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22 days and 14:21:58

10 copies available
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Spicy lessons turn into undeniable chemistry, blurred lines, and broken rules between a reformed cowboy Casanova and the girl he’s secretly pined after for years in this steamy, friends-to-lovers, fake-dating, small-town romance by Ann Einerson.

I wasn’t expecting to bail my little sister’s best friend out of jail.

But what else could I do? I’ve wanted her for far longer than I care to admit. Too bad she thinks I’m a notorious playboy, leaving me firmly in the friend zone. Not that I didn’t earn that reputation once upon a time, but Birdie is the only one I have eyes for now.

Luck is on my side when, after a few too many shots, the girl of my dreams propositions me. Will I be the first one to take her for a roll in the hay and teach her everything I know?

Getting involved with the woman I’ve been yearning for is a bad idea. But it’s one I plan to take for a ride, especially when Birdie becomes my fake girlfriend with benefits.

This might not be my first rodeo, but agreeing to give her spicy lessons blurs the lines between friendship and what lies beyond. If I’m already bending the rules, I’m determined to lasso her heart.

366 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 26, 2026

152 people are currently reading
13640 people want to read

About the author

Ann Einerson

12 books1,315 followers
Ann Einerson is the author of enchanting contemporary romance novels that will keep you hooked until the very last page, complete with heroes who fall hard and the heroines who keep them on their toes. She believes sometimes the best family is the one we find, curiosity is good for the soul, and a good book isn’t complete without banter.

You can find Ann surrounded by her ample supply of sticky notes ready for inspiration and ideas. When she’s not writing, Ann enjoys spoiling her chatty pet chickens, listening to her dysfunctional playlists, and going for late-night treadmill runs. She lives in Michigan with her husband.

Follow Along Online:
Newsletter Signup → http://anneinerson.com/newsletter-signup
Website → www.anneinerson.com
Instagram → https://tinyurl.com/2p927svf

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 315 reviews
Profile Image for Heather Adores Books.
1,635 reviews1,929 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 26, 2026
Happy publication day!
4⭐
Genre ~ contemporary romance
Series ~ Silver Saddle Ranch #2
Others in the series ~ Wrangled Love
Setting ~ Montana
Publication date ~ March 26, 2026
Est Page Count ~ 366 (32 chapters +e)
POV ~ dual 1st, present tense
Featuring ~ tropes listed below + sisters best friend, some steamage

Birdie (25) & Walker have been friends for a long time, each harboring a secret crush. When he sees her awkwardness towards guys one too many times he proposes they fake date so he can teach her everything she needs to know about dating and sex. Secretly it's just an excuse for him to spend more time with her.

Walker is literally obsessed with her, but it doesn’t come off creepy at all. It’s really sweet how he made changes in his life in order to make himself better for a chance with her. And what he does for her family without her knowing was super sweet. Swoony worthy.

Birdie is 25, but comes off much younger due to her lack of experience. She’s a virgin and very eager for the hot cowboy to teach her the ropes. I really love her animal rescuing efforts and how that all works out in the end. Her relationship with her mom, who has early onset Parkinson's disease, was something really special.

Overall, it had cute and sweet moments, but I didn’t get too much of a fake dating vibe since it was never really fake for either of them. No drama is always a hit with me and here there’s barely any on the relationship front.

Series notes:
I always think it's best to read series in order. Briar and Jensen are involved a bit in this story, but I suppose there isn't really too many spoilers for their relationship.

Pre-reading notes:
We have an adorable cover and tropes! 🤠 🩵 🥳

✨ Cowboy Romance
✨ Fake Dating
✨ Friends to Lovers
✨ Spicy Lessons
✨ He's Obsessed with Her
✨ Rope Play
✨Small Town Charm

Here's my review for book 1, Wrangled Love, in case you wanted to get started on the series before this one comes out on March 26th.
Profile Image for Katie.
776 reviews19 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 23, 2026
What to Expect:
Small Town
Sister's Best Friend
Friends to Lovers
Fake Dating
Spicy Lessons

Ann is back with the next installment of her Silver Saddle Ranch series, and this time it is Birdie's turn for a happily ever after!

This was a cute and easy romance through and through. Birdie is the local animal lover who is willing and able to rescue any stray who needs care. Walker is a deputy sheriff who works with Birdie's dad, the sheriff. Walker has had a crush on Birdie for years, even with his playboy reputation. Birdie has never been kissed before, let alone spent any significant time in bed with a man. When Birdie propositions Walker into being her first, he suggests that they fake date so he can show her all the ways she deserves to be treated.

This book was sweet to its core. The friend group and Walker's family chat were hilarious additions to the story and had me giggling with glee. I loved how much Walker took care of Birdie and how much he did for her family without any recognition or praise. He did it because he wanted to help them out as they were dealing with Birdie's mom's illness in private.

If you are looking for a sweet romance that is low on conflict but full of character and charm, this book is for you! Thank you so much to Ann for the early copy of Lassoed Love!
Profile Image for Twins Reading Books.
249 reviews326 followers
March 26, 2026
I’m almost always gonna eat up a cowboy romance and here was no exception!!! All the characters are well developed, we know their present and intriguing past history, their relation to each other, their feelings, their quirks, everything! The life on the ranch presentedby Ann's details is marvelous, it's beauty, it's hardships, it's details, are so well written we can feel the sweat, the hot sun, the hard work, the good vibes between this big happy family, joint together in Saddle Ranch!
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Lassoed Love by Ann Einerson delivers such a well-structured plot with a rehabilitated cowboy with an infamous history and the one woman who has always thrown off his internal compass! The small town atmosphere is one of impersonal pressure, where reputations hold significance and thoughts mean everything, at the very heart is Walker a thirty-one years old cowboy who once lived like a rodeo legend but now walks with the careful proprioceptive awareness of someone trying not to damage the one relationship that counts!
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Birdie, the sister's best friend, whom he has secretly desired for years, ruptures that level when situations force them into a dangerous arrangement, the fake dating arrangement runs as gasoline on a smoldering spark, which turns ordinary friendship into something addicting and contagious, the electricity between Walker and Birdie was mind-blowing, I just couldn't handle it, my heart couldn't handle it, Ann has really written two flawless characters that entered in my brain and heart from the very first chapters, her lyrical prose is just chef's kiss, Ann has an original and unique style of writing that along with the plot makes you devour the whole book in one sittin ... a magnificent page-turner!
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Lassoed Love is a terrific romance book and it really delivers an intriguing plot and that can only happens when character chemistry takes the lead, and in this book this happens from the very first chapters, the plot feeds on the differences between what the characters say and what their instincts suggest! That gap inspires an emotional story that is addictive, entertaining, yet occasionally unpredictable in the most remarkable way! The author Ann Einerson keeps the dangers high, paying special attention to trust, vulnerability, and whether two longtime friends can survive crossing a line they once promised not to cross, moments of humor cut through the heat, establishing the connection in something believable and it's the literary comparable of a late-night rodeo ride, adrenaline-rushing, little risky, and spectacular, another masterpiece from Ann Einerson in her new series, I just can't wait to read more books from her, hands down she is one of the best cowboy romance in the romance literature!!!
Profile Image for Katie Murphy.
1,056 reviews101 followers
March 24, 2026
I think Birdie and Walker have just become my new favourite Ann Einerson couple😩. I am a sucker for the fake dating trope, but one person suggesting fake dating because they are completely head over heels for the other and it’s the only way they can stay in their proximity? Well I mean that is just so much better🤭.

