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Rainbow Ranch
Stirring Spurs
In the heart of Oklahoma’s sprawling Rainbow Ranch, Boone Adams thrives as the vibrant soul behind the kitchen, tirelessly whipping up meals that warm both body and spirit. As the younger twin to the brooding Beau, Boone embraces his role as the ultimate caretaker, pouring his heart into nourishing his family and friends. His sunny disposition and unwavering concern for his siblings mask a deeper longing for recognition and self-care.
Everything changes when Wylie Anderson arrives—a rugged cowboy battling his own demons and desperate for a fresh start. Drawn to the ranch to earn some quick cash, Wylie has no intentions of sticking around after the monthly rodeo. As their paths intertwine, Boone’s nurturing spirit clashes with Wylie’s hardened exterior, igniting a tension neither expected.
Will Boone’s unwavering kindness break through Wylie’s tough façade, revealing the warmth beneath? And can Wylie help Boone discover the importance of prioritizing his own happiness? In this tale of love, self-discovery, and the power of connection, two opposites just might find a way to complement each other and heal their own hearts.
Everything changes when Wylie Anderson arrives—a rugged cowboy battling his own demons and desperate for a fresh start. Drawn to the ranch to earn some quick cash, Wylie has no intentions of sticking around after the monthly rodeo. As their paths intertwine, Boone’s nurturing spirit clashes with Wylie’s hardened exterior, igniting a tension neither expected.
Will Boone’s unwavering kindness break through Wylie’s tough façade, revealing the warmth beneath? And can Wylie help Boone discover the importance of prioritizing his own happiness? In this tale of love, self-discovery, and the power of connection, two opposites just might find a way to complement each other and heal their own hearts.
204 pages, Paperback
Published July 1, 2025
225 people are currently reading
1741 people want to read
About the author
M.A. Wardell
11 books832 followersI write steamy queer romance and romantic comedies. My goal is to make you laugh and turn you on. Often at the same time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 416 reviews
November 8, 2025
This one didn’t work for me, and before anyone asks if I just hate fun... I don’t. MA Wardell has a devoted audience, but his style has never really clicked for me, and this book didn’t change that.
There are charming moments, and the cowboy-romance setup is cute and easy to read. But like in all his books, the heavier topics get an after-school-special treatment often glossed over in a way that makes the emotional beats feel heavy-handed and cheesy, more like a moral than a love story. The cringe only ramps up with the choice to have modern characters speak in old-Western slang. It’s quirky for a minute, then just distracting.
I can see why his books resonate with other readers, but for me, the tone and execution just didn’t land.
There are charming moments, and the cowboy-romance setup is cute and easy to read. But like in all his books, the heavier topics get an after-school-special treatment often glossed over in a way that makes the emotional beats feel heavy-handed and cheesy, more like a moral than a love story. The cringe only ramps up with the choice to have modern characters speak in old-Western slang. It’s quirky for a minute, then just distracting.
I can see why his books resonate with other readers, but for me, the tone and execution just didn’t land.
June 26, 2025
The feel good, gay cowboy romance of the summer.
First off, partners, let’s be clear: I’m not a cowboy fan. Never have been; never will be. And there aren’t many people who could get me to read a cowboy romance. But M.A. Wardell is on that list. He’s established that trust and he didn’t lose it after I finished Stirring Spurs.
This is both a short and a quick read, a 180 page novella (so almost kissing novel length) that has a zippy pace. The story of Boone (the “cookie” at the Rainbow Ranch, an all queer, working ranch) and Wylie (a cowboy passing through, working for his bed and grub) is “low-angst” and not very plotty. They’re both out gay men who are available to each other and are immediately attracted and we follow them as they get closer and then really close.
The book is pretty slice of life and Wardell focuses on the daily lives of our heroes and their allies-queer friends and family. Whether Wylie will end up staying is the biggest issue of their relationship but the biggest issue of the plot is if Wylie can tame a wild horse, which he does through cake baked by Boone. This, friends, is what we call a metaphor.
Stirring Spurs is charming and easy to love. It’s deeply LGBTQ-affirming and displays a level of care with gay male relationships that is surprisingly rare in MM romance. If you already love to see cowboys wrestling around with each other, then you oughta giddy up and lasso this one on to your TBR. And if (like me), you’re not real keen on those cowpokes, you still will probably get a thrill out of seeing them cowboys poke. Wait, don’t take the keyboard away, I didn’t do any jokes about beans…
First off, partners, let’s be clear: I’m not a cowboy fan. Never have been; never will be. And there aren’t many people who could get me to read a cowboy romance. But M.A. Wardell is on that list. He’s established that trust and he didn’t lose it after I finished Stirring Spurs.
This is both a short and a quick read, a 180 page novella (so almost kissing novel length) that has a zippy pace. The story of Boone (the “cookie” at the Rainbow Ranch, an all queer, working ranch) and Wylie (a cowboy passing through, working for his bed and grub) is “low-angst” and not very plotty. They’re both out gay men who are available to each other and are immediately attracted and we follow them as they get closer and then really close.
