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Broken Trails
A broken dream. A bruised heart. A second chance under the wide Texas sky.
Lyla James was on the brink of Olympic glory—until a devastating injury and a brutal breakup shattered everything she’d worked for. Returning home to Pleasant Valley, she finds herself recovering on a ranch owned by none other than Christian Matthews—her older brother’s best friend and the man she once asked out in a moment of teenage courage.
Christian’s focused on saving the family ranch, not falling for the woman he’s sworn to protect. But Lyla’s sharp tongue, wounded heart, and undeniable strength start to break through his walls. As she battles physical therapy and the ghosts of her past, a spark ignites between them that neither can deny.
But when old flames refuse to let go and secrets threaten to unravel everything, Lyla and Christian must decide if love is worth the risk—or if they’re better off running from the fire.
A slow-burn romance full of wit, heat, and heart, perfect for fans of small-town drama and second chances.
Lyla James was on the brink of Olympic glory—until a devastating injury and a brutal breakup shattered everything she’d worked for. Returning home to Pleasant Valley, she finds herself recovering on a ranch owned by none other than Christian Matthews—her older brother’s best friend and the man she once asked out in a moment of teenage courage.
Christian’s focused on saving the family ranch, not falling for the woman he’s sworn to protect. But Lyla’s sharp tongue, wounded heart, and undeniable strength start to break through his walls. As she battles physical therapy and the ghosts of her past, a spark ignites between them that neither can deny.
But when old flames refuse to let go and secrets threaten to unravel everything, Lyla and Christian must decide if love is worth the risk—or if they’re better off running from the fire.
A slow-burn romance full of wit, heat, and heart, perfect for fans of small-town drama and second chances.
230 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 26, 2025
4 people are currently reading
7 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
December 13, 2025
Broken Trails🐎
Firstly,I want to thank LoveNotes PR and Ruby Acord for trusting me with this beautiful ebook!🧡
Lyla is just one breath away from the Olympics,until an injury shatters her dreams once and for all,leading her to go to her brother's best friend's ranch to recover.
Christian has a lot on his plate:he needs to save the family ranch and NOT fall for the one woman he shouldn't.However, as the time passes he will find himself nothing else than crazy about her.
Will their flame burn the secrets that all of them hid,or they will just disappear into nothingness again?
This story was so,so good a classic cowboy-ish romance,that had me curled in my sofa with a glass of wine yesterday night.(I LITERALLY DEVOURED IT).
It was easy to read,lovely and Christian OMG THE MAN YOU ARE.
Layla on the other side, shined from the start,with me be able to say that I absolutely loved her.I adored the soft vibe she always gave,and her personality was really lovely too.Yet,my girl struggled with some things that made her life harder than it was & the strength she has while dealing with them,was truly admirable.
Their romance was slow & deep,while being the cutest.Those two LOVED each other so,so much!
Personally,my favourite scene was the time the brother learnt about them,you know the classic one,when I say I LAUGHED,I mean it.Even,after that we had such a strong brotherhood scene that had me tearing for good!🥹
Long story short,I would recommend this one 100%🫶🏻
4⭐
Firstly,I want to thank LoveNotes PR and Ruby Acord for trusting me with this beautiful ebook!🧡
Lyla is just one breath away from the Olympics,until an injury shatters her dreams once and for all,leading her to go to her brother's best friend's ranch to recover.
Christian has a lot on his plate:he needs to save the family ranch and NOT fall for the one woman he shouldn't.However, as the time passes he will find himself nothing else than crazy about her.
Will their flame burn the secrets that all of them hid,or they will just disappear into nothingness again?
This story was so,so good a classic cowboy-ish romance,that had me curled in my sofa with a glass of wine yesterday night.(I LITERALLY DEVOURED IT).
It was easy to read,lovely and Christian OMG THE MAN YOU ARE.
Layla on the other side, shined from the start,with me be able to say that I absolutely loved her.I adored the soft vibe she always gave,and her personality was really lovely too.Yet,my girl struggled with some things that made her life harder than it was & the strength she has while dealing with them,was truly admirable.
Their romance was slow & deep,while being the cutest.Those two LOVED each other so,so much!
Personally,my favourite scene was the time the brother learnt about them,you know the classic one,when I say I LAUGHED,I mean it.Even,after that we had such a strong brotherhood scene that had me tearing for good!🥹
Long story short,I would recommend this one 100%🫶🏻
4⭐
January 14, 2026
Thank you Love Notes PR and Ruby Acord for allowing me to ARC this book!
The book is such a quick easy read. I finished this book in less than 2 days simply due to work or it would have been sooner. The characters are very easy to relate too and fall in love with!
The touch of DV was hard to read but it isn’t mentioned a lot which is helpful. I love the friendships between the guys and their protective instincts for Lyla. I would recommend this to my friends in the future!
The book is such a quick easy read. I finished this book in less than 2 days simply due to work or it would have been sooner. The characters are very easy to relate too and fall in love with!
The touch of DV was hard to read but it isn’t mentioned a lot which is helpful. I love the friendships between the guys and their protective instincts for Lyla. I would recommend this to my friends in the future!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2025
Desde la primera página, este libro te atrapa por completo. Tiene todo lo que adoro: un pueblo pequeño, un rancho, la hermana de su mejor amigo y una protagonista con un pasado realmente duro.
La historia está escrita de forma preciosa, en primera persona y con doble POV, lo que hace que conectes profundamente con ambos protagonistas y entiendas cada emoción desde dentro. Vemos a una protagonista que, paso a paso, enfrenta y supera sus traumas, acompañada de un protagonista que sabe estar, apoyar y sostener de la manera más sana y respetuosa.
El romance entre ellos se desarrolla con una naturalidad perfecta: real, lineal y muy saludable.
Y los personajes secundarios… especialmente el hermano… ¡es imposible no encariñarse con él desde el comienzo!
¿Y el final? Te deja con la boca abierta y con muchísima ilusión de que haya un libro dedicado a uno de esos personajes secundarios que tanto brillan.
Importante: la historia incluye temas de relaciones abusivas y violencia de género. Tenlo presente antes de empezar.
Lo he disfrutado de principio a fin. ❤️
————————————————————————————————
From the very first page, this book completely pulls you in. It has everything I love: a small town, a ranch, the best friend’s sister, and a heroine with a truly heartbreaking past.
The story is beautifully written in first person and dual POV, which lets you connect deeply with both characters and feel every single emotion from their perspective. We follow a heroine who slowly faces and heals from her trauma, supported by a hero who stands by her in the healthiest, most respectful way.
The romance develops with perfect natural pacing—real, steady, and wonderfully healthy.
And the secondary characters… especially the brother… you can’t help but love him from the very beginning!
And the ending? It leaves you speechless and absolutely hoping for a book about one of those amazing side characters.
Important: the story includes themes of abusive relationships and domestic violence. Please keep that in mind before starting.
I loved it from beginning to end. ❤️
La historia está escrita de forma preciosa, en primera persona y con doble POV, lo que hace que conectes profundamente con ambos protagonistas y entiendas cada emoción desde dentro. Vemos a una protagonista que, paso a paso, enfrenta y supera sus traumas, acompañada de un protagonista que sabe estar, apoyar y sostener de la manera más sana y respetuosa.
El romance entre ellos se desarrolla con una naturalidad perfecta: real, lineal y muy saludable.
Y los personajes secundarios… especialmente el hermano… ¡es imposible no encariñarse con él desde el comienzo!
¿Y el final? Te deja con la boca abierta y con muchísima ilusión de que haya un libro dedicado a uno de esos personajes secundarios que tanto brillan.
Importante: la historia incluye temas de relaciones abusivas y violencia de género. Tenlo presente antes de empezar.
Lo he disfrutado de principio a fin. ❤️
————————————————————————————————
From the very first page, this book completely pulls you in. It has everything I love: a small town, a ranch, the best friend’s sister, and a heroine with a truly heartbreaking past.
The story is beautifully written in first person and dual POV, which lets you connect deeply with both characters and feel every single emotion from their perspective. We follow a heroine who slowly faces and heals from her trauma, supported by a hero who stands by her in the healthiest, most respectful way.
The romance develops with perfect natural pacing—real, steady, and wonderfully healthy.
And the secondary characters… especially the brother… you can’t help but love him from the very beginning!
And the ending? It leaves you speechless and absolutely hoping for a book about one of those amazing side characters.
Important: the story includes themes of abusive relationships and domestic violence. Please keep that in mind before starting.
I loved it from beginning to end. ❤️
December 8, 2025
ARC review
3.5 ⭐️
Lyla is a gymnast gunning for the olympics, when an injury crushes her dreams. She’s forced to move out of the city and moves in to her brother’s best friend Christian’s ranch. I’m sure you can guess what happens there 😂
This has me gripped right from the start. I enjoyed the setting and the drama - I was not expecting to be literally gasping at times during this book. Christian and Lyla were really sweet and I enjoyed their banter.
This story attempts to explore some quite big themes/plot points which I personally found fell a bit flat.
For example, without giving spoilers, when we find out about Lylas condition I was really interested to see how that would play out but it kind never does other than one throw away line at the end of the book? Similarly with the ex boyfriend, I felt like that got resolved really abruptly for how big of a storyline it was.
I think this book would have benefitted from being longer, having the time to explore these plot lines more - because I did really enjoy it!
Thanks to LoveNotes PR for the ARC. All opinions are my own 💌
3.5 ⭐️
Lyla is a gymnast gunning for the olympics, when an injury crushes her dreams. She’s forced to move out of the city and moves in to her brother’s best friend Christian’s ranch. I’m sure you can guess what happens there 😂
This has me gripped right from the start. I enjoyed the setting and the drama - I was not expecting to be literally gasping at times during this book. Christian and Lyla were really sweet and I enjoyed their banter.
This story attempts to explore some quite big themes/plot points which I personally found fell a bit flat.
For example, without giving spoilers, when we find out about Lylas condition I was really interested to see how that would play out but it kind never does other than one throw away line at the end of the book? Similarly with the ex boyfriend, I felt like that got resolved really abruptly for how big of a storyline it was.
I think this book would have benefitted from being longer, having the time to explore these plot lines more - because I did really enjoy it!
Thanks to LoveNotes PR for the ARC. All opinions are my own 💌
January 7, 2026
Thank you to Love Notes PR & Ruby for an ARC of this novel for an honest review! ⛰️🦮
⭐️⭐️⭐️.✨ (3.5)
This is a quick and easy read which I appreciate! Its less than 300 pages so you can finish this in no time! The writing style is easy but I will say it wasn’t my favorite but i do believe that it just captures the character of Lyla (basically what I am trying to say is that there is a lot of cursing and immature sayings.) so i didn’t really enjoy that but thats fine as long as its easy for me to read!
I did like the DV factor in this book for some reason just seeing how Christian (mmc) and Lylas brother (Beau) respond and i loved the family and friendships in this book as well! Any cowboy romance typically has great family and friends involved so this was no different!
Im looking forward to Beau & Samaras story now 👀👀 i already knew it hahaha!
TW⚠️: Domestic abuse, stalking, death of parent(s) due to cancer and body injury, substance abuse and addiction, cursing, sex scenes, medical condition (vaginismus)
⭐️⭐️⭐️.✨ (3.5)
This is a quick and easy read which I appreciate! Its less than 300 pages so you can finish this in no time! The writing style is easy but I will say it wasn’t my favorite but i do believe that it just captures the character of Lyla (basically what I am trying to say is that there is a lot of cursing and immature sayings.) so i didn’t really enjoy that but thats fine as long as its easy for me to read!
I did like the DV factor in this book for some reason just seeing how Christian (mmc) and Lylas brother (Beau) respond and i loved the family and friendships in this book as well! Any cowboy romance typically has great family and friends involved so this was no different!
Im looking forward to Beau & Samaras story now 👀👀 i already knew it hahaha!
TW⚠️: Domestic abuse, stalking, death of parent(s) due to cancer and body injury, substance abuse and addiction, cursing, sex scenes, medical condition (vaginismus)
December 9, 2025
This book was quite easily my first five star read in a long time. I loved the cute country vibes, the banter, and how much it made me laugh.
The MMC, Christian Matthews has become one of my favourite book boyfriends and I can't wait to see book two come out in this series, mostly to see Christian again, but also to read more about the characters I have fallen in love with. The FMC, Lyla, knows what she wants and goes for it, I respect that and I love reading it. Acord managed to draw me into this world within the first chapter.
Micro tropes:
💌 He calls her a lot of nicknames until one finally sticks
💌 Praise kink
💌 “who hurt you”
💌 The hat rule
💌 He secretly saves animals when no one’s watching
💌 “we should stop”
💌 Golden retriever × black cat energy that just works
I received this book as an ARC from LoveNotesPR and even though I am overjoyed by the opportunity I have to read these books early, my reviews are in no way influenced by this.
The MMC, Christian Matthews has become one of my favourite book boyfriends and I can't wait to see book two come out in this series, mostly to see Christian again, but also to read more about the characters I have fallen in love with. The FMC, Lyla, knows what she wants and goes for it, I respect that and I love reading it. Acord managed to draw me into this world within the first chapter.
Micro tropes:
💌 He calls her a lot of nicknames until one finally sticks
💌 Praise kink
💌 “who hurt you”
💌 The hat rule
💌 He secretly saves animals when no one’s watching
💌 “we should stop”
💌 Golden retriever × black cat energy that just works
I received this book as an ARC from LoveNotesPR and even though I am overjoyed by the opportunity I have to read these books early, my reviews are in no way influenced by this.
December 31, 2025
This book had a lot of promise, but it ultimately fell flat for me. Lyla is a gymnast who suffers an injury and goes to stay at Christian’s ranch—he’s her brother’s best friend. The story itself was fine, and I appreciated that their relationship didn’t feel forced.
That said, I couldn’t get past how Lyla’s injury was handled. She’s supposedly torn her ACL, yet the next week she’s riding horses, skipping any real physical therapy, and even teaching a gymnastics class. If the author wanted to give Lyla such a significant injury, I wish the story had shown an actual recovery process—it would have made her journey feel more realistic.
I also wasn’t a fan of the ex-boyfriend subplot. Lyla is portrayed as a no-nonsense, tough, tell-it-like-it-is kind of person, but she refuses to press charges and doesn’t confide in anyone. It felt unnecessary, didn’t add to the story, and distracted from the main plot.
Overall, it was an okay read, but probably not a series I’ll continue.
That said, I couldn’t get past how Lyla’s injury was handled. She’s supposedly torn her ACL, yet the next week she’s riding horses, skipping any real physical therapy, and even teaching a gymnastics class. If the author wanted to give Lyla such a significant injury, I wish the story had shown an actual recovery process—it would have made her journey feel more realistic.
I also wasn’t a fan of the ex-boyfriend subplot. Lyla is portrayed as a no-nonsense, tough, tell-it-like-it-is kind of person, but she refuses to press charges and doesn’t confide in anyone. It felt unnecessary, didn’t add to the story, and distracted from the main plot.
Overall, it was an okay read, but probably not a series I’ll continue.
January 6, 2026
thank you love notes pr and ruby acord for the arc!
i enjoyed this book, i thought it was super cute and i'm a sucker for small town cowboys. if i didn't have a job (i know, yuck) then i think i would have demolished this book in one sitting, it was easy to read with fun banter, though some parts did fall flat for me. for example, lyla is a gymnast who has a career ending injury - which wasn't really touched on. she did almost no physical therapy and was running around/riding horses on a farm - is dumped by her abusive ex (trigger warnings for this, read at own risk) who appears in the story a lot more than i would have liked, and needs a place to stay.
her brother beau offers up his best friends farm. in comes christian, and we go from there! i do like how they interacted with the whole "i had a crush on you as a kid and now we're adults" vibe. christian gave me workaholic energy but loves the farm and animals, and lyla needed a new outlet, slowly becoming a gymnastics teacher.
i liked where the two ended up and i enjoyed how the book ended with the lil cliffhanger. i'm also excited to see what happens with beau (her brother)!
i enjoyed this book, i thought it was super cute and i'm a sucker for small town cowboys. if i didn't have a job (i know, yuck) then i think i would have demolished this book in one sitting, it was easy to read with fun banter, though some parts did fall flat for me. for example, lyla is a gymnast who has a career ending injury - which wasn't really touched on. she did almost no physical therapy and was running around/riding horses on a farm - is dumped by her abusive ex (trigger warnings for this, read at own risk) who appears in the story a lot more than i would have liked, and needs a place to stay.
her brother beau offers up his best friends farm. in comes christian, and we go from there! i do like how they interacted with the whole "i had a crush on you as a kid and now we're adults" vibe. christian gave me workaholic energy but loves the farm and animals, and lyla needed a new outlet, slowly becoming a gymnastics teacher.
i liked where the two ended up and i enjoyed how the book ended with the lil cliffhanger. i'm also excited to see what happens with beau (her brother)!
January 16, 2026
First of all, thank you so much to Love Notes PR and Ruby Acord for this opportunity. I loved reading this ARC!
Broken Trails is a book that makes you say, “Just one more chapter”... until suddenly it's hours later and you've finished it. I read this story in one sitting, and that says it all.
The book grabbed me from the start. The setting of Sunset Ridge Ranch feels lively and warm, and the characters are immediately relatable, allowing you to really connect with their struggles. The story combines emotional depth with romance in a way that reads smoothly and keeps you hooked.
What I particularly liked is how the book leaves room for vulnerability and growth. You feel that the characters carry their own baggage, and it was nice to see how they deal with it—together and individually. The chemistry felt natural and sincere, without being forced.
Broken Trails is a perfect start to the series: compelling, emotional, and exactly the kind of story that makes you want more of this world and these characters.
I'm already looking forward to the next books! 🤍
Broken Trails is a book that makes you say, “Just one more chapter”... until suddenly it's hours later and you've finished it. I read this story in one sitting, and that says it all.
The book grabbed me from the start. The setting of Sunset Ridge Ranch feels lively and warm, and the characters are immediately relatable, allowing you to really connect with their struggles. The story combines emotional depth with romance in a way that reads smoothly and keeps you hooked.
What I particularly liked is how the book leaves room for vulnerability and growth. You feel that the characters carry their own baggage, and it was nice to see how they deal with it—together and individually. The chemistry felt natural and sincere, without being forced.
Broken Trails is a perfect start to the series: compelling, emotional, and exactly the kind of story that makes you want more of this world and these characters.
I'm already looking forward to the next books! 🤍
December 8, 2025
So was given this an arc, I’ve read my tropes within books but I loved the simplicity of this book - don’t mean simplicity in a bad way.. The mfc is just fantastic loved that light has been shone on sexual difficulties and how it effects both in their relationship. TRIGGER WARNINGS- They’re there read them as there is many topics that can trigger the read BE AWARE.. I love the dynamic between them all and I love that it was about family not by blood but by love.. it was a great book full of romance, heartache, shattered dreams and awful exes!! Honestly I’m making it sound dismal it’s not you love it .. small town, old feelings, new opportunities and some trouble with her ex .. you’ll love it
December 13, 2025
That saying "When life hands you lemons," couldn't be any more true. When Lyla's dreams of competing in the Olympics come crashing down around her because of her crazy stalker now ex-boyfriend, her brother sends her back home to live on the ranch with their childhood best friends. Christian has noticed her since they were teens but never wanted to cross that line with his best friends sister, but when she comes to live with him he can't keep those feelings hidden any longer. Between Lyla finding herself and her next move she finds herself a hunky cowboy in the process.
I received this book as an ARC
I received this book as an ARC
December 5, 2025
I didn’t know how much I needed a truly straight talking FMC until I read this. Like no dancing around her feelings, I love it. Also, the representation of a sexual disability is so overdue!
I really enjoyed the characters and the plot. I hope the series continues because I just need more!
I really enjoyed the characters and the plot. I hope the series continues because I just need more!
December 29, 2025
I LOVED THIS
Lyla & Christian were adorable and I loved their banter. I really enjoyed the entire plot and loved how it played out with her ex and the ending. Can't wait for book 2!
Lyla & Christian were adorable and I loved their banter. I really enjoyed the entire plot and loved how it played out with her ex and the ending. Can't wait for book 2!
January 15, 2026
ARC review coming soon🤎
January 15, 2026
Loved this.country romance.nothing better.feel good all the way.
January 4, 2026
For a debut novel, I ate this up.
It was definitely a good time. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
It was definitely a good time. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
January 8, 2026
Love this book. Shes recovering from a bad break up and he doesn't want the distractions from his work on his family farm. This book has all the emotions and a lot of chemistry.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews