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The Bunkhouse #3
Up in Smoke
Forcing myself to be just friends with the shameless flirt of a cowboy down the road wasn’t the genius life hack I hoped it’d be.
I meant to protect my heart.
Instead, I’m knee-deep in self-inflicted torture.
Tripp is a hazard in boots, while I’m a recovering romantiholic. I could’ve stomached the side effects of friend-zoning ourselves—including a brutal mess of longing stares and simmering jealousy.
But then he offered to solve a problem of mine and teach me a few things—sans clothing.
Strictly platonic. Purely educational.
Despite our airtight boundaries, we peeled back layers hidden from the rest of the world—uncovering a bond too powerful to ignore. Now we’re in too deep, with no gentle way out.
And one kiss away from it all going up in smoke.
Falling for a man more emotionally untouchable than he lets on isn’t the clean break I had in mind. I don’t have it in me to let him face the biggest shock of his life alone when someone unexpected turns up, either.
There’s no room left for concealed feelings when one tragic night changes everything, and I’m left staring down the barrel of
We were never just friends.
Up in Smoke is the newest cowboy romance novel from Lainey Lawson featuring Friends to Lovers, Spicy Lessons, and Found Family. Catch up on Lainey's fan-favorite series, The Bunkhouse, with books one and Smoking Gun and Fire Away.
I meant to protect my heart.
Instead, I’m knee-deep in self-inflicted torture.
Tripp is a hazard in boots, while I’m a recovering romantiholic. I could’ve stomached the side effects of friend-zoning ourselves—including a brutal mess of longing stares and simmering jealousy.
But then he offered to solve a problem of mine and teach me a few things—sans clothing.
Strictly platonic. Purely educational.
Despite our airtight boundaries, we peeled back layers hidden from the rest of the world—uncovering a bond too powerful to ignore. Now we’re in too deep, with no gentle way out.
And one kiss away from it all going up in smoke.
Falling for a man more emotionally untouchable than he lets on isn’t the clean break I had in mind. I don’t have it in me to let him face the biggest shock of his life alone when someone unexpected turns up, either.
There’s no room left for concealed feelings when one tragic night changes everything, and I’m left staring down the barrel of
We were never just friends.
Up in Smoke is the newest cowboy romance novel from Lainey Lawson featuring Friends to Lovers, Spicy Lessons, and Found Family. Catch up on Lainey's fan-favorite series, The Bunkhouse, with books one and Smoking Gun and Fire Away.
358 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 25, 2025
165 people are currently reading
1378 people want to read
About the author
Lainey Lawson
8 books396 followersLainey Lawson is a romance author living in a small southern town with her two kids and husband of ten years. She writes rural setting love stories, usually with a flair of suspense, and always with heartwarming found family and friendship.
Follow Lainey on her Amazon author page, Instagram @laineylawsonromance, and check out her website and newsletter to stay up to date on new releases!
Follow Lainey on her Amazon author page, Instagram @laineylawsonromance, and check out her website and newsletter to stay up to date on new releases!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 400 reviews
July 30, 2025
I have had this series on my radar for a minute and so I was excited to jump into this one. I really have found that I enjoy a friends to lovers. The buildup is WONDERFUL. I like the foundation that the two MCs have. I also LOVE the tentativeness of who is going to make the first move. Do they feel the same way that I do? Am I going crazy or are they really looking at me like that? All that to say I really liked Tripp and Mesa's story. I enjoyed the build up. I failed to mention that I LOVE watching a playboy get in line and fall down bad for someone. I liked that these two friendzoned each other. And I enjoyed how comfortable they got with each other. Sometimes that can be the hardest part when you go into something with romantic intentions. The cool thing with friendship is yes there is attraction (sometimes) but there is also the comfortability. One thing I did have a hard time with though was the third act breakup situation- I understood why Tripp went where he went in his head and obviously there was some trauma there, but I felt like it turned real quick. I appreciated how Mesa responded to everything though- supportive but firm in her wants and needs.
Mesa has decided that she is on a relationship hiatus. She has a tendency to fall fast and hard for men who then call her clingy and all the things a woman doesn't want to hear. Which is why she moved to the country and is focusing on her app. But then she meets Tripp. Her friend's friend. Tripp who is known for his ways with woman. Tripp who rarely gets told no. Tripp who is ridiculously good looking. Tripp who she has now friend zoned after careful consideration of other things. Now though she couldn't imagine her life without him. They eat dinner together. They can talk about anything and everything. He is supportive and challenges her. He helps her around the house. She is just so comfortable with him. But then things shift ever so slowly between them. She feels it and wonders if he will act on it. So when he offers to be the one to teach her things. To help her through things since he is someone she trusts. She finds herself saying yes. And what they experience is legit beyond anything she has ever known. She feels SAFE with him. And worshipped and all the wonderful things. But then they are back to friends and she finds herself wanting more. So when he finally confesses how he really feels, it feels like a puzzle has been put back together. But then Tripp's past comes to haunt him in the worst way, and Mesa has to remind him that he can't be what she needs until he is comfortable with who he is. She just hopes he heard her and knows how she feels. She hopes that is enough.
Tripp is starting to get tired of the different woman different week situation. He has seen two of his friends settle down and is starting to see the appeal to it. He wants SOMETHING in his life. He just doesn't know what it is. He has never though of himself as anything beyond a hit and quit it man. But then he meets Mesa- Savannah's friend. And he wants her. When she turns him down and friend zones him he finds himself MORE intrigued. He wants to know her. He wants to hang out with her. He wants to do things with her yes but more than that. Which is how he finds himself talking about things he doesn't talk to anyone about. Opening up about his past and his struggles. It's how he starts to feel safe with her. So when she asks for him to help her in the bedroom for SOMEONE else, he sees red. HE wants to be in the bedroom with her. And he tells her as much. And then they share a night beyond anything he has felt. He realizes it's because he cares about her. But he is scared he doesn't know what to do. He doesn't want to add to her stress with work. But he can't help that he wants her as his. So they are doing this. They are dating. They are together. But when the true test comes he finds himself showing her all of his ugliness and anticipating she will run. And when she doesn't he realizes that she is his everything. He just hopes she hasn't given up.
I enjoyed this one! It was an easy read. The steam was great. The buildup was great. I enjoyed the side characters and am looking forward to going back and reading their books. I definitely recommend this one for a fun playboy turned HEA with some steam and fun :)
Thank you to Beyond the Books and Lainey for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Mesa has decided that she is on a relationship hiatus. She has a tendency to fall fast and hard for men who then call her clingy and all the things a woman doesn't want to hear. Which is why she moved to the country and is focusing on her app. But then she meets Tripp. Her friend's friend. Tripp who is known for his ways with woman. Tripp who rarely gets told no. Tripp who is ridiculously good looking. Tripp who she has now friend zoned after careful consideration of other things. Now though she couldn't imagine her life without him. They eat dinner together. They can talk about anything and everything. He is supportive and challenges her. He helps her around the house. She is just so comfortable with him. But then things shift ever so slowly between them. She feels it and wonders if he will act on it. So when he offers to be the one to teach her things. To help her through things since he is someone she trusts. She finds herself saying yes. And what they experience is legit beyond anything she has ever known. She feels SAFE with him. And worshipped and all the wonderful things. But then they are back to friends and she finds herself wanting more. So when he finally confesses how he really feels, it feels like a puzzle has been put back together. But then Tripp's past comes to haunt him in the worst way, and Mesa has to remind him that he can't be what she needs until he is comfortable with who he is. She just hopes he heard her and knows how she feels. She hopes that is enough.
Tripp is starting to get tired of the different woman different week situation. He has seen two of his friends settle down and is starting to see the appeal to it. He wants SOMETHING in his life. He just doesn't know what it is. He has never though of himself as anything beyond a hit and quit it man. But then he meets Mesa- Savannah's friend. And he wants her. When she turns him down and friend zones him he finds himself MORE intrigued. He wants to know her. He wants to hang out with her. He wants to do things with her yes but more than that. Which is how he finds himself talking about things he doesn't talk to anyone about. Opening up about his past and his struggles. It's how he starts to feel safe with her. So when she asks for him to help her in the bedroom for SOMEONE else, he sees red. HE wants to be in the bedroom with her. And he tells her as much. And then they share a night beyond anything he has felt. He realizes it's because he cares about her. But he is scared he doesn't know what to do. He doesn't want to add to her stress with work. But he can't help that he wants her as his. So they are doing this. They are dating. They are together. But when the true test comes he finds himself showing her all of his ugliness and anticipating she will run. And when she doesn't he realizes that she is his everything. He just hopes she hasn't given up.
