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Boots Beneath Her Bed
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Expected 21 Apr 26Win a free print copy of this book!
8 days and 17:31:22
15 copies available
U.S. only
A mysterious horse trainer with a dark past ropes the heart of a guarded ranch foreman in this steamy cowboy romance by debut author Taylor Esposito.
Grace Underwood has been hiding a dark secret about the night her parents died. Only her tyrannical Uncle Bellamy knows the truth, and he’s been using it against her ever since. He’s been treating her like dirt for a decade, forcing her to work tirelessly on his ranch, but once he crosses the line too many times, Grace finally risks everything to walk away. With nowhere to go, she can’t pass up the horse trainer position that lands in her lap at Halcyon Ranch, one of the biggest ranches in the state–and her uncle’s most despised competitor. But the foreman, who’s also the owner’s son, isn’t going to make her job easy.
Crew Caldwell knows that any association with Bellamy spells bad news, and he’s not about to allow anyone to come in and sabotage his ranch. Still, he can’t deny Grace’s talent for breaking horses, or how quickly she’s embraced by the other ranch hands, and his family. If she’s hiding something, he knows he’ll have to work fast to uncover it before she works her way into their hearts… and possibly his too.
As Grace tries to keep her distance, it gets more and more difficult to resist the heat between her and Crew. With her deepest secrets still hidden and business with her uncle unfinished, will she lose the only place—and person—that has ever felt like home?
Grace Underwood has been hiding a dark secret about the night her parents died. Only her tyrannical Uncle Bellamy knows the truth, and he’s been using it against her ever since. He’s been treating her like dirt for a decade, forcing her to work tirelessly on his ranch, but once he crosses the line too many times, Grace finally risks everything to walk away. With nowhere to go, she can’t pass up the horse trainer position that lands in her lap at Halcyon Ranch, one of the biggest ranches in the state–and her uncle’s most despised competitor. But the foreman, who’s also the owner’s son, isn’t going to make her job easy.
Crew Caldwell knows that any association with Bellamy spells bad news, and he’s not about to allow anyone to come in and sabotage his ranch. Still, he can’t deny Grace’s talent for breaking horses, or how quickly she’s embraced by the other ranch hands, and his family. If she’s hiding something, he knows he’ll have to work fast to uncover it before she works her way into their hearts… and possibly his too.
As Grace tries to keep her distance, it gets more and more difficult to resist the heat between her and Crew. With her deepest secrets still hidden and business with her uncle unfinished, will she lose the only place—and person—that has ever felt like home?
464 pages, Paperback
Expected publication April 21, 2026
6717 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
February 6, 2026
Really big thank you to Berkeley Publishing for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. 💕
I really wanted to love this one because I’m a big fan of cowboy romances and fresh start stories, especially when they center characters who have had difficult beginnings in life.
While the premise had a lot of potential, the story struggled to totally reel me in. The opening didn’t establish a strong hook for me, and the overall pacing and writing style felt fairly low energy throughout. The story is told in third person POV, and I found that the emotional depth, particularly the angst and yearning, was missing from the dialogue and character interactions, which made it harder for me to feel fully connected to the main characters.
Unfortunately, I also didn’t feel much chemistry between the MCs. Although the FMC’s traumatic upbringing is an important part of her story, I was really hoping to see more personal growth and agency from her over the course of the story. I tend to gravitate toward romances that lean into empowered and resilient FMCs, and this portrayal didn’t quite align with what I personally look for in current romance. Women are strong! 💪 Give us more of that!
With that said, the MMC was written as respectful and kind hearted sort of from the get go, which I thought was a breath of fresh air from my typical enemies to lovers or hate to love books I usually grab. I also loved the found family aspect and the way the surrounding family offered safety and stability for the FMC. Readers who enjoy gentler romances with a strong family dynamic and a softer emotional tone may connect with this story more than I did.
Overall, this didn’t end up being the perfect fit for me, but fans of small town cowboy romance and comfort driven stories will still find a lot to enjoy here.
What to expect:
💕 fresh starts
💕 horse trainer FMC
💕 slow burn
💕 third person POV
💕 cowboy romance
💕 trauma rep
💕 found family
I really wanted to love this one because I’m a big fan of cowboy romances and fresh start stories, especially when they center characters who have had difficult beginnings in life.
While the premise had a lot of potential, the story struggled to totally reel me in. The opening didn’t establish a strong hook for me, and the overall pacing and writing style felt fairly low energy throughout. The story is told in third person POV, and I found that the emotional depth, particularly the angst and yearning, was missing from the dialogue and character interactions, which made it harder for me to feel fully connected to the main characters.
Unfortunately, I also didn’t feel much chemistry between the MCs. Although the FMC’s traumatic upbringing is an important part of her story, I was really hoping to see more personal growth and agency from her over the course of the story. I tend to gravitate toward romances that lean into empowered and resilient FMCs, and this portrayal didn’t quite align with what I personally look for in current romance. Women are strong! 💪 Give us more of that!
With that said, the MMC was written as respectful and kind hearted sort of from the get go, which I thought was a breath of fresh air from my typical enemies to lovers or hate to love books I usually grab. I also loved the found family aspect and the way the surrounding family offered safety and stability for the FMC. Readers who enjoy gentler romances with a strong family dynamic and a softer emotional tone may connect with this story more than I did.
Overall, this didn’t end up being the perfect fit for me, but fans of small town cowboy romance and comfort driven stories will still find a lot to enjoy here.
