Cows & Kisses

by J.E. Smith

It only takes one day to see the love of your life has been by your side the whole time. . . .

Maggie
This ranch is my responsibility right now, and the cows need to be moved before the snowstorm. It's a full day's work, but I'll have my best friend Ben to help. With him by my side, it will be a fun-filled adventure for sure.

Ben
The day didn't go as planned. This was supposed to be a simple day trip to get the cows to the other pasture. Now, I have to make sure the woman I've been secretly in love with for years isn't badly hurt and get us (and the cows) safely back to the ranch before the storm is overhead.




The original version of this story appeared in As the Snow A Cozy Winter Anthology, published by And You Press, an imprint of Nicole Frail Books, in November 2024. This version has been updated and expanded with new scenes and an epilogue.

Genres: Romance, Short Stories, Contemporary

38 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 26, 2025

Reviews

[Karla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Best friends Maggie and Ben set out to move cattle before a snowstorm hits, expecting a simple day of ranch work. But when things take an unexpected turn, they’re forced to navigate danger, unspoken feelings, and the race to get themselves—and the herd—home before the storm closes in. Perfect for fans of friends-to-lovers and cozy, wintery romance vibes.

A very light and short read, perfect for the winter season—featuring a bit of romance and a snowy storm. It’s a sweet friends-to-lovers story, and I really liked how we got a glimpse of how Maggie and Ben started out, how their friendship grew, and how their feelings developed. Even though their personalities are well portrayed for such a short story, I still felt like something was missing and some things were left unsaid. Still, I definitely recommend it if you’re looking for something short and sweet, with no spice.

[KindleReads.131 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Such a cute little quick read.
If you want a quick dose of some love and only have about 30 mins, this is the short story for ya!
I liked the story, the plot and why they are together, alone and how they go from friends to lovers.
I picked this up for free during a stuff your kindle event, glad I did! 🧡

[Mallory Carrillo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a cute sweet read !
You never know what is right in front of you until you open your eyes wide enough. This a story of two people who grow up together. They know the ends and out of each others. The question is are they mean to be more than friends ?! Read to find out

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eh

I mean it's not bad but it's just the same as every novel that involves friends to lovers...if it had something pizzazzy to make it just a little different it would've been a 4 star read for me.

[Alyssa J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a cute story!

I really enjoyed how quick and fun this was. I was able to relate when it came to the cows and moving them. This was super quick and sweet! I will definitely be checking out more of this author's work!

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

My only complaint is that it was too short. A very cute quick read.

[Liv · Rating 4 out of 5]

⋆｡°✩ Spoiler Free Reviews ⋆｡°✩

This is 38 pages, but somehow its a full story!

Childhood friends to lovers, only one tent, cowboys, ranch life. Also lots of snowy winter vibes. Its a HEA, and its closed door.

This was sweet and succinct and to the point but I had a blast reading it!

[Tami · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maggie.......her name is Maggie not Darlin' so minus a star for me as the endearment was overused.

All in all a sharp and snappy romance home on the ranch.

[rinn · Rating 3 out of 5]

cute book, 3.5/5

[Kasey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute read 💜

Was a super cute read. Haven't read any other books by this author, but thought it was a good. 💜

[D]

Just a predictable short story.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really cute small town cowboy romance. Maggie and Ben are basically childhood sweethearts and it's nice to see them actually take that next step to actually make it official.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Saved By the Cows

This is a cute short love story. There’s fun, excitement and love. The best part being the cows of course.

[María Peláez García · Rating 2 out of 5]

a ver cuando entendemos que en una romcom de navidad los personajes no se pueden besar hasta la última escena!

[Ana Isabel · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s a cute little story, you can’t expect too much from a 30 minute read, but it’s enjoyable and perfect for when you only have a few spare minutes 😊

[sophie · Rating 3 out of 5]

cutie short romance story!

[Kelly Winfree]

Short but sweet

A very cute winter farm story of best friends finally moving into being more. With just the right amount of mutual pining.

[Sarah Briggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet story.

[Carlie · Rating 4 out of 5]

a great short story, It was very basic but to the point and a happy ending!

[Judy Christiana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable short story. Once I began reading, I knew I read it earlier but enjoyed it once again the second time.

[Elizabeth F. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and Sweet romance. Friends to Lovers. Very cute! Loved it.

[Jessie]

This was sweet but light on any kind of development, substance, or realism.

[Shelia Love Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute story.. Fast read.🌺

[Gwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short and sweet winter romance.

[Katie Balla · Rating 2 out of 5]

definitely a rushed short story however the dad at the end was quite sweet

[Chelsea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Saddle up for this quick, cute & country ranch romance between longtime friends during a winter storm. Can they wrangle their cattle and their hearts, or will it all be buried by morning?