I enjoyed this one! It was an easy read. The steam was great. The buildup was great. I enjoyed the side characters and am looking forward to going back and reading their books. I definitely recommend this one for a fun playboy turned HEA with some steam and fun :)
Thank you to Beyond the Books and Lainey for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
July 27, 2025
4.5 stars
Thank you so much to Lainey and Beyond the Books PR for allowing me to read this ARC for my honest opinion. I truly enjoyed this look book. I had such a good time reading it. I fell for Tripp's charm so quickly. I loved that he and Mesa met and became friends first. The slow-burn and build up was so good. When they finally take the leap, it was so 🔥. I absolutely loved their banter that they shared and how comfortable they were together. This was the first book I've read in the Bunkhouse series, but this book was very easy to read as a stand alone. I do plan on going back and reading the other books and I am absolutely foaming at the mouth for the next book in the series after reading this book! I definitely recommend this book to all my friends!
Thank you so much to Lainey and Beyond the Books PR for allowing me to read this ARC for my honest opinion. I truly enjoyed this look book. I had such a good time reading it. I fell for Tripp's charm so quickly. I loved that he and Mesa met and became friends first. The slow-burn and build up was so good. When they finally take the leap, it was so 🔥. I absolutely loved their banter that they shared and how comfortable they were together. This was the first book I've read in the Bunkhouse series, but this book was very easy to read as a stand alone. I do plan on going back and reading the other books and I am absolutely foaming at the mouth for the next book in the series after reading this book! I definitely recommend this book to all my friends!
July 26, 2025
𓂃₊˚ Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️・₊ 𓂃
I'm officially obsessed with this series, and Lainey has me completely hooked. This woman knows exactly how to write a cowboy romance that makes you want to pack up and move to a small town immediately.
The friends-to-lovers trope in this one was absolutely perfect. The slow burn and yearning was a chef's kiss. Watching them fight their attraction while trying to stay "just friends" was the most delicious torture for any reader. You could feel the tension crackling between Trip and Mesa, but the way they forced themselves into the friend zone just made everything so much more intense.
What really made me love this book even more was how their friendship made everything feel so much deeper. They weren't just lusting after each other all the time, but they actually wanted to get to know each other while they were friends. All those vulnerable conversations when they opened were what made the book so good. It's one thing to fall for someone based on instant attraction, but watching them fall for each other for who they are was what made this a five-star read for me.
The bunkhouse’s small town setting has always felt so comfy and homey. And let's not forget all the dusty cowboys *fanning myself*.
Lainey Lawson has officially become an auto-buy author for me now. If you love cowboys, small towns, and spicy but sweet romances that make your heart actually ache in the best way, this one is for you.
. ݁⊹ ♡. ೃ Thank you to Beyond The Books PR and Lainey Lawson for an ARC of one of my favourite universes!
I'm officially obsessed with this series, and Lainey has me completely hooked. This woman knows exactly how to write a cowboy romance that makes you want to pack up and move to a small town immediately.
The friends-to-lovers trope in this one was absolutely perfect. The slow burn and yearning was a chef's kiss. Watching them fight their attraction while trying to stay "just friends" was the most delicious torture for any reader. You could feel the tension crackling between Trip and Mesa, but the way they forced themselves into the friend zone just made everything so much more intense.
What really made me love this book even more was how their friendship made everything feel so much deeper. They weren't just lusting after each other all the time, but they actually wanted to get to know each other while they were friends. All those vulnerable conversations when they opened were what made the book so good. It's one thing to fall for someone based on instant attraction, but watching them fall for each other for who they are was what made this a five-star read for me.
The bunkhouse’s small town setting has always felt so comfy and homey. And let's not forget all the dusty cowboys *fanning myself*.
Lainey Lawson has officially become an auto-buy author for me now. If you love cowboys, small towns, and spicy but sweet romances that make your heart actually ache in the best way, this one is for you.
. ݁⊹ ♡. ೃ Thank you to Beyond The Books PR and Lainey Lawson for an ARC of one of my favourite universes!
August 6, 2025
Another great small town romance and another cowboy to swoon over!
This time we follow Tripp and Mesa. Tripp works and lives at the Bunkhouse. And Mesa is friends with Savannah who we meet in book 2. Blythe and Gage are getting married (who we meet in book 1) and one of the bridesmaids can't make to try on the dress. Since Mesa is about the same size and height Savannah asks her to step in for the fitting. This is how Tripp and Mesa meet!
Tripp immediately is attracted to Mesa, but she is a bit insecure after a couple bad relationships. So she swore dating off for a while and decides to focus on her work. But they both have similar interests like supporting the same baseball team, and they decide together to be friends.
Well we all know how that will turn out in the end haha! Even though the storyline is not surprising at all, I really liked the characters, they felt real, with real emotions, and great background stories. I also liked the setting of the bunkhouse and the found family with the other guys at the bunkhouse.
This time we follow Tripp and Mesa. Tripp works and lives at the Bunkhouse. And Mesa is friends with Savannah who we meet in book 2. Blythe and Gage are getting married (who we meet in book 1) and one of the bridesmaids can't make to try on the dress. Since Mesa is about the same size and height Savannah asks her to step in for the fitting. This is how Tripp and Mesa meet!
Tripp immediately is attracted to Mesa, but she is a bit insecure after a couple bad relationships. So she swore dating off for a while and decides to focus on her work. But they both have similar interests like supporting the same baseball team, and they decide together to be friends.
Well we all know how that will turn out in the end haha! Even though the storyline is not surprising at all, I really liked the characters, they felt real, with real emotions, and great background stories. I also liked the setting of the bunkhouse and the found family with the other guys at the bunkhouse.
July 28, 2025
It was really good 🥹 I loved how Mesa and Tripp’s relationship began and evolved. It felt different than any current romance book I’ve read. Loved both characters and big shoutout to their communicating skills which is always a big turn on for me.
I feel like dialogues can often lean into becoming cringe in a romance novel where characters have some traumas to overcome but this one never leaned toward that for me. It felt modern and well balanced.
I’ve read the other two books in this series before and also loved them and I definitely think it’s worth it to pick them up !!
*thank you to Lainey and Beyond the books pf for the arc*
I feel like dialogues can often lean into becoming cringe in a romance novel where characters have some traumas to overcome but this one never leaned toward that for me. It felt modern and well balanced.
I’ve read the other two books in this series before and also loved them and I definitely think it’s worth it to pick them up !!
*thank you to Lainey and Beyond the books pf for the arc*
July 25, 2025
Can I get a yee-freaking-haw for this cutie cowboy romance?!
Up in Smoke is book three in the Bunkhouse series, and I adored Tripp and Mesa's story!
Tripp is the town's resident playboy and has never met a woman he couldn't charm with his handsome looks and fun personality. That is until he meets Mesa Riley - a red headed beauty with a workaholic attitude who's taking a break from romantic relationships. The two instantly hit it off with their banter, shared love of college baseball, and sarcastic remarks they love to throw at one another. But Mesa is insistent she wants nothing to do with relationships or men, which is why she puts Tripp strictly in the friend zone. But do "just friends" cuddle, share secrets they've never told anyone else, or care for one another the way Tripp and Mesa do?
My gosh, this was such a cute, sweet, small town romance that I gobbled up in less than 24 hours! I love Lainey's writing - from the dirty talking cowboys, the independent FMCs, the banter amongst characters, to the found family, her books will have you laughing, smiling, and blushing.
I loved how Mesa and Tripp's relationship progressed. And I adored when Mesa let Tripp know that he's deserving of the same love he so freely gives out. They worked together to build each other up and show up for one another when things got tough.
The bunkhouse series is such a comfort read for me - it feels like hanging out with a group of friends around a bonfire, drinking a cold beer, and just enjoying the company of one another.
Highly recommend Up In Smoke for lovers of:
- small town romance
- cowboy romance
- reformed playboy x hopeless romantic
- yearning
- tragic pasts
- found family
- witty banter
- strangers to friends to lovers
Up in Smoke is book three in the Bunkhouse series, and I adored Tripp and Mesa's story!
Tripp is the town's resident playboy and has never met a woman he couldn't charm with his handsome looks and fun personality. That is until he meets Mesa Riley - a red headed beauty with a workaholic attitude who's taking a break from romantic relationships. The two instantly hit it off with their banter, shared love of college baseball, and sarcastic remarks they love to throw at one another. But Mesa is insistent she wants nothing to do with relationships or men, which is why she puts Tripp strictly in the friend zone. But do "just friends" cuddle, share secrets they've never told anyone else, or care for one another the way Tripp and Mesa do?