What to expect:
💕 fresh starts
💕 horse trainer FMC
💕 slow burn
💕 third person POV
💕 cowboy romance
💕 trauma rep
💕 found family
Want to read
September 27, 2025Read the excerpt, joined the fanclub!
I read the excerpt for Boots Beneath Her Bed by Taylor Esposito, and I’m thrilled with how it turned out. Esposito delivers a cowboy romance with higher stakes and a darker edge than what’s currently popular in the genre—exactly what I’ve been craving.
From the first page, Grace’s dark secret is teased, a danger she’s carried for the past decade. When she risks exposure by fleeing her uncle’s ranch to apply for work on Crew’s family ranch, the tension only deepens. Crew may come across as guarded, but in their one shared scene, enough glimpses of his good heart shine through to leave me eager for more.
I read the excerpt for Boots Beneath Her Bed by Taylor Esposito, and I’m thrilled with how it turned out. Esposito delivers a cowboy romance with higher stakes and a darker edge than what’s currently popular in the genre—exactly what I’ve been craving.
From the first page, Grace’s dark secret is teased, a danger she’s carried for the past decade. When she risks exposure by fleeing her uncle’s ranch to apply for work on Crew’s family ranch, the tension only deepens. Crew may come across as guarded, but in their one shared scene, enough glimpses of his good heart shine through to leave me eager for more.
January 30, 2026
TL;DR: A gripping slow-burn romance with heart, mystery, and a hot but respectful cowboy. Grace’s dark past slowly unravels alongside her chemistry with grumpy-but-sweet Crew. Perfect for readers who love emotional depth, found family, and a farm setting that’s far from cringey.
Full Review: After escaping her Uncle Bellamy’s ranch, Grace lands a job as a horse trainer at one of the wealthiest ranches in Texas. She has a dark past, but that doesn’t stop Crew, the foreman, from falling head over heels. Will Grace’s history come back to haunt her?
This book instantly sucked me in. I was immediately intrigued by Grace and her story. The author slowly reveals her past, piece by piece, letting the reader discover it alongside Crew. It keeps you glued to the pages, wondering what happened to her and how she ended up under her cruel uncle’s control.
Crew and Grace are quite the pair. Both are guarded because of past traumas, which makes their slow-burn romance so delicious. Crew is an excellent leading man—grumpy with everyone except Grace, who is the only one he lets in. When he calls her pet names, my heart completely melted. Honestly, that trope will never get old.
At its core, this book is about escaping past traumas and finding a family of your own. It’s such a heartwarming combination, and I loved seeing Grace finally get the love she deserves after such a tough journey.
And of course, who doesn’t love a hot cowboy story? As someone from the city, I love getting immersed in farm life. And as a liberal reader, it can be hard to find cowboy romances that aren’t overtly sexist—but this one is perfect. Crew and the other ranch hands are all respectful gentlemen, making the setting immersive without the cringe. Even if you usually shy away from cowboy stories, give this one a go!
Thank you, NetGalley and Berkley, for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. I’m honestly honored—I don’t know what I did to deserve four Berkley ARCs this month, but I am so grateful.
Full Review: After escaping her Uncle Bellamy’s ranch, Grace lands a job as a horse trainer at one of the wealthiest ranches in Texas. She has a dark past, but that doesn’t stop Crew, the foreman, from falling head over heels. Will Grace’s history come back to haunt her?
This book instantly sucked me in. I was immediately intrigued by Grace and her story. The author slowly reveals her past, piece by piece, letting the reader discover it alongside Crew. It keeps you glued to the pages, wondering what happened to her and how she ended up under her cruel uncle’s control.
Crew and Grace are quite the pair. Both are guarded because of past traumas, which makes their slow-burn romance so delicious. Crew is an excellent leading man—grumpy with everyone except Grace, who is the only one he lets in. When he calls her pet names, my heart completely melted. Honestly, that trope will never get old.
At its core, this book is about escaping past traumas and finding a family of your own. It’s such a heartwarming combination, and I loved seeing Grace finally get the love she deserves after such a tough journey.
And of course, who doesn’t love a hot cowboy story? As someone from the city, I love getting immersed in farm life. And as a liberal reader, it can be hard to find cowboy romances that aren’t overtly sexist—but this one is perfect. Crew and the other ranch hands are all respectful gentlemen, making the setting immersive without the cringe. Even if you usually shy away from cowboy stories, give this one a go!
Thank you, NetGalley and Berkley, for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. I’m honestly honored—I don’t know what I did to deserve four Berkley ARCs this month, but I am so grateful.
February 20, 2026
This book is written the way I want all romance novels to be. The pacing was perfect, there was just enough plot, the descriptions of feeling were SO well done, everything felt super genuine.
What I loved about this is that you really felt like you were reading a book about two people who live and work on a ranch. Grace is tough, Crew is capable, and all the characters are all into the same things I would expect a bunch of ranch hands to be interested in: drinking, jumping into ponds, mudding, horses, etc. The setting descriptions, dialogue, and activities all combined to create an atmosphere that felt authentic and very Texas.
This book is going to be compared to Yellowstone, and from what I have seen of Yellowstone (6 episodes max) the comparison definitely tracks, though this book focuses more on the romance and character growth of Grace than it does on the crime side plot. Which I preferred! Yellowstone was too unsettling for me, so this book was perfect!!
The only thing I have to say about this book is that they fuck in his bed almost exclusively so…boots beneath HIS bed might’ve been a better title. Boots beneath THE bed?
