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Cowgirls Do It Better #2
Revelry
RE YOU READY FOR TATE AND GERTIE?
I’ve come home to Reverence bruised, broken and ready to start again. Once the town wild child, now I’m just trying to figure out my life and I can’t afford any distractions. Especially not in the form of my childhood neighbor, chaps-wearing farrier Tate Wilder.
Pricklier than a cactus, he’s still handsome as hell, yet I know that underneath that scowl is someone just as lost as me. So when the stubborn mule enlists me to be his champion of fun, I can’t refuse, not when it would benefit me too.
However my stupid heart still hasn’t learned its lesson and now when Tate’s mouth pulls into that disapproving line, I want to kiss it right off his face.
This was supposed to be just a distraction. I should end things soon before I end up heartbroken, again.
But I was never one for doing the smart thing. After all, where’s the fun in that?
The much anticipated follow up to Redemption: Cowgirls Do It Better Volume One featuring Tate and Gertie, as seen in Redemption!
I’ve come home to Reverence bruised, broken and ready to start again. Once the town wild child, now I’m just trying to figure out my life and I can’t afford any distractions. Especially not in the form of my childhood neighbor, chaps-wearing farrier Tate Wilder.
Pricklier than a cactus, he’s still handsome as hell, yet I know that underneath that scowl is someone just as lost as me. So when the stubborn mule enlists me to be his champion of fun, I can’t refuse, not when it would benefit me too.
However my stupid heart still hasn’t learned its lesson and now when Tate’s mouth pulls into that disapproving line, I want to kiss it right off his face.
This was supposed to be just a distraction. I should end things soon before I end up heartbroken, again.
But I was never one for doing the smart thing. After all, where’s the fun in that?
The much anticipated follow up to Redemption: Cowgirls Do It Better Volume One featuring Tate and Gertie, as seen in Redemption!
356 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 26, 2025
220 people are currently reading
948 people want to read
About the author
Lila Dawes
8 books172 followersLila is a thirtysomething writer living in Derbyshire, England with her *cough* parents *cough*, elderly tortoiseshell cat and perpetually dying bonsai tree, Benny.
She has been writing since she was a teenager but the penny didn't drop until last year, she's a little slow sometimes...
It’s Only Love is her debut novel and the first in the Citrus Pines series.
Lila is a huge fan of the romance reading and writing community so why not say hello, she can be found on Instagram, Facebook, Goodreads and website: www.liladawesauthor.com
She has been writing since she was a teenager but the penny didn't drop until last year, she's a little slow sometimes...
It’s Only Love is her debut novel and the first in the Citrus Pines series.
Lila is a huge fan of the romance reading and writing community so why not say hello, she can be found on Instagram, Facebook, Goodreads and website: www.liladawesauthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 175 reviews
October 2, 2025
2.5⭐️
SPOILERS‼️
16 years ago…
Tate (MMC) and Gertie (FMC) were neighbors when they were younger and went to the same high school but they didn’t really know each other. They barely interacted. The MMC tended to keep to himself and stayed away from friendships or dating because his home life was falling apart. His dad had left and his mom got depressed, so he had to take care of her. But she ended up being clingy and desperate, which caused him a lot of stress and anxiety, all because she was scared he’d leave her like his dad did.
Meanwhile, the FMC was bright and outgoing and the MMC had a crush on her, always watching her from afar. At that time, she was dating the football team captain—a big asshole—who along with his friends was always bullying the MMC.
One time when the MMC was having a rough day, he heard the FMC crying. When he went over to see what was wrong, he found out she had been hit—turns out her dad was abusive and it was him. So basically both of them had messed-up family situations. Later, we find out the FMC had a crush on him too and even asked him to kiss her, but he rejected her. I think that was the only real, long interaction they had as teens.
Now, 16 years later…
The FMC comes back to town after leaving her abusive husband (he’d left her with a nasty bruise on her face and body). They’d been together since college but he kept getting worse over the years until she finally decided to leave him.
She runs into the MMC at her best friend’s farm. He’s a vet, so he’s there pretty often and when he sees her bruised face, he gets angry and touches her in an intimate way. Her bff was shocked by his reaction since he’s never been interested in anyone else.
As for him, he still hasn’t forgotten the FMC, even after a decade since he last saw her. He’s a completely different, intense person when he’s around her.
The MMC still lives in his childhood home. He struggles with Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), so he has a very organized routine and prefers a quiet life away from people. He doesn’t have any friends or anyone really in his life (most of the plot revolves around his condition).
The FMC was the only person who could turn his world upside down and push all his buttons. At first, he just wanted her visit to her mom to be over and for her to leave as fast as possible (he had no idea she’d left her husband and was back in town for good). But the surprise came when she ended up moving into her childhood home, making them neighbors again and turning his world upside down all over again.
•
•
•
Honestly, I don’t know how I feel about this book! I liked the idea… the isolated MMC and the FMC helping him come out of his shell and enjoy life. But I ended up with mixed feelings! Some parts were fine and I liked the moments when the MMC opened up to the FMC, but other parts felt boring and repetitive. And I didn’t like the 3rd act breakup (even though I saw it coming). The MMC was harsh! I totally get his feelings, I mean I was feeling the anger with him, but I didn’t like that he took it out on the FMC.
Also, maybe it’s just me but I don’t really enjoy it when the MCs are basically horny all the time and all they think about is sex or lusting after each other throughout the whole book! For me, it kinda ruined “most” of their moments together with all those sexual thoughts. I also got really tired of the constant back-and-forth and how they kept fighting their attraction to each other. The MMC was always the one to pull away first whenever they got too close to crossing the line, and when he finally tried to get closer to the FMC, she’d push him away or avoid him! They seriously drove me crazy, so I couldn’t fully enjoy this book.
______
Safety:
— H (32) / h (31!)
— Childhood neighbors to friends to lovers
— Grumpy H x Sunshine h
— Curvy FMC
— The MCs’ sexual history:
╰┈➤ Experienced H but not a manwhore. The H was never in a relationship, he mentioned that he takes care of his needs when he feels the itch.
╰┈➤ The h never had a satisfying sex life with her ex-husband, she said it was bland sex and he couldn’t even get it up. And before her ex, she was always dating the wrong kind of guys + nobody had ever gone down on her before, the H was her first 🙄.
╰┈➤The H has been celibate for a long time (no idea how long though).
╰┈➤ No info on the h last time.
— No om/ow/cheating
Early in the book when the MCs were teens, there’s a non-descriptive scene where the h and her then-boyfriend are making out in front of the H and he got jealous.
— 3rd act break up (separation for weeks)
— Push away from both
— HFN/HEA (engaged and she’s pregnant)
Trigger :
— OCD depictions (the H):
The H didn’t always have OCD, it started when his dad left and because of all the pressure from his mom on him.
— Domestic violence (off-page):
The h is been abused by her dad in the past and her ex-husband in the present.
— Parental abuse & neglect (both MCs)
— Suicide (off-page / the H’s mom)
— Abandonment (the H’s dad)
— Secret family (the H’s dad):
The H found out as a teenager that his dad had a secret family, and then his dad left to be with them. Over the years, his dad kept showing up with his new kids, trying to reconnect and get the H to know his siblings. But the H just kept pushing them away and refused to accept them. I still don’t think his dad deserves forgiveness, no matter what lame excuses he gave, but the H needed closure to move on, so in the end he chose to forgive him.