My gosh, this was such a cute, sweet, small town romance that I gobbled up in less than 24 hours! I love Lainey's writing - from the dirty talking cowboys, the independent FMCs, the banter amongst characters, to the found family, her books will have you laughing, smiling, and blushing.
I loved how Mesa and Tripp's relationship progressed. And I adored when Mesa let Tripp know that he's deserving of the same love he so freely gives out. They worked together to build each other up and show up for one another when things got tough.
The bunkhouse series is such a comfort read for me - it feels like hanging out with a group of friends around a bonfire, drinking a cold beer, and just enjoying the company of one another.
Highly recommend Up In Smoke for lovers of:
- small town romance
- cowboy romance
- reformed playboy x hopeless romantic
- yearning
- tragic pasts
- found family
- witty banter
- strangers to friends to lovers
July 14, 2025
We finally get our flirty playboy Tripps book.
But like any reader knows under that bravado we’re gonna learn there’s more going on under there.
Mesa: our redhead bombshell who’s sworn off relationships for awhile
Garden girl: love🌸
Cue: friends to friends with benefits to lovers
Small town
Dusty cowboy/ranch setting 🤠
Solid friend group
This was sweet and fun with a little bit of daddy issues thrown in.
Arc review ✨
But like any reader knows under that bravado we’re gonna learn there’s more going on under there.
Mesa: our redhead bombshell who’s sworn off relationships for awhile
Garden girl: love🌸
Cue: friends to friends with benefits to lovers
Small town
Dusty cowboy/ranch setting 🤠
Solid friend group
This was sweet and fun with a little bit of daddy issues thrown in.
Arc review ✨
July 21, 2025
#Review: *Up In Smoke* - Lainey Lawson - ARC [18+]
4/5✨
3/5🌶️
The blurb of this book made me choose to sign up for an early copy and I must thank Beyond The Books Pr and the author for choosing me.
Messa was a super intelligent woman, who has made an awesome app alongside two friends, Hazel and Sophia. They were able to sell this app, but there was still so much work to do for it and there were some tight deadlines too. Messa had to help some other friend with her wedding party and she had to spend some time at Prairie Rose Ranch. There she will meet the playboy of the gang, Tripp, who wasn't at his best game, feeling a bit off and he needed to find his mojo again. And because Messa wasn't searching for something permanent and was never pleased as she wanted, she accepted a proposal Tripp suggested, to be friends with benefits. But can they stay on this path and not catch feelings?
Tripp had such a complicated history, being affected by his rough childhood. That's why in the present days he was pretty afraid of commitment and getting attached to someone. The proposal he offered Messa was in benefit for both of them, so nothing was harmful for them. But they never thought that their connection would be stronger than they could've imagined and that would complicate things a bit. So, now they really needed to figure their lives out, in order to know for sure what they really want from themselves in that moment in time.
A pretty relaxing read, with a bit of angst and emotional moments, but also filled with some spicy moments too. A self searching road for both characters which was nice to follow and discover a wonderful connection.
✨Tropes
#BigCityGirlSmallTownBoy
#CowboyRomance
#FriendsWithBenefits
#TragicPast
#ReformedPlayboy
#SmallTown
#BadBoyGoodGirl
#FoundFamily
4/5✨
3/5🌶️
The blurb of this book made me choose to sign up for an early copy and I must thank Beyond The Books Pr and the author for choosing me.
Messa was a super intelligent woman, who has made an awesome app alongside two friends, Hazel and Sophia. They were able to sell this app, but there was still so much work to do for it and there were some tight deadlines too. Messa had to help some other friend with her wedding party and she had to spend some time at Prairie Rose Ranch. There she will meet the playboy of the gang, Tripp, who wasn't at his best game, feeling a bit off and he needed to find his mojo again. And because Messa wasn't searching for something permanent and was never pleased as she wanted, she accepted a proposal Tripp suggested, to be friends with benefits. But can they stay on this path and not catch feelings?
Tripp had such a complicated history, being affected by his rough childhood. That's why in the present days he was pretty afraid of commitment and getting attached to someone. The proposal he offered Messa was in benefit for both of them, so nothing was harmful for them. But they never thought that their connection would be stronger than they could've imagined and that would complicate things a bit. So, now they really needed to figure their lives out, in order to know for sure what they really want from themselves in that moment in time.
A pretty relaxing read, with a bit of angst and emotional moments, but also filled with some spicy moments too. A self searching road for both characters which was nice to follow and discover a wonderful connection.
✨Tropes
#BigCityGirlSmallTownBoy
#CowboyRomance
#FriendsWithBenefits
#TragicPast
#ReformedPlayboy
#SmallTown
#BadBoyGoodGirl
#FoundFamily
July 14, 2025
ARC Review
“Well, you live and work at such a beautiful place with people you love, don’t you? You’re good at what you do, and even better, you enjoy it. Put all those things together— it makes you a very rich man, and I don’t mean the amount of money you have.”
3rd book in the bunkhouse series follows Tripp and Mesa.
Tripp is a reformed playboy and Mesa just moved nearby from the big city.
I do love a good reformed playboy storyline. Low on the spice level for this book.
I loved the banter between these two, the friendship they formed was adorable.
I did find it slow in the beginning.. while I had a few laughs I did find it a bit too slow to get to the point of them really connecting and getting together.
Once they did I found the storyline more interesting and intriguing.
There was one scene, while I don’t mind reading scenarios like that, it didn’t really fit the characters or story in my opinion, I felt like it came out of left field.
It was a good, quick read.. book 2 fire away still sits at my fav for the series, can’t wait for grumpy Hestons story. I don’t wanna be in the dark anymore, I need to know his story!
“She’s the match, the flame, and the while damn fire —- I’m already close enough for the heat to singe my skin, and at this point, I’m afraid all I can do it let her burn everything I thought I ever wanted to the ground while I watch it go up in smoke.”
“Well, you live and work at such a beautiful place with people you love, don’t you? You’re good at what you do, and even better, you enjoy it. Put all those things together— it makes you a very rich man, and I don’t mean the amount of money you have.”
3rd book in the bunkhouse series follows Tripp and Mesa.
Tripp is a reformed playboy and Mesa just moved nearby from the big city.
I do love a good reformed playboy storyline. Low on the spice level for this book.
I loved the banter between these two, the friendship they formed was adorable.
I did find it slow in the beginning.. while I had a few laughs I did find it a bit too slow to get to the point of them really connecting and getting together.
Once they did I found the storyline more interesting and intriguing.
There was one scene, while I don’t mind reading scenarios like that, it didn’t really fit the characters or story in my opinion, I felt like it came out of left field.
It was a good, quick read.. book 2 fire away still sits at my fav for the series, can’t wait for grumpy Hestons story. I don’t wanna be in the dark anymore, I need to know his story!
“She’s the match, the flame, and the while damn fire —- I’m already close enough for the heat to singe my skin, and at this point, I’m afraid all I can do it let her burn everything I thought I ever wanted to the ground while I watch it go up in smoke.”
July 21, 2025
BACK AT THE BUNKHOUSE !!
Ah! I was so excited when I found out I got accepted for this eARC! I have loved the first two books in this series and I was really excited to finally get Tripp’s story!
This was so refreshing in the sense that I’m really glad Mesa and Tripp were able to start their relationship already having been best friends. Now, there’s nothing wrong with not being friends first but to get to have that bond first makes the relationship stronger, from experience! Tripp has been through so much and Mesa really is the perfect person for him!
“If you don’t fuck with my emo phase, then we have absolutely no business being friends.”
I love found family and I love when everyone is really close with each other like how the friends are. It’s always so nice being able to visit with characters from other books and I love that we got to see a marriage!
“Friends that match your level of delusion are diamonds in the rough, and I’m glad I’ve found mine”
Mesa and Tripp are my favorites of the couples so far! I can’t wait for the series to continue with Heston!
—————————
thank you Beyond the Books PR for sending me an early copy of up in smoke by lainey lawson. all thoughts are my own. 💖
Ah! I was so excited when I found out I got accepted for this eARC! I have loved the first two books in this series and I was really excited to finally get Tripp’s story!
This was so refreshing in the sense that I’m really glad Mesa and Tripp were able to start their relationship already having been best friends. Now, there’s nothing wrong with not being friends first but to get to have that bond first makes the relationship stronger, from experience! Tripp has been through so much and Mesa really is the perfect person for him!
“If you don’t fuck with my emo phase, then we have absolutely no business being friends.”