We caught glimpses of Birdie throughout Briars book (Wrangled Love). She is sweet FMC who loves to rescue animals from bad situations and even wants to start a nonprofit some day. Our MMC Walker is Briars brother and while he may work on the ranch part time he is also the volunteer deputy and works along side Birdie’s father.

Birdie has had her fair share of awkward flirting scenarios and after one evening while she is out in the local bar, where Walker also happens to be she plucks up the courage (or most likely it’s the booze giving that courage to her) to ask Walker to become her teacher about all things regarding intimacy, flirting and honestly just men in general

Of course Walker being the gentleman brings Birdie back to her house and stays the night on the floor to ensure she is ok. The next morning he suggests fake dating, if he’s going to be around teaching her they may as well come up as a cover as to why they’ll be spending time with one another. Walker definitely used this to his advantage as he is absolutely head over heels for Birdie and he wants to spend all his time in her vicinity so he will do it in any way he can.

I absolutely loved these two, while Birdie may have thought it was a fake relationship that certainly wasn’t the case for Walker. I loved seeing Walker go above and beyond for Birdie. Whether this was bringing her veggie, meals or ensuring he was always available to support her, nothing was too little when it came to Birdie.

Birdie definitely holds a lot of weight on her shoulders. Her mother was diagnosed with early onset Parkinson’s disease. Her father wanted to keep the diagnosis a secret and as such she had to carry this for years without the support of friends. When Birdie was finally able to open up about this she had the support of Walker and her friends.

From the glimpse that we see of our next couple it will most certainly be interesting and I cannot wait for them.

Thank you to the author who provided this e-arc for my honest thoughts 💭
Profile Image for daphne.
396 reviews14 followers
March 20, 2026
“𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐈’𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝—𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬, 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐥𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐦𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞. 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐬, 𝐈 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈’𝐥𝐥 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐬𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐨𝐧, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐞𝐫 𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐢𝐭.”

Ann Einerson pulls through every single time. Lassoed Love was so wholesome and I especially loved all the animals (I mean come on - a chicken named Nugget?). I’m a big fan of the chronic illness rep in this one and the emotional vulnerability overall. Walker & Birdie’s romance was everything, starting off with spicy lessons as “friends” to then evolve into the most trusting and caring relationship was weirdly touching to read. I cannot wait for the next book as I ate up all the Charlie and Heath crumbs in this one.

the vibes ™:
- animal rescuer with the cutest animals
- cowboy (& sheriff on the side: talking about best of both worlds)
- found family
- funny banter
- parkinson rep
- spicy lessons

💌 special thanks to the author for allowing me to read this as an arc
Profile Image for Kimberley.
466 reviews8 followers
March 23, 2026
Lassoed Love might be my favourite reads by Ann. This one features Walker and Birdie and honestly Walker is everything. He is the local deputy sheriff and works on the family farm and his sister is Birdie’s best friend. Birdie’s whole life is rescuing neglected animals and supporting her family as they deal with a family member’s illness. This fake dating, friends to lovers small town romance with the most entertaining friendship group was a joy to read. I really enjoyed this one and can’t wait for the next book in the series.
Between 4 1/2 & 5 🌟
I received a complementary copy from the author.
Profile Image for Amity Bailey.
317 reviews46 followers
March 24, 2026
I was obsessed!! From the very beginning this one had me sucked in! I was so sad to see Walker & Birdie’s story come to an end! This one left me feeling all the things. Laughing, swooning, emotional moments, and absolutely steamy spicy lessons!!

Dare I say this is my favorite by Ann so far?!? 🤭 fake dating is always a fave, but this one just had me loving every second. Small town, friends to lovers, with absolutely hilarious friend group chats, I was sat for this book!!

Birdie is just the sweetest and genuine FMC. Dedicated to rescuing animals and taking care of her family. Walker is a town deputy who works closely with her father, and is harboring some strong feelings for Birdie. When she decided to proposition him for some fake dating and lessons in all things spice & flirting, things definitely heat up and get real with these two!!

You guys are absolutely going to be kicking your feet and obsessing over these two characters!! I couldn’t put this one down & I certainly can’t wait for more from this series!!

Thank you Ann for writing such an amazing story that had me falling in love right along with these two!! 🥹😭🩷
Profile Image for marialetto.reads.
103 reviews6 followers
March 22, 2026
5 ⭐ ⊹ 3 🌶️ ⊹ 342 📖

₊ ⊹❀ Overall: This is easily my favorite Ann Einerson book to date!! I completely loved being back in Bluebell, Montana, with sweet Birdie and adoring Walker! This story is the perfect combination of sweet, spicy, and heartwarming! 🥰

⋆⟢ Tropes + Vibes:
🩵 friends to lovers
💜 fake dating
🩵 small town
💜 spicy lessons
🩵 best friend’s brother
💜 opposites attract
🩵 he’s obsessed with her

₊ ⊹❀ Bookish Breakdown:
I was so obsessed with this story that I read it in less than 24 hours! It’s got literally everything you could want in a love story. It’s sweet, but also spicy, and makes you feel connected to the characters. There are so many strong relationships in this small town and it really makes the characters come to life.

Birdie is an animal-loving, caretaking, sweet, shy gal. She wants to run her own animal sanctuary and always mothers every rescue animal she takes in (and her friends). She’s been strong and doing everything on her own and hasn’t ever wanted to be a bother to anyone around her. She’s also been interested in exploring a relationship, but is always just so dang awkward... endearing, but awkward. All of these traits combined make her so incredibly lovable.

Walker seems to be the only one who really understands how truly lovable Birdie is. He’s been biding his time, yearning, waiting for his opportunity to make Birdie his. He’s comforting, loving, and does all of those sweet, small gestures that really show he’s attentive, genuine, and so incredibly devoted to her. I loved watching how well Walker loved Birdie. He was so gentle and sweet with her, especially while she was gaining more and more confidence in herself.

Watching Birdie come out of her shell, discussing her feelings with not only Walker, but her friends and family, and seeing healthy communication throughout all of the relationships between the characters really sealed the deal to cement this as a 5-star read. I highly recommend everyone pick this one up!