______
Self Notes (back to the other sisters):
- Maddy & Leo / (30):
The next book’s gonna be about them. Nothing’s changed between them! they’re still in love with each other and get jealous whenever the other shows interest in someone else.
- Daisy (26) & Duke (?):
Looks like the deal between them is that she works as his maid in exchange for him paying off her family’s debts.
- Tilly (16) & Max (27):
Tilly’s still obsessed with Max, even after he rejected her (please don’t make her a desperate virgin in her own book).
- August (21) :
Still nothing about her or her love interest.
SPOILERS‼️
16 years ago…
Tate (MMC) and Gertie (FMC) were neighbors when they were younger and went to the same high school but they didn’t really know each other. They barely interacted. The MMC tended to keep to himself and stayed away from friendships or dating because his home life was falling apart. His dad had left and his mom got depressed, so he had to take care of her. But she ended up being clingy and desperate, which caused him a lot of stress and anxiety, all because she was scared he’d leave her like his dad did.
Meanwhile, the FMC was bright and outgoing and the MMC had a crush on her, always watching her from afar. At that time, she was dating the football team captain—a big asshole—who along with his friends was always bullying the MMC.
One time when the MMC was having a rough day, he heard the FMC crying. When he went over to see what was wrong, he found out she had been hit—turns out her dad was abusive and it was him. So basically both of them had messed-up family situations. Later, we find out the FMC had a crush on him too and even asked him to kiss her, but he rejected her. I think that was the only real, long interaction they had as teens.
Now, 16 years later…
The FMC comes back to town after leaving her abusive husband (he’d left her with a nasty bruise on her face and body). They’d been together since college but he kept getting worse over the years until she finally decided to leave him.
She runs into the MMC at her best friend’s farm. He’s a vet, so he’s there pretty often and when he sees her bruised face, he gets angry and touches her in an intimate way. Her bff was shocked by his reaction since he’s never been interested in anyone else.
As for him, he still hasn’t forgotten the FMC, even after a decade since he last saw her. He’s a completely different, intense person when he’s around her.
The MMC still lives in his childhood home. He struggles with Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), so he has a very organized routine and prefers a quiet life away from people. He doesn’t have any friends or anyone really in his life (most of the plot revolves around his condition).
The FMC was the only person who could turn his world upside down and push all his buttons. At first, he just wanted her visit to her mom to be over and for her to leave as fast as possible (he had no idea she’d left her husband and was back in town for good). But the surprise came when she ended up moving into her childhood home, making them neighbors again and turning his world upside down all over again.
•
•
•
Honestly, I don’t know how I feel about this book! I liked the idea… the isolated MMC and the FMC helping him come out of his shell and enjoy life. But I ended up with mixed feelings! Some parts were fine and I liked the moments when the MMC opened up to the FMC, but other parts felt boring and repetitive. And I didn’t like the 3rd act breakup (even though I saw it coming). The MMC was harsh! I totally get his feelings, I mean I was feeling the anger with him, but I didn’t like that he took it out on the FMC.
Also, maybe it’s just me but I don’t really enjoy it when the MCs are basically horny all the time and all they think about is sex or lusting after each other throughout the whole book! For me, it kinda ruined “most” of their moments together with all those sexual thoughts. I also got really tired of the constant back-and-forth and how they kept fighting their attraction to each other. The MMC was always the one to pull away first whenever they got too close to crossing the line, and when he finally tried to get closer to the FMC, she’d push him away or avoid him! They seriously drove me crazy, so I couldn’t fully enjoy this book.
______
Safety:
— H (32) / h (31!)
— Childhood neighbors to friends to lovers
— Grumpy H x Sunshine h
— Curvy FMC
— The MCs’ sexual history:
╰┈➤ Experienced H but not a manwhore. The H was never in a relationship, he mentioned that he takes care of his needs when he feels the itch.
╰┈➤ The h never had a satisfying sex life with her ex-husband, she said it was bland sex and he couldn’t even get it up. And before her ex, she was always dating the wrong kind of guys + nobody had ever gone down on her before, the H was her first 🙄.
╰┈➤The H has been celibate for a long time (no idea how long though).
╰┈➤ No info on the h last time.
— No om/ow/cheating
Early in the book when the MCs were teens, there’s a non-descriptive scene where the h and her then-boyfriend are making out in front of the H and he got jealous.
— 3rd act break up (separation for weeks)
— Push away from both
— HFN/HEA (engaged and she’s pregnant)
Trigger :
— OCD depictions (the H):
The H didn’t always have OCD, it started when his dad left and because of all the pressure from his mom on him.
— Domestic violence (off-page):
The h is been abused by her dad in the past and her ex-husband in the present.
— Parental abuse & neglect (both MCs)
— Suicide (off-page / the H’s mom)
— Abandonment (the H’s dad)
— Secret family (the H’s dad):
The H found out as a teenager that his dad had a secret family, and then his dad left to be with them. Over the years, his dad kept showing up with his new kids, trying to reconnect and get the H to know his siblings. But the H just kept pushing them away and refused to accept them. I still don’t think his dad deserves forgiveness, no matter what lame excuses he gave, but the H needed closure to move on, so in the end he chose to forgive him.
______
Self Notes (back to the other sisters):
- Maddy & Leo / (30):
The next book’s gonna be about them. Nothing’s changed between them! they’re still in love with each other and get jealous whenever the other shows interest in someone else.
- Daisy (26) & Duke (?):
Looks like the deal between them is that she works as his maid in exchange for him paying off her family’s debts.
- Tilly (16) & Max (27):
Tilly’s still obsessed with Max, even after he rejected her (please don’t make her a desperate virgin in her own book).
- August (21) :
Still nothing about her or her love interest.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 13, 2025
Gertrude "Gertie" and Tate used to be childhood next-door neighbors who bonded over their shared corrupt and abusive home lives. As they grew up, Gertie went off and got married, and Tate stayed back and lost himself to his OCD. Now, Gertie is back in town after divorcing her abusive husband and looking for a fresh start. Needing to house sit at her childhood home while her mom figures out how and when she wants to sell it, Gertie is yet again Tate's next-door neighbor.
Except that Tate is a little different from how she remembers. Reclusive and grumpy, Tate is a hard wall to break, and it doesn't help that he has no friends. But, being neighbors and with Tate's job being the farrier and veterinarian for Redemption Ranch, plus Gertrude being as persistent as she is impossible to ignore, Tate and Gertrude start picking up right where they left off, but love never came easy for either of them.
I didn't know what to expect with the newest installment in Lila Dawes' Cowgirls Do It Better series. On one hand, I was excited because while book one wasn't great, it held a lot of promise. However, Revelry was impossible to get through for the majority of the book. It took me almost twenty days to read a 360-something-paged romance book. That is horribly long for someone who reads at my pace.
