Ryder Lockhart is not the kind of man you do casual with. He’s the one you marry. After realizing she was sticking around for all the wrong reasons, Lola Lima leaves her fiancé and his manipulation tactics at the altar. The Latin dance instructor returns home to where her roots run deep and happen to tangle with her first love’s, leaving them both more determined than ever to heal, in more ways than one.
Resident ranch daddy, Ryder Lockhart, made a huge mistake marrying Lemmon, and the marriage grew as sour as her name suggests. But he can’t completely regret the decisions he made that kept him from running after his first love, Lola.
When their paths cross once more, they end up in a marriage of convenience neither of them could’ve anticipated. All while the ghosts of their past threaten to haunt them, Ryder and Lola fall in a deeper love than their adolescence would’ve allowed. And while their lives feel like a suspenseful telenovela, they learn to lean on their each other.
Giuliana Victoria is an author based in Pennsylvania who shares her readers’ deep love of all things romance. She’s a full-time physician assistant, whose passion lies in being there for her patients during their most vulnerable moments.
When Giuliana isn’t writing swoon-worthy book boyfriends, she can be found yelling about human rights on Threads, hiking with her three large breed rescue dogs, and, of course, curled up with a good book beside her husband, the best “book boyfriend” there is.
I *knew* I was going to love this book when I saw that the MC was a rancher/cowboy; I was reluctant to get into this subgenre of romance for whatever reason, but I have not been disappointed yet! Rosa Ranch is set up to be one of my new favorites, and I am so overjoyed to journey with Giuliana on another new series.
Lola and Ryder's second chance at love came by the way of both of them escaping abusive relationships and deciding to have a marriage of convenience so Lola could have health insurance to treat her rheumatoid arthritis. The chronic pain representation and PTSD representation was written so wonderfully, and I could relate to both of them in so many ways. Ryder was an absolute sweetheart who held a torch for his one true love even while married to a woman who abused him, and Lola was a strong-willed woman who got off track due to her ex fiancé tearing apart her drive, self esteem, and independence. Together, they built each other back up again, giving one another space to grow and learn. This was ultimately a really beautiful love story.
I don't know much about Cuban culture, but I did love the many ways Lola's identity was woven into who she was, from her spirituality to how she upheld community with her loved ones—especially Mayte. I am praying Mayte's book is next because she was such a compelling character! Also, Nugget was ADORABLE and I absolutely loved him.
I felt like there was a lot of setting the world up. This book is a chunky mama, and it takes place in a small town which means there are a lot of supporting characters who take up space. Sometimes there was a lot of exposition and backstory for people that was not necessarily central to the plot. Don't get me wrong—the writing was stunning, engaging, and written with the utmost care as all Giuliana Victoria books are—but for such a long book, I sometimes felt like some of those parts could've been saved for the book(s) those characters will be the main characters of.
Thank you so much to Giuliana for sending me an ARC!
Wow. I don’t know what I expected out of this story, but what it was..was way better than what I had thought! I went into this one basically blind and was not disappointed. I adore Giuliana’s writing and this story was excellent as always. I was expecting sexy Ranch Daddy (which was true) but what I was not expecting was the mystery and suspense of it all! It really got me hooked and kept me reading.
Ryder and Lola’s road to officially being with each other had so many potholes and obstacles but I’m so glad they finally made their way to each other. Their love was so sweet, and I love how firmly they stood by each other when life threw obstacle after obstacle their way. Ryder is so down BAD for Lola and I was so here for it. Give me alllllll the male yearning and devotion 🥹😍
Like I said, this story was not at all what I thought it would be but I loved it!! If you’re looking for a new cowboy romance with a little side of romantic suspense, check this one out!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Spice: 🔥🔥🔥
Tropes: 🩷 Runaway Bride 🩷 Marriage of Convenience 🩷 Ranch Daddy x Latin Dance Instructor 🩷 Second Chance Romance 🩷 Childhood Friends to Lovers 🩷 Romantic Suspense 🩷 “It’s Always Been You” 🩷 Rheumatoid Arthritis Rep 🩷 Panic Attack/Night Terror Rep
Ryder Lockhart is not the kind of man you do casual with. He’s the one you marry. After realizing she was sticking around for all the wrong reasons, Lola Lima leaves her fiancé and his manipulation tactics at the altar. The Latin dance instructor returns home to where her roots run deep and happen to tangle with her first love’s, leaving them both more determined than ever to heal, in more ways than one.
Resident ranch daddy, Ryder Lockhart, made a huge mistake marrying Lemmon, and the marriage grew as sour as her name suggests. But he can’t completely regret the decisions he made that kept him from running after his first love, Lola.
When their paths cross once more, they end up in a marriage of convenience neither of them could’ve anticipated. All while the ghosts of their past threaten to haunt them, Ryder and Lola fall in a deeper love than their adolescence would’ve allowed. And while their lives feel like a suspenseful telenovela, they learn to lean on their constants: each other.
I love second chance romances, thrown in a runaway bride and a sexy and sweet ranch daddy, I'm all in. Lola was strong and independent. Ryder was the perfect book boyfriend. He'll do anything for Lola. The chemistry and banter was so good.
