and he loses sight of everyone but him. The ranch feels like home as soon as he arrives. The mountains are beautiful and he can’t get enough of just breathing in the clean air. And then there’s Jackson, a man he didn’t even know existed and now is the center of everything.
“I didn’t realize I have a thing for cowboys. Especially grumpy cowboys.”
These two were so adorable together, as they sort of circled one another at first and slowly grew closer. Living and working on the ranch for Ash was magical, it was the life he never knew he wanted. And Jackson is the man he never knew he needed. Jackson has been hurt before and Ashley’s life previously had left him disillusioned. But together, they find that missing piece that makes everything fit together perfectly. The ending was beautiful and made my eyes water a little bit. The second book in the series, Brim Over Boot, will be his brother, Colton’s book. I can’t wait to read it.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Sweet Like Whiskey is book one in The Darling Brothers series by Emmy Sanders. This is my third book by this author and I’ve grown to expect these wonderful characters with huge hearts that love so big. I loved meeting the Darling family, four brothers and their very quirky parents. All live on the Darling Ranch, a huge spread of both dairy cows and beef cows, plenty of horses and an adorable petting zoo.
Jackson Darling is forty years old. He is the second oldest of the four Darling brothers. Jackson has always known that ranching would be his life, it’s all he’s ever wanted. He thought for a time that it was what the man he loved wanted too, until he decided it wasn’t and left. Now alone, Jackson has resigned himself to living a solitary life. Until the day he walked into the main house and came face to face with the most beautiful man he’d ever seen. He was captivated but at the same time, had the urge to run far, far away. Because he just knew this man would be trouble.
“I wonder if he’s an angel. An angel sent to torment me.”
Ashley “Ash” Alcott is thirty five years old. He left his life in Maine knowing he needed a fresh start. His best friend, Virginia, lives and works in Darling, Montana and has invited him to come there. After he arrives, she tells him about a job opportunity doing something he loves. Cooking. For both the family and all the ranch employees, three meals a day. It’s a dream come true and it includes room and board. He hasn’t even unpacked yet when one of the brothers walks in and he loses sight of everyone but him. The ranch feels like home as soon as he arrives. The mountains are beautiful and he can’t get enough of just breathing in the clean air. And then there’s Jackson, a man he didn’t even know existed and now is the center of everything.
“I didn’t realize I have a thing for cowboys. Especially grumpy cowboys.”
These two were so adorable together, as they sort of circled one another at first and slowly grew closer. Living and working on the ranch for Ash was magical, it was the life he never knew he wanted. And Jackson is the man he never knew he needed. Jackson has been hurt before and Ashley’s life previously had left him disillusioned. But together, they find that missing piece that makes everything fit together perfectly. The ending was beautiful and made my eyes water a little bit. The second book in the series, Brim Over Boot, will be his brother, Colton’s book. I can’t wait to read it.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
May 25, 2025
~2.5~
I was so looking forward to this book, but I found it predictable and a little boring. There was no tension between the MCs, no strife of any kind, no real plot.
Ash pursues Jackson, who happens to be his boss, in a way that would scream sexual harassment anywhere else. Jackson gives in, because of course he does, but keeps pushing Ash away because Jackson's ex did a runner.
Yeah, okay, how many times have I read this story before?
The secondary characters are fun. I liked Jackson's parents and brothers.
Ranch, small town, spunky female bestie, meddling family, hometown cowboy + fancy outsider, grumpy/sunshine, goats & yoga, idealistic setting (everyone is so enlightened!) - check, check, and CHECK.
There's nothing wrong with this story or the tropes. Tropes are comforting, I get that. I certainly can't complain about Emmy's writing. I was just in the mood for something with more bite.
I was so looking forward to this book, but I found it predictable and a little boring. There was no tension between the MCs, no strife of any kind, no real plot.
Ash pursues Jackson, who happens to be his boss, in a way that would scream sexual harassment anywhere else. Jackson gives in, because of course he does, but keeps pushing Ash away because Jackson's ex did a runner.
Yeah, okay, how many times have I read this story before?
The secondary characters are fun. I liked Jackson's parents and brothers.
Ranch, small town, spunky female bestie, meddling family, hometown cowboy + fancy outsider, grumpy/sunshine, goats & yoga, idealistic setting (everyone is so enlightened!) - check, check, and CHECK.
There's nothing wrong with this story or the tropes. Tropes are comforting, I get that. I certainly can't complain about Emmy's writing. I was just in the mood for something with more bite.
August 16, 2025
For my first Emmy Sanders read, consider me impressed. As someone who considers cowboy romance their favorite subgenre, Sweet Like Whiskey is easily one of my absolute favorites. The way these two men talk to and care for each other made my heart swell and my feet kick. I was giggling, screaming, and swooning the whole time.
It’s low on conflict (and what conflict does pop up gets resolved quickly), but honestly… with a love this soft and grand, you don’t need drama. The real joy is simply watching these men fall wildly, beautifully in love. It might be a little too sweet for readers who crave drama, but if you love low-angst cowboy romance packed with all the best tropes, this delivers tenfold.
It’s low on conflict (and what conflict does pop up gets resolved quickly), but honestly… with a love this soft and grand, you don’t need drama. The real joy is simply watching these men fall wildly, beautifully in love. It might be a little too sweet for readers who crave drama, but if you love low-angst cowboy romance packed with all the best tropes, this delivers tenfold.
November 5, 2024
Absolutely adorable! I smiled the entire time reading this 😍
Jackson explaining to his brother what frotting is by using two carrots to demonstrate had me absolutely crying with laughter 😂
I don't know what it is about ranches and cowboy romances, but I just love them so much! It always makes me want to go live on one but then I remember that horses and cows put me on edge so it'd never work.
This is also the second book I've read this week that's had lavender honey in it and now I'm really curious to try it...
Can't wait for the next book in this series because these characters just felt like home.