Like the first book, something about the writing throws me off. I am not a writer, and I have never claimed to be. In fact, if you read any of my reviews, you'll see so many errors and repetitive phrases that you may disregard my platform. Despite not being a writer, I AM a reader, and I know what I like, and something about this isn't for me. I don't know how to explain it other than the writing still suffers from telling and not showing. What's crazy is the smut is actually well-written. With book one, Redemption, I found the entire book as a whole to be quite mid and needed improvement, but the smut is actually so well-written in this one, I am failing to understand why the rest of the book does not meet that same ceiling.
Tate and Gertie could have had a lot of chemistry, and while they do, it still fell flat. For example, we are introduced to Tate in book one, and even in this sequel, he's known to be the shy and awkward handsome guy with glasses. I love that, but the second he and Gertrude stop denying their attraction, Tate's character shifts to every other MMC that's possessive and hot and sexy in bed. Of course, that's hot to read about, but the 180º was CRAZY. Tate is plagued by his obsessive-compulsive disorder, and I don't have, nor know anyone, that does have OCD, so I won't comment on that for the sake of not being an insensitive dick.
During the reading process of these books, I am miserable, but the second I finish them, I know I'll pick up the next one solely for the pretty privilege the cover art done by whiskeygingergoods possesses.
Except that Tate is a little different from how she remembers. Reclusive and grumpy, Tate is a hard wall to break, and it doesn't help that he has no friends. But, being neighbors and with Tate's job being the farrier and veterinarian for Redemption Ranch, plus Gertrude being as persistent as she is impossible to ignore, Tate and Gertrude start picking up right where they left off, but love never came easy for either of them.
I didn't know what to expect with the newest installment in Lila Dawes' Cowgirls Do It Better series. On one hand, I was excited because while book one wasn't great, it held a lot of promise. However, Revelry was impossible to get through for the majority of the book. It took me almost twenty days to read a 360-something-paged romance book. That is horribly long for someone who reads at my pace.
Like the first book, something about the writing throws me off. I am not a writer, and I have never claimed to be. In fact, if you read any of my reviews, you'll see so many errors and repetitive phrases that you may disregard my platform. Despite not being a writer, I AM a reader, and I know what I like, and something about this isn't for me. I don't know how to explain it other than the writing still suffers from telling and not showing. What's crazy is the smut is actually well-written. With book one, Redemption, I found the entire book as a whole to be quite mid and needed improvement, but the smut is actually so well-written in this one, I am failing to understand why the rest of the book does not meet that same ceiling.
Tate and Gertie could have had a lot of chemistry, and while they do, it still fell flat. For example, we are introduced to Tate in book one, and even in this sequel, he's known to be the shy and awkward handsome guy with glasses. I love that, but the second he and Gertrude stop denying their attraction, Tate's character shifts to every other MMC that's possessive and hot and sexy in bed. Of course, that's hot to read about, but the 180º was CRAZY. Tate is plagued by his obsessive-compulsive disorder, and I don't have, nor know anyone, that does have OCD, so I won't comment on that for the sake of not being an insensitive dick.
During the reading process of these books, I am miserable, but the second I finish them, I know I'll pick up the next one solely for the pretty privilege the cover art done by whiskeygingergoods possesses.
September 25, 2025
Omg 😭😭😭 THIS. FREAKING. BOOK! It’s 5:40am and I’m sitting here sobbing. I had to work the last several days, so my reading time was really spread out. And i must say…it worked out so well to my benefit 🥹 I have completely fallen in love with these characters 😭
Gertie and Tate each remind me of parts of myself. I found myself feeling so connected to these two 😭 Gertie is the sunshine sweetheart who loves with her whole chest. But underneath that exterior is so much pain and self doubt. It was soooo relatable 😭 And then we have Tate. He is the grumpiest grump, carrying a world of grief in his grief case, and whose trauma and OCD has made him believe he was never worthy of love in any form.
This was beyond well done. This was freaking beautiful. The way that each character’s trauma was woven in so intricately to perfectly depict their traits and interactions…it was perfection! This story made me sob, with both happy and sad tears. It was just. Freaking. Beautiful. The OCD rep, in my opinion, was done so well and so thoughtfully. It truly showed the interworkings of what Tate was battling within himself during his flare ups and I really appreciated the way Dawes incorporated this rep in. 10/10. Chefs kiss.
And sweet Gertie finding her own confidence and healing through Tates healing. Gahhhhh. This was SO PERFECT. I AM OBSESSED 🥹😭😍🫶🏼
I absolutely cannot wait to continue on with this series. I am in love. But it will be hard to top this one as my favorite of this series!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ CHEFS KISS 💋
Tropes:
Childhood neighbors
Grumpy X Sunshine (to the max!)
He calls her sugar 🥹
Found family
He’s a veterinarian 🥹🥹
Domestic Violence
Mental illness and suicide
Death of a parent
OCD rep
Trauma/healing
Therapy rep
Gertie and Tate each remind me of parts of myself. I found myself feeling so connected to these two 😭 Gertie is the sunshine sweetheart who loves with her whole chest. But underneath that exterior is so much pain and self doubt. It was soooo relatable 😭 And then we have Tate. He is the grumpiest grump, carrying a world of grief in his grief case, and whose trauma and OCD has made him believe he was never worthy of love in any form.
This was beyond well done. This was freaking beautiful. The way that each character’s trauma was woven in so intricately to perfectly depict their traits and interactions…it was perfection! This story made me sob, with both happy and sad tears. It was just. Freaking. Beautiful. The OCD rep, in my opinion, was done so well and so thoughtfully. It truly showed the interworkings of what Tate was battling within himself during his flare ups and I really appreciated the way Dawes incorporated this rep in. 10/10. Chefs kiss.
And sweet Gertie finding her own confidence and healing through Tates healing. Gahhhhh. This was SO PERFECT. I AM OBSESSED 🥹😭😍🫶🏼
I absolutely cannot wait to continue on with this series. I am in love. But it will be hard to top this one as my favorite of this series!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ CHEFS KISS 💋
Tropes:
Childhood neighbors
Grumpy X Sunshine (to the max!)
He calls her sugar 🥹
Found family
He’s a veterinarian 🥹🥹
Domestic Violence
Mental illness and suicide
Death of a parent
OCD rep
Trauma/healing
Therapy rep
September 26, 2025
Something I adore about Lila Dawes is she is so great at writing character development! I really loved seeing how Tate gradually opened up more towards Gertie and her silliness. He is honestly such a sweetheart and he, and Gertie are such a great pair. I loved loved them being neighbors and Gertie's constant teasing and Tate's constant frustration! I found myself laughing consistently throughout. Huge thank you to Lila Dawes for the ARC and giving me a chance to review Revelry.
January 7, 2026
“𝙸’𝚕𝚕 𝚜𝚖𝚒𝚕𝚎 𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚗 𝙸 𝚜𝚎𝚎 𝚜𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚝𝚑 𝚜𝚖𝚒𝚕𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚏𝚘𝚛.”
𝚂𝚑𝚎 𝚞𝚗𝚏𝚞𝚛𝚕𝚎𝚍 𝚊 𝚍𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚕𝚒𝚜𝚑 𝚐𝚛𝚒𝚗. “𝚃𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚜𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚍𝚎𝚍 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝚊 𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚎𝚗𝚐𝚎.”
𝕀𝕟𝕗𝕦𝕣𝕚𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕨𝕠𝕞𝕒𝕟. “𝙸𝚝 𝚠𝚊𝚜𝚗’𝚝.”