My first book by this author and certainly won't be my last!! If you're a fan of second chance romances with classic "it's always been you" vibes, then you definitely need to read this one.
Before I even started the book, I loved everything that the author included to set the scene. From the thoughtfully written author's note, to the playlist, to the character's signature fragrances (so neat), and then the pages on pages of BIPOC author recommendations??? I immediately felt like I was in good hands.
Runaway bride + second chance romance + marriage of convenience = ELITE combo. Ryder marries Lola in order to give her health insurance so she can get treatment for her chronic illness (rheumatoid arthritis.) What I loved though is how real things were between them from the very beginning. They both were unable to hide how completely affected they were by the other and I think it was clear as day to everyone how much love was still between them. At the end of the day, they were friends first and I really appreciated how, despite their history, that respect for each other was always there.
I would fight to the death for Lola. She had the absolute best heart and deserved so much more than her ex, Russ. I liked how she wasn't afraid to be vulnerable and a little sensitive. She had big emotions and if she needed to cry, she'd cry!! I absolutely loved that about her. Lola was hard-working, determined, strong-willed, and deserved all of the very best. It killed me to see her in constant pain, but I loved all the ways that Ryder would help make her more comfortable.
Ryder Maddox Lockhart.. my man my man my man!! It's not enough to say he loved Lola, this man worshipped the very ground she walked on. As he should!! I was immediately smitten with him and swooned over quotes and quotes of his steadfast devotion to Lola. The embodiment of "it's always been you." His love language was definitely acts of service and it was really sweet the way he'd go out of his way for not only Lola but for all of his loved ones as well. Like Lola, he also wasn't afraid to be vulnerable. Seeing him struggle with his own trauma and his panic attacks made me so emotional, but I loved that he had Lola there to help through it all.
I was so not expecting the spice in this but oh my god. The forced proximity paired with all of this unresolved tension was the perfect recipe for some great build up. Their chemistry was explosive and I lovedddd how creative they got. They were beyond hot and I ate it all up!!
The conflict in this story was definitely external and I really enjoyed that about this book. In dealing with this external conflict, we got to see how well-matched Lola and Ryder were. Through their open, vulnerable communication and their innate chemistry, they were able to take any and all problems on together as a team. It was refreshing and beautiful!!
The side characters added so much to this book!! They were an integral part and I'm already clamoring for more stories from these characters.
The representation in this book was one of my favorite parts. From representation of the Cuban culture and a BIPOC character, to chronic illness, and to panic attacks - I loved reading about it all. I enjoy stories from characters that feel real and that give me different perspectives than my own and I think this book did that really well. You can tell a lot of care and work was put in to every aspect.
I can keep rambling but I'll end my review here lol. This releases on September 5 and I highly, highly recommend picking it up!!
Tropes: Second Chance Runaway Bride Childhood Best Friends Rheumatoid Arthritis Rep Dancer FMC Rancher MMC Found Family Hispanic FMC
I’ve been reading Giuliani’s books from the beginning, and seeing her growth as a writer has been an honor and a privilege! This is my favorite book of hers, and I hope you all love it as much as I do!!
Lola is on her bachelorette weekend when she realizes marrying her fiancé Russ just to stay on his health insurance is a mistake. With the help of her friends, she runs away and returns to her childhood home. Going back not only means losing her health insurance, but also puts her in close proximity to her childhood love (and probably only love), Ryder.
Ryder has been through a lot—losing his best friend, losing Lola due to his grief, marrying an abusive woman—but he’s better now. With Lola back in town, he wants to make things right. Finding out about Lola’s illness gives him the perfect opportunity to keep her close and prove to her that they belong together.
Fake marriage/marriage of convenience is my all-time favorite trope, and this book did not disappoint!! The slow burn, the yearning, THE TENSION! 🥵 Ryder and Lola love each other so much, but both needed to prove to each other—and themselves—that they’ve grown. They fell right back into their friendship as if no time had passed, and rebuilt their relationship on a strong foundation.
The suspense was great! The suspects behind all the mishaps were pretty predictable, but I still really enjoyed it. Also... who is Ezekiel Lockhart? I need more info on his military background 👀👀
The Hispanic representation was heartwarming! While I’m not Hispanic myself (still a BIPOC), I loved reading about Lola’s love for her culture and how she expresses it through her dancing. I feel the story accurately portrayed the struggles BIPOC go through, while still envisioning a community that loves and supports Lola.
Lola and Ryder’s story completely stole my heart. From the very first page, I was hooked—not just by the chemistry, but by the emotional depth and the way their relationship unfolded with such care and authenticity. This isn’t just a romance; it’s a journey of healing, growth, and rediscovery.
I LOVED this story and I can’t wait to return to this world when the next book comes out!
