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Leather and Lies
The bull rider says he kisses better than he rides—but nobody warned Kinsley Rose he would prove it.
Kinsley pulls into Colorado with a horse trailer, a locked heart, and daddy issues the size of Texas. She came to Gritstone to save Stonegate Ranch from a federal land grab—but she never planned on tangling with its heir.
Wyatt is an NFR-qualified bull rider with thunder-gray eyes and a reckless streak. The moment Kinsley's boots touch his land, he falls first, he falls hard, and there’s no walking away.
In Gritstone, the land remembers. Ghosts linger in the fence posts, the wind won’t stop whispering, and the Holloway name is chained to secrets that won’t stay buried.
Leather and Lies is a western romance of grit, buried secrets, and a love that could heal a legacy—or destroy it.
Kinsley pulls into Colorado with a horse trailer, a locked heart, and daddy issues the size of Texas. She came to Gritstone to save Stonegate Ranch from a federal land grab—but she never planned on tangling with its heir.
Wyatt is an NFR-qualified bull rider with thunder-gray eyes and a reckless streak. The moment Kinsley's boots touch his land, he falls first, he falls hard, and there’s no walking away.
In Gritstone, the land remembers. Ghosts linger in the fence posts, the wind won’t stop whispering, and the Holloway name is chained to secrets that won’t stay buried.
Leather and Lies is a western romance of grit, buried secrets, and a love that could heal a legacy—or destroy it.
452 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 10, 2025
20 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
Lucy McConnell
189 books1,597 followersPlease hit the follow button. I'd love to keep in touch!
Lucy McConnell loves romance, chocolate, Christmas, horses, music, crochet, and fun!
She believes that romance books should:
Keep you up past your bedtime.
Make you laugh out loud.
Have happy endings.
With that in mind, she's written over 200 novels full of fun and flirty characters who navigate the turbulent waters of romance with open hearts and creativity.
If you enjoy closed-door romance, follow her on Goodreads.♥️
Lucy McConnell loves romance, chocolate, Christmas, horses, music, crochet, and fun!
She believes that romance books should:
Keep you up past your bedtime.
Make you laugh out loud.
Have happy endings.
With that in mind, she's written over 200 novels full of fun and flirty characters who navigate the turbulent waters of romance with open hearts and creativity.
If you enjoy closed-door romance, follow her on Goodreads.♥️
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
November 19, 2025
If you're a fan of books about the rodeo, ranches, horses, family legacy, a bit of a mystery, some suspense and much more, you'll probably enjoy this book! Or if you're a fan of the show Yellowstone (I haven't watched it but from what I've heard about it).
Kinsley and Wyatt meet each other at a rodeo and there are definite sparks but nothing comes from their meeting. Instead they walk away from each other and she then finds herself recruited to help his family save their ranch.
Lots of family intrigue and secrets will come to light. Political figures are in the background trying to help Kinsley in her efforts. But she'll have to be careful because who knows if the people she's helping and interacting with are really friend or foe!
I loved it! I felt like I was out there in the wilds of Gritstone Ranch. I was making my guesses the whole time for who was behind what was happening. Some of my guesses were accurate and some weren't. Can you figure it all out before the big reveal? I am very ready for the next book because I NEED answers!!! Yes, this book ends at a good spot with a satisfying conclusion and doesn't leave you with a cliffhanger, but there's lots more to come for the two competing families in this book. Dive in and be ready to want to go live life on a ranch (or visit)!
Content: PG-13ish rating. I would recommend it for older teens and up. Some mild suspense. Some moments of the two main characters making out but nothing more than kisses. Some innuendos. Some mystery around a pregnancy of a side character that affects the main characters.
I received a copy from the authors. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
Kinsley and Wyatt meet each other at a rodeo and there are definite sparks but nothing comes from their meeting. Instead they walk away from each other and she then finds herself recruited to help his family save their ranch.
Lots of family intrigue and secrets will come to light. Political figures are in the background trying to help Kinsley in her efforts. But she'll have to be careful because who knows if the people she's helping and interacting with are really friend or foe!