The book is pretty slice of life and Wardell focuses on the daily lives of our heroes and their allies-queer friends and family. Whether Wylie will end up staying is the biggest issue of their relationship but the biggest issue of the plot is if Wylie can tame a wild horse, which he does through cake baked by Boone. This, friends, is what we call a metaphor.
Stirring Spurs is charming and easy to love. It’s deeply LGBTQ-affirming and displays a level of care with gay male relationships that is surprisingly rare in MM romance. If you already love to see cowboys wrestling around with each other, then you oughta giddy up and lasso this one on to your TBR. And if (like me), you’re not real keen on those cowpokes, you still will probably get a thrill out of seeing them cowboys poke. Wait, don’t take the keyboard away, I didn’t do any jokes about beans…
May 26, 2025
PURE COWBOY ROMANCE DELICIOUSNESS! I snagged an ARC of this one from one of my FAVORITE authors M.A. Wardell and read the entire thing on the flight back from Queers and Quills. It was EVERYTHING I could have needed and wanted. TONS of caretaking (THERE IS SOUP!). A stargazing scene. An adorable mini horse. A broody cowboy with one foot out the door... until he meets a sweet ranch cook who gets him to stay. It is swoony. It is spicy. You are going to love it!
I really haven't read a ton of cowboy romance (I'm late to the party I know), but Stirring Spurs feels like a prime example of the genre. Boone and Wylie are absolutely sweethearts, and I immediately got soulmates vibes from them as soon as they met. Boone is a bit more obvious at first with his feelings - he is CONSTANTLY cooking for Wylie (which made me incredibly hungry, SO MUCH food in this book!). As much as I love him, I loved how Wylie kept coming up with ways for them to run into each other even more. And y'all, I've always loved how Matt writes spice, but omg, it is SO good in this book - I was fanning myself, arguably his best yet. But seriously, Boone and Wylie were so cute and vulnerable with each other, and I love how the combination of Boone's love and the found family at the ranch finally convinces Wylie to settle down.
Stirring Spurs was really a perfect first entry into the Rainbow Ranch series! I'm thrilled to have had the opportunity to read this one, and I'm so excited to read the rest. From what I understand, the main characters for the other books in the shared world were introduced in this one, and I think they are all going to be awesome. Get excited friends!
I really haven't read a ton of cowboy romance (I'm late to the party I know), but Stirring Spurs feels like a prime example of the genre. Boone and Wylie are absolutely sweethearts, and I immediately got soulmates vibes from them as soon as they met. Boone is a bit more obvious at first with his feelings - he is CONSTANTLY cooking for Wylie (which made me incredibly hungry, SO MUCH food in this book!). As much as I love him, I loved how Wylie kept coming up with ways for them to run into each other even more. And y'all, I've always loved how Matt writes spice, but omg, it is SO good in this book - I was fanning myself, arguably his best yet. But seriously, Boone and Wylie were so cute and vulnerable with each other, and I love how the combination of Boone's love and the found family at the ranch finally convinces Wylie to settle down.
Stirring Spurs was really a perfect first entry into the Rainbow Ranch series! I'm thrilled to have had the opportunity to read this one, and I'm so excited to read the rest. From what I understand, the main characters for the other books in the shared world were introduced in this one, and I think they are all going to be awesome. Get excited friends!
June 18, 2025
If you're looking for a sweet and swoony romance that does not hold back on the steam, then look no further!
Boone was seriously sunshine incarnate, and he balanced out the closed off grump that was Wylie. Their friendship turned romance was just so tooth achingly sweet, but when things heat up... Oof 😮💨🥵
I will say this did feel a bit insta-love, which I'm not usually too big of a fan of, but it really worked here.
I loved every minute of this adorable, low angst, high on the feels cowboy romance, and cannot wait for more of this series!
𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧:
- sunshine ranch book + grumpy cowboy
- forced proximity
- pick-up truck spice
- only one bed
- naughty mini-horse shenanigans
- Boone's famous buns
- close siblings
- queer positive world
- found family
Boone was seriously sunshine incarnate, and he balanced out the closed off grump that was Wylie. Their friendship turned romance was just so tooth achingly sweet, but when things heat up... Oof 😮💨🥵
I will say this did feel a bit insta-love, which I'm not usually too big of a fan of, but it really worked here.
I loved every minute of this adorable, low angst, high on the feels cowboy romance, and cannot wait for more of this series!
𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧:
- sunshine ranch book + grumpy cowboy
- forced proximity
- pick-up truck spice
- only one bed
- naughty mini-horse shenanigans
- Boone's famous buns
- close siblings
- queer positive world
- found family
July 24, 2025
40% overly descriptive home cooked meals, 40% wholesome precious romance, 20% toe curling spice. so basically, devourable on three levels 🤌
July 10, 2025
Need a lil yeehaw in your life and a hot cowboy x sunshiney cookie romance to go with it? This book is your no. 1 stop, bestie. It’s cute, it’s funny and it’s heart-melting in the coziest way
June 10, 2025
4.5 stars. M.A. Wardell's STIRRING SPURS is a scrumptious gay cowboy romance that pleasantly surprised me. After their parents tragically die, Boone and Beau Adams have taken over their family ranch with their queer siblings Billie and Benny. Unlike some homophobic ranch you'd find on YELLOWSTONE, the Rainbow Ranch is a welcomed sanctuary for found family and queers of all shapes, sizes and backgrounds. Radical conservatives would call this a "woke" cowboy romance, but let's be real...this is exactly the wholesome content that we need in this shitstorm of a political climate. Don't get it too twisted though because most of this novella revolves around the sweet and SPICY romance between smiley ranch chef - Boone, and rugged cowboy/horse trainer - Wylie. Have I mentioned that there's an adorable mini horse named Dennis? This has it ALL.