Rosa Ranch book 1 ? Sign me up for the next one now . Giuliana Victoria ,wow! From the Cocktents page I was engaged ,no it’s not a typo it’s inspired! This said to me that this awesome book is gonna be fun ,admired! Desired ! And more and boy was it phwoar 😮💨 Boy I was underselling at this ,it’s absolutely frigging bliss . It truly is ,it’s steamy as all heck! Check and hmm worth my time it’s superb , sublime read with big girl boots and it also hoots as well as toots Ryder’s horn , I devour with greed . Lola Lima leaves her fiancé behind at the altar she’s had enough of being in binds and alters her course from his manipulative discourse….Ryder hmmm Ryder her first love she left behind … Ryder ,resident Ranch daddy is in a paddy ,he should never have married Lemmon and yes she is as sour as her name suggests at best. It’s a mess. But he does digress ,it wasn’t all bad ,it stopped him from following Lola but now do they get their second chance ,a dalliance given half a chance . Somehow they’ve ended up in this marriage of convenience. Don’t ask me how cos I’m not telling ,all I’m saying is it’s Awesomeness it’s compelling as all heck storytelling ,the storyline ? Divine! The characters are so well created and the fact they once dated and they are a bit angst gets my heart racing and I’m wet in my pants for the heat ,a real treat. You could say I’m smitten ,it’s so well written . Cannot wait for book number two . Just to know there is one ? Woohoo!
After realizing she was about to marry the wrong man, Lola decides it’s time to head back home to Rosa Ranch. Lola has a heart of gold!!! Even when people wronged her, she tried to see the good in them. She is a Latin dance instructor and also suffers from rheumatoid arthritis. She realized this was the only reason she was going to marry her ex, because she needed health insurance. Now that she is home and she is suffering and trying to hide it, of course her childhood best friend sees is and wants to help. When he finds out what is wrong he offers to marry her. He has always loved her and would do anything for her. It may be a “fake” marriage for her, but it’s never been fake for him.
Ryder, he is such a swoon worthy man! He worships the ground Lola walks on. Lola has always been the woman for him, even when he married another woman, his heart has always belonged to her. And watching him struggles with his own trauma, oh that broke me.
Their friendship was beautiful and their chemistry was undeniable. I loved how their relationship progressively changed and developed over time. And the spice, whew, it was hot!! These two were soulmates always meant to be together. And the suspense, I loved that side of the story too. Figuring out who was trying to tear these two apart, but in the long run it only made them closer. I also loved the extra bits of her Cuban culture being added in. It was so beautiful to learn about.
Something Tangled Something True by Giuliana Victoria
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ranch Daddy Ryder is the biggest walking green flag, ever. End of review.
Just kidding, but really, he is, and boy, does his light shine brighter once Lola comes back onto Rosa Ranch. This story was the perfect second chance romance, and I love Giuliana’s writing. It was nothing short of amazing but had a different feel than her other books. It was a great representation of how physical and mental challenges affect day-to-day life and the relationships around you as well.
Lola making a big decision during her intervention—I mean, bachelorette—was such a great turning point that set in motion a romantic and suspenseful story! I loved all the twists it had without a spooky vibe, while still being a lighthearted read. The side characters are also a favourite part of books, and the people in this are hilarious and feel like such a family, I could feel the love coming off the pages.
I can’t wait to read more about the families on Rosa Ranch.
I love cowboys, I love strong women, and I especially love them together. The tension from the very first page of this book was insaaaaane. I was hooked and addicted to the dynamic between Ryder and Lola. These two had such immense love for one another, but harbored so much guilt and pain they couldn’t reconcile with. They helped each other through every single hurdle thrown their way, and I truly just wanted to hug them at the end. BIPOC representation, language, culture, mental and physical health representation—this is a romance you need to check out.
𐚁 second-chance childhood friends-to-lovers 𐚁 runaway bride 𐚁 marriage of convenience 𐚁 small town 𐚁 down bad man who loves out LOUD 𐚁 dancing (& dancing TOGETHER) 𐚁 tension through the roof 𐚁 capitol Y Yearning
“When will you realize I’m unaffected by your charm?” That’s a lie, and I’m sure he knows it too. I am but a puddle at this man’s incredibly large feet.
It was such a fun and easy read for me that I JUST COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN.
I had this instant urge to complete this book in a go. The tropes, the representation, the let me help you feels with found family?? all together were chef's kiss. I also loved the suspense part of it and that was another reason I WAS HOOKED TO THE BOOK THROUGHOUT.
This story had so many tropes I enjoy! Second chance romance? Check! Runaway Bride? Check! Hot Ranch Daddy? Check! Ryder and Lola completely captured my heart with their story.
These two are back into each other’s lives after many years apart and boy, do they ever make up for lost time. Our Ranch Daddy, Ryder was the greenest, green flag ever. Supportive, kind, caring, protective, this man had it bad for Lola and showed it at every opportunity. I couldn’t help but love his character. I loved seeing Lola gain confidence in herself to become the fierce lady that she is. I was in awe of her strength. These two definitely were made for each other!
Their story also had it’s share of events that added a layer of mystery. All of it ended with a plot twist I didn’t completely see coming. It was just enough suspense to keep me on my toes and guessing.
The whole cast of characters were fun! I especially loved Mayte. She’s definitely someone I would want in my corner and as a friend.
If you enjoy small town romance, I recommend this one!
I would like to thank Giuliana Victoria for the opportunity to read and review Something Tangled Something True.