“𝙸’𝚕𝚕 𝚖𝚊𝚔𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚜𝚖𝚒𝚕𝚎, 𝚃𝚊𝚝𝚎. 𝙸𝚝’𝚜 𝚖𝚢 𝚗𝚎𝚠 𝚕𝚒𝚏𝚎’𝚜 𝚖𝚒𝚜𝚜𝚒𝚘𝚗.”
𝚂𝚑𝚎 𝚞𝚗𝚏𝚞𝚛𝚕𝚎𝚍 𝚊 𝚍𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚕𝚒𝚜𝚑 𝚐𝚛𝚒𝚗. “𝚃𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚜𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚍𝚎𝚍 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝚊 𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚎𝚗𝚐𝚎.”
𝕀𝕟𝕗𝕦𝕣𝕚𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕨𝕠𝕞𝕒𝕟. “𝙸𝚝 𝚠𝚊𝚜𝚗’𝚝.”
“𝙸’𝚕𝚕 𝚖𝚊𝚔𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚜𝚖𝚒𝚕𝚎, 𝚃𝚊𝚝𝚎. 𝙸𝚝’𝚜 𝚖𝚢 𝚗𝚎𝚠 𝚕𝚒𝚏𝚎’𝚜 𝚖𝚒𝚜𝚜𝚒𝚘𝚗.”
October 2, 2025
DNF… I just couldn’t get past the fact that she purposely messes with him when he’s clearly uncomfortable? I mean he has/had feelings for her… but he said stop touching my things she continued to do so. I just found her behavior to be sort of childish and rude especially for a 30-something year old woman.
November 4, 2025
Revelry is book 2 in the Cowgirls Do It Better series and I loved it just as much as book 1!
Tate and Gertie are H-O-T hot! I loved reading their story, seeing them overcome their struggles and become the best versions of themselves. The “fagenda” was so fun and I wish I could live on Redemption Ranch.
This one had me laughing at Bert the Bison, crying at the strength, and swooning over Tate’s slutty little glasses 🤭
𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗜𝗳 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲:
• grumpy x sunshine
• childhood friends/neighbours
• cowboy romance
Tate and Gertie are H-O-T hot! I loved reading their story, seeing them overcome their struggles and become the best versions of themselves. The “fagenda” was so fun and I wish I could live on Redemption Ranch.
This one had me laughing at Bert the Bison, crying at the strength, and swooning over Tate’s slutty little glasses 🤭
𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗜𝗳 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲:
• grumpy x sunshine
• childhood friends/neighbours
• cowboy romance
September 24, 2025
5 Stars✨
3 Spices🌶️
The second volume in the Cowgirls Do It Better series, Revelry, tackles the concepts of love, trauma, healing, guilt, and personal problems.
It follows the story of Gertrude "Gertie" Hartman, who returns to the small town of Reverence in search of a new life after a failed marriage, and Tate Wilder, the town's beloved veterinarian.
The authenticity of the characters in this book is its greatest attribute. They tilt your emotions outside of the orbit and hook you with their storyline.
Tate is the epitome of drive, intelligence, and perseverance. But beyond his grumpy exterior lurks a troubled mental state. He suffers from severe obsessive-compulsive disorder, which shows up as aversions and compulsions related to organisation and cleanliness. Seeing his father reminds him of his memories of being abandoned, which exacerbates and triggers his condition. Sometimes forcing him into seclusion and separating him from everything that he and Gertie had just established.
Meanwhile, Gertie shines as one of the few who understands his struggles, while offering warmth, comfort, and a quick wit. But despite her strong, confident, independent, and playful persona lies a vulnerable woman whose only desire is to be loved and cherished. She recognised that self-love and respect were far more important than a relationship that left her feeling unworthy and incomplete.
In my opinion, Dawes has thoughtfully and compassionately portrayed Tate's character, exposing his fragility and portraying a representation of a man torn between his inner demons and his longing for acceptance, happiness, and love. Gertie, on the other hand, learned that respect and self-love were far more significant than a relationship that made her feel inadequate and undesired. Loving yourself first, in my opinion, is crucial because it allows you to show those around you how you should be treated. Additionally, her desire to start her own ice cream company has been regarded as a sign of independence, possibilities, ambition, and the value of self-worth.
I appreciate how effectively the plot showcases the complexities of childhood trauma, manipulation, and abandonment, as both characters have gone through similar experiences. They have nevertheless found how to embrace their flaws, push each other beyond their comfort zones, and have the guts to embrace change—a new life that is full of peace, love, family, and a sense of belonging.
The first book cover for the series has captured my heart, yet I'm reluctant after reading some mixed reviews. When this book's cover first appeared, I blindly signed up for an advance reading copy with the intent to discover more about Lila Dawes's universe. IT.WAS.TOTALLY.WORTH.IT.
With Revelry, Dawes masterfully establishes a delicate equilibrium between cosy moments and gritty realism, underlining the struggles of coping with a mental illness and an unfortunate past while embracing imperfections that promote healing and growth.
Furthermore, I enjoy how Bert and the other supporting characters add to the plot's vibrant tapestry of levity and individuality. I must admit that while reading this book, I cracked up a lot and shed a few tears.
In essence, Revelry is a bold, passionate, and uplifting romance novel that probes family, sacrifice, and the challenges of second chances while highlighting the fragility and resiliency of people brought on by the consequences of destructive parents. Offering a poignant message of the worth of empathy and acceptance, as well as the possibility of transforming our painful pasts into an exciting new future.
If you love a book where its deliberate buildup allows readers to completely indulge in the journeys of the characters, this book is for you.
Receiving a gratis Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book was an honour, and I'm presenting my candid opinion based on my own experience. I am eternally grateful to Lila Dawes for entrusting me with reading this book beforehand.
3 Spices🌶️
The second volume in the Cowgirls Do It Better series, Revelry, tackles the concepts of love, trauma, healing, guilt, and personal problems.
It follows the story of Gertrude "Gertie" Hartman, who returns to the small town of Reverence in search of a new life after a failed marriage, and Tate Wilder, the town's beloved veterinarian.
The authenticity of the characters in this book is its greatest attribute. They tilt your emotions outside of the orbit and hook you with their storyline.
Tate is the epitome of drive, intelligence, and perseverance. But beyond his grumpy exterior lurks a troubled mental state. He suffers from severe obsessive-compulsive disorder, which shows up as aversions and compulsions related to organisation and cleanliness. Seeing his father reminds him of his memories of being abandoned, which exacerbates and triggers his condition. Sometimes forcing him into seclusion and separating him from everything that he and Gertie had just established.
Meanwhile, Gertie shines as one of the few who understands his struggles, while offering warmth, comfort, and a quick wit. But despite her strong, confident, independent, and playful persona lies a vulnerable woman whose only desire is to be loved and cherished. She recognised that self-love and respect were far more important than a relationship that left her feeling unworthy and incomplete.
In my opinion, Dawes has thoughtfully and compassionately portrayed Tate's character, exposing his fragility and portraying a representation of a man torn between his inner demons and his longing for acceptance, happiness, and love. Gertie, on the other hand, learned that respect and self-love were far more significant than a relationship that made her feel inadequate and undesired. Loving yourself first, in my opinion, is crucial because it allows you to show those around you how you should be treated. Additionally, her desire to start her own ice cream company has been regarded as a sign of independence, possibilities, ambition, and the value of self-worth.