Jackson explaining to his brother what frotting is by using two carrots to demonstrate had me absolutely crying with laughter 😂
I don't know what it is about ranches and cowboy romances, but I just love them so much! It always makes me want to go live on one but then I remember that horses and cows put me on edge so it'd never work.
This is also the second book I've read this week that's had lavender honey in it and now I'm really curious to try it...
Can't wait for the next book in this series because these characters just felt like home.
October 30, 2024
2.0 ⭐️⭐️
I’m sorry to say but I did not like this at all…
The story follows 40 yr old Darling brother Jackson who becomes involved with newcomer 35 yr old Ashley (Ash for short). Jackson is a native to the small town and lifelong rancher. Ash relocates from Maine looking for a fresh start and gets hired to cook/clean for the Darling family ranch house. Outside of physical attraction I have no idea why these two are drawn to each other.
⚠️⚠️Minor story details, but no major spoilers⚠️⚠️
Ash is assertive and vocal about his want of Jackson and to be honest it’s weird as f-ck! Like he just starts flirting aggressively pretty much from the minute he gets hired on and Jackson is essentially his boss. Jackson does not reciprocate the flirting which makes the whole thing more odd. Like why are you randomly making sexually suggestive comments to your boss 2 days after meeting him when he seems mostly quiet and uncomfortable??
I felt zero chemistry between them, sexual or otherwise. At no point in the story did I feel like they really knew each other or see enough intimacy to explain their obsession with one another. Both scenarios with their exes should’ve added to the story but mostly just fell flat. Also, I felt bad for Nicholas! He seemed like a decent person and I couldn’t understand Ash’s animosity towards him at the beginning. I honestly kept forgetting that this wasn’t an age-gap because Ash read wayyyyy younger than 35.
There is no real angst in this, or romance (sorry 🤷🏻♀️). I found myself mostly bored throughout. I have higher hopes for the other brother’s books, but this was just a huge miss for me.
The parts I did enjoy were the brother’s relationships and the carrots (🤣).
Everyone loves this but me so ignore me lol 🫶🏼
I’m sorry to say but I did not like this at all…
The story follows 40 yr old Darling brother Jackson who becomes involved with newcomer 35 yr old Ashley (Ash for short). Jackson is a native to the small town and lifelong rancher. Ash relocates from Maine looking for a fresh start and gets hired to cook/clean for the Darling family ranch house. Outside of physical attraction I have no idea why these two are drawn to each other.
⚠️⚠️Minor story details, but no major spoilers⚠️⚠️
Ash is assertive and vocal about his want of Jackson and to be honest it’s weird as f-ck! Like he just starts flirting aggressively pretty much from the minute he gets hired on and Jackson is essentially his boss. Jackson does not reciprocate the flirting which makes the whole thing more odd. Like why are you randomly making sexually suggestive comments to your boss 2 days after meeting him when he seems mostly quiet and uncomfortable??
I felt zero chemistry between them, sexual or otherwise. At no point in the story did I feel like they really knew each other or see enough intimacy to explain their obsession with one another. Both scenarios with their exes should’ve added to the story but mostly just fell flat. Also, I felt bad for Nicholas! He seemed like a decent person and I couldn’t understand Ash’s animosity towards him at the beginning. I honestly kept forgetting that this wasn’t an age-gap because Ash read wayyyyy younger than 35.
There is no real angst in this, or romance (sorry 🤷🏻♀️). I found myself mostly bored throughout. I have higher hopes for the other brother’s books, but this was just a huge miss for me.
The parts I did enjoy were the brother’s relationships and the carrots (🤣).
Everyone loves this but me so ignore me lol 🫶🏼
February 27, 2025
Such an incredibly sweet romance i love all the brothers and am excited for their stories.
Jackson is so swoony 💕
Jackson is so swoony 💕
November 8, 2024
This was SO GOOD. Fuck. I want more like this. Give me more like this!
October 30, 2024
It’s… ok. Lots of cowboy charm, pastures, hoerses, a donkey, an eevil racoon, a quirky family and side characters, no homophobia AT ALL. And two very likeable characters.
Why just ok then, and not good? Because the two main characters didn’t have a good start in my eyes, and I couldn’t “feel” their relationship.
Ash moves to the small town called Darling after a breakup (not a bad breakup, not a bad ex, either). He finds a job at the Darling ranch (because ofc there’s a family named Darling). And he’s more or less instantly attracted to 40yo grumpy Jackson, one of the Darling brothers. Who - conveniently- is gay, and out. And who’s had a bad breakup a few years ago. A relationship we’re only told has ended badly, without being given any details.
They hook up, and that’s it for the last 70% of the book. So we’re told how they feel for each other, we don’t really feel it. And the way Ash pursued Jack in the beginning made me feel a bit uncomfortable, even though they’re both grown men who communicated well throughout the book.
It’s sweet and completely drama free, despite the small “dramatic incident” towards the end.
Easy banter, flirty encounters, funny situations. It felt more like a setup for the upcoming books, and if I’m honest, I found the other Darling brothers more interesting than Jackson: next we’ll get (straight) Colton and Noah, probably the classic enemy to lovers. Then there’s newly divorced Lawson, who has an absentee former best friend he’ll probably end up with (so it’s probably the “second chance” book).
And last but not least, Remy, the deaf youngest brother who paints. His future partner is not yet to be seen, unless he ends up with Ash’s ex Nicholas, whom I felt a bit sorry for.
But this one … as I said. Nice. But nothing I haven’t read before.
Why just ok then, and not good? Because the two main characters didn’t have a good start in my eyes, and I couldn’t “feel” their relationship.
Ash moves to the small town called Darling after a breakup (not a bad breakup, not a bad ex, either). He finds a job at the Darling ranch (because ofc there’s a family named Darling). And he’s more or less instantly attracted to 40yo grumpy Jackson, one of the Darling brothers. Who - conveniently- is gay, and out. And who’s had a bad breakup a few years ago. A relationship we’re only told has ended badly, without being given any details.