ARC kindly provided for the author in exchange for an honest review
Ranking: 4.5⭐
After how complex Giuliana Victoria's last book was, I didn't expect Something Tangled Something True to be such a sweet and beautiful love story. I loved reading Lola & Ryder, a little bit about their past and everything they've had to go through to be together, the touch of suspense the author gave it, which I also enjoyed, and the secondary characters who stole my heart just as much as the main ones.
I liked Lola from that first chapter (which was great, by the way). I LOVED reading that moment of revelation when she decides to run away from her own wedding and how her friends support her unconditionally, and that's one of the things I loved most about this character: the support system the author gave her was incredible, heartwarming, and made me love everyone around her even more. Obviously, it broke my heart to read everything she felt while in her relationship with Russ, I loved reading about her proudly embracing her Cuban heritage, her culture, and everything she felt after moving to the US.
Ryder is a sweetheart! His character broke my heart because of everything he went through in his first marriage and the grief he's still experiencing over the loss of his friend, BUT I love that Giuliana Victoria showed me the way Ry's life brightens after Lola returns to Rosa Ranch. I also really enjoyed reading how this character fought for her second chance at love and how she did everything she could to heal her past wounds.
Lola & Ryder's love story is one of the sweetest I've read this year. I loved the supportive and nurturing atmosphere at Rosa Ranch, and I think my favorite part was reading Ryder giving Lola the safe place she needed to heal and fulfill all her dreams. I also really enjoyed the memories of their past together, the beautiful friendship they always had, and how strong their connection has always been despite the time and distance. Another thing I liked was the touch of suspense the author gave me, because even though it's not something I usually like in my romances, Giuliana Victoria included this part in the plot in a very entertaining and interesting way that kept me very interested until the end of the book.
ARC amablemente proporcionada por la autora a cambio de una reseña honesta
Puntuación: 4.5⭐
Después de lo complejo que fue el último libro de Giuliana Victoria, no esperaba que Something Tangled Something True fuera una historia de amor tan dulce y bonita. Me encantó leer a Lola & Ryder, un poco de su pasado y todo lo que ambos han tenido que pasar para estar juntos, el toque de suspenso que la autora le dio y que disfruté también y los personajes secundarios que se robaron mi corazón tanto como los principales.
Lola me gustó desde ese primer capitulo (que fue buenísimo, por cierto), AMÉ leer ese momento de revelación en el que decide escapar de su propia boda y como sus amigas la apoyan incondicionalmente, y ESA es una de las cosas que más me gustó de este personaje: el sistema de apoyo que la autora le dio fue increíble, conmovedor y me hizo amar a todas las personas a su alrededor mucho más. Obviamente me rompió el corazón leer todo lo que sintió mientras estuvo en su relación con Russ, me encantó leerla viviendo con orgullo su herencia Cubana, su cultura y todo lo que sintió después de mudarse a los EU.
Ryder es un sol! Su personaje me rompió el corazón debido a todo lo que vivió en su primer matrimonio y el duelo que aún sigue viviendo por la perdida de su amigo PERO me encanta que Giuliana Victoria me mostrara la manera en la que la vida de Ry se ilumina desde que Lola vuelve a Rosa Ranch, . También me gustó mucho leer la manera en la que este personaje luchó por su segunda oportunidad en el amor y como hizo todo lo posible por sanas sus heridas del pasado.
La historia de amor de Lola & Ryder es una de las más dulces que he leído este año. Me encantó la atmosfera de apoyo y apoyo que hay en Rosa Ranch, y creo que lo que más me gustó fue leer a Ryder dándole a Lola el lugar seguro que ella necesitaba para sanar y cumplir todos sus sueños. Disfruté mucho también de los recuerdos de su pasado juntos, de la amistad tan bonita que siempre tuvieron y de lo fuerte que siempre ha sido su conexión a pesar del tiempo y la distancia. Otra cosa que me gustó fue el toque de suspenso que la autora me dio, porque aun cuando no es algo que me encanta leer en mis romances, Giuliana Victoria incluyó esta parte en la trama de una forma muy entretenida, interesante y que me mantuvo muy interesada hasta el final del libro.
Giuliana Victoria’s dip into cowboy romance was a great change from her usual sports romance. Something Tangled, Something True featured all my favorite aspects of Giuliana’s work including open and honest communication between main characters, chronic illness and mental health representation, relatable and real characters and a great story.
Lola Lima leaves her toxic fiancé and returns home to her home at Rosa Ranch. Returning home means returning to the ranch where she grew up, where her roots are buried deep and where she fell in love with her childhood love Ryder Lockhart who now owns the ranch.
Ryder and Lola have a history and mistakes that have kept them apart. But when Lola returns home and needs help they enter a marriage of convenience. But what happens when all the old feelings come back stronger than ever and a fake marriage starts to feel more real. Will the ghosts of their pasts keep them apart or help them build an even stronger bond?
Ryder Lockhart is the definition of green flag. Not only is he a hot ranch daddy but he’s absolutely gone for Lola Lima. The things this man does just because he wants to make Lola happy, feel supported, comfortable, and loved. He had me absolutely swooning with how sweet he was. I loved his playful side and how open and vulnerable he was with Lola and himself.
It was so nice to see Lola slowly gain back her confidence and sparkle following it being diminished by her ex. She’s such a strong and determined character. I loved getting to learn more about her Cuban culture and beliefs.