I appreciate how effectively the plot showcases the complexities of childhood trauma, manipulation, and abandonment, as both characters have gone through similar experiences. They have nevertheless found how to embrace their flaws, push each other beyond their comfort zones, and have the guts to embrace change—a new life that is full of peace, love, family, and a sense of belonging.
The first book cover for the series has captured my heart, yet I'm reluctant after reading some mixed reviews. When this book's cover first appeared, I blindly signed up for an advance reading copy with the intent to discover more about Lila Dawes's universe. IT.WAS.TOTALLY.WORTH.IT.
With Revelry, Dawes masterfully establishes a delicate equilibrium between cosy moments and gritty realism, underlining the struggles of coping with a mental illness and an unfortunate past while embracing imperfections that promote healing and growth.
Furthermore, I enjoy how Bert and the other supporting characters add to the plot's vibrant tapestry of levity and individuality. I must admit that while reading this book, I cracked up a lot and shed a few tears.
In essence, Revelry is a bold, passionate, and uplifting romance novel that probes family, sacrifice, and the challenges of second chances while highlighting the fragility and resiliency of people brought on by the consequences of destructive parents. Offering a poignant message of the worth of empathy and acceptance, as well as the possibility of transforming our painful pasts into an exciting new future.
If you love a book where its deliberate buildup allows readers to completely indulge in the journeys of the characters, this book is for you.
Receiving a gratis Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book was an honour, and I'm presenting my candid opinion based on my own experience. I am eternally grateful to Lila Dawes for entrusting me with reading this book beforehand.
September 29, 2025
4.5⭐️
Oh my god!! That was so bloody good. I really enjoyed the first book in the series and I thought it would have that same feel for book #2 and be maybe a 3.75-4 star book. But hell no this was definitely a 4.5 star book!
Gertie & Tate. Just wow what a duo. They had this really intense trauma they both went through from their childhood into adult lives. And they both needed each other to get through it. I thought I was really swept up in Jack from book #1s backstory and how tough that was but this time it was both Gertie and Tate that I was so invested in what happened to them. They both just needed love and support and they found it in each other.
I think Lila did a really wonderful job dealing with sensitive things like abuse both physically, emotionally as well as mental health especially OCD. It was the focus of the story and was handled really beautifully. The flow of the story was wonderful, the playful banter between them, the yearning they both had for each other. The spice was incredible. The last 10% had me crying too.
Now we have to wait until September 2026 for the continuation with the next couple. Damn!
Oh my god!! That was so bloody good. I really enjoyed the first book in the series and I thought it would have that same feel for book #2 and be maybe a 3.75-4 star book. But hell no this was definitely a 4.5 star book!
Gertie & Tate. Just wow what a duo. They had this really intense trauma they both went through from their childhood into adult lives. And they both needed each other to get through it. I thought I was really swept up in Jack from book #1s backstory and how tough that was but this time it was both Gertie and Tate that I was so invested in what happened to them. They both just needed love and support and they found it in each other.
I think Lila did a really wonderful job dealing with sensitive things like abuse both physically, emotionally as well as mental health especially OCD. It was the focus of the story and was handled really beautifully. The flow of the story was wonderful, the playful banter between them, the yearning they both had for each other. The spice was incredible. The last 10% had me crying too.
Now we have to wait until September 2026 for the continuation with the next couple. Damn!
October 16, 2025
3.5 stars.
I was honored to read an ARC from the author. I enjoyed this book. Can’t wait for book three.
This books is Gertie, and Tate’s story. Gertie has come back to Redemption Ranch after leaving a toxic marriage. When she is reunited with Tate. The boy who lived next store. Poor Tate is living a lonely life with, OCD. He lost his Mama who fought depression and made Tate’s childhood looking after her. He is dealing with be left behind from his mom, and a father who walked out on them.
Tate is now the towns Veterinarian , and the Vet at Redemption Farm. Gertie bounces into to his life and tries to get Tate to have fun and live. She is determined to get him to loosen up. One thing leads to another. In this small town romance.
I was honored to read an ARC from the author. I enjoyed this book. Can’t wait for book three.
This books is Gertie, and Tate’s story. Gertie has come back to Redemption Ranch after leaving a toxic marriage. When she is reunited with Tate. The boy who lived next store. Poor Tate is living a lonely life with, OCD. He lost his Mama who fought depression and made Tate’s childhood looking after her. He is dealing with be left behind from his mom, and a father who walked out on them.
Tate is now the towns Veterinarian , and the Vet at Redemption Farm. Gertie bounces into to his life and tries to get Tate to have fun and live. She is determined to get him to loosen up. One thing leads to another. In this small town romance.
December 3, 2025
After the snippet we got of Gertie and Tate in the first book, I was really looking forward to their story.
I did think that Gertie would have the biggest journey but I was sorely mistaken as the book really pushes in on Tate and his journey through OCD and the mental health issues that he faces. I loved seeing it coming from a male perspective for once and it was really interesting to see the different dynamics he had with people. He was a lot more closed off than I thought he would be but it made the moments he opened up or loosed the reigns all that more sweeter.
Gertie was such a firecracker, it’s hard to think she put up with men who put her and her dreams down her whole life. I love that she gave Tate a new lease on life whilst also knowing how far she could push his boundaries. She was extremely thoughtful and empathetic, especially at points that people didn’t warrant it. I wish she hadn’t given back into Tate so easily towards the end, I wanted more of a grovel because she deserved that at the very least. She always lead with compassion and kindness which I love to see in an MMC.
Great second book in the series and I can’t wait to continue on!
I did think that Gertie would have the biggest journey but I was sorely mistaken as the book really pushes in on Tate and his journey through OCD and the mental health issues that he faces. I loved seeing it coming from a male perspective for once and it was really interesting to see the different dynamics he had with people. He was a lot more closed off than I thought he would be but it made the moments he opened up or loosed the reigns all that more sweeter.
Gertie was such a firecracker, it’s hard to think she put up with men who put her and her dreams down her whole life. I love that she gave Tate a new lease on life whilst also knowing how far she could push his boundaries. She was extremely thoughtful and empathetic, especially at points that people didn’t warrant it. I wish she hadn’t given back into Tate so easily towards the end, I wanted more of a grovel because she deserved that at the very least. She always lead with compassion and kindness which I love to see in an MMC.
Great second book in the series and I can’t wait to continue on!
September 21, 2025
ARC Review 5⭐️3🌶️
Holy shit that was amazing!
I laughed and cried and Lila had me swooning over this chap wearing vet so often!
This was such a beautiful story and once I got to 50% I literally couldn't put it down. I loved the first one but this has me wanted to change my rating because this was top tier.
Gertie was so fun in the first one so I was really excited to read her story and she. Did. Not. Let. Us. Down.
Hiiighly reccomend this read and I am pummppped for Maddy and Leo!
Holy shit that was amazing!
I laughed and cried and Lila had me swooning over this chap wearing vet so often!
This was such a beautiful story and once I got to 50% I literally couldn't put it down. I loved the first one but this has me wanted to change my rating because this was top tier.