Thank you to Ann Einerson and The Smuthood PR for this ARC.
Profile Image for Kim Taylor.
67 reviews14 followers
March 23, 2026
✨ • Book Review/ ARC Review • ✨

Lassoed Love by Ann Einerson
@authoranneinerson

Book Review : 4.5 ⭐️
Spice Level : 2.5 🌶️

Guys, to say I’m obsessed with this story is an understatement. 
I want to say Thank you to Ann Einerson for trusting me to be apart of her team and for the opportunity to get an ARC of this book!

This one was such a cozy, feel-good read with more heart than I expected 🤠💛

Love Lassoed is the second book in the Silver Saddle Ranch series, but you can totally read it on its own. This one follows Birdie and Walker Halstead, and I loved their story so much.

Birdie is quirky and a little awkward, especially when it comes to flirting which honestly just made me love her more.

Walker is her best friend’s older brother, and he’s been into Birdie for years. He never acted on it though, mostly because she always kept him in the friend zone and didn’t think he’d ever go for someone like her. I loved how patient Walker was with her. He takes his time and really shows her what it means to be cared for. The way walker was there for Birdie, and her family was so sweet.

The relationship between Birdie and Walker builds at a slower pace, and I actually loved that. I’m not usually a fan of friends to lovers but I really enjoyed this one.
There’s tension, hesitation, and those little moments that slowly add up until everything finally clicks.
When it does? SO satisfying.

Also, the girls’ group chat? Absolutely hilarious. And then Briar and her Brothers group chat? Haha ..
Those moments added so much fun to the story.

Overall, it’s a heartfelt, easy to get lost in romance with strong emotional beats and a really sweet payoff. Perfect if you’re in the mood for something comforting with just the right amount of swoon.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
260 reviews8 followers
March 26, 2026
Book 2 in the Silver Pines Ranch series

COWBOY ROMANCE LOVERS GATHER AROUND 🤭

This book was so sweet. Ann really knows how to write a story that’s equal parts soft and spicy.

"𝓘'𝓶 𝔂𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓯𝓲𝓻𝓼𝓽 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓵𝓪𝓼𝓽, 𝓫𝓪𝓫𝔂."

Birdie is basically an animal rescuer (she might not claim the title, but the animals living at her place would 😭). Walker is the town deputy… and he’s been secretly in love with Birdie for forever. Watching him finally get his moment? I was kicking my feet.

The found family in this series is everything. And the group chats, both the men’s and women’s had me dying. I LOVE when books include text chains because it makes the friendships feel so real and it adds so much fun to the story.

You also get the perfect mix of tension and sweetness with fake dating and the spicy “lessons” (our FMC is a virgin 👀 and the rope lessons? 😮‍💨). Birdie and Walker are genuinely a match made in heaven, and I ate up every moment of them.

What you’ll find:
🐥 fake dating
🩵 friends to lovers
🐥 best friend’s brother
🩵spicy lessons 🌶️
🐥rope play
🩵small town romance
🐥cowboy romance

Huge thank you to Ann and team for the ARC, I can’t wait for the next book
Profile Image for Apryl (inmybookishgirlera).
213 reviews15 followers
March 26, 2026
I absolutely loved this book! I was obsessed from chapter one. I felt all the things. Swooning, laughing, and some emotional moments. And them spicy lessons had me sat😮‍💨 This is my favorite book by Ann yet! So many of my fav tropes fake dating, friends to lovers, small town and sisters best friend. I loved all the side characters, and I’m always feral for hilarious group chats!

Birdie is so genuine and sweet, and has a love for rescuing animals. We meet her in book one, her best friend is Briar. And Birdie has always had a thing for Briar’s brother Walker. Walker is a deputy working with Birdie’s dad the towns sheriff. He’s also had a thing for Birdie. So what happens when she propositions him do fake date her and give her some spicy lessons?!😮‍💨

Definitely recommended this one! This releases on 3/26! I can’t wait for book 2! I’m dying for Charlie and Heath’s book! The tension between them in this book was so good!
Thank you to Ann and the smut hood for this advanced copy!

5⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Fake dating
Sisters best friend
Friends to lovers
Small town
Spicy lessons
March 26, 2026
Lassoed Love by Ann Einerson
My Rating: ★★★★★

I just love Ann’s books and couldn’t wait to dive into this second story in the Silver Saddle Ranch series! Birdie and Walker were such a perfect match for each other and I loved how it all began to brew between the two of them. I adored how caring each of them were. The lengths they both went to help and support others and even animals was admirable.

While this story had some super steamy moments that left me fanning myself, I enjoyed the more tender side to the story even more. The one where we find Walker making sacrifices constantly for Birdies sake and where Birdie is constantly doing anything she can to save animals and support her mom through her battle with Parkinson’s. The family connections, the fun banter through the town, the supportive friends, and the steamy chemistry all had me falling in love with this sweet story!

What to Expect:
Fake Dating
Friends to Lovers
Opposites Attract
Cowboy Romance
He’s Obsessed With Her
Profile Image for Selma.
98 reviews1 follower
March 26, 2026
Wanting some cowboy 🤠 loving lessons?! Umm yeah, the way this man took care of the fmc and her family was on another level!!!!
This story follows Walker a down bad man for Birdie who happens to be his longtime friend. I know the tropes said fake dating but I feel like since their feelings go were always there it didn’t make it seem like fake dating. When I was reading this my mouth fell on the floor because the changes Walker made to better himself and the way he took care of her family without any praise or anything simply because of his tremendous love 💕…. Ahhhh yup!
I’m sorry my review is not sounding coherent enough right now but I’m just so unwell that I’m done with this book I need more!!!!!!
Thank you so much Ann and Lina Literary for the opportunity to read and rave about this book!!!!!
Profile Image for Megan Camp.
42 reviews1 follower
March 23, 2026
Thanks to The Smuthood and the author for the arc!

I’m a sucker for a good cowboy/small town romance and this did not disappoint. Birdie is inexperienced in dating/relationships and is tired of putting her life on hold and decides her best friend’s brother, Walker, is the best person to give her lessons on how to date. Walker, who’s been pining after Birdie for years, jumps at the chance to be the one to experience all her firsts.

What I loved about this book:
- the mutual pining
- the spicy lessons
- found family
- all the animals, especially Nugget!
- no third act breakup!!

I adored this book. If you’re in the mood for a small town/best friend’s brother/spicy lessons romance, pick this up!!

Profile Image for Amanda | manda_reads_.
391 reviews
March 27, 2026
4.75. This book was very addictive to read. This is a cute, fun, and steamy small town romance book. It was fun being back in this town with these characters. A friends-to-lovers, fake dating with spicy lessons, what more can you ask for? I absolutely loved Walker and Birdie! Their chemistry was so good, and he's been pining for her for years. Ugh swoon! I enjoyed everything about these two. Walker has to be my favorite MMC so far. Also, those spicy scenes, damn, they were hot. The ending was my favorite. I'm very excited for the next book in this series!

Thank you, Ann Einerson, for an ARC copy.
Profile Image for Kaity.
1,741 reviews37 followers
March 26, 2026
Walker and Birdie would have seemed to be natural foes (cop and animal rescuer) but they were so adorable.

Their friendship was already so beautiful, and while Birdie might have trouble with dating, she was absolutely perfect when it came to Walker; doesn’t that scream meant to be?

And the spice… Ann certainly brought the steam, and hot damnnn that man. If Walker wasnt fictional, I’d hope he’d narrate his own romance. His mouth was so damn filthy!

Thank you Ann for an advanced copy.
Profile Image for Mackenzie Burns.
169 reviews3 followers
March 26, 2026
4.5 Stars
2.5 🌶️

Thank you to Ann Einerson and Luna Literacy PR for the opportunity to read “Lassoed Love” early in exchange for an honest review.

If you are a lover of Smalltown romance, and have read a lot of the ones that everyone reccommends, I HIGHLY suggest this series. It is a smalltown series with a lot of heart to it, while also dealing with some topics that aren’t always explored within the subgenre. .

The Silver Saddle Ranch series is an underrated cowboy smalltown romance series that is filled with a super sweet cast. I read the previous book in the series last year and being back in the series felt like I was once again dropped back into this world with some amazing characters. Seeing the couple from book 1 and who we can suspect for book 3… so good!
Birdie, our FMC is the only child to the local Sherif and her mother is dealing with some pretty severe health concerns due to her parkinson’s diagnosis. While Birdie’s family does have support for her mom, she wants to spend as much time with her mom as possible. Birdie is definitely one of those FMCs where what she has portrayed to the world is the much more stronger version of herself because she feels like she has to be for her parents given everything that is going on. Meanwhile on the inside and the people closest to her, she is sensitive and wants everything to be okay. Birdie is an animal-loving, caretaking, sweet Soul. She wants to run her own animal sanctuary and always mothers every rescue animal she takes in (and her friends).. She has an amazing group of friends who are looking out for her, wanting to make sure that she’s also looking after herself.. in more ways than one. She’s also been interested in exploring a relationship, but is always just so dang awkward... endearing, but awkward.

Enter Walker, who may be able to assist her with that. Walker, our MMC is the local deputy in town. He’s your classic smalltown MMC who is willing to help everyone and anyone who needs help. He’s got a great home life with his family and a stable career, but the one thing that he’s missing is sharing his life with someone. With being precieved as more of a playboy, he’s reforming into someone who can love and be loved. As there truly has only ever been one real person for him and that’s birdie. Walker seems to be the only one who really understands how truly lovable Birdie is. He’s been biding his time, yearning, waiting for his opportunity to make Birdie his. He’s comforting, loving, and does all of those sweet, small gestures that really show he’s attentive, genuine, and so incredibly devoted to her. I loved watching how well Walker loved Birdie. He was so gentle and sweet with her, especially while she was gaining more and more confidence in herself.

The relationship between Birdie and Walker from the very first chapter is what hooks you in and pulls you to keep moving. As not only is the first chapter filled with such whitty banter but the chemistry is undeniable too. The fact that these two obviously have feelings for one another but are very reserved for years in not wanting to express them. Until basically one night at the local bar, everything changes when Birdie asks Walker if he could teach her the spicy side to life while also fake dating. This is where the main plot of the story takes off as we see these two trying to navigate their feelings while enjoying being intimate with one another. With Birdie having been a virgin, he is very sweet with her and letting her control the pace until she’s more comfortable. But once these two find their rhythm, they enjoy the heck out of each other.. with maybe some rope involved. These two were so much fun, and I miss them already.

Birdie and Walker were so sweet and fun, I can’t wait to see what comes next in this series.
Highly recommend, it was sweet, spicy and swoon worthy.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Keeter.
242 reviews7 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 25, 2026
Walker Halstead has built a reputation around town as the ultimate playboy, someone who never settles down and never commits. But beneath that carefully crafted image is a man who has only ever truly wanted one person, Birdie Matterson. Birdie, known as the town’s troublemaker with a heart of gold, spends her days rescuing animals and putting everyone else first. While she may come across as clumsy and inexperienced, especially when it comes to relationships, deep down she longs to find someone who truly sees her. After one too many drinks, Birdie boldly propositions Walker for a wild night, and from that moment on, everything begins to change. What starts as a fake dating arrangement, meant to help Birdie gain confidence and shed her awkwardness, quickly turns into something much deeper. As they spend more time together, their connection grows, the lines between pretend and real blur, and long-buried feelings finally come to the surface. When they confess the truth, they realize what’s been there all along, they’ve always been meant for each other.

Walker is an incredibly relatable MMC, especially as someone who has quietly loved his sister’s best friend for years. His playboy reputation, forced on him at a young age, becomes a mask he struggles to remove. Beneath it all, he craves stability, love, and a future with Birdie. His internal conflict, wanting to please everyone while ignoring his own dreams, is particularly compelling. Working at the ranch with his brother Heath out of obligation, Walker secretly longs to pursue his true passion of becoming a full-time deputy sheriff. His fear of disappointing his family adds another layer of emotional depth to his character. Birdie is an equally engaging FMC. She is quirky, compassionate, and fiercely dedicated to saving animals, but she also struggles with deep insecurities about being “too much” or not enough in the ways society expects. Her clumsiness and lack of experience in relationships make her feel out of place, yet these very traits are what make her so endearing. Walker’s acceptance of her, never asking her to change, is one of the most heartfelt aspects of their relationship. Her storyline is further grounded by her devotion to her sick mother. Birdie constantly puts her own needs aside to care for her, creating a realistic and emotional tension as she tries to balance responsibility with her own happiness. Birdie has to learn that self-sacrifice cannot come at the cost of her own life and dreams.

In conclusion, I gave this book 5 stars because at its core, Lassoed Love is about two people learning to choose themselves for the first time. Both Walker and Birdie must confront their fears, let go of expectations, and realize that they deserve happiness just as much as the people they care for. It’s also a treat to revisit the town of Bluebell, Montana, and catch up with beloved characters from the first book. These glimpses add warmth and continuity to the story, making the world feel even more lived-in and comforting. Lassoed Love delivers a heartfelt mix of slow-burn romance, emotional growth, and small-town charm. It beautifully shows that love isn’t just about finding the right person, it’s about becoming the person who’s ready to receive it.
Profile Image for Anais Rosa.
426 reviews13 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 26, 2026
Lassoed Love by Ann Einerson is book 2 in the Silver Saddle Ranch series, and I loved going back there for Birdie & Walker.

What can you expect?
🏡 Small-town romance
🤠 Cowboy romance
👫 Friends to lovers
🎭 Fake dating
🪢 Rope play
😍 He’s obsessed with her
🌶️ Spicy lessons
🎭 Role play

⭐ 4.5 | 🌶️ 2.5

Birdie is the best friend of Walker’s sister, Briar, but over the years, she and Walker have developed a close bond of their own. While Walker works on his family ranch and serves as a volunteer deputy for Birdie’s father, the local sheriff, Birdie spends her time rescuing animals and dreaming of expanding her small home sanctuary.

At 27, Birdie is frustrated by her lack of experience and her awkwardness when it comes to flirting. After a few too many tequila shots, she boldly asks Walker to give her some "spicy" lessons. Though the request was made in a drunken moment, Walker doesn't let it slide. The next day, he approaches her with a counter-offer: instead of lessons, they should try fake dating. While the town sees Walker as a notorious playboy, the reputation isn't actually true. In reality, he has been infatuated with Birdie for a long time and has finally found the perfect way to get close to the woman he’s always wanted.

I loved their friendship and how Walker showed Birdie exactly how she deserves to be treated. He was incredibly sweet, taking her on real dates and never making her feel "less than" for her inexperience. Birdie has such a great heart, but she felt so alone carrying a heavy secret: her mother has early-onset Parkinson’s. Dealing with her mother's declining health while her father asked her to keep it a secret was a massive weight to bear.

Walker became her happy place. The more time they spent together, the more her feelings blossomed. Their first kiss was sweet, but those spicy lessons? So hot. Walker has a major dirty mouth and so much patience, which made me both swoon and sweat. That toy scene and the rope play? Yes, please! 🔥

I loved his nickname for her, "Troublemaker." They were perfect for each other. I also had a blast with Earl, the town driver, and that pharmacy scene was hilarious (though I did feel a bit bad for Birdie!). Watching her fit into his family was mesmerizing. Little by little, the lines blurred until "fake" became very real. Walker is the definition of a perfect book boyfriend—from making her the best oat milk lattes to cooking for her and anticipating her every need. He did everything he could to relieve the weight on her shoulders.

The animals were such a highlight—Nugget the chicken and the kittens were so sweet! I also loved the ending where everyone rallied around Birdie. I was swooning nonstop.

On a personal note, I deeply sympathized with Birdie. My own father had Parkinson’s, and watching that decline is never easy. You truly start grieving before they even pass because you see how much everything changes for them. Seeing that represented here was very moving.

If you love cowboy romances and fake dating, I highly recommend this book! It can be read as a standalone, but for the full experience, I recommend reading the series in order. I can’t wait for what’s next!

Thank you so much to Ann and her team for the ARC. This review reflects my honest thoughts.
128 reviews3 followers
March 23, 2026
Book Title: Lassoed Love
Author: Anne Einerson
Tropes: Friends-to-Lovers, Fake Dating, Small Town Romance, Reformed Playboy, Lessons/Teacher Trope, Mutual Pining, Cowboy Romance
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️



🤩 The Vibe:
Sweet, flirty, and heart-melting with just the right amount of spice.

Lassoed Love is one of those books you pick up “just for a few chapters” and suddenly it’s 2am and you’re emotionally attached to everyone. It’s cozy small-town romance meets spicy lessons and years of pining finally coming to a head.

This one is light, fun, and feel-good — the kind of read that lifts your mood and keeps you smiling the entire time. And with release day here? It’s the perfect binge read. 🤠💛



👩‍❤️‍👨 Main Characters:

Walker
Reformed cowboy Casanova with a reputation he can’t quite shake — but only one girl has ever mattered. Walker has been down bad for Birdie for YEARS, and watching that play out on page was everything. His internal thoughts? Obsessed. His actions? Even better.

He’s all in from the start, just waiting for his chance — and once he gets it, he does not hesitate. The way he shows up for Birdie, supports her, and slowly blurs the lines between “fake” and real? Swoon.

Birdie
Adorable, big-hearted, and impossible not to love. Birdie had me from page one — her love for animals, her softness, and her sincerity made her such an easy character to root for.

She’s figuring things out, stepping outside her comfort zone, and learning to trust both herself and her feelings. Watching her grow while still staying true to who she is was so sweet.



💕 What I Loved:

• Walker being absolutely down bad from the start
• The friends-to-lovers tension with years of pining
• Fake dating + “spicy lessons” blurring the lines
• Birdie’s love for animals (so wholesome 🥹)
• The small-town setting and cozy vibes
• The hilarious text message conversations
• Birdie’s friend group — elite energy
• Walker’s family dynamics
• The low-drama, feel-good storyline
• The emotional growth without heavy angst

This book just felt GOOD. The pacing was quick, the chemistry was strong, and it was so easy to get lost in their story.



🩵 What Didn’t Work For Me:

There’s minimal conflict overall, so if you’re looking for heavy angst or high drama, this might feel a little lighter. But for me, that worked — it matched the cozy, heartwarming vibe perfectly.



🤔 Final Thoughts:

Lassoed Love is the definition of a comfort read. It’s sweet, spicy, and full of heart — with a hero who has been quietly in love for years and finally gets his moment.

Walker and Birdie’s story is soft in the best way. It’s about timing, growth, and realizing that sometimes what you’ve been looking for has been right in front of you all along.

If you love:
• Cowboy romance
• Friends-to-lovers
• Fake dating that turns real
• A hero who falls first and HARD
• Light, feel-good reads

This one deserves a spot on your TBR — especially if you need a quick, mood-lifting read.



🎧 Swift Song Pairing: Down Bad - Walk was down bad from the first chapter!


Profile Image for Caitlinjoyful.
244 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 25, 2026
"I want a future with you-not just for today or tomorrow but forever if you’ll have me." -Walker

As always, Ann aced this book.
I knew, after rereading Wrangled Love that I was going to love this book, and I was not disappointed.
From chapter one, I needed to know everything about Birdie and Walker, their childhoods, the start of their friendship and everything else.
I'm so glad Ann is giving us more small-town romances, and cowboy romances at that! She just seems to be incredible at bringing small towns to life.

The writing and plot were spot on; I never felt bored or like something had happened without me understanding how or what. There was one thing I didn't understand, and it's why Wren, one of Birdie's friends, wasn't in the book for more than one chapter, but I have no doubt Ann will answer that question at some point.
The ending did feel a little rushed, but it was still enjoyable, and I will be rereading it the first chance I get.

I fell in love with Birdie from page one. We meet her when she's in jail after being caught rescuing animals from cruel owners, and you understand her spunk from the start.
Her relationship with her mum, who has early parkinsons, is so beautiful, and the way Ann writes her makes the reader feel every single emotion she does.
She's so protective and brave, she keeps the animals on her property safe whilst working a full-time job and making time for her friends and family.
I didn't realise until I was halfway through the book that Birdie is related to Shep from The Holiday Claus

Walker is 100% you're typical cowboy, he's brave, protective, bold and kind. We got to meet him in Wrangled Love, and I'm so glad we got to explore his life a bit more in this book. We see his family life, how protective he is of them and how he's willing to do anything to keep the people close to him safe.

I'm glad we got to spend a bit more time at Silver Saddle Ranch, it wasn't much though, so I hope we get to go back a bit more in Tethered LoveTethered Love

Overall, I really enjoyed Lassoed Love. It's well written with a great plot and characters to swoon over for days!
Profile Image for Emma.
658 reviews22 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 22, 2026
“She’s my sun, brightening every corner of my life, and I’ll never take that for granted.”

✔️cowboy romance
✔️friends to lovers
✔️fake dating
✔️spicy lessons
✔️reformed playboy
✔️small town
✔️no 3rd act breakup

This book is so cute, and I didn’t want to put it down! Two of my favorite romance tropes are friends to lovers and any kind of fake relationship, and this book brings them together perfectly. If you love a MMC who falls first and yearns, I think you’ll like this one. Walker (MMC) and Birdie (FMC) have been in each other’s orbit for a long time because she is his sister’s best friend, and though she has placed him firmly in the friend zone, he is hoping she will finally see who he really is and the feelings he has. However, his former playboy ways have tainted everyone’s opinion of him, and he hasn’t been able to shake that reputation though it’s definitely no longer accurate. When Birdie wants someone to teach her how to be in a relationship (in and out of the bedroom) she asks Walker and he is determined to show her how serious he is about her.

Though this is a light story overall, there is some sadness/heaviness due to Birdie’s mom’s declining health. I love that we get to see Birdie and her mom spending time together and watching Gilmore Girls (I watched it with my mom and it’s now a comfort show for me so I love all of the references), and that her relationship with her parents is an important part of the story. Though there is a secret regarding Birdie’s family that could have caused her relationship with Walker to implode in the third act, I appreciate how rational she is and doesn’t jump to the worst case scenario, these characters are adults who act like adults (and that is something I’ve always appreciated about this author’s writing).

Overall there is solid character development, relationship development, and communication here. Walker never fails to defend the woman he loves, and he is just so swoony. The spice is spicy and the consent is abundant. I love the chaotic farm animal rescue that Birdie has at her house, and though it’s not the most convenient thing for her to do, she will never turn away an animal in need. I am a big fan of this author in general, and I am loving this series. I am so excited (after the little hints throughout the story) about the next book!


*Thank you so much to the author (Ann Einerson) and Luna Literary for the opportunity to ARC read this book! All opinions are my own*
Profile Image for Meg.
173 reviews4 followers
March 23, 2026
“𝙂𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙜𝙞𝙧𝙡.”

Lassoed Love by Ann Einerson
5☆

I sat down and didn’t get up because this story had everything. Friends-to-lovers. Fake dating. Yearning so intense it should come with a warning label. And a man who falls first, falls HARD, and stays there…patiently waiting like the emotional support king he is.

Birdie is quirky, soft-hearted, socially awkward in such an endearing way, you instantly fall in love with her adorable unintentionality. But, she’s been carrying a lot—caring for her mom, navigating grief and stress, constantly pouring into everyone else’s cup while hers sits a little empty. So when she FINALLY does something for herself, I was ALL IN. Because Walker.

“𝙃𝙤𝙡𝙮 𝙜𝙪𝙖𝙘𝙖𝙢𝙤𝙡𝙚, 𝙒𝙖𝙡𝙠𝙚𝙧 𝙃𝙖𝙡𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙨𝙡𝙚𝙥𝙩 𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙩 𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙨𝙚.”

This man is a walking, talking green flag—cowboy edition. Loyalty, devotion & emotional intelligence, wrapped up in a white t-shirt and Wranglers. Known for being a playboy, he’s secretly been gone for Birdie for years…quietly yearning from the sidelines, respecting their friendship…just waiting, knowing she’s it for him. And when she finally turns to him? Game over.

“𝙇𝙚𝙩’𝙨 𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩.” 𝙃𝙞𝙨 𝙚𝙮𝙚𝙨 𝙡𝙤𝙘𝙠 𝙤𝙣 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙚. “𝙄𝙛 𝙬𝙚’𝙙 𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙪𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙙𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙠𝙨, 𝙨𝙡𝙚𝙚𝙥 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙡𝙖𝙨𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙤𝙣 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙙𝙨.”

The fake dating lessons turn into something softer, deeper, and dangerously real. He shows her what it means to be cared for. The small things were devastatingly tender. The man is down bad in the most respectful, heart-melting way. And the way he encourages her to speak her mind and stands beside her— I was unwell.

“𝘼𝙣𝙮 𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙘𝙖𝙣’𝙩 𝙨𝙚𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙝 𝙞𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙢𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙫𝙪𝙡𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨 𝙞𝙨𝙣’𝙩 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙝 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚—𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙤𝙙.”

Beyond the romance, the emotional layers hit just as strong. Birdie’s relationship with her mom, especially as she navigates chronic illness, adds a quiet weight to the story that balances the sweetness. Those moments feel real, tender, and handled with care.

The found family, chaotic group chats (died laughing MULTIPLE times), and the friendships that feel lived-in and loud in the best way added beautiful texture, making the story feel warm and full.

“𝙊𝙣𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙨 𝙘𝙚𝙧𝙩𝙖𝙞𝙣: 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝘽𝙞𝙧𝙙𝙞𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙪𝙣𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙘𝙩𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙄 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙𝙣’𝙩 𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚 𝙖 𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙡𝙚 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙤𝙩𝙞𝙘 𝙨𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙙.”

By the end, you’ve got character growth, emotional payoff, and a romance that feels wanted. No unnecessary drama or third act breakups (TYSM), just two people choosing each other in a way that feels honest and real.

*Thank you to Ann Einerson & The Smuthood PR for this arc opportunity.
Profile Image for The Millennial Mood Reader.
151 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 22, 2026
🩵𝐴𝑅𝐶 𝑅𝑒𝑣𝑖𝑒𝑤 💜

Love Lassoed is book 2 in the Silver Saddle Ranch Series but can be read as a stand alone. This follows Birdie and Walker Halstead.