Ryder and Lola made a great couple. They very clearly had a lot of love and respect for each other. I loved how supportive and accepting they were of each other’s flaws and helping each other with their personal struggles. They really helped bring out the best of each other and truly took the time to see the real version of the other.
There was a lot of great secondary characters that added more character and small town charm to the story. I enjoyed the underlying hint of suspense throughout the book. There were plenty of twists some of which I expected and some I didn’t.
If you are looking for a great small town cowboy romance I highly recommend checking this one out. Thank you to Giuliana Victoria for the opportunity to receive an arc of this book 🤍
“She’s too sweet. Too beautiful. Too thoughtful. Too perfect. Too mine. And if she ever leaves again, it’ll break my goddamn heart worse than it had the first time.”
Something Tangled Something True captivated me, combining so many of the tropes and vibes I hold close to my heart into one book. I devoured every word, and felt the passion bursting from the pages. It featured a swoon-worthy rancher MMC whose charm and strength made my heart race, a fiery FMC whose fierce spirit and love danced across the story, and had such delicious spice that I couldn’t help but melt. The deep, loving found family they built together, the suspense that kept me on the edge of my seat, and the second chances that gave hope another chance, this book was an emotional rollercoaster I never wanted to get off.
“It’s okay, darlin’. You’re allowed to ogle your husband. And maybe later, if you’re a good girls, I’ll let you put that drool to good use.”
Ryder Lockhart has claimed a special place in my harem of book boyfriends. The way he’s a total simp for Lola made my heart swoon. Lola is such an incredible FMC; fierce, resilient, loving, and beautifully vulnerable all at once. The chemistry between them is electric from the very first scene they share. What truly moved me was how they connected on more than just a physical level. They shared their stories, their fears, their hopes. They took the time to truly understand each other, laying the foundation for something real and lasting. And the cast of characters that surrounds them, including Mayte (my favorite) & Zeke (whose stories I can’t wait to explore), add layers of depth to this story. Nugget’s adorable antics stole my heart completely.
“I choose you, Lols. In every lifetime. In every circumstance. My soul will always find my way back to you.”
This story gripped me from the very first page. I was swept away by how everything seamlessly came together; the love, family, overcoming life's toughest obstacles. I can’t wait to find out where Giuliana Victoria will take us next in the Rosa Ranch series because this book is just the beginning of a heartfelt journey I never want to end.
Giuliana Victoria has managed to combine second chance romance with marriage of convenience flawlessly. Her novel “Something Tangled Something True” combined the comforting pace of everyday romance with grandiose gestures and villains. I found the FMC Lola starting off her journey of reclaiming herself in the very beginning rather than the middle or end of the novel, to be a pleasant change of pace. I saw how hard it was for her to accept help and come back and it made me feel seen. I commend Giuliana for leaning into the feelings that come with suddenly ending a long term relationship instead of casting them aside. I also love how she made sure that Lola and Ryder's (MMC) families and friends support were major influences in the rekindling of their relationship.Speaking of Ryder can I say that he is the embodiment of a “Southern Gentleman “. The way he cares for Lola and his family was heartwarming. Despite being a gentleman he never over stepped his boundaries with Lola when it came to her condition and vision. I also appreciate the slight nod to “Hart of Dixie” when it came to Ryder's jealous ex wife. In fact the whole town felt like it came out of an old CW show. From the friendly neighborhood baker, to gossip constantly circulating, Giuliana made the town feel like an essential character in the story. My main critique comes with the length. While I enjoyed the story I felt like it should have been split into two books. I appreciate the time Giuliana took with this story and I can tell she painstakingly set up this world for future sequels but as a reader, it felt like a chore to get through at times. I highly recommend this book and I hope to hear more from the”Something Tangled” series. 3.75/5 stars
A Latin cowboy/rancher romance? Yes, finally! Giuliana Victoria has raised the bar on cowboy romances for me with Something Tangled, Something True. This book was hard to put down, but has set up the Rosa Ranch series to be amazing. Giuliana poured Cuban culture into this book! It was beautifully showcased and portrayed. It is easy to see Giuliana’s passion for this culture and it is evident she did her research on said culture.
Both of our MCs are healing from past relationships. This second chance romance was heartwarming, passionate, spicy, and so much fun to read. The chemistry between Lola and Ryder is evident from their first encounter. Both have walls up, which is understandable, but as the story progresses they allow each other in, allowing each of them to be loved as they deserve and letting past hurt go. I loved watching these two find love; true, real love again.
The suspense mixed in the romance was perfectly balanced. Neither one overshadowed the other and both elements kept the plot line moving. Along with this perfect balance, I have to praise Giuliana for her representation of chronic pain. While it didn’t define our FMC, it is the catalyst that allowed the marriage of convenience to take place and our love story flow.
Every book I read by Giuliana has me falling more and more in love with her! Each story contains strong, resilient FMCs and MMCs who are unafraid to show how much they care for their women. I truly believe that each character holds a bit of herself in them, allowing readers to see a little more of this author as each book is released. This series is going to be something special and I am excited to see what comes next.
