Holden: Bucked by Love: A Sweet Small Town Cowboy Romcom

by Aspen Hadley

The first thing Holden Crawford noticed about his wife was her eyes.
Thirteen years, two kids, and one separation later… they barely look his way.

Leni Crawford is a yoga-loving, small-town B&B employee who never planned on raising kids alone. Her husband Holden is a rugged cowboy who thought providing for his family was enough—until the day Leni asked for a separation.

With their future hanging in the balance, the only thing they can agree on is how much they love their kids—and how far apart they’ve grown. But when their son finds the old bucket list they made as love-struck teens, he convinces them to give it one last

Finish the list. Every single item. Together.

Mechanical bull rides ~ Pie-eating contests ~ Karaoke ~ Line dancing.
It was supposed to be a farewell. Instead, it might be the beginning of something new.

Bucked by Love is a kissing only, sweet and clean romance, with all the swoon but no explicit content.

Genres: Contemporary, Second Chance, Romance, Westerns, Clean Romance, Fiction, Rom Com

278 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 2, 2025

About the author

Aspen Hadley loves nothing more than a great story. She has devoted herself to story-telling for the majority of her life, writing her first novel at her kitchen table in the 8th grade. Aspen writes what she wants to read: clean, sassy, romantic comedy novels that give you a break from real life and leave you feeling happy.

Outside of writing, Aspen's number one hobby is reading. Number two is sneaking chocolate into and out of her private stash without being caught. Other favorite things include: playing the piano, listening to classic rock, telling jokes around the dinner table, eating ice cream, traveling, a good case of the giggles, and riding on ATVs over the trails around her home in Utah.

Aspen shares her life with a patient husband, 4 hilarious children, and 1 grumpy dog in a quiet suburb next to her beloved mountains.

Given the choice she would road trip her life away, singing along to the radio and sleeping in every morning.

You can also find her on Facebook at facebook.com/aspenthewriter and Instagram @aspenhadley_author.

Reviews

[Jen ♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐

I'm in the mood for some marriage-in-crisis story, and this one just gave me that. The MCs had been married for 13 years; they were high school sweethearts and a couple who had proven they were able to make it in spite of getting married at 19. But somewhere along the way, life, responsibilities, tasks, and expectations got to them, and they just stopped communicating at some point. It wasn't clear for how long, though.

Holden got busy providing for them, and Leni got tired of him not being around. She asked for a separation; he didn't like it but respected it and moved to a camper house near theirs. Despite their situation, they still loved each other and just needed to find their way back together.

It's adorable to see them fulfill their bucket list from when they were younger. It's even better that their two kids are supportive of them doing these things. 🤭

Anyway, it was cute and a short read, and it just gave me the fluffy story I wanted.


Book info:
- Marriage in crisis (13 yrs)
- Separated (2 mos??)
- High school sweethearts
- Grumpy x Sunshine
- No cheating, OM/OW
- Clean romance
- HEA (1 yr later, pregnant)

[Tricia Anson · Rating 5 out of 5]

ALL the feels from the very start. I absolutely loved seeing Holden and Leni rekindle and heal their relationship with the help of a “Buck-it” list written when they were still teenagers and some meddling by their son. This story is relatable, funny, heart-warming, and hope-filled. And I am very much looking forward to more to come at the Crawford Ridge Ranch!

TW: Marriage Separation

[Morgan Giesbrecht · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

A marriage on the rocks and an old bucket list to bring them back together. 🥰

This was an adorable contemporary romance with cowboys, cute kids, and a long-term married couple having to rediscover how to communicate, prioritize each other, & fall back in love.

It’s serious but sweet—with lots of humour, too. Watching Holden & Leni fight for their marriage was beautiful. 💕

And I’m so ready to see Walker and Birdie figure things out in the next book…. 😏

Content: kissing only; skinny dipping scene (married couple) played for laughs with no details; some married innuendo (more cute than scandalous)

[Tasha (the_clean_read_book_club)]

“This very spot is where we promised to have and to hold, from this day forward and forever. And it felt like the right place to see if we could start again.”

If you love romances that dig into the real-life side of love—messy, imperfect, and worth fighting for—then Holden: Bucked by Love is your next read.

Holden and Leni have been married for thirteen years, built a family together, and weathered all of life’s ups and downs… but sometimes love gets buried under the weight of everyday life. When separation threatens to end everything, a teenage bucket list and two kids with big hearts just might remind them of who they were—and who they still could be.

What you’ll find inside: A rugged cowboy hero & his yoga-loving wife, marriage-in-trouble & second-chance romance, karaoke, pie-eating contests, & bucket-list fun, honest struggles + swoony reconnecting, and a reminder that marriage takes work—and that work is worth it.

This book is tender, funny, and swoony all at once. It doesn’t shy away from hard truths, but it shines with hope, small-town charm, and the kind of love story that feels beautifully earned.

Holden: Bucked by Love is available now!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Content/Trigger: marriage difficulties, romance (alludes to intimacy of a married couple), skinny dipping, kisses.

[Shauna · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Brief: Leni gives Holden the words he never wanted to hear and so he moves to the trailer behind their cabin. He finds an old Buck-it List and his son wants his parents to finish everything on it. Together.

The Debrief: I love this trope. Besides the obviously rugged handsome cowboy working hard to support his family, I love stories of marriages in trouble. They’re real. I’ve been married for 31 years and choosing to love daily is not always easy. I felt both their pain, but really wanted Leni to see Holden clearly. Sometimes it’s hard for me to step back and remember to use a better lens. Spoiler alert: this is a romance and I don’t review things that end badly. 😂 Oh how fun and heart warming was the journey for these two! All the feels.

the brothers
texting
walkie talkie chatter
the dad’s hilarious timing
learning to reconnect
the kids
all of the items on the list were 😍
flirty and faithful
the epilogue
working through feelings

The Rhyme: Leni wants Holden to see what he’s missing and put her first. When the push comes to shove can they ignite what’s always burning just out of sight?

So excited about this new series and that it started with a marriage in trouble. Hee awwwww!!!!

[Toni Shiloh · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well-done already married romance

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars.

🐎 The vibes:
- marriage in crisis
- ranch life
- Second chance
- Highschool sweet hearts
- Small town western
- Closed door

🐎 My thoughts:
One marriage. One bucket list. One last shot at forever.

🐎 After 13 years of marriage, when Leni tells her husband she wants a separation, Holden is not ready to let her go but agrees to move out of the main house and into the camper to help ease the kids into the idea of an inevitable divorce.

🐎 When their 12-year-old son discovers a bucket list that Leni and Holden made when they were engaged and in love but never completed, he begs his parents to finish their list together. Leni views it as a way to close out a chapter, but Holden views it as his last chance for a new beginning.

🐎 This isn’t dealing with infidelity or other betrayals like this in marriage. This story deals with the very common silent damage that comes from feeling unseen and under appreciated. Both Leni and Holden are individually doing all that they can for the family while living completely independently from eachother. The spark is gone. Communication is nonexistent. Resentment has settled in.

🐎 The burn is sooooo slow but I think it’s necessary in a story like this one, and it really worked for me. I loved the kids and their involvement in the story. I loved how Leni and Holden had to relearn themselves as individuals and also as a couple in order to find their way back to each other.

Note- closed door; the cover and the title don’t quite fit the vibe of the story for me, but pleaseeeeee don’t let this stop you from reading it.

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

“What’s the point of having a husband who doesn’t want a wife?”

Aspen Hadley has invented the most wonderful, rugged, tender, falling-in-love again story ever. Most people who have been married for awhile recognize how easy it is to fall into the ruts of parenting, life, and routine, and although this story is fresh, fun, hilarious, and sweet, it did open my eyes a bit, giving me reminders to remember what and who is truly important in life.

Holden and Leni married young, against all odds, and now, thirteen years later, they barely talk and something needs to change. An old buck-it list is discovered and with pressure from their son to do it, they agree and that’s where all the western loving fun begins.

Holden’s family, especially his brothers, are fantastic, as is Leni’s sister. I love all the familial relationships, but it was the rekindled romance that really sparked my heart. The small-town charm is everything–from the 4th of July celebrations, to the isolated ranch life, to the hopes and dreams–I’m ready to move right in.

Honestly, I’m completely enamored with this series and can’t wait for more.

Content: mild romance; some innuendo between married couple

*I received a complementary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given*

[Sarah Shelton · Rating 4 out of 5]

sweet read!

Well, ain’t this just the cutest read?! I definitely teared up While reading this one. I love aspen’s humor, and we got to see that along with really adorable and heart-felt family moments among the Crawford clan. Holden loves LenI so well once he’s faced with what he could lose. the mature communication, the focus on rebuilding, the careful consideration of each other, it was so sweet. That epilogue got me! 🥲

[Eliana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love books about married couples rekindling their spark again.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a bit different than usual as the couple is already married. It was a nice change. I will admit to shedding more tears than normal as my heart broke reading their story, but I loved watching them fight through their struggles and find each other again. Can’t wait to read about Walker next!

[Debbie DiFiore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny and touching

I really loved this marriage in peril story. They simply stopped truly communicating and both of them were lonely and tired. She asks for a separation and he moves to a camper on their property. They have two very cute children, a big loving family, and while he is staying out there he finds the 'buck-it' list they wrote when they were 19. It has some very fine things on it too. Their son Mason finds it and basically dares them to do it now. They are so amusing. I loved it and everything they did.and their love wasn't gone, it was just buried under hard work, and responsibilities, and too little communication. This was quite a little gem for me. No infidelity or OM/OW drama. Just two people who needed a little time together to remind them of why they loved each.other in the first place. The cover bothered me.I hate the cartoonish craze going on right now. I almost didn't look at it but I am glad I did.

[Cherilyn (Cherwhatyouread) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this read! It was so heartwarming to see how Holden and Leni found their rhythm again for their marriage. How it took a “buck it” list and lots of communication. Their feelings for each other were so tender, especially once their walls were down. I loved every single one of their “buck it” list items. I loved how supportive all the side characters were as well! I’m excited for the next book in the series!

Favorite Quotes:
He raises his two fists and lets out a whoop, and I swear my heart whoops with it. It's so incredible to see flickers of him again.

Leni's eyes crinkle up and I bask in it, taking in all of her familiar features. Her face holds all my best memories, and I want more.

back. If I get my way, there will be millions of kisses in my future, because I will never again stop kissing this woman.

[Shayla Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOLDEN: Bucked by Love
(A Crawford Ridge Ranch #1)
by: Aspen Hadley
@aspenhadley_author

••I give 5 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

~It was supposed to be a farewell. Instead, it might be the beginning of something new...

“Life isn’t meant to be an adventure every day, but there should be something new every now and again.”

-HOLDEN: Bucked by Love, is a tender and heartwarming swoony, second-chance romcom about high school sweethearts, small-town charm, and falling in love all over again. There is of course a wonderful blend of both humor and heart, but, also an extra layer of depth with the value and emphasis placed about love and marriage. From barely surviving to separating to reconnecting was a captivating and dear journey with all the feels in between, showing the power and magic of second chances that come from accomplishing a forgotten handwritten bucket list from the past as a team. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and was hopeful all along, that things could be rekindled for dear characters. The beautiful love, gratitude, understanding, and healing that emerges from within, had my heart. Seconds chances was done in such a dear way within. and I am already looking forward to more to come within this series! This my friends, is a story worth reading!🙌🏻📚❤️

“I don’t think I’d need a single thing. Being with my family and making a little dream of my own come true, it’s more than enough.”

•Content: marriage on the rocks, marriage separation, a couple of disgruntled/upset side character scenarios, skinny dipping activity-nothing descriptive/handled with care, no language, kisses only.

“See, marriage is about compromise. We’re learning.”

-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

#holden

“I know I didn’t always give you a reason to
believe this, but I’d do anything for you.”

#buckedbylove

“If you have a fear or a worry, we’ll work through it together.”

#aspenhadley

“Work-life balance is all the rage these days.”

#acrawfordridgeranchnovel

“We make a good team, Crawford.”

#allaboutthebestreads

“Life has a way of giving us the things we need.”

[Sharon the Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book surprised me in the best of ways. A book that starts out with a couple that separates doesn’t seem like a rom-com or something I was excited about. However, having read a few of her books I was willing to give it a chance. Oh, I’m so glad I did! I think this is the start to a fantastic series, The Crawford Ridge Ranch, full of characters to fall in love with.

The book is written in dual POV so you get the husband's and wife's perspective. Neither are negative, both are hurting, and both have valid points. The key to the story working for me is that they are not bad mouthing each other, they both care about their family. It's the kids that are the secret weapon. It hits hard and I think many marriages fall into the trap of routine. This felt like a solution, an eye opener, and hope.

"I've transformed myself into someone dependable and strong. Someone whose family never goes cold or hungry. Someone respected in the community. Someone who is watching his marriage crumble and can't seem to find any way to save it. "


"I can't be lonely every single day, missing a man I chose and not even registering in his life anymore." "He carried so much weight, and I was so busy carrying my own that I wasn't great at seeing his."

A previously made "BUCK-it" (because we ARE on a ranch) list is found by a 12 yr old son and the pleading to finish it wins out- with much hesitation on the parents parts. The list was made when they were young and idealistic, when they were determined to not end up like the old and boring people that are stuck in their routines.

Enter the humor; mechanical bulls, karaoke, pie eating contest, line dancing- you can see the chaos that ensues. They both love their kids enough to go through with it, even though they have grown apart. Maybe, just maybe, they will find glimpses of themselves and each other that will shine a light on the future they can grab onto.

"Having Holden's attention is like having sunlight on you, and it's wonder I've felt dark for the past few years."

I love the extended family, the teasing and the support that comes with it. Also, the realization that other's lives aren't perfect, and that the view you have now came with time and patience. Putting each other first and often will keep the sunshine strong, communication flowing, and love the priority.

Small town, second chance, healing love, close family, and all the feels for this story.

[Marilee · Rating 5 out of 5]

So beautiful and emotional!

High school sweethearts Leni and Holden were supposed to grow old together, but somewhere between raising kids and chasing dreams, they lost each other.

Now separated, just about the only thing they agree on is their love for their kids, until their son finds the bucket list they made as teens and dares them to finish it. Together.

What you'll love:
marriage on the rocks
dual pov
rekindled romance
ALL THE FEELS!
every moment of the bucket list!
ranch life
laugh out loud moments
when he finally sees her
heartbreak and forgiveness
PERFECT EPILOGUE!!

Oh, my heart!!!! I have not read many romances about rekindled marriage but I absolutely loved this book. This isn't your typical romance! Yes, it’s sweet and laugh-out-loud funny in all the ways I have come to love from this author, but it's also deeper, wiser, and full of beautiful and insightful truths about love and marriage.

Holden and Leni's journey from separation to reconnection was pure magic! There were so many tender, sigh-worthy moments that seriously gave me ALL THE FEELS!!!! This is the kind of story that make you believe in second chances. Every adventure to complete a bucket list item had me laughing and swooning and hoping as the two of them fought for their family and for the happily ever after they once dreamed of.

If you are a fan of stories with second chances, slow burn, healing hearts, and the kind of love that chooses to stay, this book is for you! One of my new favorites from Aspen and a fantastic start to a brand new series!

I received a complimentary copy but a positive review was not required.

[Alexis (IG: lexislimitlesslibrary) Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am in love with this story!! I am so grateful I had the chance to read this book early! The trope of marriage in crisis can be such a hit or miss with me, and I usually end up rooting for one or the other MCs, but Aspen nailed it!! I am blown away at how much this story pulled at my heart and I ached for Leni and Holden to work through their differences, stubborn feelings, and independence to grow their love instead of wishing it go back to what it used to be. Leni and Holden are faced with loneliness and they have fallen into a rut of a ‘normal’ routine that has completely eroded away their relationship.

I loved the dual POV we get seeing how both Leni and Holden feel! The emotions they are both facing with the current situation, being separated, and just how deeply Holden loves his wife but didn’t know how to show it tugged at my heartstrings.

Things to absolutely love about this story are the ‘Buck-It’ List items and how they are accomplished (swoony and laugh-out-loud), Mason and Jo-Jo, the family relationships, second-chance love, the communication between the characters, Holden stepping out of his comfort zone (so many times), the epilogue (yes, I ugly cried over it. SO good!), and the overall theme of trying to make things right. Marriage, children, and life all make us evolve, and if we let it, our relationships suffer. But we can also grow together and be stronger for it.

The evolution of both of these characters with the compromises, open communication, and sincere desire for change makes this story a must read and has already been added to my list of books to re-read!!

I am eagerly waiting book 2 of this series and cannot wait to see more of Walker getting put in his place 😆

I received a complimentary ebook. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Kelli M. Stowers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot begin to express how much I love Leni and Holden’s story. Starting with what is typically considered the “3rd act breakup” was genius. It allowed for a story full of grand gestures, grace, and so much baring of souls as the story progressed.

I love how Holden and Leni connect through completing the Buck-It list, but also through the every day events of ranch and parental life. With each item, they open up more and more and really start to figure it all out.

I will say I found the portrayal of kids on the ranch interesting. Growing up in a ranching community, my friends were driving tractors and baling hay by the age of their children in the book. I love that they were allowed to be kids, but I did have to suspend reality for just a moment to believe that a 12 year old boy would not have been doing ranch chores already.

The small town ranch setting feels so different than if it had been about a corporate executive “too busy for his family” or some other high power, city-dwelling couple. It was refreshing to show that you don’t have to be a lawyer, CEO, or doctor to be in a high-demand job that often takes more than it gives.

This second chance, forced proximity, marriage on the rocks romance is a beautiful reminder that even when we believe we are doing everything we can to keep things together, often that effort is what can drive us apart. I am so glad Holden and Leni find a way to work through it and keep their family together. It was never a question of love, but a question of priority and processing misunderstandings.

[the girl who reads a lot · Rating 5 out of 5]

"’There aren't many problems that can't be solved with a little skinny dipping,’ Dad cracks.”

That quote made me laugh! I haven’t read many books like this one. Holden and Leni married really young. Now it’s over a decade and two kids later, and they hardly exchange two words to each other most days. Leni is tired of it, and kicks Holden out of the house. When their kids find the bucket list their parents made a long time ago, they beg Holden and Leni to do everything on it.

I loved reading this! I really liked that this is in dual points of view, and I was cheering for Holden and Leni from the start. Some of their bucket list items were so funny! I’m glad there will be more stories about this family! I can’t wait for the others!

I received an advanced copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book by Aspen Hadley is super unique. I love the way it's a second chance romance between a married couple. And the way their kids were included in getting them back to where they wanted to be.

Holden and Leni married super young. But life and his family's ranch has gotten in the way of their love. And things just aren't working any more. This was kind of sad, but sometimes it's how life goes. We all need to keep working to make our lives and marriages work.

And that's what happens when Holden and Leni's son finds the bucket list they had written when they were dating. It was so much fun to watch them work on that list together. Some of the things on there stretched them so much, but as they were stretched they started to see each other differently and come back together.

I loved everything about this one!

[Leslie Books and Socks Rock · Rating 4 out of 5]

The emotions in this book! It’s about a couple that lost that loving feeling and with the help of their kids and an old bucket list, are determined to see it through. Both Lenora and Holden have their own reasons for doing the list but there’s smiles throughout.
🐴
I thought the list was fun and loved the addition to the kids and Holden’s brother Walker! So many times I wanted to throttle Holden so he could say something- anything! Just think of Mr Darcy not being able to speak of how much he loves Elizabeth and you’ll love this book. ❤️
🐴
This story is so realistic and I hate to think there are so many without love or support they need and want.
🐴
Thanks to the author for the e-arc copy. These are my own thoughts and opinions.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet second chance romcom.

And really it is a good reminder to prioritize the most important things in life. Sometimes we get comfortable with the mundane and forget the importance of showing care for those who mean the most to us. Life has responsibilities and it gets hard at times, but it can be easier when we share our time, worries, joys, and every day lives with those we love.

I love how Aspen Hadley is able to create characters the you get invested in. I also love how she is able to create stories that you can relate to and have you laughing and smiling throughout.

Quotes:
“I know life isn’t meant to be an adventure every day, but there should be something new every now and again.”

“Not everyone is who they seem to be.”

“We all do things to save face sometimes.”

[☆Laura☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Estuvo bien, pero me faltó más de Holden. Cuando Leni le dijo que quería separarse sí le dolió, pero no hizo nada; siguió trabajando como siempre y, de no ser por su hijo, habría aceptado el divorcio sin más.

Me alegró cuando Leni empezó a hacer sus cosas y se distanció de su suegra, porque fue muy evidente que, por más que la quisiera, ella siempre estaría del lado de su hijo. Basta con ver su reacción cuando Leni le habló de la separación: la señora de inmediato se puso a la defensiva y le recordó que, antes de casarse, le había advertido que sería difícil estar con un ranchero y que su trabajo siempre sería prioridad. Solo se calmó hasta que vio a Leni llorar.

[Tanya Strong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holden: Bucked by Love is book one in a new series. And you won’t want to miss these brothers. These cowboys are strong, funny, and completely wonderful. I can’t wait to read more.
-Marriage in trouble
-Banter
-Bucket list
-Close proximity
-High school sweethearts
-Small town
-Sweet romance
I laughed and cried through this book. I felt all the feels of a marriage that is wanted but no longer working and two people fighting to figure it out for their kids. The bucket list items added funny scenes and lovely connections.
I can’t say I’ve ever really read a marriage in trouble novel but Aspen did it very well.
TW/CW: Sweet kisses, skinny dipping (not descriptive).

[Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ya know, there aren't a lot of second chance marriage books. A husband and wife, fighting for their relationship. I mean, maybe there are, I certainly haven't experienced them and I'm glad I read this one. Aspen Hadley dipping her toes into westerns is a delightful development for 2025 and I am here for every page. So, go ahead, let yourself be happy.

If you like cowboys, second chances, bucket lists, families, and good people work cheering for, read this one!

[Teddy G · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO much heart!
This book tackles some heavy topics…struggles of marriage, raising kids, working with family, work/life balance but on a ranch, growing older and your kids getting older.
So many things but in such a way that reads with hope and love.
I’m not usually a second chance fan but I guess when it’s done well anyone will love it!
I cannot wait for the next book because I’m already hooked on these character!

[Marilyn Hay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, and the premise of following through on the 'buck-it list', as the mechanism to help them find their way to what they needed and wanted. I thought the characters were well drawn and they were easy to care about - even the kids felt 'real' for their ages and personalities. I'm looking forward to the next book in this new series.

[Abby Huffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this one! What a beautiful, redemptive love story! I loved how they both realized & acknowledged their mistakes and worked together to heal their marriage. Love this Crawford family!

[Alycia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this second change romance with a married couple. Such great growth as individuals and a couple. Excited for the rest of the Crawford brothers to get their own stories.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Combining the renewal of a rocky marriage with the format of a romcom is tricky, but this book pulled it off!