What I loved about this is that you really felt like you were reading a book about two people who live and work on a ranch. Grace is tough, Crew is capable, and all the characters are all into the same things I would expect a bunch of ranch hands to be interested in: drinking, jumping into ponds, mudding, horses, etc. The setting descriptions, dialogue, and activities all combined to create an atmosphere that felt authentic and very Texas.
This book is going to be compared to Yellowstone, and from what I have seen of Yellowstone (6 episodes max) the comparison definitely tracks, though this book focuses more on the romance and character growth of Grace than it does on the crime side plot. Which I preferred! Yellowstone was too unsettling for me, so this book was perfect!!
The only thing I have to say about this book is that they fuck in his bed almost exclusively so…boots beneath HIS bed might’ve been a better title. Boots beneath THE bed?
arc-tbr
February 7, 2026
February 16, 2026
3.5 stars rounded up
This was a solid romance debut. If you’re a fan of cowboy romances with spice, give it a try!
When FMC Grace gets a chance for a fresh start as a horse trainer at a new ranch, she’s eager to get away from her sadistic uncle. She begins working under the supervision of Crew, the son of the ranch owners. Crew is hard to read and suspicious of Grace when she first arrives. As the book goes on, they warm to each other and feelings develop, and they bond over their difficult pasts.
Positives for this book include a strong setting - it definitely feels like a cowboy romance, with plenty of horses, ranch hands, mudding, a hoe down, and ranch chores. The cast of characters are full of personality, and Grace brings a strong, clear perspective to the book. The dialogue between characters felt pretty natural - at times light and funny, and other times deep and heartfelt, I thought the author handled both types of character interactions well.
There are a few things I thought could be improved. The chemistry between Grace and Crew fell a little flat for me - I didn’t get the sense that their personalities matched, more that their attraction was based in physicalities. This also means that when they express their feelings, it doesn’t feel earned by their interactions on page.
Additionally, while the spicy scenes were well-done, I was disappointed that after Grace admitted she had never orgasmed with a partner, every sex scene in the book makes it seem like it’s very easy for her to orgasm. I think that was an opportunity to show Crew to be an extra attentive partner (but instead it felt like he was just magically good at sex). I also didn’t love the way Crew talked about sex around the campfire - his emphasis on meaningful, emotional sex ended up implying judgment against casual sex (I don’t think every reader will have issues with this, but I tend to think of the romance genre as a nonjudgmental space).
Lastly, I think the plot and romance would’ve been stronger if Grace had an opportunity to grow and show some independence. She really goes from one dependent situation (her uncle’s ranch) to her next dependent situation (Halycon ranch) and doesn’t develop much agency in the process. If she had a chance to stand up for herself in a meaningful way, instead of being a bit of a damsel in distress, I think it would’ve made her choice to be with Crew feel more meaningful.
All that said, I think this author shows a lot of promise, and I think her next book will be worth checking out!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for access to this arc. These opinions are my own.
This was a solid romance debut. If you’re a fan of cowboy romances with spice, give it a try!
When FMC Grace gets a chance for a fresh start as a horse trainer at a new ranch, she’s eager to get away from her sadistic uncle. She begins working under the supervision of Crew, the son of the ranch owners. Crew is hard to read and suspicious of Grace when she first arrives. As the book goes on, they warm to each other and feelings develop, and they bond over their difficult pasts.
Positives for this book include a strong setting - it definitely feels like a cowboy romance, with plenty of horses, ranch hands, mudding, a hoe down, and ranch chores. The cast of characters are full of personality, and Grace brings a strong, clear perspective to the book. The dialogue between characters felt pretty natural - at times light and funny, and other times deep and heartfelt, I thought the author handled both types of character interactions well.
There are a few things I thought could be improved. The chemistry between Grace and Crew fell a little flat for me - I didn’t get the sense that their personalities matched, more that their attraction was based in physicalities. This also means that when they express their feelings, it doesn’t feel earned by their interactions on page.
Additionally, while the spicy scenes were well-done, I was disappointed that after Grace admitted she had never orgasmed with a partner, every sex scene in the book makes it seem like it’s very easy for her to orgasm. I think that was an opportunity to show Crew to be an extra attentive partner (but instead it felt like he was just magically good at sex). I also didn’t love the way Crew talked about sex around the campfire - his emphasis on meaningful, emotional sex ended up implying judgment against casual sex (I don’t think every reader will have issues with this, but I tend to think of the romance genre as a nonjudgmental space).
Lastly, I think the plot and romance would’ve been stronger if Grace had an opportunity to grow and show some independence. She really goes from one dependent situation (her uncle’s ranch) to her next dependent situation (Halycon ranch) and doesn’t develop much agency in the process. If she had a chance to stand up for herself in a meaningful way, instead of being a bit of a damsel in distress, I think it would’ve made her choice to be with Crew feel more meaningful.
All that said, I think this author shows a lot of promise, and I think her next book will be worth checking out!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for access to this arc. These opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
This may be my most favorite cowboy romance I have had the pleasure of reading. Boots Beneath Her Bed is a beautifully written story about finding yourself, love, and trust amongst trauma and hardships. It's about trusting that there will be a soft place to land because you are worthy of having one. The tension and yearning were perfectly built, and it leads to one of the most genuine and authentic romantic relationships in romance. It's believable, paced perfectly, and full of emotional depth. Grace not only finds herself, but she finds love, finds home, and finds family.