Gertie was so fun in the first one so I was really excited to read her story and she. Did. Not. Let. Us. Down.
Hiiighly reccomend this read and I am pummppped for Maddy and Leo!
October 8, 2025
4.5 vet stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.✨️
3.5🌶
3.5🌶
December 19, 2025
Really enjoyed! Such a great sense of found family and the character continuation reminds me heavily of Abby Jimenez books- would recommend!
October 1, 2025
Again another book in this series that handles tough topics so well xx
December 28, 2025
5⭐️
Tate and Gertie deserve the WORLD
i wish i could hug them both
the only thing i would’ve loved to see more of was gertie in an extended epilogue or something but i think it’s just because i never wanted this book to end!! 💜
Tate and Gertie deserve the WORLD
i wish i could hug them both
the only thing i would’ve loved to see more of was gertie in an extended epilogue or something but i think it’s just because i never wanted this book to end!! 💜
December 29, 2025
the way i need to annoy tate and his sexy glasses & cowboy wearing self (siri play but daddy i love him by taylor swift plssss) 💞🤠💫
Want to read
September 4, 2025Gertie x Tate?? You already know this cover is gonna be cute and this book is gonna bring the 🌶️🌶️🌶️!!
edit 4/9/25: Okay cover reveal is fckn gorgeous!! I mean what did we expect? This next few weeks needs to hurry up already, Im so excited to read their story already 🥹
edit 4/9/25: Okay cover reveal is fckn gorgeous!! I mean what did we expect? This next few weeks needs to hurry up already, Im so excited to read their story already 🥹
September 19, 2025
Hands up if you’ve fallen in love with a slutty glasses wearing, chap loving, grumpy butt, farrier??? It’s MEEEEE! ME!
Tate, sweet lord Tate! I couldn’t have loved this man more- yes of course his physical description is chefs kiss… errr you saw the cover right? But he’s is also the biggest grump, which is so endearing and in the best way because of the struggles he has with OCD and his obsessive tendencies. He has struggled ever since his dad left and has been shutting people out ever since. Having to deal with his mum and her mental illness took its toll on him and he’s never recovered. Until Gertie his next door neighbour comes back to town after leaving her abusive husband. Tate has always has a soft spot for her and suddenly she’s barging into his life, messing up his kitchen, making homemade icecream and trying to convince him to have fun with her. As the months go by he realises that the turbulent, pint sized beauty has left her mark on him, calms him and he wonders if they could ever have a life together. It takes a lot for Tate to trust, to let someone in but he does it for her, he socialise because of her, he pushes himself out of his comfort zone for her. And before he knows it’s his obsessives thoughts and rituals for things have calmed- because Gertie is a force of nature who crept her way into Tates heart.
And whilst Tate is learning to open up and let people in, Gertie is trying to start her life over.Tate becomes someone who encourages her and tells her she can do anything she sets her mind too.. her ex has beaten her confidence down but Tate restores that faith and these two really do heal each other! Gertie is full of life and a whole lot of good time- the complete opposite of Tate. But someone she is becomes everything he needs to move forward with his life and likewise Tate allows Gertie to grow into herself and own her own dreams. There’s a hilarious interaction involving Bert the Bichon and a hot spring, some incredibly vulnerable moments and heartfelt discussions about OCD (which were handled beautifully) and a whole lot of chap wearing fun! Absolutely loved it.
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tate, sweet lord Tate! I couldn’t have loved this man more- yes of course his physical description is chefs kiss… errr you saw the cover right? But he’s is also the biggest grump, which is so endearing and in the best way because of the struggles he has with OCD and his obsessive tendencies. He has struggled ever since his dad left and has been shutting people out ever since. Having to deal with his mum and her mental illness took its toll on him and he’s never recovered. Until Gertie his next door neighbour comes back to town after leaving her abusive husband. Tate has always has a soft spot for her and suddenly she’s barging into his life, messing up his kitchen, making homemade icecream and trying to convince him to have fun with her. As the months go by he realises that the turbulent, pint sized beauty has left her mark on him, calms him and he wonders if they could ever have a life together. It takes a lot for Tate to trust, to let someone in but he does it for her, he socialise because of her, he pushes himself out of his comfort zone for her. And before he knows it’s his obsessives thoughts and rituals for things have calmed- because Gertie is a force of nature who crept her way into Tates heart.
And whilst Tate is learning to open up and let people in, Gertie is trying to start her life over.Tate becomes someone who encourages her and tells her she can do anything she sets her mind too.. her ex has beaten her confidence down but Tate restores that faith and these two really do heal each other! Gertie is full of life and a whole lot of good time- the complete opposite of Tate. But someone she is becomes everything he needs to move forward with his life and likewise Tate allows Gertie to grow into herself and own her own dreams. There’s a hilarious interaction involving Bert the Bichon and a hot spring, some incredibly vulnerable moments and heartfelt discussions about OCD (which were handled beautifully) and a whole lot of chap wearing fun! Absolutely loved it.
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 7, 2025
Can you give infinite stars to a cowboy romance book? Because this one deserves infinite stars!!
Lila’s writing is incredible — it catapulted me right into the story. I got emotionally attached to the characters so quickly.
This book was such a cute romance! I started it and before I knew it, I had finished it. I need more books like this one. I don’t know what Lila put in here, but now I have a strong urge to leave everything behind, move to a ranch, and eat ice cream (even though I’m lactose intolerant 🫠 — like Gertie said, she can even make lactose-free ice cream 💪🏻).
Gertie and Tate are complete opposites, but in the best way — they work so well together. She’s sunshine, he’s a bit grumpy, and both carry a heavy past. Tate has OCD, and the way he fights to push through his difficulties broke my heart. He truly believed he wasn’t worthy of love. Gertie helped him, and he supported her in a way no one ever had. I really loved reading their story.
They grew up as neighbors, both secretly crushing on each other back in high school. And oh my, this book was sooo good! I giggled a lot and got emotionally wrecked at the same time.
I’m infinitely grateful to Lila Dawes for letting me be part of her Cowgirls street team and giving me the chance to read this book in advance. I promise I’ll read Redemption as soon as possible 💖
🇮🇹:
✨
Si possono dare infinite stelline a un cowboy romance? Perché questo libro le merita tutte!!
La scrittura di Lila è incredibile, mi ha catapultata subito dentro la storia. Mi sono affezionata tantissimo ai personaggi e alle loro storie.
Revelry é un romance dolcissimo ma che allo stesso tempo tocca temi molto importanti! L’ho iniziato e senza nemmeno rendermene conto l’avevo già finito. Voglio assolutamente più libri come questo. Non so cosa Lila abbia messo dentro queste pagine, ma adesso ho una voglia matta di mollare tutto, andare a vivere in un ranch e mangiare gelato (anche se sono intollerante al lattosio 🫠 ma come dice Gertie, lei é in grado di farlo anche senza lattosio 💪🏻).
Gertie e Tate sono completamente gli opposti, ma insieme funzionano alla perfezione. Lei è decisamente il sunshine della coppia mentre lui , è il grumpy. Entrambi hanno un passato difficile. Tate convive con il disturbo ossessivo-compulsivo, e il modo in cui combatte per affrontare le sue difficoltà mi ha davvero fatto emozionare. Credeva davvero di non meritare l’amore. Gertie lo ha aiutato, e lui ha saputo sostenerla come nessuno aveva mai fatto prima.