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect: 💃Marriage of Convenience 🐎Small Town Romance 💃Suspense 🐎Rancher 💃Latin Dance Instructor 🐎Second Chance Romance 💃Childhood Crush 🐎It’s Always Been You
ARC Review- This was a 3 ⭐️read. I LOVE the cover. I just knew the mcs were going to be hot. The very beginning had a list of character names and their role in the story which I appreciated, but at the same time, I would’ve enjoyed being eased into the world and characters a bit more when they are first introduced. I love that the beginning of the book jumped straight to the point instead of having Lola “he does this but also he does this.” It saved me the heartbreak as we didn’t have to see the shipwreck Lola would have embarked on. I was very excited for the second chance trope because it meant groveling (yes!!!!), however, I feel like there could’ve been more groveling.
They left each other for years!!! And when they see each other again, they fall right back to where they left!!! Ok!!???? Apologize THEN kiss!!!!
I love the flashbacks of the mcs, Lola and Ryder, as kids, because it painted the picture of them as best friends. I am a firm believer and lover of flashbacks (and I loved it sm!!), however, I felt like there could’ve been more banter in the present. This just tells me that they were more childhood lovers because he’s so gentle and loving of her and not friends who tease and bicker with each other.
Overall, even though there were swoonwoorthy moments, it was a little hard for me to be invested in the book. I found that Ryder is a perfect fictional boyfriend on paper, but I didn't find Lola interesting enough to be likable. Her journey is incredible, but her character is just ehhhh. But if you want to read a childhood lovers/second chance trope in a western and small town setting, look no further.
Our FMC, Lola Lima, ditches her fiancé at the altar and flees back to her hometown to reevaluate her life. Enter our MMC-Ranch Daddy (okay, fine, Ryder Lockhart)-Lola's childhood best friend and long-time crush. When the two cross paths again, an unexpected marriage of convenience pulls them closer than either ever planned. Old feelings resurface, new sparks fly, and soon the boundaries between a fake marriage and the real thing begin to blur.
Tropes: 👰🏽♀️ Runaway Bride 💍 Marriage of Convenience 🤠💃🏽Ranch Daddy x Latin Dance Instructor ❌ No Third Act Breakup ✨ Childhood Crushes/Second Chance 🖤 Romantic Suspense 🥹 "It's Always Been You" ❤️🩹 Rheumatoid Arthritis & Panic Attack/Night Terror Rep 💕 Unbreakable Female Friendships 🏍️ Biker Gang Smutty Book Club 🇨🇺 Multicultural Relationship
RANCH DADDYYYYY 🤠🐎!!!!
This book was EVERYTHING! Huge telenova vibes- drama, suspense, comedy, yearning, HOT SEXY SCENES!!! The amount of times my jaw dropped, gasped, fanned myself, or let out a giggle was too many to recount
Giuliana writing is AMAZING! The family vibes in this book go strong, it truly felt like I was reading about my own family at times lol. She does an amazing job at making you fall in love with characters but also loathing some as well (maldita cabrona Lemmon!). Also, that plot twist! Was not expecting it at all!!! 😮😮
My random thoughts while reading the book: - Darlinnnn 🥹😘 - I love the names of these chapters! 😍😍 - This Lemmon bitch needs to vete pal' carajo!!!! 🤬🤬 - Mayte, you are THE BEST FRIEND 💪🏼💕 - NOT THE BROTHER! 🫣🤫
This is the best example of my perfect romance book. The romance is swoonworthy, and Ryder is the ultimate yearner. The emotional chemistry and connection that Lola and Ryder have, has cemented itself into my brain. They have absurd amounts of chemistry, and I love how the reader is shown that they love each other through their actions, not just told. AND THE SMUT!!! Save a horse, ride a cowboy. That's all I'll say about that.
The suspenseful subplot brings the perfect amount of tension into an otherwise lighthearted story. It's the perfect amount of suspense that keeps the reader engaged, while not overtaking the romance plot and wholesome vibes. I also love how the climax of the story shows readers just how tight-knit the community and families of Hidden Valley are! The familial love is strong in this one, and the support the characters give each other is absolutely heartwarming.
Finally, I adored the disability representation in this book, especially for the way it shows how Lola and Ryder care for each other. The way Ryder takes care of Lola when her chronic pain flares up made me want to sob. As someone with chronic pain, reading about that level of care given to someone in their most vulnerable state just made me love these characters that much more. The way Lola figures out ways to help Ryder while he struggles with night terrors and panic attacks is so beautiful.
I love absolutely everything about this book. I recommend it to all romance readers, especially those who love cowboy romances.
A huge thank you to author Giuliana Victoria for this ARC!
“Lola is her own person, and I have no desire to change that, but I most definitely belong to her.”