They hook up, and that’s it for the last 70% of the book. So we’re told how they feel for each other, we don’t really feel it. And the way Ash pursued Jack in the beginning made me feel a bit uncomfortable, even though they’re both grown men who communicated well throughout the book.
It’s sweet and completely drama free, despite the small “dramatic incident” towards the end.
Easy banter, flirty encounters, funny situations. It felt more like a setup for the upcoming books, and if I’m honest, I found the other Darling brothers more interesting than Jackson: next we’ll get (straight) Colton and Noah, probably the classic enemy to lovers. Then there’s newly divorced Lawson, who has an absentee former best friend he’ll probably end up with (so it’s probably the “second chance” book).
And last but not least, Remy, the deaf youngest brother who paints. His future partner is not yet to be seen, unless he ends up with Ash’s ex Nicholas, whom I felt a bit sorry for.
But this one … as I said. Nice. But nothing I haven’t read before.
October 24, 2024
Well, I'm already obsessed with this series. I cannot wait for the next books.
This was such a sweet and romantic read. Like I sat with a goofy smile kinda sweet, and so romantic that I accidentally cried a little bit. Super low angst, just the right amount of spicy, and Emmy really succeeded with the fall vibes.
Jackson Darling is one of four brothers, and all brothers will be getting their own standalone book in this series, and I have a great feeling about all of the books already, because all of the brothers are extremely likable in their own way. But anyhow, this book is about Jackson, and he just happens to be something I totally adore, and something that is done SO WELL in this book, a grump. He huffs, growls, grumbles and mutters and he's seemingly not very impressed with the new ranch help, the newcomer, Ashley. Ash is all sunshine, he is singing, humming, smiling, laughing, and you just can't help but love him. Especially when you find out what he's dealing with every day, and yet he still manages to put a smile on his face every morning. It doesn't take Ash long to find out that Jackson might be grumpy on the outside, but he's a whole other man on the inside. So let the flirting begin...
This is probably one of the best grumpy/sunshine books I've read, because it's just how I love it the most. Like the kind of man who acts like a grump, because it's what he's used to, but it's impossible for him to say no to the guy he loves. Even if it's done with a huff. Just one look at his partner's eyes, and he's defenseless, but still grumpy. You know what I mean? I don't know if it makes sense, but you'll know what I mean when you read this gem ♥
Jackson and Ashley were so great together, so different, but still so alike at heart. And Jackson's family? I loved them all. All four brothers and their parents live on the ranch, so they're around a lot, and they're all so great. I can't wait to meet them again.
❥ Dual POV
❥ MM Romance
❥ Cowboys
❥ Small Town
❥ Ranch Life
❥ Grumpy Cowboy x Sunshiny Newcomer
❥ Fall Vibes
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Read the full review on my blog here with edits and quotes.
This was such a sweet and romantic read. Like I sat with a goofy smile kinda sweet, and so romantic that I accidentally cried a little bit. Super low angst, just the right amount of spicy, and Emmy really succeeded with the fall vibes.
Jackson Darling is one of four brothers, and all brothers will be getting their own standalone book in this series, and I have a great feeling about all of the books already, because all of the brothers are extremely likable in their own way. But anyhow, this book is about Jackson, and he just happens to be something I totally adore, and something that is done SO WELL in this book, a grump. He huffs, growls, grumbles and mutters and he's seemingly not very impressed with the new ranch help, the newcomer, Ashley. Ash is all sunshine, he is singing, humming, smiling, laughing, and you just can't help but love him. Especially when you find out what he's dealing with every day, and yet he still manages to put a smile on his face every morning. It doesn't take Ash long to find out that Jackson might be grumpy on the outside, but he's a whole other man on the inside. So let the flirting begin...
This is probably one of the best grumpy/sunshine books I've read, because it's just how I love it the most. Like the kind of man who acts like a grump, because it's what he's used to, but it's impossible for him to say no to the guy he loves. Even if it's done with a huff. Just one look at his partner's eyes, and he's defenseless, but still grumpy. You know what I mean? I don't know if it makes sense, but you'll know what I mean when you read this gem ♥
Jackson and Ashley were so great together, so different, but still so alike at heart. And Jackson's family? I loved them all. All four brothers and their parents live on the ranch, so they're around a lot, and they're all so great. I can't wait to meet them again.
❥ Dual POV
❥ MM Romance
❥ Cowboys
❥ Small Town
❥ Ranch Life
❥ Grumpy Cowboy x Sunshiny Newcomer
❥ Fall Vibes
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Read the full review on my blog here with edits and quotes.
November 18, 2024
This is just the sweetest, soonest, schmoopiest contemporary romance I have read in a while, and I absolutely loved it.
Sometimes you just need a sweeping romance with two characters falling in love, no crazy obstacles or drama and no third act break up or miscommunication - just a pure, sweet romance. And this delivered on all levels.
It gave me some Red Dirt Heart vibes, in all of the best of ways - just set on a US ranch instead of Aussie station.
You will fall in love with these two, with the Darling family - and now I need stories for the rest of the brothers immediately! LOL
There is thoughtful attention to chronic pain rep, deaf and ASL rep, and I can already tell we're going to have an emeries to lovers romance coming up and pretty sure we'll have a childhood friends to lovers romance as well!
Sometimes you just need a sweeping romance with two characters falling in love, no crazy obstacles or drama and no third act break up or miscommunication - just a pure, sweet romance. And this delivered on all levels.
It gave me some Red Dirt Heart vibes, in all of the best of ways - just set on a US ranch instead of Aussie station.
You will fall in love with these two, with the Darling family - and now I need stories for the rest of the brothers immediately! LOL
There is thoughtful attention to chronic pain rep, deaf and ASL rep, and I can already tell we're going to have an emeries to lovers romance coming up and pretty sure we'll have a childhood friends to lovers romance as well!
December 29, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥🔥
No matter how much of a book slump I’m in Emmy never fails to put a smile on my face!
Jackson is the perfect grump to Ashley’s sunshine. I love laid back, sweet stories like theirs.
The cast is big, nuanced and filled with lovable characters. I was especially enamored of Jackson’s mom and Ash’s bestie!