Grace, our FMC, was perfect. She has struggled through numerous childhood traumas, and it has turned her into a mistrusting, guarded woman. Her doubts and insecurities are believable due to a well-built backstory. Unlike other cowboy romances that seek to make trivial mole-hills into mountains, Esposito made Grace's story pretty bleak and dark. I appreciated that we do get to see Grace's character grow emotionally and finally figure out that she does deserve love, respect, and security. I always found Grace's reaction to things reasonable (barring one specific scene later on in the story) and the drama was captivating.
As for Crew, I think he could have been given more backstory. He is ex-military, and that is pretty much used as the whole reason for his personality. However, that does not feel like enough. I would have gladly taken 100 more pages of this story in order to get more Crew lore and Waylon time. However, this is a post-book reflection and did not take me out of the story as I was enjoying it. It just felt like kind of a missing opportunity to shape him so that when their relationship developed, it was more impactful overall. Regardless of my small gripe, I think he's dreamy. He's not too full of himself, and I cannot wait to see the dynamic between him and Easton.
The spice is so wonderfully written- never cringey. The found family is full of delightful side characters I cannot wait to get more of in future books. Overall, this story is well-rounded and full of fantastic plot points and character development. I just wish there was a little bit more to truly push this to an all-time favorite read. If you're a lover of Elsie Silver or Lyla Sage but want more depth and darkness, Boots Beneath Her Bed has to be on your TBR.
Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion and review.
❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
This may be my most favorite cowboy romance I have had the pleasure of reading. Boots Beneath Her Bed is a beautifully written story about finding yourself, love, and trust amongst trauma and hardships. It's about trusting that there will be a soft place to land because you are worthy of having one. The tension and yearning were perfectly built, and it leads to one of the most genuine and authentic romantic relationships in romance. It's believable, paced perfectly, and full of emotional depth. Grace not only finds herself, but she finds love, finds home, and finds family.
Grace, our FMC, was perfect. She has struggled through numerous childhood traumas, and it has turned her into a mistrusting, guarded woman. Her doubts and insecurities are believable due to a well-built backstory. Unlike other cowboy romances that seek to make trivial mole-hills into mountains, Esposito made Grace's story pretty bleak and dark. I appreciated that we do get to see Grace's character grow emotionally and finally figure out that she does deserve love, respect, and security. I always found Grace's reaction to things reasonable (barring one specific scene later on in the story) and the drama was captivating.
As for Crew, I think he could have been given more backstory. He is ex-military, and that is pretty much used as the whole reason for his personality. However, that does not feel like enough. I would have gladly taken 100 more pages of this story in order to get more Crew lore and Waylon time. However, this is a post-book reflection and did not take me out of the story as I was enjoying it. It just felt like kind of a missing opportunity to shape him so that when their relationship developed, it was more impactful overall. Regardless of my small gripe, I think he's dreamy. He's not too full of himself, and I cannot wait to see the dynamic between him and Easton.
The spice is so wonderfully written- never cringey. The found family is full of delightful side characters I cannot wait to get more of in future books. Overall, this story is well-rounded and full of fantastic plot points and character development. I just wish there was a little bit more to truly push this to an all-time favorite read. If you're a lover of Elsie Silver or Lyla Sage but want more depth and darkness, Boots Beneath Her Bed has to be on your TBR.
Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion and review.
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December 2, 2025I didn’t want Boots Beneath the Bed to end. I adored the characters in this book. Grace reminded me a lot of Waylon. She was resilient, tough, and guarded. The scene where Crew helps her with her shoulder made me think of Grace working with Waylon. It was really rewarding watching her walls come down at Halcyon. Crew was a great book boyfriend. He was so perceptive. I liked his whole vibe and the way he handled the crew. He was patient with Grace and a gentleman. I loved Crew and Grace’s relationship. Their pond scene was 🔥. Everything about their relationship worked: the slow burn, the chemistry, and the banter. The side characters were well-rounded and added a lot to the story. The Caldwell family were great supporting characters. I liked Clint and Renata's relationship. I appreciated how they all rallied for Grace. The Caia POV chapters were a little random, but it was nice seeing her perspective and having her explain Grace’s logic to Crew. It definitely feels like Caia and Easton’s story is being set up (yay!). The Halcyon ranch hands were also fun. They had plenty of funny and wholesome moments. I did notice some writing and scene inconsistencies. A lot happens at the end of the story. It became too much, and the plot started to lose me. It felt like the book needed another round of edits to smooth out some of the inconsistencies. Overall, I enjoyed this book. I really liked the author's writing style and the pacing. I look forward to seeing what she comes up with next. Thank you to Edelweiss and Berkley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group for this gifted ARC!
I have read a lot of cowboy romances recently and I absolutely love them, this one is likely to become a new favorite for me! It felt so different from the usual formula to them, and I was so absorbed into the characters and the story itself. The romance was amazing, the spice was great and not over the top, and the suspenseful plot was perfect.
The main character, Grace, was wonderful. She has gone through so much trauma through her entire life, she was manipulated and taken advantage of by a family member at a time where she just could have used some love. The villain of this story is someone you will truly come to despise for many reasons. The author does a fantastic job of getting you to hate them. But even with all that Grace is still a loving and kind person. She has some massive insecurities and self worth problems, but when you read her backstory you will completely understand. Her strength and perseverance through it all though is inspiring.
The MMC is just perfection, I think I wrote that down several times in my reading journal while reading this book. He is strong, but also has his own vulnerable moments that show that he can relate and empathize with Grace when needed. They balance each other so well and he is just a wonderful love interest.