Once again, a book written by Giuliana Victoria made me venture into territories I usually stay away from. I don’t read cowboy romances. I don’t read romantic suspense. Yet, I had a great time with Something Tangled, Something True (I won’t comment about the suspense part however, as I don’t read enough of these books to have an opinion). As usual, I loved the characters, how chiseled they are and how the various rep’ are done. I don’t have the same pathology as Lola, but I definitely know how it feels to live with chronic pain and that felt so relatable, just as much as Ryder's panic attacks. The subjects in this book were close to me, but even when they aren’t I truly love how this author works to bring life to multilayered and relatable characters. This one makes no exception, and with the exceptional gallery of side characters —and the amazing found family— we can expect many great books in this new series. As usual, I (of course) loved the relationship, especially as they always try to have a healthy communication —which doesn’t mean everything is easy. The Friends to Lovers trope is one of my favorites, and I love how it was done, even if in this case it was a second chance already. These characters know each other already, are close, and the stakes are somewhere else, deeper in some way. Last but not least, this is steamy, like any of Giuliana's books, and even outside of the explicit scenes. I’ll be there for book 2!
As always—absolute perfection! I am completely in love with Ryder. The way he would do anything in his power for Lola is breathtaking. It’s clear he was always drawn to her, but watching that attraction deepen into something far greater—a soul-deep connection—was truly beautiful. His journey, emotions, and struggles are written with such care, and the portrayal of his mental health feels raw and real, making readers who share his diagnosis feel truly seen.
Lola Lima, on the other hand, is a fighter through and through. She knew exactly when to take a stand for herself, and that strength makes her such a bada$$. What I loved most was how neither Ryder nor Lola shied away from their attraction—yes, Lola was hesitant at first, but Ryder’s persistence and love won her back. Her diagnosis was also represented with incredible sensitivity and accuracy.
And the smut? *Chef’s kiss* 🤌🏻 This author never disappoints when it comes to spice—it’s always perfectly timed and absolutely delicious.
I’ve loved every book she’s written, and this one is no exception. If you’re a fan of cowboy romances with heart, heat, and unforgettable characters, you’ll adore this too.
Tropes: Runaway Bride Marriage of Convenience Childhood Crushes Second Chance Biker Gang Smutty Book Club Panic Attacks/ Night Terror Rep Rheumatoid Arthritis Rep Ranch Daddy X Latin Dance Instructor "It's Always Been You "
Howdy, welcome to Rosa Ranch in Oklahoma home to a Ranch Daddy who yearns for his childhood best friend, former girl friend, and runaway bride.
The premise is simple, our FMC, Lola, walked away from her engagement to an a**hole because just because he had good insurance, nothing is worth that toxicity so she goes home to the place she grew up and her childhood best friend now runs the ranch -- hello, Ryder -- and chaos ensues. Well, not chaos, but a lot of joy, fun drama, and witty banter that had me laughing out loud while I was reading, and that's where the magic lies in this book, and it is so layered.
On the top, we have a marriage of convince, second chance romance between childhood best friends. In the middle, we have grief of a lost sibling, toxic and abusive relationships, and the life Lola could've had if she wasn't chronically ill with rheumatoid arthritis (content warning here: it's intense, it's heavy, I did have to walk away for a moment because I know exactly what it's like to be Lola. It's devastating, while being resilient. I do truly believe that is a mark of a realistic story, but take care of yourself). And the final layer is a suspense! (yes, that's all I'm saying.) There is so much humor, joy, found family, and spice throughout creating a story and a new place I can't wait to go back to.
I had the absolute honor of Beta reading for Giuliana and I’m still pinching myself that I got to read this baby twice before it was out in the world! I was kinda bummed we were leaving sports romance behind, but I can honestly say Giuliana has entered her small town/cowboy writing era and I am HERE FOR IT 👏🏻👏🏻
Ryder literally could not be more perfect if he tried, that man has loved Lola his whole life and it shows. He has the best relationship with her family, is shameless when it comes to making Lola smile, and takes care of her physically and emotionally; what more could you ask for?
This was Giuliana’s first go at romantic suspense and let me tell you she rocked it! I’m usually really good at predicting suspenseful endings, but she had me second guessing things, which I loved!
The side characters were everything in this one! Mayte is my spirit animal and I love her with all my heart. We also get a new fictional book club and while I don’t think anyone can top Gloria, I’m obsessed with our motorcycle riding Ryde or Dye Club!
💃🏽Marriage of Convenience 🐾Runaway Bride 💃🏽Ranch Daddy X Latin Dance Instructor 🐾Rheumatoid Arthritis X Night Terror Rep 💃🏽Childhood Crushes/Second Chance 🐾Romantic Suspense
ARC Review ✨ First I would like to say a big thank you to Giuliana for letting me be apart of this ARC Team! Rate: 4/5⭐️ Spice: 2.5/5🌶️
What to expect when reading Something Tangled, Something True; -Childhood crushes/ Second Chance -Runaway Bride -Marriage of Convenience -Romantic Suspense -Rheumatoid Arthritis/ Panic Attack Rep -Ranch Daddy x Latin Dancer
This is book one of the Rosa Ranch series! You get to follow Lola and Ryder! All I have to say is if you don’t add Ryder to you book boyfriend list what are you doing? I have read every book Giuliana has put out and this was perfection! I was hooked from the beginning. One thing I will always stand by is the different representation she has in her books. Getting to see character evolve is one of my favorite things about her books. I loved that the suspense keeps you guessing until the end. Chefs kiss ma’am 🙌
Side notes: -Her friends🙌 -Darlin 🫠 -Nugget
Fav Quote: •”what better way to find out what Lolas ideal husband is than a book club”
Make sure you get your copy of the book when it releases Sept. 5th🩷 #bookstagram #romance #review
One thing for certain Giuliana is going to give us a swoon worthy story! And the suspense element to it I could not stop reading. Lola and Ryder are each other’s first love and due to trauma at a young age they couldn’t navigate they went separate ways. They obviously still loved each other after one got married another engaged but fate had different plans to bring them back together. Ryder divorced his wife prior to Lola walking away from her fiancé and he knew he would do anything to get her back. So when learns of her diagnosis and need for medicine he does what any man in love would do, proposes a fake marriage. You can feel the tension between these two, and just when you think they will… the stalkers come into play. Already obsessed with this series cannot wait for more from Rosa Ranch especially to see what happens with Mayte and Zeke. And the epilogues! Perfect ending!