Over all the sweetest, slow burn love story that had me hooked from page one.
🔥🔥
No matter how much of a book slump I’m in Emmy never fails to put a smile on my face!
Jackson is the perfect grump to Ashley’s sunshine. I love laid back, sweet stories like theirs.
The cast is big, nuanced and filled with lovable characters. I was especially enamored of Jackson’s mom and Ash’s bestie!
Over all the sweetest, slow burn love story that had me hooked from page one.
October 26, 2024
***ARC Review***
This is my honest and voluntary review for the ARC I received.
I love that this book features older MCs. Ash is 35 and Jackson is 40. Ash moves cross country from Maine to Montana. After reuniting with his best friend, Virginia, Ash finds himself on Jackson’s family’s ranch. Ash takes over the cooking there and despite Jackson’s attempts to resist him, the pair grow close. Jackson and Ash feel like they are inevitable from the very beginning of the book. Jackson may have a grumpy exterior, but Ash has enough sunshine to reveal Jackson’s underbelly.
Ash is very endearing and utterly captivating. He has a light and strength to him that knows no bounds. Jackson is fiercely devoted to his family and his land. He is supportive, protective, and still waters run deep in that man. I loved the flirting and nudges from Ash. I appreciate that he respects Jackson’s space enough to wait for him to be ready to pursue whatever it is that simmers between them. Both men have had breakups in their past that give them pause, (for different reasons), but it’s evident from the start that neither of them is like the other’s ex.
Once these two MCs give themselves and each other the green light (though it’s mostly Ash waiting on the green light from Jackson), these two grow a love that can stand the test of time. Jackson and Ash are simply meant to be. I absolutely adored the mountain and sun analogy that Sanders includes in their story. I love Jackson’s family as well. His mom and dad are so interesting to me! His brothers are awesome. I hope each of them gets their own story, but I’m just greedy like that. This book has sassiness, silliness, sweetness, and spice. It’s the perfect combination and an absolute must read.
This is my honest and voluntary review for the ARC I received.
I love that this book features older MCs. Ash is 35 and Jackson is 40. Ash moves cross country from Maine to Montana. After reuniting with his best friend, Virginia, Ash finds himself on Jackson’s family’s ranch. Ash takes over the cooking there and despite Jackson’s attempts to resist him, the pair grow close. Jackson and Ash feel like they are inevitable from the very beginning of the book. Jackson may have a grumpy exterior, but Ash has enough sunshine to reveal Jackson’s underbelly.
Ash is very endearing and utterly captivating. He has a light and strength to him that knows no bounds. Jackson is fiercely devoted to his family and his land. He is supportive, protective, and still waters run deep in that man. I loved the flirting and nudges from Ash. I appreciate that he respects Jackson’s space enough to wait for him to be ready to pursue whatever it is that simmers between them. Both men have had breakups in their past that give them pause, (for different reasons), but it’s evident from the start that neither of them is like the other’s ex.
Once these two MCs give themselves and each other the green light (though it’s mostly Ash waiting on the green light from Jackson), these two grow a love that can stand the test of time. Jackson and Ash are simply meant to be. I absolutely adored the mountain and sun analogy that Sanders includes in their story. I love Jackson’s family as well. His mom and dad are so interesting to me! His brothers are awesome. I hope each of them gets their own story, but I’m just greedy like that. This book has sassiness, silliness, sweetness, and spice. It’s the perfect combination and an absolute must read.
October 15, 2024
4.25 ⭐
As with all of Emmy Sanders' books, this love story between a cowboy, I mean, rancher, and the newcomer that cooks for the ranch workers feels like a warm hug. Jackson has been badly hurt by and ex and he's heart is kinda closed. But nothing gets in Ash's way, and he's going to be patient and understanding and lovely and pure sunshine all the time until Jackson trusts him and them.
We get found family (ofc, this is Emmy), hurt/comfort (great chronic pain rep), funny moments, saving a racoon, and a donkey with a penchant for rescuing people.
This was super cute, sweet and lovely and I loved it.
As with all of Emmy Sanders' books, this love story between a cowboy, I mean, rancher, and the newcomer that cooks for the ranch workers feels like a warm hug. Jackson has been badly hurt by and ex and he's heart is kinda closed. But nothing gets in Ash's way, and he's going to be patient and understanding and lovely and pure sunshine all the time until Jackson trusts him and them.
We get found family (ofc, this is Emmy), hurt/comfort (great chronic pain rep), funny moments, saving a racoon, and a donkey with a penchant for rescuing people.
This was super cute, sweet and lovely and I loved it.
August 22, 2025
I love Sanders writing style - low angst/slow romantic build up seems to be her shtick. And I get the feeling I'll be falling in love with each of the Darling brothers as they come to fruition.
The soft simmering attraction between Jackson and Ash was delicious and possessive Jackson was frigging adorable (although the intensity of it did seem a little premature). I'm also used to Sander's writing offering something a little more 'diverse' than cowboys fall in love...the end, which is kind of all this story was. Sometimes it's like you have to make a choice - high angst with a complex storyline or no angst and stories that don't really take you anywhere. This one felt a little like the latter.
But holy hell... the rimming scene 🔥🔥🔥
And god bless a great side character....
"Men! I swear to God. You're all idiots."
Ginnie
🤣🤣🤣
The soft simmering attraction between Jackson and Ash was delicious and possessive Jackson was frigging adorable (although the intensity of it did seem a little premature). I'm also used to Sander's writing offering something a little more 'diverse' than cowboys fall in love...the end, which is kind of all this story was. Sometimes it's like you have to make a choice - high angst with a complex storyline or no angst and stories that don't really take you anywhere. This one felt a little like the latter.
But holy hell... the rimming scene 🔥🔥🔥
And god bless a great side character....
"Men! I swear to God. You're all idiots."
Ginnie
🤣🤣🤣
June 5, 2025
“So if I’m your sun, then you’re my mountains, Jackson Darling. Any running I do will be to come home to you.”