I loved it! I felt like I was out there in the wilds of Gritstone Ranch. I was making my guesses the whole time for who was behind what was happening. Some of my guesses were accurate and some weren't. Can you figure it all out before the big reveal? I am very ready for the next book because I NEED answers!!! Yes, this book ends at a good spot with a satisfying conclusion and doesn't leave you with a cliffhanger, but there's lots more to come for the two competing families in this book. Dive in and be ready to want to go live life on a ranch (or visit)!
Content: PG-13ish rating. I would recommend it for older teens and up. Some mild suspense. Some moments of the two main characters making out but nothing more than kisses. Some innuendos. Some mystery around a pregnancy of a side character that affects the main characters.
I received a copy from the authors. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
November 10, 2025
This was a cowboy romance with a dash of suspense. It was different from any of the other books I’ve read by Lucy McConnell and Erica Penrod—grittier and spicier. The storyline pulled me in and kept me engaged as Wyatt’s family, with the guidance of Kinsley, fought to protect their ranch from government overreach and the grabby hands of some unethical neighbors. The suspense kept me hanging until the very end with twists and turns and finally, a resolution. If you enjoy romantic suspense stories that are clean with a generous helping of spice that feature handsome cowboys then this book is a good choice for you. Rating 4.5 I received an ARC from the authors. All opinions expressed are strictly my own.
November 10, 2025
Leather and Lies does not disappoint!
I always love a Lucy McConnell Western story, and Leather and Lies does not disappoint.
The rodeo descriptions, the horses, and even the politics are fun and enjoyable to immerse yourself in. The lines Wyatt can give!🔥 Oh boy!
I loved the rugged nature of ranch and horse work. The fight between two neighboring ranches kept a level of suspense and intrigue to the storyline, which I absolutely loved. I could go on and on about all the interesting elements that are included in this book, but you will just have to read it for yourself.
There are no swears, many mentions of alcohol consumption, and level 2 kisses only. Dual POV.
I always love a Lucy McConnell Western story, and Leather and Lies does not disappoint.
The rodeo descriptions, the horses, and even the politics are fun and enjoyable to immerse yourself in. The lines Wyatt can give!🔥 Oh boy!
I loved the rugged nature of ranch and horse work. The fight between two neighboring ranches kept a level of suspense and intrigue to the storyline, which I absolutely loved. I could go on and on about all the interesting elements that are included in this book, but you will just have to read it for yourself.
There are no swears, many mentions of alcohol consumption, and level 2 kisses only. Dual POV.
November 17, 2025
Who doesn't like a cowboy especially one in the rodeo? Great chemistry between the main characters but of course there is some angst. Vivid descriptions that made me feel like I was there especially the rodeo scenes. While a romance there is also a mystery, intrigue, suspense and a couple of villains.
November 29, 2025
I really enjoyed this Western Romance and the style of writing. I'm used to a more lighter funnier style of writing from this author and was really taken with
the political intrigue and drama in this story.
Kinsley and Wyatt briefly met at a Rodeo where he was in a bull riding competition. Her family background has left her with trust issues with men so even though she felt a pull toward him she wasn't interested in any type of relationship.
Wyatt is an NFR-qualified bull rider who is hoping to earn first place in the competition in Las Vegas to gain the world wide championship title. His family owns Stonegate Ranch which has been in his family for many generations. He is expected to inherit it and someday run the whole thing. For now he is rebelling against his future by leaving the ranch to pursue his passion for bull riding. When he gets hurt at one of the rodeos, he takes a brief trip home where he is excited to discover Kinsey, the woman he could not get out of his mind.
Kinsey is hired by Stonegate Ranch as a political advisor to help them with a threat to take over part of their land, by the federal government. She has no idea that this is Wyatt's family ranch until he shows up soon after she arrived.