I due sono cresciuti come vicini di casa, entrambi con una cotta segreta l’uno per l’altra dai tempi del liceo.
Questo libro è stato davvero bellissimo! Ho riso tantissimo leggendo Revelry e allo stesso tempo mi sono emozionata.
Sono infinitamente grata a Lila Dawes per avermi permesso di far parte del suo Cowgirls street team e di leggere questo libro in anteprima. Prometto che leggerò Redemption il prima possibile 💖
Lila’s writing is incredible — it catapulted me right into the story. I got emotionally attached to the characters so quickly.
This book was such a cute romance! I started it and before I knew it, I had finished it. I need more books like this one. I don’t know what Lila put in here, but now I have a strong urge to leave everything behind, move to a ranch, and eat ice cream (even though I’m lactose intolerant 🫠 — like Gertie said, she can even make lactose-free ice cream 💪🏻).
Gertie and Tate are complete opposites, but in the best way — they work so well together. She’s sunshine, he’s a bit grumpy, and both carry a heavy past. Tate has OCD, and the way he fights to push through his difficulties broke my heart. He truly believed he wasn’t worthy of love. Gertie helped him, and he supported her in a way no one ever had. I really loved reading their story.
They grew up as neighbors, both secretly crushing on each other back in high school. And oh my, this book was sooo good! I giggled a lot and got emotionally wrecked at the same time.
I’m infinitely grateful to Lila Dawes for letting me be part of her Cowgirls street team and giving me the chance to read this book in advance. I promise I’ll read Redemption as soon as possible 💖
🇮🇹:
✨
Si possono dare infinite stelline a un cowboy romance? Perché questo libro le merita tutte!!
La scrittura di Lila è incredibile, mi ha catapultata subito dentro la storia. Mi sono affezionata tantissimo ai personaggi e alle loro storie.
Revelry é un romance dolcissimo ma che allo stesso tempo tocca temi molto importanti! L’ho iniziato e senza nemmeno rendermene conto l’avevo già finito. Voglio assolutamente più libri come questo. Non so cosa Lila abbia messo dentro queste pagine, ma adesso ho una voglia matta di mollare tutto, andare a vivere in un ranch e mangiare gelato (anche se sono intollerante al lattosio 🫠 ma come dice Gertie, lei é in grado di farlo anche senza lattosio 💪🏻).
Gertie e Tate sono completamente gli opposti, ma insieme funzionano alla perfezione. Lei è decisamente il sunshine della coppia mentre lui , è il grumpy. Entrambi hanno un passato difficile. Tate convive con il disturbo ossessivo-compulsivo, e il modo in cui combatte per affrontare le sue difficoltà mi ha davvero fatto emozionare. Credeva davvero di non meritare l’amore. Gertie lo ha aiutato, e lui ha saputo sostenerla come nessuno aveva mai fatto prima.
I due sono cresciuti come vicini di casa, entrambi con una cotta segreta l’uno per l’altra dai tempi del liceo.
Questo libro è stato davvero bellissimo! Ho riso tantissimo leggendo Revelry e allo stesso tempo mi sono emozionata.
Sono infinitamente grata a Lila Dawes per avermi permesso di far parte del suo Cowgirls street team e di leggere questo libro in anteprima. Prometto che leggerò Redemption il prima possibile 💖
January 30, 2026
Revelry wrecked me in the best possible way. Lila Dawes delivers in this character-driven romance, & I was completely all in from page one. She doesn’t just tell a love story here... she builds one brick by brick, grounded in trauma, healing, & the quiet bravery it takes to let yourself be loved.
Tate is everything I love in a grumpy MMC, but what truly sets him apart is the care and depth with which his OCD is portrayed. It’s honest, compassionate, & never glossed over. You feel how exhausting it is for him to live inside his own head, & you also see the daily, intentional work it takes to keep showing up anyway. It’s one of the most respectful & nuanced depictions of OCD I’ve read in romance, full stop.
And Gertie? A force of nature. Warm, funny, resilient, & quietly vulnerable beneath the sunshine. I loved watching her reclaim herself after an abusive marriage, choosing self-worth & independence without losing her softness. The way these two support each other - without “fixing” one another - felt earned & deeply emotional.
This book made me laugh, made me cry, & absolutely made my heart ache. The found family, the small-town charm, the balance between cozy moments and hard truths - it all works so well. Revelry is tender, funny, painful, & hopeful all at once. A romance that understands healing isn’t linear, love isn’t easy, & some people are worth the risk anyway. I adored it & can't wait to read what Lila delivers to us next (Maddie & Leo, let's go!)
🤠 Cowboy Romance
☀️ Grumpy × Sunshine
🏡 Small Town
💕 Childhood neighbors
💋 Second Chance Vibes
🫶 Found Family
🧠 OCD Rep
❤️🩹 Healing After Trauma
⚡️ Opposites Attract
🔥 Slow Burn
✌🏻 Dual POV
Tate is everything I love in a grumpy MMC, but what truly sets him apart is the care and depth with which his OCD is portrayed. It’s honest, compassionate, & never glossed over. You feel how exhausting it is for him to live inside his own head, & you also see the daily, intentional work it takes to keep showing up anyway. It’s one of the most respectful & nuanced depictions of OCD I’ve read in romance, full stop.
And Gertie? A force of nature. Warm, funny, resilient, & quietly vulnerable beneath the sunshine. I loved watching her reclaim herself after an abusive marriage, choosing self-worth & independence without losing her softness. The way these two support each other - without “fixing” one another - felt earned & deeply emotional.
This book made me laugh, made me cry, & absolutely made my heart ache. The found family, the small-town charm, the balance between cozy moments and hard truths - it all works so well. Revelry is tender, funny, painful, & hopeful all at once. A romance that understands healing isn’t linear, love isn’t easy, & some people are worth the risk anyway. I adored it & can't wait to read what Lila delivers to us next (Maddie & Leo, let's go!)
🤠 Cowboy Romance
☀️ Grumpy × Sunshine
🏡 Small Town
💕 Childhood neighbors
💋 Second Chance Vibes
🫶 Found Family
🧠 OCD Rep
❤️🩹 Healing After Trauma
⚡️ Opposites Attract
🔥 Slow Burn
✌🏻 Dual POV
September 26, 2025
I am smitten, wonder-struck, absolutely in awe of this book—cowgirls do really do it better! The characters aren’t perfect, they are real, their emotions raw and their romance sweet and perfectly spicy. I loved both of these main characters equally, immersed in their healing journeys and reveling in their happily ever after. Sassy and confident Gertie returns home after the end of her troubled marriage. Tate never left, although now a handsome successful veterinarian and farrier, he still is closed off and broody. The way she brings him out of his shell, helps him with his disorder and family drama. The way he supports her and treats her the way she deserves…both melted my heart and then made it smile over and over. I love this series for portraying realistic tough topics, characters that are raw and real and balancing that with intimate and sensual romances. Cannot wait for future books! Thanks to the author for the eARC. 4.5 stars
September 20, 2025
I literally stayed up till 3am to finish this book because I couldn't put it down. 💜 Gertie and Tate's story
was so beautiful. The friendship, trauma, and love they shared. I loved every minute of it.
Plot:
Gertie moves back to her mom's house after leaving her husband. Tate's her neighbor, they've both known each other since kids but never been close. Tate doesn't want to make friends, relationships, he has his own shit. Until Gertie comes back and brings in sunshine. ☀️ Will Tate be
able to fully let her in? Now, that's the million dollar question???
Thank you to Lila Dawes team for sending me an
ARC to this amazing book. 💖 I am beyond obsessed with all these characters and can't wait for the next one in the
"cowgirls" series.
was so beautiful. The friendship, trauma, and love they shared. I loved every minute of it.
Plot:
Gertie moves back to her mom's house after leaving her husband. Tate's her neighbor, they've both known each other since kids but never been close. Tate doesn't want to make friends, relationships, he has his own shit. Until Gertie comes back and brings in sunshine. ☀️ Will Tate be
able to fully let her in? Now, that's the million dollar question???
Thank you to Lila Dawes team for sending me an
ARC to this amazing book. 💖 I am beyond obsessed with all these characters and can't wait for the next one in the
"cowgirls" series.
October 23, 2025
Hmm... obviously, this cover is so beautiful and cowboy romances are all the rage right now AND I read the first book so I thought I would love this BUT there was just so much wrong with this. First of all, Gertie is really immature and I HATED her as an FMC. She is not at all sensitive to Tate and his needs and his struggles and she actually pissed me off. Second, it's so shallow and surface level and the romance just does not seem deep or even meaningful in any significant way. I agree with another reviewer who said they feel like large portions of the book were written by AI because it's just... not right. Like it was a soap opera and so cringe and just not believable. I really wanted more from this book but it was just not giving anything of substance.
September 20, 2025
i've eaten this book up, and gosh, i even cried and i never cry
i love these two so much 🥺 the change and growth they both had throughout the book? and it being thanks to each other? 😭
also, bert f*cking up what could have been a real hawt scene? i will take that grudge with me to my grave 😤
i can't cope, 5 stars 😭 gtg i still have some happy tears to spill in me about these two ❤️🩹
thank you so much lila for the arc 🥺🙏🏼 and i know it goes without saying but my opinions are my own and you REALLY need to read this book if cowboy romance is your obsession (as is mine) 🦬
i love these two so much 🥺 the change and growth they both had throughout the book? and it being thanks to each other? 😭
also, bert f*cking up what could have been a real hawt scene? i will take that grudge with me to my grave 😤
i can't cope, 5 stars 😭 gtg i still have some happy tears to spill in me about these two ❤️🩹
thank you so much lila for the arc 🥺🙏🏼 and i know it goes without saying but my opinions are my own and you REALLY need to read this book if cowboy romance is your obsession (as is mine) 🦬
September 24, 2025
5 🌟
“She was vital for my soul.”
Ahh Gertie and Tate 🔥🥹 I absolutely loved them and I loved how Gertie was exactly what Tate needed and she could pick up on little things to help him and push him out of his comfort zone. Tate suffers from OCD as a result of things from his childhood. When Gertie comes back to town and they become neighbors Tate starts to what to do things out of his comfort zone and have fun and Gertie is just that.
I love watching Tate grow and have fun and make friends. These two are explosive 🔥 and I love this world that has been created and this group of friends. And of course the cameos of Bert 🤣
Read if you like
🩷Grumpy/Sunshine
💜Next door Neighbors
🩷Slutty Glasses
💜Small Town
Thank you Lila for the arc!
Out 9/26
“She was vital for my soul.”
Ahh Gertie and Tate 🔥🥹 I absolutely loved them and I loved how Gertie was exactly what Tate needed and she could pick up on little things to help him and push him out of his comfort zone. Tate suffers from OCD as a result of things from his childhood. When Gertie comes back to town and they become neighbors Tate starts to what to do things out of his comfort zone and have fun and Gertie is just that.
I love watching Tate grow and have fun and make friends. These two are explosive 🔥 and I love this world that has been created and this group of friends. And of course the cameos of Bert 🤣
Read if you like
🩷Grumpy/Sunshine
💜Next door Neighbors
🩷Slutty Glasses
💜Small Town
Thank you Lila for the arc!
Out 9/26
September 25, 2025
What I love about Lila’s writing is how she combines emotional heavy stuff with humor and lightheartness and spice off course.
How she addressed mental health issues like OCD and anxiety were well written and I could really imagine being in Tate’s shoes and how he was feeling and just wanted to give him a hug.
Just like Redemption this book made me cry and laugh, sometimes at the same time.
Gertie somehow saw trough Tate’s walls and noticed him struggling and nudged him (not always gently) to let loose.
And Tate, this big muscled man with his slutty glasses was in desperate need for a hug (among other things). I LOVED their dynamic.
Another amazing book in one of my favorite series and I can not wait for what comes next.
How she addressed mental health issues like OCD and anxiety were well written and I could really imagine being in Tate’s shoes and how he was feeling and just wanted to give him a hug.
Just like Redemption this book made me cry and laugh, sometimes at the same time.
Gertie somehow saw trough Tate’s walls and noticed him struggling and nudged him (not always gently) to let loose.
And Tate, this big muscled man with his slutty glasses was in desperate need for a hug (among other things). I LOVED their dynamic.
Another amazing book in one of my favorite series and I can not wait for what comes next.
September 26, 2025
This is book 2 in the 𝗖𝗼𝘄𝗴𝗶𝗿𝗹𝘀 𝗗𝗼 𝗜𝘁 𝗕𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 series. I absolutely adored Book 1 (Redemption) and didn’t think it was possible to love this one more but I did. 💖
Gertie and Tate’s story was 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨. 🥹
After leaving an abusive marriage, 𝑮𝒆𝒓𝒕𝒊𝒆 returns to Redemption range to heal and start again. Gertie feels as though she has failed as she is starting over but Tate and her found family at Redemption range help her enter into her new chapter.
𝑻𝒂𝒕𝒆 suffers with OCD and doesn’t realise just how much he needs Gertie in his life. But Gertie is outgoing, unpredictable and sometimes a little chaotic. I love how Gertie knew just how much to push Tate but where to take a step back.
I absolutely love how each book sets up for the rest of the series. I am so excited to see which sister will get their story next!
Gertie and Tate’s story was 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨. 🥹
After leaving an abusive marriage, 𝑮𝒆𝒓𝒕𝒊𝒆 returns to Redemption range to heal and start again. Gertie feels as though she has failed as she is starting over but Tate and her found family at Redemption range help her enter into her new chapter.
𝑻𝒂𝒕𝒆 suffers with OCD and doesn’t realise just how much he needs Gertie in his life. But Gertie is outgoing, unpredictable and sometimes a little chaotic. I love how Gertie knew just how much to push Tate but where to take a step back.
I absolutely love how each book sets up for the rest of the series. I am so excited to see which sister will get their story next!
December 7, 2025
3.5 ⭐️… this was good but the first was better. I’m looking forward to Leo & Maddy’s story.
September 19, 2025
ahhhh this was so good and i will be back with a full review
literally devoured it so fast and i could not quit reading!
literally devoured it so fast and i could not quit reading!
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