Bitch I am a SLUT for gay cowboys!!! This was so sweet and easy and the narration was so perfect.
Jackson Darling the man that you are!! Ugh down bad for him!
Bitch I am a SLUT for gay cowboys!!! This was so sweet and easy and the narration was so perfect.
Jackson Darling the man that you are!! Ugh down bad for him!
June 25, 2025
Was Rip an inspiration for Jackson? 😄 Sure seems like it. I don't mind, don't get me wrong, I loved Jackson. He's an amazing main character.
Not his fault he got a meh love story.
Jackson, his family and the ranch is what saved this book. If it were just Jackson and Ash, this story would tank, spectacularly. But Jackson's family was very involved, I liked the brothers, the parents, the setting, the little town of Darling and I'm really looking forward to reading other books to come, so think of this book as some sort of a foundation, it gives you an idea of where we're at, but it doesn't offer you a good love story, at least not in my opinion.
🔵 A rancher/a new cook
🟣 Both gay
🟠 Age gap 35/40
🟢 Small town romance
🟣 Cowboys
🟡 Found family
🔵 Chronic pain mentioned (poorly done)
🟢 Good side characters
🌶️ Sex is descriptive and good, but I didn't like Ash, so I'm not a fan; if anything, the sex was good, though; rimming, frotting, oral, penetrative; t/b, hinting at vers
Ash is a former PR agent for a sports agency (backstory is told quickly, in passing) who dumps his boyfriend and his job, town where he lives and packs up and moves to Darling, where his best friend lives. Virginia, the best friend, kept calling him baby boy throughout the whole book and has a less important role and I didn't particularly care about her. Could do without.
Ash takes up work at the Darling ranch, where he meets Jackson, one of the Darling brothers that run the ranch.
Jackson falls for Ash pretty much the moment they meet. Jackson was really amazing, until the very end. Mature, serious, gruff, held back and brokenhearted, but at the same time loyal, caring, loving and the almost copy of Rip (Yellowstone), pretty much. So if you liked Rip, you're gonna love Jackson.
"I want warm skin pressed against mine at night. I want to dig my fingertips into muscle and hear the sounds of someone unraveling because of my touch. I want to see that look in their eyes that lets me know I’m seen, I’m heard, I’m loved. Goddamn it, I want love. And it feels like the worst fucking thing."
The edit I found that really represented this book, was this one, in two parts
What didn't work for me was Ash. He just ruined the whole thing. I didn't mind that he was throwing himself at Jackson as much, I mean why not, it's not a big deal, he wants to get laid, it's fine. It was beginning to sound a bit desperate, sure, especially because Jackson needed a different love interest, but that's pretty much all there is to Ash. He has no substance.
He seems like a trophy husband. He's very pretty and Jackson falls for him, case closed. He knows how to cook, so he does bring something to the table, but that cooking was there for a very short time.
And Ash being Ash, soon enough he does the stupid thing of running after two groups of people who search for a missing girl at one point - just goes, no one asked him, no one needed him to go and thinking he's got chronic pain to think about, it was a weird decision to make. He gets lost, of course, falls into a pit and makes it all about him - of course. So from that point on and the rest of the book he somehow doesn't come near that kitchen anymore, it's all about his rest and him moving in with Jackson.
The chronic back pain part was really interesting though, I have to say. I suffer from chronic back pain and I couldn't do half the things in a day that this guy does and have crazy sex on top of it with almost no rest. He's waking up before 4am, he's cooking, then he has lunch to prepare, then dinner at 6pm, in the meantime he's either with Jackson, buying groceries, riding horses, getting lost and falling into a pit, dislocating his arm, losing consciousness and recovering in a week! Then he's out there skinny dipping in freezing cold water, having sex all the time on top of it and telling Jackson to leave him alone when Jackson is worried about his pain. I mean, holy shit, tell me what he's taking to be able to do all that in a very long ass day, because I want some!
Their dialogues don't impress. Ash is almost tacky, I don't like the way he talks to Jackson, the way he's desperate to catch the guy and even when they're together he's not improving, there's just nothing to him. Jackson is way out of his league as far as personality, finances and life in general goes.
But fine, it is what it is, they're fine. Not great. Not wonderful. Just fine, they'll do. It's the foundation book.
I'm more interested in all the other brothers. They really stood out, so I'm looking forward to the next book, which is enemies-to-lovers and hopefully every brother gets his own book.
Even Nick! I'd like even Ash's ex's book, yeah. He seems nice. He seems like he'd be good for Remi.
Not his fault he got a meh love story.
Jackson, his family and the ranch is what saved this book. If it were just Jackson and Ash, this story would tank, spectacularly. But Jackson's family was very involved, I liked the brothers, the parents, the setting, the little town of Darling and I'm really looking forward to reading other books to come, so think of this book as some sort of a foundation, it gives you an idea of where we're at, but it doesn't offer you a good love story, at least not in my opinion.
🔵 A rancher/a new cook
🟣 Both gay
🟠 Age gap 35/40
🟢 Small town romance
🟣 Cowboys
🟡 Found family
🔵 Chronic pain mentioned (poorly done)
🟢 Good side characters
🌶️ Sex is descriptive and good, but I didn't like Ash, so I'm not a fan; if anything, the sex was good, though; rimming, frotting, oral, penetrative; t/b, hinting at vers
Ash is a former PR agent for a sports agency (backstory is told quickly, in passing) who dumps his boyfriend and his job, town where he lives and packs up and moves to Darling, where his best friend lives. Virginia, the best friend, kept calling him baby boy throughout the whole book and has a less important role and I didn't particularly care about her. Could do without.
Ash takes up work at the Darling ranch, where he meets Jackson, one of the Darling brothers that run the ranch.
Jackson falls for Ash pretty much the moment they meet. Jackson was really amazing, until the very end. Mature, serious, gruff, held back and brokenhearted, but at the same time loyal, caring, loving and the almost copy of Rip (Yellowstone), pretty much. So if you liked Rip, you're gonna love Jackson.