I love BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN like any other homo, but it's nice to see cowboys get the happy ending treatment. Although these characters have suffered, the vibes are lighter and they're really just horny ranchers that want to touch each other under a starry sky. Amen, brother. While there's yearning and flirting, the temperature certainly heats up rather quickly as this novella is under 200 pages. I was thirsting over Wylie's hairy chest and happy trail so hard that I'm going to need a man to have his way with me while wearing his cowboy hat and boots ASAP. I knew I liked cowboys, but this might be a new fetish for me. This has everything that you'd want in an mm cowboy romance - heart, smut and lessons to be learned.
And just like in Brokeback, they can't quit each other and they learn that the best dessert isn't Boone's cinnamon rolls, but his ass. Cheers to pit fetishes and nipple play on the gayest ranch ever! But seriously, these are two men that see each other for who they are and it's too cute. Are there corny lines like, "You’re better than a rainstorm after a drought"? Sure. But I don't care. I admittedly wanted the book to be longer so that we could've fleshed out the rest of the story more, but I could've watched these two fawn over each other all day. Special thanks to M.A. Wardell for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Lie back, spritz your sweat/leather/c*m cologne and blast, "Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy".
I love BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN like any other homo, but it's nice to see cowboys get the happy ending treatment. Although these characters have suffered, the vibes are lighter and they're really just horny ranchers that want to touch each other under a starry sky. Amen, brother. While there's yearning and flirting, the temperature certainly heats up rather quickly as this novella is under 200 pages. I was thirsting over Wylie's hairy chest and happy trail so hard that I'm going to need a man to have his way with me while wearing his cowboy hat and boots ASAP. I knew I liked cowboys, but this might be a new fetish for me. This has everything that you'd want in an mm cowboy romance - heart, smut and lessons to be learned.
And just like in Brokeback, they can't quit each other and they learn that the best dessert isn't Boone's cinnamon rolls, but his ass. Cheers to pit fetishes and nipple play on the gayest ranch ever! But seriously, these are two men that see each other for who they are and it's too cute. Are there corny lines like, "You’re better than a rainstorm after a drought"? Sure. But I don't care. I admittedly wanted the book to be longer so that we could've fleshed out the rest of the story more, but I could've watched these two fawn over each other all day. Special thanks to M.A. Wardell for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Lie back, spritz your sweat/leather/c*m cologne and blast, "Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy".
June 3, 2025
I want to protect Boone at all costs!
I didn't realize how much I wanted a queer story taking place on an openly queer and inclusive ranch with cowboys. This was adorably sweet and M.A. Wardell's writing is as easily digestible as ever; playful, sweet, and thoughtful. Writing styles can make a huge difference for a book and I think can sometimes be the difference between a good book and a great book.
The one thing I found was that it felt a little insta-love, I know that we're working in a novella format and it being part of a series with other authors, but in general insta-love is not something I gravitate towards. I like the pining, the slow-to-medium burn, and just wanted a tiny bit of friction. That being said, I think this enamates the cozy, low-stakes genre perfectly, so I think if you go into it with those expectations, you'll love it even more than I did!
I didn't realize how much I wanted a queer story taking place on an openly queer and inclusive ranch with cowboys. This was adorably sweet and M.A. Wardell's writing is as easily digestible as ever; playful, sweet, and thoughtful. Writing styles can make a huge difference for a book and I think can sometimes be the difference between a good book and a great book.
The one thing I found was that it felt a little insta-love, I know that we're working in a novella format and it being part of a series with other authors, but in general insta-love is not something I gravitate towards. I like the pining, the slow-to-medium burn, and just wanted a tiny bit of friction. That being said, I think this enamates the cozy, low-stakes genre perfectly, so I think if you go into it with those expectations, you'll love it even more than I did!
July 5, 2025
I received this as an ARC for an honest review.
.
.
.
I want to start by giving the benefit of the doubt to this author, I had not read their works before and I realize their writing may not be my style.
However, I went into this story with high hopes. I am always on the hunt for good queer stories. and unfortunately this one did not resonate with me at all. Boone, the MMC that owns the ranch with his family hires Wiley, a ranch hand to help with a ready a horse before he passes through. However Boone and Wiley begin to form a relationship and plans start to change. The characters and the story had such high potential to me.
Yet, personally found a lot of the dialogue super cringy and just strange at times. As well as I felt as if being gay was Boones only other personality trait outside of being a good cook. He seemed to lack depth as a person to me, and I don't like seeing characters, especially queer ones, make their whole personality their sexuality. Wiley wasn't as bad thankfully in that front, but he still seemed very surface level; especially after hinting and talking about some heavy things.