I love found family and I love when everyone is really close with each other like how the friends are. It’s always so nice being able to visit with characters from other books and I love that we got to see a marriage!
“Friends that match your level of delusion are diamonds in the rough, and I’m glad I’ve found mine”
Mesa and Tripp are my favorites of the couples so far! I can’t wait for the series to continue with Heston!
—————————
thank you Beyond the Books PR for sending me an early copy of up in smoke by lainey lawson. all thoughts are my own. 💖
July 29, 2025
Thank you to Lainey Lawson & Beyond The Books PR for the ARC 🩷
╰ 4 stars ⭐️
This book?? From page one it had me locked in. The dual POV was everything, getting into both Mesa and Tripp’s heads made the whole thing hit harder. And the way Lainey Lawson writes? So smooth, so easy to get into, I blinked and I was 100 pages deep.
🌻 Characters
Mesa Riley is messy, independent, and totally relatable, she’s just trying to keep her life together, but then…cue Tripp.
Tripp Lathan is a walking heartthrob in cowboy boots. He’s protective, a little cocky, a lot sweet, and their chemistry? Yeah. It sizzled. 😮💨
Together they’re banter, tension, soft moments, and lowkey electric. I was kicking my feet like a teenager again.
✨ Final Thoughts
If you’re into:
❤️🔥slow burn
🫂found family
🤠cowboy energy
🌶️steamy + soft romance
…you’re gonna eat this up. I had such a good time with it. Fun, flirty, emotional in the right spots, and full of those moments that make you grin like an idiot. Lainey Lawson really delivered with this one!
╰ 4 stars ⭐️
This book?? From page one it had me locked in. The dual POV was everything, getting into both Mesa and Tripp’s heads made the whole thing hit harder. And the way Lainey Lawson writes? So smooth, so easy to get into, I blinked and I was 100 pages deep.
🌻 Characters
Mesa Riley is messy, independent, and totally relatable, she’s just trying to keep her life together, but then…cue Tripp.
Tripp Lathan is a walking heartthrob in cowboy boots. He’s protective, a little cocky, a lot sweet, and their chemistry? Yeah. It sizzled. 😮💨
Together they’re banter, tension, soft moments, and lowkey electric. I was kicking my feet like a teenager again.
✨ Final Thoughts
If you’re into:
❤️🔥slow burn
🫂found family
🤠cowboy energy
🌶️steamy + soft romance
…you’re gonna eat this up. I had such a good time with it. Fun, flirty, emotional in the right spots, and full of those moments that make you grin like an idiot. Lainey Lawson really delivered with this one!
July 25, 2025
Genre: fiction, romance
Pages: 252
My rating: 4.75
One of my favorite series, we get Tripp's book! This book is a bit more emotional than the last two. He has never had anyone to love him, and he honestly feels he is not worthy of having a wife or a family of his own. He was breaking my heart so much with his lack of worthiness - I loved his character, and when Mesa comes around, she is the first girl in a long time to not let him pick her up for the night; instead, they become good friends. The problem, of course, is the MAJOR chem between them. OMG the slow burn is soooooo good. When they first kiss? Make out? Make love? So darn swoony and romantic. It's the kind of love scene that you want to find in a romance.
Mesa is a sweetheart and swore off men so she can find her self-worth and grow. After becoming successful enough to secure financial security for herself, she moved to a small town to put down roots and feel happy. Befriending Tripp brings her joy, and she discovers true friendships with the women of The Bunkhouse, Blythe, and Savannah. She soon finds herself wanting something she has never wanted before, and Tripp is not about to let her ask another man for it. So he agrees to help her, and this changes everything for them.
Triggers: difficult childhood, issues with self worth, abandonment by parents, car accident. Tropes: friends to lovers, small town, spicy lessons, yearning, found family.
Pages: 252
My rating: 4.75
One of my favorite series, we get Tripp's book! This book is a bit more emotional than the last two. He has never had anyone to love him, and he honestly feels he is not worthy of having a wife or a family of his own. He was breaking my heart so much with his lack of worthiness - I loved his character, and when Mesa comes around, she is the first girl in a long time to not let him pick her up for the night; instead, they become good friends. The problem, of course, is the MAJOR chem between them. OMG the slow burn is soooooo good. When they first kiss? Make out? Make love? So darn swoony and romantic. It's the kind of love scene that you want to find in a romance.
Mesa is a sweetheart and swore off men so she can find her self-worth and grow. After becoming successful enough to secure financial security for herself, she moved to a small town to put down roots and feel happy. Befriending Tripp brings her joy, and she discovers true friendships with the women of The Bunkhouse, Blythe, and Savannah. She soon finds herself wanting something she has never wanted before, and Tripp is not about to let her ask another man for it. So he agrees to help her, and this changes everything for them.
Triggers: difficult childhood, issues with self worth, abandonment by parents, car accident. Tropes: friends to lovers, small town, spicy lessons, yearning, found family.
July 13, 2025
4.25
Up in Smoke is my favourite of the Bunkhouse Series so far, I loved both the main characters and really enjoyed the found family aspect for both of them.
It's not often I say this but I actually wish this one was longer so we could see more of Tripp and Mesa's relationship once they moved past being just friends. The chemistry was obvious from the start and did develop naturally, I'm just greedy 😂
Up in Smoke is my favourite of the Bunkhouse Series so far, I loved both the main characters and really enjoyed the found family aspect for both of them.
It's not often I say this but I actually wish this one was longer so we could see more of Tripp and Mesa's relationship once they moved past being just friends. The chemistry was obvious from the start and did develop naturally, I'm just greedy 😂
July 27, 2025
super cute!
excited for the next book but omg my poor heston😢
excited for the next book but omg my poor heston😢
July 21, 2025
I was really looking forward to finally reading Tripp and Mesa’s love story. I absolutely loved the first two books in the series, so I went into this one with high hopes. While there were parts I enjoyed, overall, it unfortunately fell a little flat for me.
What did work for me was the found family dynamic—the sense of community and the way the characters always show up for one another. I also appreciated the banter between the main characters and the supporting cast. Those lighter, heartwarming moments were some of the highlights.
Tripp and Mesa were cute together, and I really liked the foundation of their friendship. But when it came to their romantic chemistry, I just didn’t feel it. There wasn’t much yearning or emotional tension between them, which made their transition from friends to lovers feel a bit underwhelming. The pacing of their relationship also felt off—Tripp asks Mesa to be his girlfriend, and less than 24 hours later he’s pushing her away after a brief encounter with his drunk father. Then he disappears for a week before making things right, and even that resolution felt rushed. In my opinion, he didn’t grovel nearly enough, and Mesa forgave him too easily. Also the whole wine bottle scene...yeah no.
The last few chapters dragged for me, and I found myself skimming to get through them.
That said, if you enjoy friends-to-lovers, reformed playboy cowboys, and small-town romance, this might still be your kind of story. It just didn’t quite hit the mark for me personally, but I can see others really enjoying it.
What did work for me was the found family dynamic—the sense of community and the way the characters always show up for one another. I also appreciated the banter between the main characters and the supporting cast. Those lighter, heartwarming moments were some of the highlights.
Tripp and Mesa were cute together, and I really liked the foundation of their friendship. But when it came to their romantic chemistry, I just didn’t feel it. There wasn’t much yearning or emotional tension between them, which made their transition from friends to lovers feel a bit underwhelming. The pacing of their relationship also felt off—Tripp asks Mesa to be his girlfriend, and less than 24 hours later he’s pushing her away after a brief encounter with his drunk father. Then he disappears for a week before making things right, and even that resolution felt rushed. In my opinion, he didn’t grovel nearly enough, and Mesa forgave him too easily. Also the whole wine bottle scene...yeah no.
The last few chapters dragged for me, and I found myself skimming to get through them.
That said, if you enjoy friends-to-lovers, reformed playboy cowboys, and small-town romance, this might still be your kind of story. It just didn’t quite hit the mark for me personally, but I can see others really enjoying it.
December 3, 2025
4.5⭐️ this series is criminally underrated. While this book didn’t have as much crazy suspense like the first two, I still really enjoyed it
August 18, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
2.5 🌶️
Thank you so much Lainey Lawson & @beyondthebookspr for the opportunity to receive this arc in exchange for my honest opinion .
Up in Smoke is the third instalment in the Bunkhouse series and I absolutely loved it . This story follows Tripp - his all fun and no commitments life had such a charm and personality you absolutely fell in love with ! Along came Mesa , a reformed romancaholic wanting to change falling head over heels and diving in head first ways ! When Tripp and Mesa meet , there was an instant draw to each other .