"I want warm skin pressed against mine at night. I want to dig my fingertips into muscle and hear the sounds of someone unraveling because of my touch. I want to see that look in their eyes that lets me know I’m seen, I’m heard, I’m loved. Goddamn it, I want love. And it feels like the worst fucking thing."
The edit I found that really represented this book, was this one, in two parts
What didn't work for me was Ash. He just ruined the whole thing. I didn't mind that he was throwing himself at Jackson as much, I mean why not, it's not a big deal, he wants to get laid, it's fine. It was beginning to sound a bit desperate, sure, especially because Jackson needed a different love interest, but that's pretty much all there is to Ash. He has no substance.
He seems like a trophy husband. He's very pretty and Jackson falls for him, case closed. He knows how to cook, so he does bring something to the table, but that cooking was there for a very short time.
And Ash being Ash, soon enough he does the stupid thing of running after two groups of people who search for a missing girl at one point - just goes, no one asked him, no one needed him to go and thinking he's got chronic pain to think about, it was a weird decision to make. He gets lost, of course, falls into a pit and makes it all about him - of course. So from that point on and the rest of the book he somehow doesn't come near that kitchen anymore, it's all about his rest and him moving in with Jackson.
The chronic back pain part was really interesting though, I have to say. I suffer from chronic back pain and I couldn't do half the things in a day that this guy does and have crazy sex on top of it with almost no rest. He's waking up before 4am, he's cooking, then he has lunch to prepare, then dinner at 6pm, in the meantime he's either with Jackson, buying groceries, riding horses, getting lost and falling into a pit, dislocating his arm, losing consciousness and recovering in a week! Then he's out there skinny dipping in freezing cold water, having sex all the time on top of it and telling Jackson to leave him alone when Jackson is worried about his pain. I mean, holy shit, tell me what he's taking to be able to do all that in a very long ass day, because I want some!
Their dialogues don't impress. Ash is almost tacky, I don't like the way he talks to Jackson, the way he's desperate to catch the guy and even when they're together he's not improving, there's just nothing to him. Jackson is way out of his league as far as personality, finances and life in general goes.
But fine, it is what it is, they're fine. Not great. Not wonderful. Just fine, they'll do. It's the foundation book.
I'm more interested in all the other brothers. They really stood out, so I'm looking forward to the next book, which is enemies-to-lovers and hopefully every brother gets his own book.
Even Nick! I'd like even Ash's ex's book, yeah. He seems nice. He seems like he'd be good for Remi.
October 11, 2024
LOVED IT!! This is only book one and I’m already completely obsessed with the whole Darling family. This book was just so sweet. Super low angst, just two people finding each other and falling in love, it was perfect. This book made me want to pack up, move to Montana and find myself a cowboy. Im so excited for the rest of the series and I cannot wait for all the Darling brothers to get their stories!!
May 12, 2025
I really wish this hadn’t been so ridiculously insta-love, but honestly, it didn’t ruin it for me this time because it was just so genuinely sweet. The ranch setting and the magical landscapes totally won me over. I love books where the main characters work on a farm or ranch, tending to the land and animals. The small-town vibe and the Darling family added even more charm.
Every time I read a book like this, I start daydreaming about living in a place like that—sipping coffee on the porch in the morning, horseback rides into the wild, picnics by the river, skinny dipping under a full moon 😅, just living in perfect harmony with nature. Sigh 😌 Ash seriously has the perfect job and the perfect partner. I guess I just have a thing for strong, quiet, broody, grunting men like Jackson. I love seeing them get completely smoothed out by their little sunshines 🥹 They’re so adorable together that my face hurts from all the smiling and swooning. They were soooo meant to be, it’s not even funny 🥹🥹🥹
Such a feel-good book, with zero angst. Honestly, stupidly lame, like sticky-sweet lame 😅 But it’s a shame it was so insta-love—if there had been more buildup, it could’ve been truly glorious ❤️ And yes, save a horse, ride a cowboy 🤠 because this one? Dirty as they come. 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
“Should have known,” Ash says.
I leave a kiss on his ass cheek, running my nose along his skin before doing the same to the other side. “What’s that?”
“That you’d”—he huffs a small breath as I lick the top of his ass—“be a giver.”
I hum, slowly working my tongue lower
But my days had become mundane. The same quiet, steady routine that led me from dawn to dusk. I wasn’t…depressed. I truly don’t think so. But I’m not sure I was all that happy, either.
Then this damn ball of sunshine showed up, and fuck. The man upended my life. And now I’m smiling and happy, and I almost don’t know what to do with it. But I know I don’t want to let this feeling go. I want to keep it—keep him—for as long as I possibly can.
I’m curious for the next Darling brother, Colton with his inappropriate mouth and his archenemy 😅
Every time I read a book like this, I start daydreaming about living in a place like that—sipping coffee on the porch in the morning, horseback rides into the wild, picnics by the river, skinny dipping under a full moon 😅, just living in perfect harmony with nature. Sigh 😌 Ash seriously has the perfect job and the perfect partner. I guess I just have a thing for strong, quiet, broody, grunting men like Jackson. I love seeing them get completely smoothed out by their little sunshines 🥹 They’re so adorable together that my face hurts from all the smiling and swooning. They were soooo meant to be, it’s not even funny 🥹🥹🥹
Such a feel-good book, with zero angst. Honestly, stupidly lame, like sticky-sweet lame 😅 But it’s a shame it was so insta-love—if there had been more buildup, it could’ve been truly glorious ❤️ And yes, save a horse, ride a cowboy 🤠 because this one? Dirty as they come. 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
“Should have known,” Ash says.
I leave a kiss on his ass cheek, running my nose along his skin before doing the same to the other side. “What’s that?”
“That you’d”—he huffs a small breath as I lick the top of his ass—“be a giver.”
I hum, slowly working my tongue lower
But my days had become mundane. The same quiet, steady routine that led me from dawn to dusk. I wasn’t…depressed. I truly don’t think so. But I’m not sure I was all that happy, either.