This story has some massive found family aspects to it, it's one of my favorite tropes in a book so I absolutely loved it. That feeling of belonging is just something everyone wants and needs. It was just done so well and you will love so many of the side characters in this world. I love that this book is also set up to have spin offs of some of the characters. I think it's going to be a wonderful little universe! This releases April 21st!
*This ARC was given by Berkley Publishing Group through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.*
I have read a lot of cowboy romances recently and I absolutely love them, this one is likely to become a new favorite for me! It felt so different from the usual formula to them, and I was so absorbed into the characters and the story itself. The romance was amazing, the spice was great and not over the top, and the suspenseful plot was perfect.
The main character, Grace, was wonderful. She has gone through so much trauma through her entire life, she was manipulated and taken advantage of by a family member at a time where she just could have used some love. The villain of this story is someone you will truly come to despise for many reasons. The author does a fantastic job of getting you to hate them. But even with all that Grace is still a loving and kind person. She has some massive insecurities and self worth problems, but when you read her backstory you will completely understand. Her strength and perseverance through it all though is inspiring.
The MMC is just perfection, I think I wrote that down several times in my reading journal while reading this book. He is strong, but also has his own vulnerable moments that show that he can relate and empathize with Grace when needed. They balance each other so well and he is just a wonderful love interest.
This story has some massive found family aspects to it, it's one of my favorite tropes in a book so I absolutely loved it. That feeling of belonging is just something everyone wants and needs. It was just done so well and you will love so many of the side characters in this world. I love that this book is also set up to have spin offs of some of the characters. I think it's going to be a wonderful little universe! This releases April 21st!
*This ARC was given by Berkley Publishing Group through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.*
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Cowboys for the contemporary romance readers!
I binged the first 70% because I had to know what would happen to Grace. She escapes a truly horrendous upbringing and finds what feels like a miraculous haven at Halcyon Ranch. The contrast between her uncle’s nefarious schemes and the wealth, order, and professionalism of the Griffith family is extreme. Grace is constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop, convinced it’s all too good to be true—and I felt that tension in my gut. I couldn’t put the book down until I knew Grace was safe enough to leave in Crew’s care.
By that point, the quiet connection between this scrappy cowgirl and the Griffith heir was completely intertwined. They fall in love slowly, through so many small moments, and I was fully invested. “Small” doesn’t mean boring, though—their time together is also incredibly fun. Think bar brawls, bunkhouse chaos, a proper hoe-down, and camping out with the herd.
Crew comes from old money and runs his mother’s massive ranch with precision. The scale and splendor immediately reminded me of “Yellowstone” (TV), but he’s not the stereotypical grumpy foreman. I loved how Grace describes him as hot and cold—never fully stern without slipping in a smirk or a chuckle. His mother, Renata, is equally unforgettable: powerful, charismatic, and giving major Angela-from-“Landman” (TV) energy. When Grace’s past comes back to haunt her, this mother-son duo proves they are absolutely not to be messed with.
For readers who’ve been curious about cowboy romance but prefer contemporary stories over rom-com vibes, this is the perfect place to start.
I binged the first 70% because I had to know what would happen to Grace. She escapes a truly horrendous upbringing and finds what feels like a miraculous haven at Halcyon Ranch. The contrast between her uncle’s nefarious schemes and the wealth, order, and professionalism of the Griffith family is extreme. Grace is constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop, convinced it’s all too good to be true—and I felt that tension in my gut. I couldn’t put the book down until I knew Grace was safe enough to leave in Crew’s care.
By that point, the quiet connection between this scrappy cowgirl and the Griffith heir was completely intertwined. They fall in love slowly, through so many small moments, and I was fully invested. “Small” doesn’t mean boring, though—their time together is also incredibly fun. Think bar brawls, bunkhouse chaos, a proper hoe-down, and camping out with the herd.
Crew comes from old money and runs his mother’s massive ranch with precision. The scale and splendor immediately reminded me of “Yellowstone” (TV), but he’s not the stereotypical grumpy foreman. I loved how Grace describes him as hot and cold—never fully stern without slipping in a smirk or a chuckle. His mother, Renata, is equally unforgettable: powerful, charismatic, and giving major Angela-from-“Landman” (TV) energy. When Grace’s past comes back to haunt her, this mother-son duo proves they are absolutely not to be messed with.
For readers who’ve been curious about cowboy romance but prefer contemporary stories over rom-com vibes, this is the perfect place to start.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Esposito establishes herself as a new voice in contemporary romance with her bingeable debut, 𝘉𝘰𝘰𝘵𝘴 𝘉𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩 𝘏𝘦𝘳 𝘉𝘦𝘥.
I hadn't read cowboy romance prior to being sent a copy of this book as part of the Berkley Romance influencer program, but I'm so glad I tried something I wouldn't have otherwise gravitated toward!
𝘉𝘰𝘰𝘵𝘴 𝘉𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩 𝘏𝘦𝘳 𝘉𝘦𝘥 has a great ranch atmosphere with horses, hoedowns, and mudding. Despite her traumatic past, the protagonist, Grace, is fierce and resourceful, and I admired her strength. I was heavily invested in her horse training progress! Her love interest and ranch foreman, Crew, is mysterious, displaying a rough exterior that conceals his gentle side. The bond that forms between the couple is deep, powerful, and touching. I adored the side characters and wonderfully penned found family trope!
I enjoyed the storytelling conveyed through third person. There's a great deal of darkness and character struggles, but there's also yearning and themes of hope to balance the emotional impact. The pacing was a bit slow to start but quickly picked up the pace; I couldn't put this one down! Once the characters admit feelings, it was heavily focused on their intimacy for several chapters before the plot advanced again.