Where they have such different views on romantic endeavours they decided to become friends . I loved how their friendship developed even though it was out of the norm of actual friendships . The cuddling , the talks , flirtation and banter . I absolutely loved them . The spicy lessons ? 🔥🥵 so hot ! And how they started falling pretty fast for each other .
The trauma that both Tripp and Mesa dealt with in their past made you realize why they were the way they were . I loved this story so much and can’t wait to see what’s to come with this series .
If you love friends to lovers , found family , spicy lessons , cowboy romance ? Please read this one .
2.5 🌶️
Thank you so much Lainey Lawson & @beyondthebookspr for the opportunity to receive this arc in exchange for my honest opinion .
Up in Smoke is the third instalment in the Bunkhouse series and I absolutely loved it . This story follows Tripp - his all fun and no commitments life had such a charm and personality you absolutely fell in love with ! Along came Mesa , a reformed romancaholic wanting to change falling head over heels and diving in head first ways ! When Tripp and Mesa meet , there was an instant draw to each other .
Where they have such different views on romantic endeavours they decided to become friends . I loved how their friendship developed even though it was out of the norm of actual friendships . The cuddling , the talks , flirtation and banter . I absolutely loved them . The spicy lessons ? 🔥🥵 so hot ! And how they started falling pretty fast for each other .
The trauma that both Tripp and Mesa dealt with in their past made you realize why they were the way they were . I loved this story so much and can’t wait to see what’s to come with this series .
If you love friends to lovers , found family , spicy lessons , cowboy romance ? Please read this one .
July 19, 2025
✨ARC REVIEW✨
4.5✨
This might be my favorite in The Bunkhouse Series. It may have something to do with that fact that Tripp and Mesa are huge baseball fans. They may not be cheering for the Yankees but it got me.
As always, Lainey knows how to write a cute small town romance. I really found myself not wanting to put this down and getting so suckered in to the drama of Tripp and Mesa pretending they're "just friends" 😏
I really like that these two didn't just automatically hook up. They had their moment of meeting and drooling over each other, naturally, but they actually became friends first. A lot of people are saying it's a slow start with this book but I'd prefer these two actually getting to know each other than professing their love by chapter two.
Tripp is a playboy. He's thinking with one head only, most days, and knows he's a charming guy. He's literally a cocky bastard but you can't help but love him. Deep down, he's got a lot going on and it's really just his way of coping. He thinks he isn't built to be loved and to love but HE IS WRONG. There is dimension to his character and I loved seeing both sides to him. I mainly liked seeing him be a softy for Mesa.
Plot Pros: I loved that Tripp is looking to put his playboy days in the past. I love that he's getting tired of acting the same way day to day. I love that he sees a challenge in going after Mesa; that it's more than just a challenge of sleeping with her but actually getting to know her.
I love that Mesa is looking to work on herself and not letting herself fall victim of going weak in the knees for another man who's looking to simply use her. I like that she's trying to do things differently. She wants to be in control, so kudos.
Plot Cons: I WISH we had more of these spicy lessons. They were hot AND built such a lead up to these two catching feelings. We obviously knew Tripp wasn't going to last and that he wasn't going to be okay with helping her for other men...but test those waters...get him JEALOUS!
Tripp has some self-discovery moments in this that I'm glad he was able to work through. It's times like this where I almost wish he had a moment to share with his "brothers" and keep that bond growing even bigger. I'd love to see these boys go all mushy with each other. I just wanted there to be a bigger moment of clarity that he isn't who his father is and he is capable of loving and being loved.
I almost wanted Mesa to go out on dates and be in control of those situations since she's always felt like she wasn't. I wanted her to make Tripp become that cheeky bastard he can be because of that 😅😮💨🤌😩 (I think I just like seeing a jealous Tripp)
Despite anything I could be picky with, I was genuinely enjoying this book. I really loved the chemistry between Tripp and Mesa. I loved that their third act breakup was actually resolved pretty maturely.
I really love the found family element in this book/series and I love seeing all the characters interacting with each other. I loved all the full circle moments (i.e. Tripp's mom) and how this book ends. I really thought Tripp and Mesa were perfect for each other. They matched each other well.
I am really intrigued by Heston's story. I'm excited for it.
Thank you so much to Lainey Lawson and Beyond the Books PR for the e-arc copy!
4.5✨
This might be my favorite in The Bunkhouse Series. It may have something to do with that fact that Tripp and Mesa are huge baseball fans. They may not be cheering for the Yankees but it got me.
As always, Lainey knows how to write a cute small town romance. I really found myself not wanting to put this down and getting so suckered in to the drama of Tripp and Mesa pretending they're "just friends" 😏
I really like that these two didn't just automatically hook up. They had their moment of meeting and drooling over each other, naturally, but they actually became friends first. A lot of people are saying it's a slow start with this book but I'd prefer these two actually getting to know each other than professing their love by chapter two.
Tripp is a playboy. He's thinking with one head only, most days, and knows he's a charming guy. He's literally a cocky bastard but you can't help but love him. Deep down, he's got a lot going on and it's really just his way of coping. He thinks he isn't built to be loved and to love but HE IS WRONG. There is dimension to his character and I loved seeing both sides to him. I mainly liked seeing him be a softy for Mesa.
Plot Pros: I loved that Tripp is looking to put his playboy days in the past. I love that he's getting tired of acting the same way day to day. I love that he sees a challenge in going after Mesa; that it's more than just a challenge of sleeping with her but actually getting to know her.
I love that Mesa is looking to work on herself and not letting herself fall victim of going weak in the knees for another man who's looking to simply use her. I like that she's trying to do things differently. She wants to be in control, so kudos.
Plot Cons: I WISH we had more of these spicy lessons. They were hot AND built such a lead up to these two catching feelings. We obviously knew Tripp wasn't going to last and that he wasn't going to be okay with helping her for other men...but test those waters...get him JEALOUS!
Tripp has some self-discovery moments in this that I'm glad he was able to work through. It's times like this where I almost wish he had a moment to share with his "brothers" and keep that bond growing even bigger. I'd love to see these boys go all mushy with each other. I just wanted there to be a bigger moment of clarity that he isn't who his father is and he is capable of loving and being loved.
I almost wanted Mesa to go out on dates and be in control of those situations since she's always felt like she wasn't. I wanted her to make Tripp become that cheeky bastard he can be because of that 😅😮💨🤌😩 (I think I just like seeing a jealous Tripp)
Despite anything I could be picky with, I was genuinely enjoying this book. I really loved the chemistry between Tripp and Mesa. I loved that their third act breakup was actually resolved pretty maturely.
I really love the found family element in this book/series and I love seeing all the characters interacting with each other. I loved all the full circle moments (i.e. Tripp's mom) and how this book ends. I really thought Tripp and Mesa were perfect for each other. They matched each other well.
I am really intrigued by Heston's story. I'm excited for it.
Thank you so much to Lainey Lawson and Beyond the Books PR for the e-arc copy!
July 28, 2025
This series just keeps getting better and better, and I am so here for it! I was lucky enough to take part in the cover reveal, and once I saw that adorable cover, I knew this story was going to be good. I’ve been waiting for Mesa and Tripp’s book, and they absolutely delivered.
The found family vibe in this series is top tier. They’re not just supportive of one another; they have fun together, tease each other, and show up when it counts. It’s the kind of group you wish you could be a part of.
What I loved most about Tripp and Mesa is that, while there’s instant attraction between them, they really take the time to build a solid friendship first. It’s exactly what both of them need, someone who sees them, supports them, and loves them unconditionally. And once they decide to take things further, things heat up fast…these two are HOT.
If you’re into cowboys, small towns, and a top-notch girl gang, this series needs to be on your list!
TROPES
🐴Cowboy Romance
💞Strangers to Friends to Lovers
🏡Small Town
❣️Reformed Playboy
💘Hopeless Romantic
🫶🏻Found Family
😍Yearning
ONE SENTENCE SUMMARY
When recovering romantic Mesa agrees to a no-strings fling with charming, emotionally guarded Tripp, neither expects their casual arrangement to spark real feelings, or force them to confront what they truly want.
The found family vibe in this series is top tier. They’re not just supportive of one another; they have fun together, tease each other, and show up when it counts. It’s the kind of group you wish you could be a part of.
What I loved most about Tripp and Mesa is that, while there’s instant attraction between them, they really take the time to build a solid friendship first. It’s exactly what both of them need, someone who sees them, supports them, and loves them unconditionally. And once they decide to take things further, things heat up fast…these two are HOT.