Birdie is quirky, a little awkward especially when trying to flirt. She is an animal lover and is running an “unofficial” rescue out of her home. I loved that she wasn’t afraid to go to jail for rescuing animals( even when her dad is the small towns sheriff) Walker is her best friends older brother and he has had feelings for Birdie for a long time but never acted on the since she friend zoned him. She thought he’d never go for someone like her. Tired of always being awkward, and a 25 yr old virgin she decides after getting tipsy to make Walker (someone she trusts) an offer he cannot refuse.. to fake date and give her spicy lessons.

I loved how he took it slow with her, showing her how she should be treated and appreciated. The little things like opening her door, making her special latte, bringing her flowers. He is such a green flag! Aka a cowboy and a sheriffs surety who would literally do anything for Birdie! Swoon! He was head over boots for Birdie.

Birdie gives so much of herself for others whether it’s the animals or caring for her Mom who suffers from Parkinson’s. Ann did a great job with the chronic illness representation in this book. I’m glad she finally gets to have something for herself with Walker. He’s so supportive, more than she even knows.

The girlies group and group texts were hilarious and I loved it!

Perfect amount of spice to plot in my opinion! Walker even brings out some rope 🔥 plenty of spicy scenes and lessons ; ) I love an “Eyes on Me” and “use me” I love the confidence she gains!

𝘽𝙞𝙧𝙙𝙞𝙚 𝙈𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙤𝙣 𝙞𝙨 𝙢𝙮 𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙜𝙖𝙢𝙚. 𝙄 𝙢𝙖𝙮 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙩, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙄 𝙛𝙪𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙡𝙖𝙨𝙩.

There is no third act break up and for the most part they have open communication. The ending was perfect. I really enjoyed this book, it was a quick easy read! I cannot wait for Charlie and Heaths book after the heated exchanges they had in this one! I ate up all those crumbs!

4.5⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

Tropes:
Cowboy Romance
Fake Dating
Best Friends Brother
Boss’s Daughter
Friends to Lovers
Spicy Lessons
He’s Obsessed
Rope Play
Chronic Illness Rep

Huge thank you to The Smuthood and Author Ann Einerson for the eARC. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Val.
649 reviews7 followers
Review of advance copy
March 26, 2026
4.5

If you're looking for a cowboy who is also a deputy and who's been yearning for his sister's best friend for some time and FINALLY gets the chance to show her his love? Walker will be your new book boyfriend and you must read this book.

Walker Halstead had been yearning for Birdie Matterson (his sister’s best friend) for a long time, so when the opportunity of them needing to fake date arises and that opportunity also comes with Birdie asking for spicy lessons because she’s inexperienced, it is the perfect opportunity for Walker to be with Birdie and prove to her that he loves her for real.

The relationship between them was sweet, SPICY, and fun. I enjoyed how down-bad Walker was for Birdie and how his actions showed his love for her. It took Birdie some time to catch up with him but when she does? Everything fell into place perfectly. These two were each other’s firsts in many aspects and I’m so happy they will also be their lasts.

Lassoed Love can be read as a stand alone but the book does give us our fav characters from book 1 again and I enjoyed their appearances so much more knowing what they went through before. I especially loved the friendship the girls (Birdie, Briar and Charlie) had. These girls truly loved and supported each other.

I also liked getting to see more of Walker and Briar’s oldest brother, Heath, and I CANNOT WAIT FOR HIM AND CHARLIE’S STORY IN BOOK 3! Those two are going to burn the pages with their enemies to lovers vibes. I just know it.

OVERALL: Lassoed Love was a great addition to the Silver Saddle Ranch series. We get a heroine with the biggest heart who will do anything to save animals while also looking to live those adventures she hasn't experienced yet. And then we have an adorable golden retriever hero who will do anything to protect and take care of his sunshine woman. Their story is filled with spicy lessons and sweet encounters while the rest of supporting characters add humor and even more love to the story.

Thank you to Luna Literary for the ARC. All thoughts are my own.


Tropes:
-Golden retrier MMC
-Virgin FMC
-Friends to lovers
-Cowboy/deputy x Animal rescuer
-Found family
-Small town
-Fake dating
-Age gap
-Best friend’s brother
-No third act break up
-Low angst
-Spicy lessons
Profile Image for Daniela Hernandez.
97 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy
March 23, 2026
Lassoed Love by Anne Einerson 5 ⭐️ | 3 🌶️
 Fake dating
 Friends to lovers
 Spicy lessons
 Hes obsessed with her
 Rope play
 Cowboy romance.

Thanks to Luna Literary and the author for the ARC provided.

"It’s hard not to swoon when this feels like a scene from a romance novel where the hero’s smallest act of thoughtfulness outshines any grand gesture."

Save a horse, ride the cowboy…Hell yes!
Since we read about Birdie and her crazy adventures, trying to save animals, with Briar and Charlie's help, I was hoping her book was next, so I was really happy when this was confirmed, and it was even better when we knew Walker was the MMC. And what a better way to give us their story than some spicy lessons mixed with friends to lovers. Their whole story was so wholesome and sweet.

"You deserve to be swept off your feet. Never settle for anything else."
WALKER HALSTEAD, THE MAN YOU ARE!
This man is the definition of THE PERFECT BOOK BOYFRIEND. Every single action, every single detail, got me giggling and kicking my feet the whole time.

"There’s something magical about being called beautiful by a rugged cowboy who can turn a simple goodbye into a moment that lingers in my mind all day."
BIRDIE MY LOVE, YOU DESERVE THE BEST OF THE BEST IN THE WORLD. I loved Birdies determination to make the world a bit better for animals and for people too. She was so passionate, even when she was struggling with her mom’s situation and her dad’s way to manage it. But I’m happy they managed to find not a solution, but a better way to live with it.

Also, those spicy lessons…if there's something I like is when authors manage to give us not just sex right away, but a connection and understanding between the characters, and Anne wrote it beautifully.

I think I can say this my favorite book by Anne. Walker and Birdie are such a lovely couple, I love to read the net of support they have with the rest of the characters, because there’s nothing better than a nice found family trope, and they make it work perfectly.

My only complaint is that I'd loved to read a bit more about the event that was happening at the end of the book. I felt like the epilogue was cut it a bit abruptly but who knows, maybe were having an extra chapter or some special bonus (please Anne🤞🏻)

With all this said, I CAN’T WAIT FOR HEATH AND CHARLIES BOOK! Those two are gonna be an interesting pair.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Tara.
96 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 24, 2026
This was such a cute, cozy, feel-good romance that was easy to fall into and just enjoy from start to finish.

Birdie is quirky, awkward, and completely endearing, especially when it comes to flirting. She runs an unofficial animal rescue out of her home, cares for her mom who’s living with Parkinson’s, and gives so much of herself to everyone around her. I loved how big her heart was, and honestly, the fact that she wasn’t afraid to go to jail for rescuing animals (even when her dad is the town sheriff) just made me love her even more.

Walker is her best friend’s older brother and a total green flag cowboy hero. He’s been quietly pining for Birdie for years but never acted on it because she friend-zoned him and didn’t think he’d ever go for someone like her. Despite his former playboy reputation, Walker is patient, gentle, and completely devoted. He takes things slow, makes her feel comfortable, and shows her in small ways how much she matters — opening doors, bringing flowers, making her special lattes, and quietly supporting her and her family without expecting anything in return.

When Birdie, tired of always feeling awkward and inexperienced, drunkenly asks Walker for spicy lessons, they decide to fake date, and of course, those lines start to blur. I loved watching Birdie grow into her confidence while Walker supported her every step of the way. Their chemistry was sweet but still had plenty of heat, and yes, the rope definitely made an appearance.

I also loved the small-town charm, the hilarious group chats, and the strong friendships that made the story feel warm and full. The chronic illness representation with Birdie’s mom was handled with care and added an emotional layer without making the story heavy.

Another thing I really appreciated was the lack of unnecessary drama. There’s no third-act breakup, just healthy communication, steady relationship growth, and two people choosing each other in a way that felt genuine and mature. The ending was satisfying, and I’m already excited for Charlie and Heath after those little hints throughout the story.

Overall, this was a quick, easy, sweet-and-spicy romance with a lovable heroine, a devoted cowboy hero, and plenty of cozy small-town charm.
Profile Image for Vanessa Ortiz.
354 reviews8 followers
Review of advance copy
March 26, 2026
✨️ Thanks to @AuthorAnnEinerson and @thesmuthood for the ARC

🔥 “You’re making it very difficult for me to act like a gentleman right now.”

💕 “Sweetheart, I was never pretending.”

An impromptu night on the town leaves Birdie in quite an unexpected predicament - fake dating her best friend’s brother. She was hoping to find a guy to take home but another awkward encounter leaves her feeling defeated. After her failed attempt at flirting, she decides to proposition local playboy, Walker, to give her some spicy lessons. Although Walker knows she is off limits for so many reasons (she’s his sister’s best friend and the daughter of the sheriff), he has been secretly pining after her and snatches up the chance to prove his worth. As their lessons heat up, lines blur and this fake relationship is starting to feel like the real deal. But will their secrets ruin their chances at a future together?

This is the second installment in the Silver Saddle Ranch series and I loved it just as much! I recommend reading “Wrangled Love” first but this book can totally be read as a stand alone. Walker was such an adorably thoughtful and down-bad MMC - and phew… the mouth on that man 🥵. Birdie is such a relatable character; you gotta love her awkwardness and unwavering dedication to animals in need. I loved how the author approached the fake dating trope - it worked so well with these characters and the progression of their relationship felt natural. After reading this book, I think I found a new favorite trope - spicy lessons! That doorway scene lives rent free in my brain. As with the first book, I really appreciated the minimal conflict and open communication between the MCs and the inclusion of topics such as grief. The group chats were so fun to read and were full of some laugh out loud moments (and plenty of steamy tension). I am eagerly looking forward to the next book in this series. 

💜 Cowboy Romance
💗 Friends to Lovers
💜 Fake Dating 
💗 Spicy Lessons 
💜 Rope Play
💗 Small Town

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5
135 reviews2 followers
March 27, 2026
💜ARC Review 💜

It’s time to head back to Silver Saddle Ranch, and this time we get Birdie and Walker’s story and it was such a fun, heartfelt ride.
Birdie has always been in Walker’s life as his sister Briar’s best friend, but over the years their connection has grown into something much deeper. While Birdie has kept him firmly in the friend zone, Walker has been quietly (and not so quietly) in love with her, just waiting for her to finally see him for who he really is. The problem is his old playboy reputation still follows him around, even though it no longer reflects the man he’s become.
When Birdie is tired of feeling awkward and inexperienced asks Walker for “relationship lessons,” things quickly get interesting. Add in a fake dating arrangement, and it’s no surprise those lines start to blur.
I absolutely loved these two together. Walker is completely down bad for Birdie in the best way, and he shows his love through his actions over and over again. Birdie is quirky, big-hearted, and a little awkward (especially when it comes to flirting), which just made her feel so real and lovable. Watching her grow in confidence, with Walker supporting her every step of the way, was one of my favourite parts.
Their relationship was sweet, fun, and definitely spicy, with great chemistry throughout. There were also some really tender moments, especially involving Birdie’s mum, who is living with Parkinson’s, and the care and love Birdie shows her. Birdie also runs an unofficial animal rescue (and isn’t afraid to bend the rules to save them even with her dad as the town sheriff), which just made me admire her even more.
This book had the perfect balance of heart, heat, and small-town charm. If you love a good cowboy romance with emotional depth and plenty of swoon, this one is definitely worth picking up.
Tropes:
Cowboy romance
Friends to lovers
Fake dating
Reformed playboy
Sister’s best friend
“Spicy lessons”

A sweet, spicy, and feel good small-town romance. I highly recommend! 💜
129 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
March 25, 2026
First off, I have OFFICIALLY found my new favorite type of MMC... the reformed playboy!! Ugh, I couldn't love Walker more if I tried!! Sure he may have made his way through most of the ladies of Bluebell but that is in his past... Birdie is his future!!

And Birdie, what a great FMC. Sure she may be innocent but, she doesn't want to be. She wants to learn and, what better way to learn than with her best friend's brother... and her friend as well. With all of Walker's past "experience", he's the perfect instructor!!

This book was the perfect sweet and spicy small-town romance!! I sometimes lean more towards the darker romance books but, I have been LOVING discovering my cowboy romance side!! And this book definitely fit the bill.

Story:
When sweet, animal rescuer/animal-lover, Birdie, embarrasses herself trying to flirt at the local bar, her best friend's brother, Walker, is there to help out. After a few drinks, Birdie asks Walker to give her some spicy love lessons so she will feel more relaxed when she tries to flirt "for real". The only problem... both Birdie and Walker are hiding their true feelings from one another. For this reason, Walker jumps at the chance to be Birdie's "fake" boyfriend knowing full well, there is no way he is going to let her get away!

Now, add in the fact that Walker's boss, the Sheriff, just happens to be Birdie's DAD!! Birdie continues to be just one step away from jail herself and she is also dealing with her mother's long-term illness... and you've got a lot that they have to deal with.

Tropes:
Cowboy Romance
Friends to Lovers
Fake Dating
Reformed Playboy
Sister's Best Friend
Spicy Lessons

I loved book 1 in this series (Silver Saddle Ranch series), Wrangled Love, where we met Walker's sister, Briar, and Jensen. I think this one may be my new favorite. I love this friend/family group so much. They are there for each other at the drop of a hat!!

ARC reader giving my honest opinion!
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