I love the idea of "rainbow ranch" though, even if the name is a little obvious. Having a safe space like that for the community in the south, in an area that is not generally LGBTQ friendly. and I would run there IMMEDIATELY if this existed. But I just wanted more from this. more depth, more substance. I also know that this is technically a novella, but it had such potential that if given a little more length we could have seem the depth within their relationship, and their lives that I desperately wanted to see.
Over all though, it was an easy enjoyable read. and if you're looking for something cute, easy, and drama free, this would be perfect for you.
.
.
.
I want to start by giving the benefit of the doubt to this author, I had not read their works before and I realize their writing may not be my style.
However, I went into this story with high hopes. I am always on the hunt for good queer stories. and unfortunately this one did not resonate with me at all. Boone, the MMC that owns the ranch with his family hires Wiley, a ranch hand to help with a ready a horse before he passes through. However Boone and Wiley begin to form a relationship and plans start to change. The characters and the story had such high potential to me.
Yet, personally found a lot of the dialogue super cringy and just strange at times. As well as I felt as if being gay was Boones only other personality trait outside of being a good cook. He seemed to lack depth as a person to me, and I don't like seeing characters, especially queer ones, make their whole personality their sexuality. Wiley wasn't as bad thankfully in that front, but he still seemed very surface level; especially after hinting and talking about some heavy things.
I love the idea of "rainbow ranch" though, even if the name is a little obvious. Having a safe space like that for the community in the south, in an area that is not generally LGBTQ friendly. and I would run there IMMEDIATELY if this existed. But I just wanted more from this. more depth, more substance. I also know that this is technically a novella, but it had such potential that if given a little more length we could have seem the depth within their relationship, and their lives that I desperately wanted to see.
Over all though, it was an easy enjoyable read. and if you're looking for something cute, easy, and drama free, this would be perfect for you.
July 10, 2025
fluffy, spicy, low angst cowboy romance — if you like low conflict sweetness, this is definitely the book for you. read this mostly because it’s on theme
July 6, 2025
C+ / 3.5 stars
Stirring Spurs is the first book in the new multi-author Rainbow Ranch series, and my first time reading anything by this author. It’s a long novella or short novel, coming in at around two hundred pages, and features the members of the close-knit Adams siblings – twins Beau and Boone, younger brother Benny and younger sister, Billie – and their friends and co-workers on their sprawling, queer-friendly Oklahoma ranch.
Boone is the younger twin by a couple of minutes, and is the ranch’s ‘cookie’ – showing his ilove and care for everyone around him by putting together delicious, home-cooked meals. His big heart and sunny disposition make him the perfect caretaker – and conceal the part of him that thinks wistfully of having someone to love and care for who will love and care for him in return.
Broody cowboy Wylie Anderson lives a nomadic life, moving from ranch to ranch and staying a month or two before moving on, and fully expects to do the same after the monthly rodeo at Rainbow Ranch. What he doesn’t expect is Boone – kind, sunny-natured, nurturing, gorgeous Boone, who gets under his skin and, for the first time since he left his own home after tragedy struck, makes him think he might actually want to put down some roots.
Stirring Spurs is a low (to no) angst, sweet, sexy romance between two people who don’t really have any obstacles to a relationship other than the question of whether Wylie will stick around. To be perfectly honest, it was all waaaay too saccharine for my taste, plus I’m not a fan of insta-love; I’m here for the yearning and the flirting, but things heat up pretty quickly (no surprise given the page count). While the writing is generally good – there’s a real warmth to it that impressed me - some of the dialogue feels awkward (even a bit cringe-y) and Boone’s defining trait appears to be that he’s a good cook; I’m strugging to recall much about him other than that. Wylie has a bit more going on, although hints at some heavier themes aren’t really explored, and I’d have liked a bit more emotional depth to the characters.
I did enjoy the whole slice-of-life nature of the story and the focus on the daily lives of the people on the ranch. There’s a interesting plotline about Wylie working with a rescue horse who has clearly experienced some trauma, and I had to smile at the antics of Dennis (the Menace), the miniature horse.
Ultimately, Stirring Spurs was too low-angst and overly-sweet for my taste, but if you’re looking for a cute, sexy, drama-free cowboy romance (and don’t mind a lot of syrup!), it could be the perfect lazy afternoon read.
Thanks to Greys Promotions for the ARC
Stirring Spurs is the first book in the new multi-author Rainbow Ranch series, and my first time reading anything by this author. It’s a long novella or short novel, coming in at around two hundred pages, and features the members of the close-knit Adams siblings – twins Beau and Boone, younger brother Benny and younger sister, Billie – and their friends and co-workers on their sprawling, queer-friendly Oklahoma ranch.
Boone is the younger twin by a couple of minutes, and is the ranch’s ‘cookie’ – showing his ilove and care for everyone around him by putting together delicious, home-cooked meals. His big heart and sunny disposition make him the perfect caretaker – and conceal the part of him that thinks wistfully of having someone to love and care for who will love and care for him in return.