The family believes it is another local powerful family who is behind the land problem. Kinsey will use every trick and idea to help this family save their land and way of life. When threatening text messages begin and messages from a buckle bunny who seems to want something more with Wyatt, Kinsey has no idea how deep the threat really is.
Wyatt is falling for Kinsey the more he gets to know her. He is amazed by the way she is helping his family. He also gets her to agree to see where a relationship could go between them. Just as things are going so well the rug will be pulled out from beneath all of them. Will Kinsey be able to prove who is behind the land grab? Will she have to let go of her new relationship with Wyatt to protect the family's heritage?
Great story and looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
the political intrigue and drama in this story.
Kinsley and Wyatt briefly met at a Rodeo where he was in a bull riding competition. Her family background has left her with trust issues with men so even though she felt a pull toward him she wasn't interested in any type of relationship.
Wyatt is an NFR-qualified bull rider who is hoping to earn first place in the competition in Las Vegas to gain the world wide championship title. His family owns Stonegate Ranch which has been in his family for many generations. He is expected to inherit it and someday run the whole thing. For now he is rebelling against his future by leaving the ranch to pursue his passion for bull riding. When he gets hurt at one of the rodeos, he takes a brief trip home where he is excited to discover Kinsey, the woman he could not get out of his mind.
Kinsey is hired by Stonegate Ranch as a political advisor to help them with a threat to take over part of their land, by the federal government. She has no idea that this is Wyatt's family ranch until he shows up soon after she arrived.
The family believes it is another local powerful family who is behind the land problem. Kinsey will use every trick and idea to help this family save their land and way of life. When threatening text messages begin and messages from a buckle bunny who seems to want something more with Wyatt, Kinsey has no idea how deep the threat really is.
Wyatt is falling for Kinsey the more he gets to know her. He is amazed by the way she is helping his family. He also gets her to agree to see where a relationship could go between them. Just as things are going so well the rug will be pulled out from beneath all of them. Will Kinsey be able to prove who is behind the land grab? Will she have to let go of her new relationship with Wyatt to protect the family's heritage?
Great story and looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 28, 2025
Oh WOW--this book is fantastic, and I sure am glad that I had the opportunity to read it. If I could, I would give the book "Leather and Lies: An Epic Western Romance" at least 10 stars. I highly recommend this book to you all and I am curious as to what you think. I loved the book!
I am already looking for the next book coming out on May 1, 2026. These two author's Lucy McConnell & Erica Penrod really know how to write a great story. These two have a way of writing that brings the characters to life, and you feel as though you are right there with them. This is the first time I have read any books by these two, but it will definitely now be my last. I have already gone through their available books and found a lot more that I want to read.
This book has a bit of everything to offer cowboys who also ride bulls in the rodeo, suspense, crooked politicians, a very sweet love story, lies and wealthy families trying to get what they want. This book will have you hooked from the very first page. I could not put it down until I was done reading the whole book.
Wyatt Halloway is at the rodeo, and he sees a girl that really grabs his attention. He just has to meet her. And we meet Kinsley Rose. He always tells the ladies that he kisses better then he rides, but no body warned Kinsley that he would prove it. Wyatt will inherit his family ranch but right now he is more interested riding bulls. That night riding the bull earns him a hurt shoulder. And the doctor tells him to take some time off before he does permanent damage to his shoulder. He goes home to help with the ranch.
Kinsley has been hired by his family to help save the ranch. When she pulls into Colorado with a horse trailer in tow. She has cone to Gritstone to save the Stonegate Ranch from a federal land grab, but she does not know this is Wyatt's family. The moment Kinsley's boots hit the ground; he falls all over again and he realizes there will be no walking away this time.
I am already looking for the next book coming out on May 1, 2026. These two author's Lucy McConnell & Erica Penrod really know how to write a great story. These two have a way of writing that brings the characters to life, and you feel as though you are right there with them. This is the first time I have read any books by these two, but it will definitely now be my last. I have already gone through their available books and found a lot more that I want to read.