~~What to Expect~~ 💃🏽Cowboy 💃🏽Runaway Bride 💃🏽Childhood Crushes/First Love 💃🏽Marriage of Convenience 💃🏽Ranch Daddy X Latin Dance Instructor 💃🏽Second Chance 💃🏽Rhematoid Arthritis Rep 💃🏽Panic Attacks/Night Terror Rep
~~Quotes~~ 🥀Ryder Lockhart is not the kind of man you do casual with, he’s the one you marry. 🥀That pretty girl would become my best friend and later the one who got away. 🥀 “I need to ruin you for any other man” “I’m already ruined for anyone else.” 🥀In every lifetime in every circumstance my soul will always find my way back to you.
As described "A heart of Dixie meets a Telenovela" uumm have you ever watched a telenovela? I jumped into reading as soon as possible😄 I LOVE Telenovelas and honestly it's been too long since I've seen one so this book definitely scratched an Itch! THANK YOU Giuliana!
Without giving too much away here is a bit of what went down!
Lola realises on night of her bachelorette party that marrying Russ her fiancée would be a huge mistake so she runs back home to safety.
There she comes face to face with the past love of her youth Ryder. They parted ways due to circumstances.. I'll leave out what ..
Ryder (divorced) is so happy to see Lola again and cant help but call her darlin' the whole time😊.
Anyway, when he finds out she's in need of help he can't help but offer her a marriage of convenience.
They make some rules (who were they kidding?) Forced proximity opens avenues and breaks down walls.. toss in a cute little pet and suspense and this made for an exciting read!
Looking forward to the next books in the series!
Many thanks to Author Giuliana Victoria for the opportunity to read this in advance💝
A second chance romance with that big epic feel, saga worthy drama, and a dreamy cowboy who gave his heart away as a teen, never got it back, and will do anything to be the man she trusts with hers now! This is beautifully written, lush in detail, rife with emotion, and adorably charming with Ryder riding off into the sunset with your heart from the second he lays eyes on Lola again and repeatedly making you swoon with every confession of how much he loves her, every ounce of effort he puts in to making her every dream come true, and all the little ways he makes it clear he’s hers completely, she’s his forever, and he isn’t giving up this time. It’s fierce friends, supportive family, crushing loss and a heartbreaking diagnosis, withdrawing in the name of protection and holding back in the name of deserving more, it has a killer representation of rheumatoid arthritis so detailed you physically hurt right along with them and emotionally shatter the same, and with a jealous ex and a vindictive jolted fiancé it has a spike of danger that adds a delicious intensity to a read that has you riveted. An absolute gem from Giuliana Victoria!
I received an eARC of this book (Thank You, Giuliana Victoria), and here are my honest thoughts!
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Giuliana Victoria's Something Tangled Something New is going to be a treat! 😉
You won't want to put it down; it's a really easy and captivating read that hooks you from the first page with a wonderful blend of tropes, including a runaway bride, second-chance romance, and marriage of convenience. 👰🏽💒💍🤠
The story is heartwarming, with a strong portrayal of chronic illness and a lovely found family dynamic. 🩷
You will love this book if you enjoy a spicy Latin dancer and a sweet, totally devoted cowboy. You'll be guessing right up until the very end because of the flawless fusion of romance and suspense.🤠
Releasing on 5th September, Something Tangled Something True has tropes as follows: 🩷Second chance 🩷Childhood crushes to lovers 🩷Marriage of convenience 🩷Cowboy/Latin Dance Teacher 🩷Romantic Suspense 🩷"It's Always Been You " 🩷Panic Attacks/ Night Terror Rep 🩷Rheumatoid Arthritis Rep
Lola and Ryder were together as childhood sweethearts. They broke apart. Ten years later, she's back in their hometown from a failed engagement, and he's divorced from her nemesis. Marriage for convenience due to her health issues, but Rhyder actually does this because he's still in love with her after all these years.
These two were a super slow burn, and each had to heal a bit from past traumas. Rhyder just patiently waits for Lola to admit her love. He's completely a$$ over tea kettle and supporting her and her dreams for a dance studio. This man does the most for her even when there is a threat to their new marriage. I liked their eventual connection to pour into the F*ck it moment. There is more plot and less spice with this slow burn, but it delivers once Lola finally admits she needs him physically, which was against the original terms.
⚠️ Read content and trigger warnings ⚠️
Thank you, author, for the ARC! Release Date: September 5, 2025