Broody cowboy Wylie Anderson lives a nomadic life, moving from ranch to ranch and staying a month or two before moving on, and fully expects to do the same after the monthly rodeo at Rainbow Ranch. What he doesn’t expect is Boone – kind, sunny-natured, nurturing, gorgeous Boone, who gets under his skin and, for the first time since he left his own home after tragedy struck, makes him think he might actually want to put down some roots.
Stirring Spurs is a low (to no) angst, sweet, sexy romance between two people who don’t really have any obstacles to a relationship other than the question of whether Wylie will stick around. To be perfectly honest, it was all waaaay too saccharine for my taste, plus I’m not a fan of insta-love; I’m here for the yearning and the flirting, but things heat up pretty quickly (no surprise given the page count). While the writing is generally good – there’s a real warmth to it that impressed me - some of the dialogue feels awkward (even a bit cringe-y) and Boone’s defining trait appears to be that he’s a good cook; I’m strugging to recall much about him other than that. Wylie has a bit more going on, although hints at some heavier themes aren’t really explored, and I’d have liked a bit more emotional depth to the characters.
I did enjoy the whole slice-of-life nature of the story and the focus on the daily lives of the people on the ranch. There’s a interesting plotline about Wylie working with a rescue horse who has clearly experienced some trauma, and I had to smile at the antics of Dennis (the Menace), the miniature horse.
Ultimately, Stirring Spurs was too low-angst and overly-sweet for my taste, but if you’re looking for a cute, sexy, drama-free cowboy romance (and don’t mind a lot of syrup!), it could be the perfect lazy afternoon read.
Thanks to Greys Promotions for the ARC
July 7, 2025
Stirring Spurs was such a fun and heartwarming MM romance. Boone and Wylie could not have been a better match.
Boone was such a confident and endearing man, he knew what he wanted from the start while also making it very clear just how welcome, safe, and loved Wylie was at Rainbow Ranch.
Wylie took some warming up and his self-discovery made the budding feelings for Boone so meaningful. Although he went to Rainbow Ranch with the expectation of limited work, he found a home and the love of his life.
What M A Wardell does so well is writing romantic and sexy stories that also have deep and profound characters. Boone and Wylie both had their own baggage and history that made them who they are and being together forced them to confront and ultimately heal from their past.
Another great read from Wardell and a solid 5 star read.
Boone was such a confident and endearing man, he knew what he wanted from the start while also making it very clear just how welcome, safe, and loved Wylie was at Rainbow Ranch.
Wylie took some warming up and his self-discovery made the budding feelings for Boone so meaningful. Although he went to Rainbow Ranch with the expectation of limited work, he found a home and the love of his life.
What M A Wardell does so well is writing romantic and sexy stories that also have deep and profound characters. Boone and Wylie both had their own baggage and history that made them who they are and being together forced them to confront and ultimately heal from their past.
Another great read from Wardell and a solid 5 star read.
July 1, 2025
4.5⭐️ | 3.5🌶
I adored this so much! The found family, the unity. Everything was perfection. Boone & Wylie. Two peas in a pod. The writing, the story. Wylie's connection with the animals. This was so unique and refreshing. This is for sure a must read. Thank you to grey's promotions for the arc.
I adored this so much! The found family, the unity. Everything was perfection. Boone & Wylie. Two peas in a pod. The writing, the story. Wylie's connection with the animals. This was so unique and refreshing. This is for sure a must read. Thank you to grey's promotions for the arc.
June 21, 2025
“Stirring Spurs” by M.A. Wardell is a beautiful, sweet, and steamy MM cowboy romance that completely swept me off my feet. Set in the heart of Oklahoma at the inclusive Rainbow Ranch, this novella is a love letter to queer joy and safety in rural spaces. Boone, the ever-giving cook with a heart of gold, is instantly lovable, and watching him slowly realize that he deserves to put himself first was incredibly moving. Wylie, the guarded cowboy with a painful past, is rough around the edges but carries a quiet, aching kindness that sneaks up on you. Their chemistry is undeniable, but it’s the emotional depth that really shines. Wardell writes intimacy that feels both sexy and meaningful, using every touch and glance to grow their connection, especially during the spicy scenes.
What really stood out to me was how Wylie's work with Noodles, the skittish horse he’s working with, mirrors his own journey with Boone. It’s such a clever and emotionally resonant parallel and it made Wylie’s character arc hit even harder. His backstory brought me to tears, and Boone choosing to finally prioritize himself put such a genuine smile on my face. The found family vibe at Rainbow Ranch is everything, and I already can’t wait for the next stories featuring Boone’s siblings. “Stirring Spurs” is a novella packed with heart, steam, and hope, and it’s yet another example of how beautifully M.A. Wardell writes queer love with tenderness and warmth.
What really stood out to me was how Wylie's work with Noodles, the skittish horse he’s working with, mirrors his own journey with Boone. It’s such a clever and emotionally resonant parallel and it made Wylie’s character arc hit even harder. His backstory brought me to tears, and Boone choosing to finally prioritize himself put such a genuine smile on my face. The found family vibe at Rainbow Ranch is everything, and I already can’t wait for the next stories featuring Boone’s siblings. “Stirring Spurs” is a novella packed with heart, steam, and hope, and it’s yet another example of how beautifully M.A. Wardell writes queer love with tenderness and warmth.