If you’re into cowboys, small towns, and a top-notch girl gang, this series needs to be on your list!
TROPES
🐴Cowboy Romance
💞Strangers to Friends to Lovers
🏡Small Town
❣️Reformed Playboy
💘Hopeless Romantic
🫶🏻Found Family
😍Yearning
ONE SENTENCE SUMMARY
When recovering romantic Mesa agrees to a no-strings fling with charming, emotionally guarded Tripp, neither expects their casual arrangement to spark real feelings, or force them to confront what they truly want.
July 25, 2025
“I’ve never woken up wanting to bang the living daylights out of the person next to me before I’ve even had a cup of coffee or a few minutes to collect myself before today.”
This book was so cute! I love when the MMC is obsessed with his girl and let me tell you and Tripp is down bad for Mesa. This was a quick and fun read and can be read as a standalone but reading the other books first would be helpful to understand the supporting characters! I loved Tripp and Mesa’s friendship and how easily they clicked together especially over baseball. I felt like this book definitely touched on some tough subjects but it was handled so well and had great conflict resolution. Mesa was such a rock for Tripp and I loved how their friendship bloomed into a relationship.
Tropes:
🤠Cowboy Romance
🤠Found Family
🤠Friends To Lovers
🤠Spicy Lessons
This book was so cute! I love when the MMC is obsessed with his girl and let me tell you and Tripp is down bad for Mesa. This was a quick and fun read and can be read as a standalone but reading the other books first would be helpful to understand the supporting characters! I loved Tripp and Mesa’s friendship and how easily they clicked together especially over baseball. I felt like this book definitely touched on some tough subjects but it was handled so well and had great conflict resolution. Mesa was such a rock for Tripp and I loved how their friendship bloomed into a relationship.
Tropes:
🤠Cowboy Romance
🤠Found Family
🤠Friends To Lovers
🤠Spicy Lessons
August 3, 2025
These two were literal friends to lovers perfection!!
I loved how although Tripp wanted Mesa immediately, once he started actually spending time with her he valued their friendship so much! It was so sweet it hurt!!
I loved that Lainey didn’t just make you fall for each character individually but she got you to fall in love with their friendship too! They were inseparable but you could tell they truly were friends, Tripp obviously fell fast and hard and the playboy of the bunkhouse fell to his knees for Mesa! Even if he tried to pretend he hadn’t, tried to play off that it was casual!
Tripp was so much more than a playboy, with so many layers and him trying to find himself and the disappointment he suffers along the way. Mesa is there for it all and she’s everything he needs!
Mesa needed Tripp to make her live her life again, even when they were just friends he was helping her find her fun side! She was such a girl boss and I loved her!! I also loved her and the girls friendship!
I absolutely love this series and I can’t wait for Heston’s story!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
I loved how although Tripp wanted Mesa immediately, once he started actually spending time with her he valued their friendship so much! It was so sweet it hurt!!
I loved that Lainey didn’t just make you fall for each character individually but she got you to fall in love with their friendship too! They were inseparable but you could tell they truly were friends, Tripp obviously fell fast and hard and the playboy of the bunkhouse fell to his knees for Mesa! Even if he tried to pretend he hadn’t, tried to play off that it was casual!
Tripp was so much more than a playboy, with so many layers and him trying to find himself and the disappointment he suffers along the way. Mesa is there for it all and she’s everything he needs!
Mesa needed Tripp to make her live her life again, even when they were just friends he was helping her find her fun side! She was such a girl boss and I loved her!! I also loved her and the girls friendship!
I absolutely love this series and I can’t wait for Heston’s story!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
August 14, 2025
LOVE !!!! friends to lovers trope and a hot cowboy what more could ya ask for 🤠
July 30, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐-> ♾️🌟
🌶️🌶️.75
💕 Reformed Playboy x Hopeless Romantic
✨️ Yearning
💕 Friends To Lovers
✨️ Small Town
💕 Found Family
✨️ Invisible String
💕 Spicy Lessons
✨️ Yearning
✨️ 📚 ARC 📖 REVIEW ✨️
There is nothing that I love more than a small town that is dreamy and full of "dusty" cowboys 🤠. Because who in their right mind wouldn't want to be around hot 🔥 sweaty cowboys 🤠 every time you turn around? ME. I WANNA BE THERE! Not to mention this small town is nothing but homey and so comfortable to be in. It definitely gives me 🥰 so many reasons to want to come back ASAP! But before I have to go back to reality I NEED to tell you all about Mesa and Tripp 😍.
Mesa and Tripp gave us so much in this book! We have some of the best slow burn 🔥 that was filled with the Yearning of these two! I was LIVING for this friends to lovers 💕 throughout this book! It was done so well 😍. Seeing Mesa and Tripp fight their ✨️ attraction ✨️ was not only done beautifully 🥰, but also gave me so many chances to kick and scream when they finally stopped fighting it. 🥰🥰🥰
As they were fighting their attraction you could feel how palpable their tension was! What really SENT me was when they friend zoned theirselves 🥰. Mesa and Tripp truly gave us so much deliciousness with this!
I can't even begin to tell you how much their friendship made everything feel so much deeper 😍. They had some very deep and vulnerable conversations to truly get to know each other while they were friends. I couldn't stop squealing and kicking my legs as I saw them truly fall in love ❤️ with each other! This alone solidified how I was already feeling about this book 😍🥰!
Lemme tell you that this book has its spice 🌶🌶🌶 but it is also sweet 🥰. This will make your heart ache in the best way possible 💕.
Thank you to Lainey Lawson & Beyond The Books PR for the complimentary 📚 ARC 📚 copy 🫶🏻. All opinions✨️ are my own, honest and voluntary✨️.
🌶️🌶️.75
💕 Reformed Playboy x Hopeless Romantic
✨️ Yearning
💕 Friends To Lovers
✨️ Small Town
💕 Found Family
✨️ Invisible String
💕 Spicy Lessons
✨️ Yearning
✨️ 📚 ARC 📖 REVIEW ✨️
There is nothing that I love more than a small town that is dreamy and full of "dusty" cowboys 🤠. Because who in their right mind wouldn't want to be around hot 🔥 sweaty cowboys 🤠 every time you turn around? ME. I WANNA BE THERE! Not to mention this small town is nothing but homey and so comfortable to be in. It definitely gives me 🥰 so many reasons to want to come back ASAP! But before I have to go back to reality I NEED to tell you all about Mesa and Tripp 😍.
Mesa and Tripp gave us so much in this book! We have some of the best slow burn 🔥 that was filled with the Yearning of these two! I was LIVING for this friends to lovers 💕 throughout this book! It was done so well 😍. Seeing Mesa and Tripp fight their ✨️ attraction ✨️ was not only done beautifully 🥰, but also gave me so many chances to kick and scream when they finally stopped fighting it. 🥰🥰🥰
As they were fighting their attraction you could feel how palpable their tension was! What really SENT me was when they friend zoned theirselves 🥰. Mesa and Tripp truly gave us so much deliciousness with this!
I can't even begin to tell you how much their friendship made everything feel so much deeper 😍. They had some very deep and vulnerable conversations to truly get to know each other while they were friends. I couldn't stop squealing and kicking my legs as I saw them truly fall in love ❤️ with each other! This alone solidified how I was already feeling about this book 😍🥰!
Lemme tell you that this book has its spice 🌶🌶🌶 but it is also sweet 🥰. This will make your heart ache in the best way possible 💕.
Thank you to Lainey Lawson & Beyond The Books PR for the complimentary 📚 ARC 📚 copy 🫶🏻. All opinions✨️ are my own, honest and voluntary✨️.
July 25, 2025
4.75⭐️ 📖 𝙐𝙥 𝙞𝙣 𝙎𝙢𝙤𝙠𝙚 𝙗𝙮 𝙇𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙮 𝙇𝙖𝙬𝙨𝙤𝙣
“𝘚𝘩𝘦’𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘭𝘢𝘮𝘦, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘮𝘯 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘦—𝘐’𝘮 𝘢𝘭𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘺 𝘤𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘴𝘬𝘪𝘯, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘵, 𝘐’𝘮 𝘢𝘧𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘥 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘥𝘰 𝘪𝘴 𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘶𝘳𝘯 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘐 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩 𝘪𝘵 𝘨𝘰 𝘶𝘱 𝘪𝘯 𝘴𝘮𝘰𝘬𝘦.”
It’s official! Mesa & Tripp’s story is my new favorite Bunkhouse book! Right from the prologue I was hooked on Tripp. He had to grow up in the system young but he made the most out of it and fully embraced the cowboy way of life.
Mesa was a literally tech powerhouse. She achieved success early on in her career and decided she needed the quiet of small town living. She’s had nothing but failed relationships and is a romantic that falls to easily but runs just as quick when her partner doesn’t meet her expectations.
Tripp is caught up in Mesa’s orbit from first sight and they strike up a fast friendship that skirts the line into something more. The spicy chemistry and banter between them was great! When they finally lean into being more than just friends I was kicking my feet.
Tripp’s broken boy moments hurt my heart and I just wanted to wrap him in a hug and knock some sense into him at the same time!
The ending of this story made me so happy, I loved how everything played out. There’s a lot of emotional healing and even some unexpected revelations that left me with all the warm fuzzies!
I am literally feral for Heston’s book next! So many things got teased in this one and I just know it’s going to be amazing! The bunkhouse guys are hilarious together and I never want this series to end!
Tropes:
🫶🏼 Friends To Lovers
💞 Forced Proximity
☕️ Small Town
🧲 Cowboy Romance
✨ Found Family
🥵 Spicy Lessons
🪴 Rich Tech Genius FMC
“𝘚𝘩𝘦’𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘭𝘢𝘮𝘦, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘮𝘯 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘦—𝘐’𝘮 𝘢𝘭𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘺 𝘤𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘴𝘬𝘪𝘯, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘵, 𝘐’𝘮 𝘢𝘧𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘥 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘥𝘰 𝘪𝘴 𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘶𝘳𝘯 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘐 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩 𝘪𝘵 𝘨𝘰 𝘶𝘱 𝘪𝘯 𝘴𝘮𝘰𝘬𝘦.”
It’s official! Mesa & Tripp’s story is my new favorite Bunkhouse book! Right from the prologue I was hooked on Tripp. He had to grow up in the system young but he made the most out of it and fully embraced the cowboy way of life.
Mesa was a literally tech powerhouse. She achieved success early on in her career and decided she needed the quiet of small town living. She’s had nothing but failed relationships and is a romantic that falls to easily but runs just as quick when her partner doesn’t meet her expectations.
Tripp is caught up in Mesa’s orbit from first sight and they strike up a fast friendship that skirts the line into something more. The spicy chemistry and banter between them was great! When they finally lean into being more than just friends I was kicking my feet.
Tripp’s broken boy moments hurt my heart and I just wanted to wrap him in a hug and knock some sense into him at the same time!
The ending of this story made me so happy, I loved how everything played out. There’s a lot of emotional healing and even some unexpected revelations that left me with all the warm fuzzies!
I am literally feral for Heston’s book next! So many things got teased in this one and I just know it’s going to be amazing! The bunkhouse guys are hilarious together and I never want this series to end!
Tropes:
🫶🏼 Friends To Lovers
💞 Forced Proximity
☕️ Small Town
🧲 Cowboy Romance
✨ Found Family
🥵 Spicy Lessons
🪴 Rich Tech Genius FMC
July 22, 2025
Back to the BunkHouse we go!
I have been looking forward to Tripps story since book 1, and Mesa couldn’t be more perfect for Tripp 🖤
Mesa is one of the most independent and career driven FMCs. She is super talented and smart, coming to this small town of WestRidge next to Prairie Rose Ranch was perfect for her to finish up a work project and work on herself, until she meets Tripp and they instantly become friends, they travel to go to a baseball game, go horse back riding, and have great moments as friends. They decide they wanted more and at first it was lessons for Mesa to relax and have a good time and to just feel it all and not be in control. Boy oh boy did Tripp deliver that for Mesa 🥵🥵. They were so HoT together and you could definitely feel the chemistry between them.
Tripp really opened up to Mesa about his past with his father and when his father comes into town, he thought he really changed but he didn’t and Tripps dad got in his head and really messed with him. Mesa knew she had to be there for him even if Tripp pushed her away thinking she needed better than him. He really knew he messed up and had to get out of his head. He knew Mesa was made for him and they deserved there happy ending ❤️
I love the found family with this book, all the previous characters from the other books were in here and I loved all the moments they all shared together 🖤
“There’s not a chance I wouldn’t be chasing you down right now if you hadn’t shown up tonight. Not a single f***ing chance.”
Tropes
Small town
Cowboy
Reformed playboy
Friends with benefits
Found family
Thank you Lainey and Beyond The Books PR for the ARC!
I have been looking forward to Tripps story since book 1, and Mesa couldn’t be more perfect for Tripp 🖤
Mesa is one of the most independent and career driven FMCs. She is super talented and smart, coming to this small town of WestRidge next to Prairie Rose Ranch was perfect for her to finish up a work project and work on herself, until she meets Tripp and they instantly become friends, they travel to go to a baseball game, go horse back riding, and have great moments as friends. They decide they wanted more and at first it was lessons for Mesa to relax and have a good time and to just feel it all and not be in control. Boy oh boy did Tripp deliver that for Mesa 🥵🥵. They were so HoT together and you could definitely feel the chemistry between them.
Tripp really opened up to Mesa about his past with his father and when his father comes into town, he thought he really changed but he didn’t and Tripps dad got in his head and really messed with him. Mesa knew she had to be there for him even if Tripp pushed her away thinking she needed better than him. He really knew he messed up and had to get out of his head. He knew Mesa was made for him and they deserved there happy ending ❤️
I love the found family with this book, all the previous characters from the other books were in here and I loved all the moments they all shared together 🖤
“There’s not a chance I wouldn’t be chasing you down right now if you hadn’t shown up tonight. Not a single f***ing chance.”
Tropes
Small town
Cowboy
Reformed playboy
Friends with benefits
Found family
Thank you Lainey and Beyond The Books PR for the ARC!
July 24, 2025
ARC REVIEW: Up in Smoke by Lainey Lawson || Book 3 in The Bunkhouse series
MMC: Tripp ‘T’ Lathan
FMC: Mesa ‘Mace’ Riley
4.25 ⭐️
2 🌶️
Lainey has done it again. This world that she has created in Westridge, TX makes me so happy. Just 4 cowboy besties and their girls against the world.
Tripp’s (& Heston’s) story has been one I’ve been waitttttting for. Something about a reformed playboy that just does it for me.
Tripp meets Mesa, a friend of Savannah’s, whom he is instantly attracted to. She makes it very clear that she’s not looking for romance, so they decide to become friends. Slowly over baseball games, gardening, and parties at the bunkhouse, their friendship becomes so much more. I absolutely loved this friends to lovers situation between Tripp and Mesa because it was so organic and real. They really took the time to learn each other.
Tripp is a bit of a broken boy due to life not always being the best, but Mesa eventually shows him all that he is and can be. The invisible string in this story had me tearing up so hard. It was incredible to read about Tripp and Mesa’s unlikely lifelong connection.
I love absolutely everything Lainey writes, and Up in Smoke was no different. I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to ARC read Tripp and Mesa.
Read Up in Smoke if you enjoy:
♥️Small Town Cowboy Romance
🩷Strangers to Friends to Lovers
♥️Reformed Playboy x Hopeless Romantic
🩷Yearning
♥️Heavy Emotions and Big Laughs
🩷Found Family
♥️Invisible String
MMC: Tripp ‘T’ Lathan
FMC: Mesa ‘Mace’ Riley
4.25 ⭐️
2 🌶️
Lainey has done it again. This world that she has created in Westridge, TX makes me so happy. Just 4 cowboy besties and their girls against the world.
Tripp’s (& Heston’s) story has been one I’ve been waitttttting for. Something about a reformed playboy that just does it for me.
Tripp meets Mesa, a friend of Savannah’s, whom he is instantly attracted to. She makes it very clear that she’s not looking for romance, so they decide to become friends. Slowly over baseball games, gardening, and parties at the bunkhouse, their friendship becomes so much more. I absolutely loved this friends to lovers situation between Tripp and Mesa because it was so organic and real. They really took the time to learn each other.
Tripp is a bit of a broken boy due to life not always being the best, but Mesa eventually shows him all that he is and can be. The invisible string in this story had me tearing up so hard. It was incredible to read about Tripp and Mesa’s unlikely lifelong connection.
I love absolutely everything Lainey writes, and Up in Smoke was no different. I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to ARC read Tripp and Mesa.
Read Up in Smoke if you enjoy:
♥️Small Town Cowboy Romance
🩷Strangers to Friends to Lovers
♥️Reformed Playboy x Hopeless Romantic
🩷Yearning
♥️Heavy Emotions and Big Laughs
🩷Found Family
♥️Invisible String
July 25, 2025
We are finally back at the Bunkhouse and how I have missed them all.
We have…
🖤Tripp - Cocky, charming and hiding a whole lot behind that smart mouth
🩷Mesa - Driven, successful and hopeless romantic
✨Friends to lovers
🔥Hot Chemistry & Banter
💞A found family who is so special
Although we have met Tripp before, this gives an insight to everything he is carrying inside. I loved his smart mouth and despite being cocky can absolutely back it up. Ma’am, he is my favourite Bunkhouse boy. This little broken bird, deserved all the happiness.
Mesa was such a little cutie. Driven, thoughtful, and self-aware in a way that felt scarily relatable. I loved how grounded she was, and how their friendship developed.
Their back and forth had me smiling, but the trust and quiet intimacy between them was so touching. Tripp learning to open up, and realising he could still be loved without being perfect was a little bit heartbreaking and a whole lot beautiful. The way he trusted Mesa, sometimes even more than the boys, showed how hard he had fallen.
The found family aspect in this series is one of things that makes it’s so special, and Mesa was a perfect fit. Those girls are a special bunch and I wish I had a girl gang like that.
I cannot wait to come back to the Bunkhouse - that teaser at the end? I’m already counting down.
Thank you to Lainey & team for the opportunity to read this arc - so grateful💕
We have…
🖤Tripp - Cocky, charming and hiding a whole lot behind that smart mouth
🩷Mesa - Driven, successful and hopeless romantic
✨Friends to lovers
🔥Hot Chemistry & Banter
💞A found family who is so special
Although we have met Tripp before, this gives an insight to everything he is carrying inside. I loved his smart mouth and despite being cocky can absolutely back it up. Ma’am, he is my favourite Bunkhouse boy. This little broken bird, deserved all the happiness.
Mesa was such a little cutie. Driven, thoughtful, and self-aware in a way that felt scarily relatable. I loved how grounded she was, and how their friendship developed.
Their back and forth had me smiling, but the trust and quiet intimacy between them was so touching. Tripp learning to open up, and realising he could still be loved without being perfect was a little bit heartbreaking and a whole lot beautiful. The way he trusted Mesa, sometimes even more than the boys, showed how hard he had fallen.
The found family aspect in this series is one of things that makes it’s so special, and Mesa was a perfect fit. Those girls are a special bunch and I wish I had a girl gang like that.
I cannot wait to come back to the Bunkhouse - that teaser at the end? I’m already counting down.
Thank you to Lainey & team for the opportunity to read this arc - so grateful💕
July 25, 2025
This is book 3 in the bunkhouse series!
Tripp is a playboy who is getting tired of the same old same old. He’s unsure why he isn’t happy anymore. Everyone around him is finding love and happiness and he’s not sure if that’ll ever be in the cards for him.
Mesa is a super smart app designer and teacher. She sold her app she collaborated on with two friends and moved away from the city. She’s extremely hard working and doesn’t know what she wants to do with her life now. Unfortunately for her, the company that bought the app wants the update done asap. That means Mesa has to work non stop to get that done.
When Tripp and Mesa had instant chemistry. Mesa states she doesn’t have time for relationships, so Tripp asks her for friendship. She accepted. They instantly connected over college baseball and their friendship blossomed from there. Their chemistry never stops.
This is a slow burn, friends to lovers. I love how they have a strong built friendship before they become involved romantically. Tripp has some baggage to work through that causes problems for them. He feels he isn’t worthy. But Mesa shows him that he does deserve love and happiness.
I loved how Tripp feel for Mesa. And the found family aspect of the story was great. The friendship of Savannah, Blythe and Mesa is one girls dream of. 🫶🏼it was icing on the cake!
This was a great slow burn cowboy romance book. I enjoyed it.
I was given a copy of this book from the author.
All opinions are my own
Tripp is a playboy who is getting tired of the same old same old. He’s unsure why he isn’t happy anymore. Everyone around him is finding love and happiness and he’s not sure if that’ll ever be in the cards for him.
Mesa is a super smart app designer and teacher. She sold her app she collaborated on with two friends and moved away from the city. She’s extremely hard working and doesn’t know what she wants to do with her life now. Unfortunately for her, the company that bought the app wants the update done asap. That means Mesa has to work non stop to get that done.
When Tripp and Mesa had instant chemistry. Mesa states she doesn’t have time for relationships, so Tripp asks her for friendship. She accepted. They instantly connected over college baseball and their friendship blossomed from there. Their chemistry never stops.
This is a slow burn, friends to lovers. I love how they have a strong built friendship before they become involved romantically. Tripp has some baggage to work through that causes problems for them. He feels he isn’t worthy. But Mesa shows him that he does deserve love and happiness.
I loved how Tripp feel for Mesa. And the found family aspect of the story was great. The friendship of Savannah, Blythe and Mesa is one girls dream of. 🫶🏼it was icing on the cake!
This was a great slow burn cowboy romance book. I enjoyed it.
I was given a copy of this book from the author.
All opinions are my own
July 12, 2025
*I was given this book as an eArc but my review is based solely on my own thoughts and opinions*
The beginning is adorable, my favorite line from it:
“Getting the girl and drinking sarsaparilla, whatever that
is, are on my radar, too. I'll get to those eventually.”
I love the relationship Tripp has with the guys however a lot of the moments seemed juvenile. It’s hard to like Tripp because of that. He’s really only about banging and baseball. There’s no mention of Mesa liking baseball and now all of a sudden she’s the biggest fan, I feel like there should have been some mention or segue into it before hand even though I like the addition of her mom. The story is slow at first, not much going on, no progression. I love that Mesa falls hard and fast and is trying to not fall in love so easily yet here comes Tripp, delicious strong bad with tats haha. It’s a fun concept, I feel like with some tweaks of characters and storyline, it can be a home run <— see what I did there. Also, I did not know when I signed up for this book that it’s book 3 in a series so that’s on me, maybe reading the first 2 would have helped more.
I’m just so thankful for the author and beyond the books pr for giving me the opportunity to read this. I wish nothing but the best for the author and am excited to see their trajectory.
The beginning is adorable, my favorite line from it:
“Getting the girl and drinking sarsaparilla, whatever that
is, are on my radar, too. I'll get to those eventually.”
I love the relationship Tripp has with the guys however a lot of the moments seemed juvenile. It’s hard to like Tripp because of that. He’s really only about banging and baseball. There’s no mention of Mesa liking baseball and now all of a sudden she’s the biggest fan, I feel like there should have been some mention or segue into it before hand even though I like the addition of her mom. The story is slow at first, not much going on, no progression. I love that Mesa falls hard and fast and is trying to not fall in love so easily yet here comes Tripp, delicious strong bad with tats haha. It’s a fun concept, I feel like with some tweaks of characters and storyline, it can be a home run <— see what I did there. Also, I did not know when I signed up for this book that it’s book 3 in a series so that’s on me, maybe reading the first 2 would have helped more.
I’m just so thankful for the author and beyond the books pr for giving me the opportunity to read this. I wish nothing but the best for the author and am excited to see their trajectory.
July 29, 2025
AHHHH. Book three of The Bunkhouse series and this is by farrrrrr my favorite of the series! I swear they just get better and better and Lainey has me HOOKED. The friends-to-lovers in this one was written sooo well. The slow burn and yearning was 🤌🏽 and usually a slow burn drives me mad. But watching Tripp and Mesa fall for each other while also being the best of friend’s was everything. I instantly fell for Tripp’s charm and the banter between the two of them. You could literally feel the tension and attraction off the pages. The best part about it all was how DEEP of a friendship level they were on. The vulnerable conversations 🥹 Tripp shared so many things with Mesa that he’d never even told his best friends. There was so much love and trust built between them before they even crossed the blurred lines. And watching them fall for who they truly were made this book. Adding another amazing girl to the gang didn’t hurt, either 🫶🏽 Lainey has quickly become an auto-buy author for me. If you love spicy and sweet cowboy romances then these are absolutely the books for you.
Thank you so much to Lainey Lawson and Beyond the books PR for an ARC of Up In Smoke. I’m absolutely readyyyyyy for Heston’s story!
read if you love:
reformed playboy x hopeless romantic, spicy lessons, friends to lovers, cowboy romance, invincible string, yearning, found family
Thank you so much to Lainey Lawson and Beyond the books PR for an ARC of Up In Smoke. I’m absolutely readyyyyyy for Heston’s story!
read if you love:
reformed playboy x hopeless romantic, spicy lessons, friends to lovers, cowboy romance, invincible string, yearning, found family
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