This book has a bit of everything to offer cowboys who also ride bulls in the rodeo, suspense, crooked politicians, a very sweet love story, lies and wealthy families trying to get what they want. This book will have you hooked from the very first page. I could not put it down until I was done reading the whole book.
Wyatt Halloway is at the rodeo, and he sees a girl that really grabs his attention. He just has to meet her. And we meet Kinsley Rose. He always tells the ladies that he kisses better then he rides, but no body warned Kinsley that he would prove it. Wyatt will inherit his family ranch but right now he is more interested riding bulls. That night riding the bull earns him a hurt shoulder. And the doctor tells him to take some time off before he does permanent damage to his shoulder. He goes home to help with the ranch.
Kinsley has been hired by his family to help save the ranch. When she pulls into Colorado with a horse trailer in tow. She has cone to Gritstone to save the Stonegate Ranch from a federal land grab, but she does not know this is Wyatt's family. The moment Kinsley's boots hit the ground; he falls all over again and he realizes there will be no walking away this time.
December 7, 2025
This was my first Lucy McConnell book and I will admit that I now have a new author on my "to be read" list. This was a sweet, refreshing, and engaging story set in cowboy country and on the rodeo circuit.
Wyatt is the heir to his family ranch, and a champion bull rider. He uses rodeo as a way to run from the pressure he feels to take over the family business.
Kinsley has earned her own stripes in rodeo, as a barrel racer, and the daughter of one of the best barrel racing trainers around. She also takes up political battles for others. When she meets Wyatt at the rodeo, he flirts with her, but she never dreams their paths will cross again. When his family ranch is threatened, his mother hires Kinsley to help defend it.
Wyatt and Kinsley travel through the chaos together. Their road is not easy, especially when a buckle bunny throws down a huge speed bump. Politics, bulls, ranches, and love worth fighting for. Now I'm anxiously awaiting book two in the Gritstone Ranch series.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Wyatt is the heir to his family ranch, and a champion bull rider. He uses rodeo as a way to run from the pressure he feels to take over the family business.
Kinsley has earned her own stripes in rodeo, as a barrel racer, and the daughter of one of the best barrel racing trainers around. She also takes up political battles for others. When she meets Wyatt at the rodeo, he flirts with her, but she never dreams their paths will cross again. When his family ranch is threatened, his mother hires Kinsley to help defend it.
Wyatt and Kinsley travel through the chaos together. Their road is not easy, especially when a buckle bunny throws down a huge speed bump. Politics, bulls, ranches, and love worth fighting for. Now I'm anxiously awaiting book two in the Gritstone Ranch series.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 9, 2026
This book left me wanting more. I read it long after bedtime, which is something I don't normally do.
Kinsley works hard at everything she does. She's working to consult on an environmental issue at Stonegate Ranch. But Wyatt, the bull rider she'd met before is the son of the owners and heir to the ranch. And her estranged father lives on Gritstone Ranch, a neighboring ranch. I loved the way the reader had no idea who was behind the issue. And I was surprised by just who was and how much work they had put into it.
Wyatt is a good kind of guy. But he doesn't see how the woman who is after him is finessing the situation to be just what she wants it to be. I loved the way he was on the ranch. The ranch was in his blood and he didn't realize just how much it meant to him and to his life, until it was almost too late.
I'm so excited to read the next book and hopefully find out more about the secrets that dominate Gritstone Ranch and how they entwine with Stonegate Ranch.
Kinsley works hard at everything she does. She's working to consult on an environmental issue at Stonegate Ranch. But Wyatt, the bull rider she'd met before is the son of the owners and heir to the ranch. And her estranged father lives on Gritstone Ranch, a neighboring ranch. I loved the way the reader had no idea who was behind the issue. And I was surprised by just who was and how much work they had put into it.
Wyatt is a good kind of guy. But he doesn't see how the woman who is after him is finessing the situation to be just what she wants it to be. I loved the way he was on the ranch. The ranch was in his blood and he didn't realize just how much it meant to him and to his life, until it was almost too late.