June 20, 2025
rating: 4/5 stars
Thank you to Grey's Promotion for the arc of this book in exchange for a honest review.
~
M.A. Wardell delivered exactly what he said he was cooking up: a delicious time with cowboys (which I know nothing about) who deserve kind things and are constantly hungry (for each other? The food? Both. Both is good). Boone and Wylie, I hope you get to enjoy more sweet things in life (and I demand your cinnamon bun recipe).
Or.
Giddy-fucking-up. Iconic behavior.
Thank you to Grey's Promotion for the arc of this book in exchange for a honest review.
~
M.A. Wardell delivered exactly what he said he was cooking up: a delicious time with cowboys (which I know nothing about) who deserve kind things and are constantly hungry (for each other? The food? Both. Both is good). Boone and Wylie, I hope you get to enjoy more sweet things in life (and I demand your cinnamon bun recipe).
Or.
Giddy-fucking-up. Iconic behavior.
October 26, 2025
Loved it. Short, sweet, and to the point. Boone and Wylie were a match made in heaven.
Love a good cowboy romance, and this one is great. I loved Dennis and the great mix of side characters that you just can’t wait to get more stories for.
No angst, no drama, a few sad moments from Wylie and Boone’s past but they’re not focused on in great detail; this is all about their developing relationships and is full of swoony moments.
Really cute read.
Love a good cowboy romance, and this one is great. I loved Dennis and the great mix of side characters that you just can’t wait to get more stories for.
No angst, no drama, a few sad moments from Wylie and Boone’s past but they’re not focused on in great detail; this is all about their developing relationships and is full of swoony moments.
Really cute read.
July 9, 2025
they both are so fucking cute!!!!!
September 4, 2025
very cute, very cozy!! boone and wiley were just the sweetest <3 we need more queer books in the western/cowboy romance genre and im so happy to see what rainbow ranch is doing!
June 17, 2025
It was my first cowboy's book and I'm in love! 💕
Everything just... clicked. Both MCs, Boone's siblings (can't wait for their stories 🔥), chemistry between Boone and Wylie, not to mention spice 🥵🥵 Also, Noodles and Dennis' friendship is so precious! It warmed my heart 💕
The book is so soft and positive. I said it once and I'll say it again: the world needs MA Wardell's writing. The queer-normative world, such as Rainbow Ranch, SHOULD exist for all of you, beautiful people. I could feel it in the story how much happiness and lightness being themselves brought to these characters. It was shown beautifully -- please don't miss this one 💕
Dear author, thank you for an ARC 💕
Everything just... clicked. Both MCs, Boone's siblings (can't wait for their stories 🔥), chemistry between Boone and Wylie, not to mention spice 🥵🥵 Also, Noodles and Dennis' friendship is so precious! It warmed my heart 💕
The book is so soft and positive. I said it once and I'll say it again: the world needs MA Wardell's writing. The queer-normative world, such as Rainbow Ranch, SHOULD exist for all of you, beautiful people. I could feel it in the story how much happiness and lightness being themselves brought to these characters. It was shown beautifully -- please don't miss this one 💕
Dear author, thank you for an ARC 💕
December 20, 2025
As a liberal who grew up in an overwhelmingly conservative, small, country town this book was a breath of fresh queer air!!
Rainbow Ranch is a queer family ranch run by the Adam’s’ siblings, who are all queer in their own right.
Boone Adams’ is the ranch cook and Wylie Anderson is a transient ranch hand and horse whisperer who plans to drift in for a spell and drift right back out, but once he lays eyes on Boone his old bones consider actually putting down roots.
These two were so precious and perfect and reading their love story had a smile permanently plastered on my face. This was sweet and spicy and western as hell.
Yeehaw for queer cowboys!!
Rainbow Ranch is a queer family ranch run by the Adam’s’ siblings, who are all queer in their own right.
Boone Adams’ is the ranch cook and Wylie Anderson is a transient ranch hand and horse whisperer who plans to drift in for a spell and drift right back out, but once he lays eyes on Boone his old bones consider actually putting down roots.
These two were so precious and perfect and reading their love story had a smile permanently plastered on my face. This was sweet and spicy and western as hell.
Yeehaw for queer cowboys!!
July 4, 2025
Wylie & Boone
Rating: 3.8⭐
- Opposites Attract
- Found Family
- Horse Whisperer Cowboy/Ranch Cook
- Rainbow Ranch
- Forced Proximity
- Dimple Fixation
- Cake, Cake, Cake
- Grumpy/Sunshine
- Food As A Love Language
This is a feel good low-angst read with western flair. Boone and his siblings run an inclusive ranch in Oklahoma, where all are welcome. Wylie is a wandering cowboy who gets the job done and then moves along to the next ranch that needs help for a little while. Boone is sunshine and sweetness who takes care of everyone but not himself. The instant these two meet they're instantly attracted to each other but hold off on doing anything about it. Doesn't mean they don't flirt with each other! Once they start to spend time together and date, they both start to realize what they've been missing. Wylie is starting to feel a sense of peace and belonging that he has been missing for so long.
The whole ranch family and even the animals are great additions, each having their own personalities that add to the story. This book did make me hungry though with all the meals being described and copious amounts of CAKE!!!
Content Warnings (may contain spoilers):
- Graphic sexual content between consenting adults
- Explicit language
- Mentions death of parents (past; off-page)
- Sex in visible areas (outdoors, window)
- Mentions homophobia
- Family estrangement
- Animal emergency that requires vet visit (leaves healthy)
I received a free copy of this book via the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Verse: No
HEA: HFN
POV: Dual
Breakup: No
Cheat: No
OM/OW Drama: No
Ages: 35 & 34
Rating: 3.8⭐
- Opposites Attract
- Found Family
- Horse Whisperer Cowboy/Ranch Cook
- Rainbow Ranch
- Forced Proximity
- Dimple Fixation
- Cake, Cake, Cake
- Grumpy/Sunshine
- Food As A Love Language
This is a feel good low-angst read with western flair. Boone and his siblings run an inclusive ranch in Oklahoma, where all are welcome. Wylie is a wandering cowboy who gets the job done and then moves along to the next ranch that needs help for a little while. Boone is sunshine and sweetness who takes care of everyone but not himself. The instant these two meet they're instantly attracted to each other but hold off on doing anything about it. Doesn't mean they don't flirt with each other! Once they start to spend time together and date, they both start to realize what they've been missing. Wylie is starting to feel a sense of peace and belonging that he has been missing for so long.
The whole ranch family and even the animals are great additions, each having their own personalities that add to the story. This book did make me hungry though with all the meals being described and copious amounts of CAKE!!!
Content Warnings (may contain spoilers):
- Graphic sexual content between consenting adults
- Explicit language
- Mentions death of parents (past; off-page)
- Sex in visible areas (outdoors, window)
- Mentions homophobia
- Family estrangement
- Animal emergency that requires vet visit (leaves healthy)
I received a free copy of this book via the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Verse: No
HEA: HFN
POV: Dual
Breakup: No
Cheat: No
OM/OW Drama: No
Ages: 35 & 34
July 12, 2025
Woo! Everyone go read this now, right now! It will be the best decision you ever make!
Stirring Spurs is an MM, found family, grumpy x sunshine, forced proximity, feel good, cowboy romance between Wylie and Boone.
I loved Wylie’s grumpy personality, and how he shed that exterior so easily with the horses he works with. And he’s such a softie for Boone as he opens up more to him the more time they spend together. I loved how he found a place to belong on Rainbow Ranch, and with Boone and his family. I can see so many readers relating to Wylie and rooting for him throughout the story.
Boone is perfect! He’s especially perfect for Wylie, the sunshine to his grumpy, always looking out for his loved ones in any way he can, and he wants nothing more than to be there for Wylie. He has such a big heart, always happy to lend an ear to whoever needs one, and wait with open arms for whoever needs some love. He’s easily Wylie’s other half, and I can see everyone loving him just as much as Wylie does.
Thank you so much to @mawardellauthor and @greyspromo for my arc! I had the best time with these characters, and I’m definitely going to be reading more from this series in the future!
Stirring Spurs is now available to download or read on KU💗
Stirring Spurs is an MM, found family, grumpy x sunshine, forced proximity, feel good, cowboy romance between Wylie and Boone.
I loved Wylie’s grumpy personality, and how he shed that exterior so easily with the horses he works with. And he’s such a softie for Boone as he opens up more to him the more time they spend together. I loved how he found a place to belong on Rainbow Ranch, and with Boone and his family. I can see so many readers relating to Wylie and rooting for him throughout the story.
Boone is perfect! He’s especially perfect for Wylie, the sunshine to his grumpy, always looking out for his loved ones in any way he can, and he wants nothing more than to be there for Wylie. He has such a big heart, always happy to lend an ear to whoever needs one, and wait with open arms for whoever needs some love. He’s easily Wylie’s other half, and I can see everyone loving him just as much as Wylie does.
Thank you so much to @mawardellauthor and @greyspromo for my arc! I had the best time with these characters, and I’m definitely going to be reading more from this series in the future!
Stirring Spurs is now available to download or read on KU💗
July 3, 2025
Yee-fucking-haw for gay cowboys. MA Wardell does it again. The food. The horses. The banter. CAKE! The siblings. Cowboy hats as secondary characters.
Boone and Wylie just made me so happy. When Wylie said “you take care of them but who takes care of you” SWOON!
Also, Dennis was the best and I loved Noodles too.
P.S. and now I have a deep craving for good southern food like biscuits and gravy. Boone! You’re up!
Boone and Wylie just made me so happy. When Wylie said “you take care of them but who takes care of you” SWOON!
Also, Dennis was the best and I loved Noodles too.
P.S. and now I have a deep craving for good southern food like biscuits and gravy. Boone! You’re up!
July 1, 2025
This is the first in a series of novellas about Rainbow Ranch and it follows Boone and Wylie who are just the cutest and spiciest little beans.
1) I can’t believe someone gave this book one chili pepper.
2) Dennis and Noodles are the dynamic duo I didn’t know I needed.
3) Boone and Wylie ooze chemistry.
It gets 🍆🍆🍆🍑🍑from me.
1) I can’t believe someone gave this book one chili pepper.
2) Dennis and Noodles are the dynamic duo I didn’t know I needed.
3) Boone and Wylie ooze chemistry.
It gets 🍆🍆🍆🍑🍑from me.
July 2, 2025
This was such a fun read. I love the rainbow ranch and wish I could live there. This had me reading every moment I could
August 10, 2025
this is like a cute gay romance episode of Heartland that gets a little x-rated.
so obviously i enjoyed every second of it ☺️
so obviously i enjoyed every second of it ☺️
June 19, 2025
YEEEEE HAAAAAWWWWWW. This book was so sweet and felt like a warm hug. I love how Boone was able to help bring Wylie out of his shell and Rainbow Ranch was able to give him a place to be himself. Excited to read the other sibling's stories from the other authors!
July 4, 2025
It's cute, but a little too saccharine for me (especially the codependent siblings.)
Read
June 24, 2025I ADORE Wardell’s Teachers in Love series and had high hopes for this novella.
Unfortunately I didn’t enjoy this one. However, let me preface that I am not a fan of cowboy romance in general.
Boone and his siblings run a ranch that strives to be inclusive (I love that) when Wylie shows up to help out.
While I realize novella’s need to move more quickly, there isn’t any tension here. Other than Boone being the ranch cook and Wylie being a ranch hand, the two only seem to have one other character trait, and that is being gay. There wasn’t the depth I crave. I wasn’t invested, and I often felt the dialog to be awkward.
I think it’ll be more successful for people who love this genre.
DNF at 62%
Unfortunately I didn’t enjoy this one. However, let me preface that I am not a fan of cowboy romance in general.
Boone and his siblings run a ranch that strives to be inclusive (I love that) when Wylie shows up to help out.
While I realize novella’s need to move more quickly, there isn’t any tension here. Other than Boone being the ranch cook and Wylie being a ranch hand, the two only seem to have one other character trait, and that is being gay. There wasn’t the depth I crave. I wasn’t invested, and I often felt the dialog to be awkward.
I think it’ll be more successful for people who love this genre.
DNF at 62%
July 3, 2025
Well if that wasn’t the gosh-darn sweetest cowboy romance I’ve ever read, then I don’t know what is.
I’ve loved all of M.A Wardell’s work that I’ve read in the past, and I’m so used to his slow-burn, work-for-it romances that I wasn’t ready to be smacked in the face by Boone and Wylie’s sweet as pie romance. It was low angst, high heat, and just all round perfect. I loved everything about Stirring Spurs.
It was very much an insta-love romance, but hoo boy did it work for the story and for me. I fell so in love with both Boone and Wylie that all I wanted from the very first chapter was a happily ever after for them.
Boone is soft, and kind, and literal sunshine; while Wylie is quiet, considerate, and learning to be proud of who he is – and together they were beautiful. They started out with a tentative friendship and turned it into something precious and life-changing for the both of them. While they might have been insta-love, nothing felt rushed or forced between them. They fit together so naturally and had so much chemistry that when it came to the steam, it was just perfect.
The whole book is a celebration of queer love and joy. You can feel the safety and acceptance are in every word and I hope this book resonates with every reader on some level. The idea of Rainbow Ranch – a safe haven for LGBTQIA+ cowboys and cowgirls was chefs kiss impeccable. I love that it’s going to be expanded on by multiple different authors so that we get to see more of the characters come to life. And if M.A Wardell wanted to write many, many more books in the series just know I would gobble them up so fast!
I’ve loved all of M.A Wardell’s work that I’ve read in the past, and I’m so used to his slow-burn, work-for-it romances that I wasn’t ready to be smacked in the face by Boone and Wylie’s sweet as pie romance. It was low angst, high heat, and just all round perfect. I loved everything about Stirring Spurs.
It was very much an insta-love romance, but hoo boy did it work for the story and for me. I fell so in love with both Boone and Wylie that all I wanted from the very first chapter was a happily ever after for them.
Boone is soft, and kind, and literal sunshine; while Wylie is quiet, considerate, and learning to be proud of who he is – and together they were beautiful. They started out with a tentative friendship and turned it into something precious and life-changing for the both of them. While they might have been insta-love, nothing felt rushed or forced between them. They fit together so naturally and had so much chemistry that when it came to the steam, it was just perfect.
The whole book is a celebration of queer love and joy. You can feel the safety and acceptance are in every word and I hope this book resonates with every reader on some level. The idea of Rainbow Ranch – a safe haven for LGBTQIA+ cowboys and cowgirls was chefs kiss impeccable. I love that it’s going to be expanded on by multiple different authors so that we get to see more of the characters come to life. And if M.A Wardell wanted to write many, many more books in the series just know I would gobble them up so fast!
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