I'm so excited to recommend this debut! 𝘉𝘰𝘰𝘵𝘴 𝘉𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩 𝘏𝘦𝘳 𝘉𝘦𝘥 is a must-read for avid romance readers. With such a stunning cover design, how could you not want to read it?
Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the advance reading copy!
I hadn't read cowboy romance prior to being sent a copy of this book as part of the Berkley Romance influencer program, but I'm so glad I tried something I wouldn't have otherwise gravitated toward!
𝘉𝘰𝘰𝘵𝘴 𝘉𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩 𝘏𝘦𝘳 𝘉𝘦𝘥 has a great ranch atmosphere with horses, hoedowns, and mudding. Despite her traumatic past, the protagonist, Grace, is fierce and resourceful, and I admired her strength. I was heavily invested in her horse training progress! Her love interest and ranch foreman, Crew, is mysterious, displaying a rough exterior that conceals his gentle side. The bond that forms between the couple is deep, powerful, and touching. I adored the side characters and wonderfully penned found family trope!
I enjoyed the storytelling conveyed through third person. There's a great deal of darkness and character struggles, but there's also yearning and themes of hope to balance the emotional impact. The pacing was a bit slow to start but quickly picked up the pace; I couldn't put this one down! Once the characters admit feelings, it was heavily focused on their intimacy for several chapters before the plot advanced again.
I'm so excited to recommend this debut! 𝘉𝘰𝘰𝘵𝘴 𝘉𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩 𝘏𝘦𝘳 𝘉𝘦𝘥 is a must-read for avid romance readers. With such a stunning cover design, how could you not want to read it?
Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the advance reading copy!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
"It didn't feel like home until you got here. No one else knows that."
Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.💫
Spice: 🌶️
After years of working as a ranch hand for her abusive uncle, Grace finally gathers the courage to walk away. Despite unable to find work because of his influence, she is scooped up by the owner of Halcyon Ranch, Renata Caldwell, only to wind under the scrutiny of her boss's son (and the foreman) Crew. As sparks slowly start to alight, Grace finds herself toeing the line of the life she's only ever dreamed of having, and the dark past that seems to follow her.
This was such a beautiful and emotional debut. Grace begins this story so battered after years until Bellamy's thumb, and it's so heartbreaking to see. I loved the bits of connection between her and Waylon as she trains him, how she slowly starts to trust the other hands on the farm just as Waylon is learning to trust her. And Crew - he begins so protective of his family and SO gruff but seeing the way he softens had my heart. The way they circle each other will definitely keep you reading, along with the way Grace's past haunts her like a shadow, I couldn't stop reading.
Yes - this is a love story, but the love in it truly extends into every form. I loved the romance that blooms between Grace and Crew, but the love the Caldwell family have for themselves and others had my heart aching. The moments where they banded together to protect Grace (along with the other ranch hands) was so powerful - truly a found family in every aspect and Esposito does such an excellent job making you feel it with every word. I definitely spent the last quarter of the book so choked up! This was such a great read.
If you love a cowboy romance that is all about people allowing themselves to be vulnerable, and learning to accept the love they deserve despite all the hardships of life, then you are going to devour this. 💖
Tropes & Tags:
🐴 grumpy x guarded
🏜️ western/cowboy romance
🤎 he calls her sweetheart
🐴 hurt x comfort
🏜️ he washes her hair
🤎 suspense plot
🐴 found family
[I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review, thank you so much Taylor Esposito, NetGalley, and Berkley Publishing Group! 📖]
Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.💫
Spice: 🌶️
After years of working as a ranch hand for her abusive uncle, Grace finally gathers the courage to walk away. Despite unable to find work because of his influence, she is scooped up by the owner of Halcyon Ranch, Renata Caldwell, only to wind under the scrutiny of her boss's son (and the foreman) Crew. As sparks slowly start to alight, Grace finds herself toeing the line of the life she's only ever dreamed of having, and the dark past that seems to follow her.
This was such a beautiful and emotional debut. Grace begins this story so battered after years until Bellamy's thumb, and it's so heartbreaking to see. I loved the bits of connection between her and Waylon as she trains him, how she slowly starts to trust the other hands on the farm just as Waylon is learning to trust her. And Crew - he begins so protective of his family and SO gruff but seeing the way he softens had my heart. The way they circle each other will definitely keep you reading, along with the way Grace's past haunts her like a shadow, I couldn't stop reading.
Yes - this is a love story, but the love in it truly extends into every form. I loved the romance that blooms between Grace and Crew, but the love the Caldwell family have for themselves and others had my heart aching. The moments where they banded together to protect Grace (along with the other ranch hands) was so powerful - truly a found family in every aspect and Esposito does such an excellent job making you feel it with every word. I definitely spent the last quarter of the book so choked up! This was such a great read.
If you love a cowboy romance that is all about people allowing themselves to be vulnerable, and learning to accept the love they deserve despite all the hardships of life, then you are going to devour this. 💖
Tropes & Tags:
🐴 grumpy x guarded
🏜️ western/cowboy romance
🤎 he calls her sweetheart
🐴 hurt x comfort
🏜️ he washes her hair
🤎 suspense plot
🐴 found family
[I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review, thank you so much Taylor Esposito, NetGalley, and Berkley Publishing Group! 📖]
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Grace doesn’t walk onto Halcyon Ranch believing she’s found safety. She walks in braced for impact. Every kindness feels temporary. Every warm moment feels like something that could be ripped away.
And that underlying fear changes the way you read this story.