I'm so excited to read the next book and hopefully find out more about the secrets that dominate Gritstone Ranch and how they entwine with Stonegate Ranch.
November 11, 2025
I was so excited to see that Lucy and Erica collaborated on this first book in The Gritstone Ranch series. This book was so different from their romantic comedies and I loved it! I was immediately invested in the story and I could not put the book down until it was finished.
The story was full of fun characters, romance, suspense, lies, and twists and turns to keep me quickly turning the pages. I enjoyed the Halloway family legacy that the Stonegate Ranch stood for and that their only son, Wyatt seemed more interested in riding bulls and winning belt buckles. I especially liked Kinsley Rose, whose mom told her not to fall for or trust a cowboy. "Love isn't about playing it safe. It's about planting roots in rocky soil and trusting them to grow deep enough to withstand the winds." I received an advance copy of this book, and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
The story was full of fun characters, romance, suspense, lies, and twists and turns to keep me quickly turning the pages. I enjoyed the Halloway family legacy that the Stonegate Ranch stood for and that their only son, Wyatt seemed more interested in riding bulls and winning belt buckles. I especially liked Kinsley Rose, whose mom told her not to fall for or trust a cowboy. "Love isn't about playing it safe. It's about planting roots in rocky soil and trusting them to grow deep enough to withstand the winds." I received an advance copy of this book, and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
January 31, 2026
A Shaky Four-Stars
I’ll confess I’m invested in the over-arching story. But I’m not fully convinced to continue reading. If I read another proposal scene where the author opted to use someone else’s writing (i.e. epic song or movie lines), I really might throw my device at the wall. Seriously? You write an entire romance book and you can’t write the proposal? Even a simple proposal is better than using someone else’s words.
Other than that, the story was good. It’s clean contemporary writing free from graphic scenes and language. But the language is alluded to and if that bothers you, just skip this one. The struggle in this book is believable, too.
If you’re looking for clean contemporary cowboy romance, you might like this book.
I’ll confess I’m invested in the over-arching story. But I’m not fully convinced to continue reading. If I read another proposal scene where the author opted to use someone else’s writing (i.e. epic song or movie lines), I really might throw my device at the wall. Seriously? You write an entire romance book and you can’t write the proposal? Even a simple proposal is better than using someone else’s words.
Other than that, the story was good. It’s clean contemporary writing free from graphic scenes and language. But the language is alluded to and if that bothers you, just skip this one. The struggle in this book is believable, too.
If you’re looking for clean contemporary cowboy romance, you might like this book.
November 30, 2025
Kinsley doesn't want to feel a connection to bullrider Wyatt when he has women lining up and one in particular who is always there. Kinsley is hired to fight a regulations war to save his family's ranch. I had a feeling about Brittany and all her edited pictures to look like she and Wyatt were in a relationship. There was something mentally wrong with her but her father is just as bad. Kinsley and Wyatt both keep secrets trying to handle things on their own. His sisters were funny and I'm looking forward to reading more about them in future books.
December 3, 2025
The Holloway family is facing new federal regulation of devastating proportions. Kinsley Rose is just the political consultant to help solve their issues. The complication is the ruinously rugged bull rider, Wyatt Holloway.
The growing relationship between the main characters is, by far, the best part of the story. While the villains are minor characters, their impact is impressive. Overall, the story is well written, entertaining, and enjoyable.
Entertaining. Great world building. Happily Ever After. Romantic. Unpredictable. Wonderful characters.
The growing relationship between the main characters is, by far, the best part of the story. While the villains are minor characters, their impact is impressive. Overall, the story is well written, entertaining, and enjoyable.
Entertaining. Great world building. Happily Ever After. Romantic. Unpredictable. Wonderful characters.
December 18, 2025
Wow! This was such a good book! I am used to the comedic side of Lucy's books so this one is a whole different take and I loved it!
I was on the edge of my seat, holding my breath, and heart pounding for most of the book. Between the bull riding scenes, the steamy kisses and the political drama, I was beside myself!