Then this damn ball of sunshine showed up, and fuck. The man upended my life. And now I’m smiling and happy, and I almost don’t know what to do with it. But I know I don’t want to let this feeling go. I want to keep it—keep him—for as long as I possibly can.
I’m curious for the next Darling brother, Colton with his inappropriate mouth and his archenemy 😅
October 30, 2024
Aaww this was a nice read, a really sweet grumpy/sunshine story with lovely characters.
Jack and Ash really were meant to be, I loved the family shenanigans and how close everyone is! I love reading books without any homophobia, everyone is just accepting and friendly.
I really didn’t know I had a thing for cowboys and ranch life, every time I read a book that mentions farm animals I want them all, I want goats and cows and silkies, even a donkey!
I am sooooo looking forward to the second book with Colt and Noah, I already know it’s going to be amazing.
Jack and Ash really were meant to be, I loved the family shenanigans and how close everyone is! I love reading books without any homophobia, everyone is just accepting and friendly.
I really didn’t know I had a thing for cowboys and ranch life, every time I read a book that mentions farm animals I want them all, I want goats and cows and silkies, even a donkey!
I am sooooo looking forward to the second book with Colt and Noah, I already know it’s going to be amazing.
September 14, 2025
4.25 stars
So refreshing when characters actually communicate and are direct.
So refreshing when characters actually communicate and are direct.
September 24, 2025
4.75⭐️
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Ash and Jackson were a cute couple with great banter, and the story just had me smiling throughout.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Ash and Jackson were a cute couple with great banter, and the story just had me smiling throughout.
October 17, 2024
I was hooked from the first page when we see Ash and Edna making their way to Darling with a few hiccups. Uprooting your life, making a change is never easy and is especially difficult when it’s the one thing you need. I was so impressed with Ash’s calm confidence and sheer resilience to deal with all he does. Like Ash I also completely fell for Jackson, nursing a broken heart, stoic, grounded, loyal and completely swept off his feet by Ash. He needed someone like Ash who wouldn’t hide and wouldn’t give up.
Loved Ginnie and the whole Darling crew - can’t wait to read more of them
I really enjoyed this wonderfully written, sweet, emotional, low angst read with tonnes of depth and fantastic characters and I can’t recommend it enough.
Expect:
* Opposites attract
* Boss employee
* Cowboy romance
* Grumpy sunshine
* Small Town
* MC with chronic pain
* Great banter
* So swoony
* Forced proximity
Loved Ginnie and the whole Darling crew - can’t wait to read more of them
I really enjoyed this wonderfully written, sweet, emotional, low angst read with tonnes of depth and fantastic characters and I can’t recommend it enough.
Expect:
* Opposites attract
* Boss employee
* Cowboy romance
* Grumpy sunshine
* Small Town
* MC with chronic pain
* Great banter
* So swoony
* Forced proximity
October 17, 2024
4.5
Emmy, Emmy, Emmy, Emmy.
I'm going to eat these Darling brothers for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Have you ever read the first few pages of a book and you know you're going to adore the entire series?
This was just the perfect amount of sweetness and with my favourite trope (grumpy x sunshine). A great opener to the series and has me wanting all of the brother's books now. I loved Jackson and Ash, both of them were such well-written characters. The plot was adorable, slightly basic, but I did cry a little at the end.
I also need more information regarding the mysterious Donkey and I pray he makes more appearances throughout the series!
Not quite a 5 star read for me as I love just a little bit more angst in my books, and I would have loved just a touch more in this one, but I can see this becoming my favourite series from Emmy.
Tropes:
- Grumpy x sunshine
- MM Romance
- Workplace Romance
- Interconnected standalones x four brothers
I received an advanced copy for free through the author and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Emmy, Emmy, Emmy, Emmy.
I'm going to eat these Darling brothers for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Have you ever read the first few pages of a book and you know you're going to adore the entire series?
This was just the perfect amount of sweetness and with my favourite trope (grumpy x sunshine). A great opener to the series and has me wanting all of the brother's books now. I loved Jackson and Ash, both of them were such well-written characters. The plot was adorable, slightly basic, but I did cry a little at the end.
I also need more information regarding the mysterious Donkey and I pray he makes more appearances throughout the series!
Not quite a 5 star read for me as I love just a little bit more angst in my books, and I would have loved just a touch more in this one, but I can see this becoming my favourite series from Emmy.
Tropes:
- Grumpy x sunshine
- MM Romance
- Workplace Romance
- Interconnected standalones x four brothers
I received an advanced copy for free through the author and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 13, 2025
This was a really sweet story. Simple in its plot, very low angst, but incredibly endearing. Ash was cheeky and funny. Jackson was wary but kind.
“As long as these mountains stand, I will love you. That I promise, sunshine.”
Ash was a determined soul and he was determined to bring Jackson out of his shell. It was full on but I don’t think it was inappropriate. If Jackson had said no at any point then Ash would have stopped.
It was also really funny at times. Not just Ash’s perseverance but between the brothers and at times their parents. The part where Jackson explained frotting to Colton was really funny.
I think it’s in the title really ‘sweet like whiskey’ this book is adorably sweet and I’m looking forward to Colton’s story and really curious about Lawson. I have my ideas but I can’t wait to find out.
4.5⭐️
“As long as these mountains stand, I will love you. That I promise, sunshine.”
Ash was a determined soul and he was determined to bring Jackson out of his shell. It was full on but I don’t think it was inappropriate. If Jackson had said no at any point then Ash would have stopped.
It was also really funny at times. Not just Ash’s perseverance but between the brothers and at times their parents. The part where Jackson explained frotting to Colton was really funny.
I think it’s in the title really ‘sweet like whiskey’ this book is adorably sweet and I’m looking forward to Colton’s story and really curious about Lawson. I have my ideas but I can’t wait to find out.
4.5⭐️
June 14, 2025
Plot Intensity: 2/5
Character Likability: 5/5
Swoon Level: 5/5
Spice Level: 3/5
Angst Level: 1/5
One Thing I Can’t Stop Thinking About: Literally how perfect this entire book was. It felt like a warm hug. Extra points for using vegetables to explain sex acts 🤣
Character Likability: 5/5
Swoon Level: 5/5
Spice Level: 3/5
Angst Level: 1/5
One Thing I Can’t Stop Thinking About: Literally how perfect this entire book was. It felt like a warm hug. Extra points for using vegetables to explain sex acts 🤣
May 28, 2025
Rating: 4/5 🌟
Spice: 3/5 🌶️
Characters: Jackson and Ash
Spice: 3/5 🌶️
Characters: Jackson and Ash
May 15, 2025
Another MM cowboy romance that I devoured!
I read this in a little over a day and I had a great time. The author did an amazing job with not only our main characters (Ashley/ Ash and Jackson) but also with the side characters. I think every character in this book was enjoyable and I can’t wait to see what the parings will be for the rest of the series!
Tropes:
- rancher x the new ranch cook
- grumpy/ sunshine (grumpy cowboy)
- hurt/ comfort (one MC had chronic back pain)
- very sweet and light
- full cast of loveable side characters
- both hurt by relationships in the past
- ranch life
- small town
- spicy time in a hayloft😏
Quick description:
This book starts out with Ash visiting a friend in Jackson’s small town when his car breaks down on the side of the road. Ash is not only in need of a job, but he also is in need of transportation and a place to stay.
Jackson’s mother (the mastermind behind this relationship) decides to do a little intervention and offers Ash a job at being the new ranch cook. Ash obviously accepts the offer and meets Jackson his first day on the job.
Jackson starts off being a little dismissive towards Ash due to how badly he was hurt in the past by an ex. Ash is, like Jackson, trying to recover from a failed relationship in the past, but Ash doesn’t let the issues in his past deter him from perusing Jackson.
Things start to ramp up pretty fast as Jackson gives in to his feelings and they both have to not only navigate their new relationship, but overcome the wounds from their past. Thankfully, these main characters are both mature adults and actually know how to communicate😂
My thoughts:
I really enjoyed the characters and the way the story was written. It didn’t have the amount of build up that I wanted, but it was still enjoyable. The story was wonderful in the beginning, but I found myself getting bored towards the 60-70% mark. Although this book is an average length at 300 or so pages, I felt it had too much filler. Which is weird coming from me because I’m usually crying about how I need the book to be longer. The filler scenes got bored after quite some time and they could have easily been replaced by more scenes (spicy or not) between our two main characters.
Safety info:
- no virgins or manwhores
- no OW drama
- OM: Ash’s ex makes an appearance and tries to get back with Ash but Ash wants nothing to do with him. Doesn’t stick around long but Ash and OM do settle things in the end. Ash gets a text from OM towards the end of the book about how OM got a dog that will make him less lonely, so I guess they remain friends.
- Jackson has loved before (two years ago) and it was very serious. They were talking about getting married. Jackson is still trying to get over the hurt about his ex leaving him. I don’t think Ash truly loved his ex.
- Jackson celibate 2 years, Ash celibate for an unknown amount of time but it was said that Ash couldn’t remember the last time he was intimate with his ex.
- condoms >>> none at the end (condoms only used on page if I remember correctly)
- strict t/b on page but hints at versatile off page (older MC aka the cowboy tops)
I read this in a little over a day and I had a great time. The author did an amazing job with not only our main characters (Ashley/ Ash and Jackson) but also with the side characters. I think every character in this book was enjoyable and I can’t wait to see what the parings will be for the rest of the series!
Tropes:
- rancher x the new ranch cook
- grumpy/ sunshine (grumpy cowboy)
- hurt/ comfort (one MC had chronic back pain)
- very sweet and light
- full cast of loveable side characters
- both hurt by relationships in the past
- ranch life
- small town
- spicy time in a hayloft😏
Quick description:
This book starts out with Ash visiting a friend in Jackson’s small town when his car breaks down on the side of the road. Ash is not only in need of a job, but he also is in need of transportation and a place to stay.
Jackson’s mother (the mastermind behind this relationship) decides to do a little intervention and offers Ash a job at being the new ranch cook. Ash obviously accepts the offer and meets Jackson his first day on the job.
Jackson starts off being a little dismissive towards Ash due to how badly he was hurt in the past by an ex. Ash is, like Jackson, trying to recover from a failed relationship in the past, but Ash doesn’t let the issues in his past deter him from perusing Jackson.
Things start to ramp up pretty fast as Jackson gives in to his feelings and they both have to not only navigate their new relationship, but overcome the wounds from their past. Thankfully, these main characters are both mature adults and actually know how to communicate😂
My thoughts:
I really enjoyed the characters and the way the story was written. It didn’t have the amount of build up that I wanted, but it was still enjoyable. The story was wonderful in the beginning, but I found myself getting bored towards the 60-70% mark. Although this book is an average length at 300 or so pages, I felt it had too much filler. Which is weird coming from me because I’m usually crying about how I need the book to be longer. The filler scenes got bored after quite some time and they could have easily been replaced by more scenes (spicy or not) between our two main characters.
Safety info:
- no virgins or manwhores
- no OW drama
- OM: Ash’s ex makes an appearance and tries to get back with Ash but Ash wants nothing to do with him. Doesn’t stick around long but Ash and OM do settle things in the end. Ash gets a text from OM towards the end of the book about how OM got a dog that will make him less lonely, so I guess they remain friends.
- Jackson has loved before (two years ago) and it was very serious. They were talking about getting married. Jackson is still trying to get over the hurt about his ex leaving him. I don’t think Ash truly loved his ex.
- Jackson celibate 2 years, Ash celibate for an unknown amount of time but it was said that Ash couldn’t remember the last time he was intimate with his ex.
- condoms >>> none at the end (condoms only used on page if I remember correctly)
- strict t/b on page but hints at versatile off page (older MC aka the cowboy tops)
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