Because this isn’t just about a cowboy falling in love. It’s about a woman who has never been allowed to rest. Watching her slowly lower her guard, inch by inch, felt intimate in a way that surprised me.
Crew could have easily been written as the typical powerful ranch heir. Instead, he feels measured. Observant. Protective in a quiet, deliberate way. He doesn’t swoop. He steadies. And the way he begins to see Grace, not as someone fragile but as someone strong.
The ranch itself almost becomes a character. The scale, the legacy, the expectation. It has that larger than life western presence, but the emotional center of the story stays grounded in small moments. Shared looks. Training sessions. The slow unraveling of walls built out of survival..
What stayed with me most was the way this book explores safety. The kind you build day by day until you realize you are no longer waiting for disaster.
By the final chapters, I wasn’t turning pages for drama. I was turning them because I needed to see Grace finally choose a life where she isn’t just surviving.
If you love cowboy romance that leans into healing, legacy, and found family without losing its grit, this one settles deep.
Thank you so much to Berkley, NetGalley, and Taylor Esposito for this e-arc in exchange for my honest review.
And that underlying fear changes the way you read this story.
Because this isn’t just about a cowboy falling in love. It’s about a woman who has never been allowed to rest. Watching her slowly lower her guard, inch by inch, felt intimate in a way that surprised me.
Crew could have easily been written as the typical powerful ranch heir. Instead, he feels measured. Observant. Protective in a quiet, deliberate way. He doesn’t swoop. He steadies. And the way he begins to see Grace, not as someone fragile but as someone strong.
The ranch itself almost becomes a character. The scale, the legacy, the expectation. It has that larger than life western presence, but the emotional center of the story stays grounded in small moments. Shared looks. Training sessions. The slow unraveling of walls built out of survival..
What stayed with me most was the way this book explores safety. The kind you build day by day until you realize you are no longer waiting for disaster.
By the final chapters, I wasn’t turning pages for drama. I was turning them because I needed to see Grace finally choose a life where she isn’t just surviving.
If you love cowboy romance that leans into healing, legacy, and found family without losing its grit, this one settles deep.
Thank you so much to Berkley, NetGalley, and Taylor Esposito for this e-arc in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Oh man, this one was a tough read for me.
It started off as a single POV, and the epilogue was great, but the story began to feel monotonous as it went on. It definitely gave Yellowstone vibes at some points, but the story eventually started to fall flat.
There wasn’t much depth to the MMC’s background beyond the repeated mentions of his two tours in Afghanistan and the idea that ranch life was becoming his identity. The FMC, meanwhile, was constantly on edge feeling like she didn’t fit in while harboring a secret that could implode her life.
It wasn’t until around the 70% mark that something significant finally happened, and we even got an additional POV chapter (though not the MMC’s). By then, everything seemed to fall into place a little too conveniently, so much so that some characters felt out of character, especially the broody MMC, who came across as juvenile not only in his actions but also in his dialogue. The conclusion wrapped up far too neatly.
The FMC remained a damsel in distress throughout the entire story. I kept waiting for her BAMF breakthrough 💥, but it never came.
I wanted to thank Netgalley for this ARC
It started off as a single POV, and the epilogue was great, but the story began to feel monotonous as it went on. It definitely gave Yellowstone vibes at some points, but the story eventually started to fall flat.
There wasn’t much depth to the MMC’s background beyond the repeated mentions of his two tours in Afghanistan and the idea that ranch life was becoming his identity. The FMC, meanwhile, was constantly on edge feeling like she didn’t fit in while harboring a secret that could implode her life.
It wasn’t until around the 70% mark that something significant finally happened, and we even got an additional POV chapter (though not the MMC’s). By then, everything seemed to fall into place a little too conveniently, so much so that some characters felt out of character, especially the broody MMC, who came across as juvenile not only in his actions but also in his dialogue. The conclusion wrapped up far too neatly.
The FMC remained a damsel in distress throughout the entire story. I kept waiting for her BAMF breakthrough 💥, but it never came.
I wanted to thank Netgalley for this ARC
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you so much Berkley Romance & NetGalley for allowing me to read this debut and one of my most anticipated releases of 2025!
I really loved this one, and honestly? I’m already seated for the rest of this series. 🤠✨ I live for cowboy romances that don’t just slap a ranch setting on the cover and call it a day and this absolutely delivers. We get deep into the nitty-gritty of ranch life, from daily routines to horse training, and those details made everything feel so immersive and real. Grace’s journey of rebuilding her life hit hard, and the slow-burn tension with Crew? Chef’s kiss.
My only small downside is that it’s written in third-person POV. I usually prefer first-person, and I would’ve loved to be fully inside Grace’s head and Crew’s too especially during those emotionally charged moments. Still, that didn’t stop me from devouring this story. If you love grounded, steamy cowboy romances with heart, found family vibes, and a strong sense of place, this one is absolutely worth picking up.
I really loved this one, and honestly? I’m already seated for the rest of this series. 🤠✨ I live for cowboy romances that don’t just slap a ranch setting on the cover and call it a day and this absolutely delivers. We get deep into the nitty-gritty of ranch life, from daily routines to horse training, and those details made everything feel so immersive and real. Grace’s journey of rebuilding her life hit hard, and the slow-burn tension with Crew? Chef’s kiss.
My only small downside is that it’s written in third-person POV. I usually prefer first-person, and I would’ve loved to be fully inside Grace’s head and Crew’s too especially during those emotionally charged moments. Still, that didn’t stop me from devouring this story. If you love grounded, steamy cowboy romances with heart, found family vibes, and a strong sense of place, this one is absolutely worth picking up.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
It was a really good ranch/cowboy romance! I loved how the author depicted the ranch life. This story had a found family life that I really liked. This story is very emotional. Grace has been “rescued” by her uncle from a bad situation, but he is using blackmail to keep her at his ranch. Grace’s uncle is the worst. Grace founds the courage to leave and Renata Caldwell, owner of the Halcyon ranch offers her a job.
Grace’s and Crew’s relationship is a slow burn and it was very satisfying to see their growth and how they were able to build trust. Grace’s secret was very shocking and I really felt for her.
The romance wasn’t just attraction, it was based on trust and mutual understanding.
I really liked the world that the author created, Halcyon ranch now has a part in my heart and I cannot wait to read more ! Caia and Easton story really intrigues me and I can’t wait to read more !
Readers who love cowboy/ranch romances won’t be disappointed with this book ! It’s a must read !
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an arc of this book, opinions are my own.
Grace’s and Crew’s relationship is a slow burn and it was very satisfying to see their growth and how they were able to build trust. Grace’s secret was very shocking and I really felt for her.
The romance wasn’t just attraction, it was based on trust and mutual understanding.
I really liked the world that the author created, Halcyon ranch now has a part in my heart and I cannot wait to read more ! Caia and Easton story really intrigues me and I can’t wait to read more !
Readers who love cowboy/ranch romances won’t be disappointed with this book ! It’s a must read !
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an arc of this book, opinions are my own.
November 24, 2025
Grace has been alone for a long time; her only living relative, her uncle, is a piece of shit that is not only abusive but he is blackmailing her into staying on his ranch. When somethings happens that Grace can't ignore, she flees and hopes that she can stay off her uncle's radar.
She is soon offered a job breaking horses at a large ranch, run by the infamous Caldwell family. When Grace meets Crew Caldwell, her new boss, sparks fly; but neither of them is sure they should pursue these feelings. But when Grace's uncle shows up, Crew & Grace must face him together to stay together and protect the only place that Grace has felt at home.
Esposito has written a romance that is both spicy and healing, something not every writer can do. Excited to see if she returns to this world to tell the stories of the other Caldwell children.
Thanks to Berkley for the ARC!
She is soon offered a job breaking horses at a large ranch, run by the infamous Caldwell family. When Grace meets Crew Caldwell, her new boss, sparks fly; but neither of them is sure they should pursue these feelings. But when Grace's uncle shows up, Crew & Grace must face him together to stay together and protect the only place that Grace has felt at home.
Esposito has written a romance that is both spicy and healing, something not every writer can do. Excited to see if she returns to this world to tell the stories of the other Caldwell children.
Thanks to Berkley for the ARC!
February 1, 2026
Boots Beneath Her Bed is a swoony slow burn romance with a lovable cast of characters, some dark any mysterious pasts, and a heartwarming story of found family.
I appreciate the higher stakes and drama of this story, from the jump you want to root for and protect Grace from her uncles abuse but the story also leaves you wondering what else she’s running from.
Crew’s quiet stoicism is refreshing and sets him apart from most cowboy romance MMCs who tend to be brash, showy charmers. The chemistry between our main characters is so believable and has a softness that is so sweet to watch play out. We got some spice without it overshadowing the story which I really appreciated.
I hope there’s another book to follow because I would love to read more about the other Caldwell siblings and revisit the ranch!
I appreciate the higher stakes and drama of this story, from the jump you want to root for and protect Grace from her uncles abuse but the story also leaves you wondering what else she’s running from.
Crew’s quiet stoicism is refreshing and sets him apart from most cowboy romance MMCs who tend to be brash, showy charmers. The chemistry between our main characters is so believable and has a softness that is so sweet to watch play out. We got some spice without it overshadowing the story which I really appreciated.
I hope there’s another book to follow because I would love to read more about the other Caldwell siblings and revisit the ranch!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Did this book start off strong?… No. Did I find the tone of the book dull?… Yes. Did I feel a connection between the two MMCs… Not really. I would have wished there was a POV from the MMCs perspective but was left disappointed when it was someone else. Yes it is told in 3 PPOV but so wished I could read what the MMC was thinking. Now don’t get me wrong, the plot had potential but the way it was executed wasn’t my cup of tea. The pacing and tone was what really threw me off and I just wanted to be done with the book. In the end I would have wished the FMC was left to still be a damsel in distress but it is what it is. Thank you NetGalley and Berkeley Publishing for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks t0 Berkley Romance for the ARC of this one! I really enjoyed this debut cowboy romance! The book follows Grace, a horse trainer who is living with a dark secret surrounding her parents death. When she finally gets the courage to leave her old life, and most importantly her abusive uncle behind, she winds up taking a job at one of the biggest horse ranches in Texas. She immediately buts heads with the foreman of the ranch, who is also the owner's son. As she tries to successfully break a wild horse, they strike a tentative truce and realize that maybe they like each other more than they thought. This book was well written and I enjoyed it over all. The pace was just a tad too slow for me but the romance and spice was great! I will be looking forward to more from Esposito in the future!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I always enjoy a good cowboy romance and this was a good one. Usually the tortured character in a pairing tends to be the guy so I liked it being Grace instead. She was incredibly sympathetic and I loved her relationship with Crew.
Thanks as always to NetGalley for the ARC.
Thanks as always to NetGalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy
2.5
February 15, 2026
My new favorite cowboy romance
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