If you like heart pounding rodeo with romantic suspense thrown in, and found family & friendship, this is the book for you.
I received a free copy of this book, courtesy of Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I was on the edge of my seat, holding my breath, and heart pounding for most of the book. Between the bull riding scenes, the steamy kisses and the political drama, I was beside myself!
If you like heart pounding rodeo with romantic suspense thrown in, and found family & friendship, this is the book for you.
I received a free copy of this book, courtesy of Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 11, 2025
Definitely an Epic (all 452 pages) story, you have the excitement of rodeo - the adrenalin, the buckle bunnies, the potential injuries, a family ranch dynasty to which the heir is rebelling by rodeoing rather than ranching, daddy issues, a need to prove oneself plus a whole lot of political manoeuvring and federal interference. The race is on to save the ranch as they move from one drama to another. I received an ARC but this review is my own. I look forward to the next book in the series
November 12, 2025
Wyatt can't help himself, he sees a pretty woman and he has to flirt. When he sees Kinsley he knows he wants more. While trying to have a relationship they have to deal with corrupt senators, lying women and federal bureaucrats. This was an exciting romance, like a clean version of Yellowstone. I really enjoyed the descriptions of what the bull rider feels during a ride and the movements of the bull.
November 30, 2025
Western romance done right! I am picking about my Western romance I have a pet peeve about the way the Western life is portrayed in stories and Lucy and Erica do a fantastic job with this story! I loved the blend of Rodeo, Ranch, Politics, a bit of mystery and of course romance all tied together to make a compelling story you won't want to put down!
I received an ARC from the authors and all opinions are my own.
I received an ARC from the authors and all opinions are my own.
October 27, 2025
WOW this book really is not only a FANTASTIC story but the chemistry between Kinsley and Wyatt will have you staying up late reading this western romance book. The drama and feuding keep you hooked and when I say hooked, I mean sitting and reading all day and late into the night type of hook. This is a 10-star read.
November 30, 2025
Kinsley and Wyatt first meet at the Cheyenne rodeo, at a sponsorship tent. The last person she expects to see again is Wyatt on his family ranch after his mom hires her to help them with legal issues. She expects him to be a player and the longer she is around him the more she realizes who he rally is.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 30, 2025
A clean Yellowstone?
I haven't seen the show Yellowstone, but I imagine this first Gritstone Ranch book is in the same vein-- exciting, surprising, romantic, and very Western. I loved the characters and the plot and the setting of the book very much. It's long but well paced and so worth the read!
I haven't seen the show Yellowstone, but I imagine this first Gritstone Ranch book is in the same vein-- exciting, surprising, romantic, and very Western. I loved the characters and the plot and the setting of the book very much. It's long but well paced and so worth the read!
November 14, 2025
This is the first book of an interconnected series. Some of the characters overlap.
Instant connection
Conflict of interest
Desperate scheming
Scandalous discoveries.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Instant connection
Conflict of interest
Desperate scheming
Scandalous discoveries.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 20, 2025
This is a book that is hard to put down. Family drama meets hard working cowboys and buried secrets along with a good bit of romance along the way. Kinsley and Wyatt are a great couple and their story is well worth your time. I highly recommend you read their story.
December 21, 2025
Great romance story!
This was a fun read, I loved the rodeo, the ranching details, and a good clean romance. I grew up in a ranching community and this all felt real.
This was a fun read, I loved the rodeo, the ranching details, and a good clean romance. I grew up in a ranching community and this all felt real.
December 21, 2025
Kinsley Rose is used to the political world of lobbyists, power plays, and manipulation, but she never expected to find love in the middle of doing her job. Wyatt Holloway is trying to outrun and outride all of his father’s expectations, but never thought he’d find a reason to stop running. Kinsley and Wyatt are drawn to each other and seem to be falling hard and fast, when suddenly they are hit in the face with challenges too big to overcome. Wyatt and Kinsley must decide between saving their love or saving the one thing they have both been fighting to save. It’s hard when doing the right thing looks an awful lot like heartbreak.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews