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Willow Ridge #3
One Last Rodeo
Sawyer Nash was born to fight—first against the demons of his past, then against the bulls that made him a champion. But when an injury rips away the only life he’s ever known, he finds himself lost, drowning in a future without purpose. Then Honey Goldman comes back to town.
A decade ago, she shattered his heart and left him swearing off love. Now she’s returned to Willow Ridge with her son… As Sawyer begrudgingly steps in to help the boy, old wounds reopen, and long-buried feelings rise to the surface.
As Sawyer and Honey grapple with the past could love—the very thing Sawyer has spent years avoiding—be the thing that saves him after all.
A decade ago, she shattered his heart and left him swearing off love. Now she’s returned to Willow Ridge with her son… As Sawyer begrudgingly steps in to help the boy, old wounds reopen, and long-buried feelings rise to the surface.
As Sawyer and Honey grapple with the past could love—the very thing Sawyer has spent years avoiding—be the thing that saves him after all.
376 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 2, 2026
About the author
Emma Lucy
5 books396 followersEmma Lucy is a romance author based in London who loves writing books that will make you swoon, blush, and hopefully learn to believe in yourself a little more. When she’s not writing, she’s usually reading, listening to whatever new country music artist she’s obsessed with, or trying to convince her boyfriend to go to a bookstore with her. Live, Ranch, Love is Emma’s debut novel. You can find her on Instagram and TikTok at @emmalucyauthor.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A beautiful story full of emotion and heart, it kept me on the verge of crying at all times. I was in a constant state of anxiety, but the kind of anxiety that comes with caring too much about the characters. Books that make me feel so deeply will always have my heart!!
Sawyer and Honey became friends their senior year of high school. Connected by their scars, their fears, their bond was deep and impactful, but Honey left.. Nine years later, she's back with her son and a chance encounter has them reconnecting again. A burst pipe and a flooded apartment takes Honey and her son Noah to Sawyer's ranch as he recovers from an injury. Stuck living together, Sawyer bonding with Noah and their past love catching up with them.. Can they have a second chance or was their love never meant to be?
Sawyer, I loved that man to pieces, it broke my heart the way he viewed himself, all the scars, the demons, the insecurity, the fear.. He deserves all the good things, the moments when he felt like he was a part of the family made me incredibly emotional and every time he doubted himself, I might have teared up a little. He was an amazing man and his bond with Noah was delightful, the way he saw that boy and helped him!!
Honey was such a great mom, she did everything for Noah. She had scars too and I adored the way Sawyer made sure she was taken care of, that she was safe. I did kind of hated the fact she broke his heart, more than once, but I get it, it's not easy to stay when you never really knew love. She helped heal his broken pieces, just as he did hers.
Their story wasn't easy, but it was always real. The flashbacks we got were perfectly incorporated, all the important moments and the friendship, it deepened their connection. The concealer, the tutor sessions, Hart and Stetson, the bleachers, the shower, the understanding and the support, the prom and the stars, the firsts and the pain.. All their moments later, the forced proximity, the blue, Trixie and Kentucky, the drawings, the warm milk, the bar, the steam, the pajamas, all the golden moments and the flowers in the darkness. Their fresh start didn't came effortlessly, it was full of uncertainty on both sides. They were fearful at certain points, afraid to have a real discussion and it made my heart hurt. They both deserve the world, they made each other feel free, lighter and gave one another strength, it's what made their story so special!!
The third act conflict, while unwelcomed, was expected. I knew something like that would happen and it did, ultimately, made sense. It was needed.
I really grew to absolutely love this series, I adore this small town and the friend group. I, also, absolutely loved Noah and it made me so happy watching him grow more confident.
I have to say that Emma's writing really improved since book one. Book two and this one, especially, were so good. I honestly can't wait to read more!!!
*Thank you to Netgalley and to HarperCollins UK for providing me with an ARC.*
Sawyer and Honey became friends their senior year of high school. Connected by their scars, their fears, their bond was deep and impactful, but Honey left.. Nine years later, she's back with her son and a chance encounter has them reconnecting again. A burst pipe and a flooded apartment takes Honey and her son Noah to Sawyer's ranch as he recovers from an injury. Stuck living together, Sawyer bonding with Noah and their past love catching up with them.. Can they have a second chance or was their love never meant to be?
Sawyer, I loved that man to pieces, it broke my heart the way he viewed himself, all the scars, the demons, the insecurity, the fear.. He deserves all the good things, the moments when he felt like he was a part of the family made me incredibly emotional and every time he doubted himself, I might have teared up a little. He was an amazing man and his bond with Noah was delightful, the way he saw that boy and helped him!!
Honey was such a great mom, she did everything for Noah. She had scars too and I adored the way Sawyer made sure she was taken care of, that she was safe. I did kind of hated the fact she broke his heart, more than once, but I get it, it's not easy to stay when you never really knew love. She helped heal his broken pieces, just as he did hers.
Their story wasn't easy, but it was always real. The flashbacks we got were perfectly incorporated, all the important moments and the friendship, it deepened their connection. The concealer, the tutor sessions, Hart and Stetson, the bleachers, the shower, the understanding and the support, the prom and the stars, the firsts and the pain.. All their moments later, the forced proximity, the blue, Trixie and Kentucky, the drawings, the warm milk, the bar, the steam, the pajamas, all the golden moments and the flowers in the darkness. Their fresh start didn't came effortlessly, it was full of uncertainty on both sides. They were fearful at certain points, afraid to have a real discussion and it made my heart hurt. They both deserve the world, they made each other feel free, lighter and gave one another strength, it's what made their story so special!!
The third act conflict, while unwelcomed, was expected. I knew something like that would happen and it did, ultimately, made sense. It was needed.
I really grew to absolutely love this series, I adore this small town and the friend group. I, also, absolutely loved Noah and it made me so happy watching him grow more confident.
I have to say that Emma's writing really improved since book one. Book two and this one, especially, were so good. I honestly can't wait to read more!!!
*Thank you to Netgalley and to HarperCollins UK for providing me with an ARC.*
July 10, 2026
[rtc] this was so fkn cute i loved this so so much! also save a horse ride a cowboy
April 26, 2026
Thanks @harpercollinsuk @netgalley and @emmalucyauthor for this ARC.
I’ve been waiting for this book since the first one in the series and it didn’t disappoint. I finished it in a day because Emma’s writing is fluid and immersive. Every word resonated strongly in my veins and my stomach clenched at the flashbacks. I’m not usually a fan of second chances but this one was filled with tenderness, unspoken words and anger too.
I knew I would like Sawyer’s story but I didn’t think it would be so intense. Sawyer is the kind of funny, playboy character in the previous books. He’s always been my favorite, whether he was a teenager or an adult. But he has many scars: he thinks he doesn’t deserve to be loved and ends up hurting everyone. Yet he survived and no matter how hard he has been knocked down, he still has one of the purest souls. Honey, I just wanted to hug her and tell her she’s a wonderful mother to her son and that everything will be alright. Despite her past and her doubts, she remained sweet and tender. I could see parts of myself in her when she talked about how difficult it is to make friends and it touched me to see her blossom at Willow Ridge. She found the love she never got before.
Their relationship made me cry because they’ve both been through such difficult things (tw) that only they can understand. Even after nine years, they’re inevitably drawn to each other because you never forget the first person who really saw you, listened to you and cared deeply for you.
How can I not mention Noah that adorable little guy? He was so shy at first but he found a friend and confidant in Sawyer. Seeing him have fun, talk and open up more and more throughout my reading was so precious.
This book is for all those who think that love is nothing but pain and broken promises before finding a place to belong.
I’ve been waiting for this book since the first one in the series and it didn’t disappoint. I finished it in a day because Emma’s writing is fluid and immersive. Every word resonated strongly in my veins and my stomach clenched at the flashbacks. I’m not usually a fan of second chances but this one was filled with tenderness, unspoken words and anger too.
I knew I would like Sawyer’s story but I didn’t think it would be so intense. Sawyer is the kind of funny, playboy character in the previous books. He’s always been my favorite, whether he was a teenager or an adult. But he has many scars: he thinks he doesn’t deserve to be loved and ends up hurting everyone. Yet he survived and no matter how hard he has been knocked down, he still has one of the purest souls. Honey, I just wanted to hug her and tell her she’s a wonderful mother to her son and that everything will be alright. Despite her past and her doubts, she remained sweet and tender. I could see parts of myself in her when she talked about how difficult it is to make friends and it touched me to see her blossom at Willow Ridge. She found the love she never got before.
Their relationship made me cry because they’ve both been through such difficult things (tw) that only they can understand. Even after nine years, they’re inevitably drawn to each other because you never forget the first person who really saw you, listened to you and cared deeply for you.
How can I not mention Noah that adorable little guy? He was so shy at first but he found a friend and confidant in Sawyer. Seeing him have fun, talk and open up more and more throughout my reading was so precious.
This book is for all those who think that love is nothing but pain and broken promises before finding a place to belong.
Read
April 24, 2026Odio cuando el protagonista tiene alguna escena sexual con otra y la protagonista no. Debería ser parejo. Es mi única queja.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I want to begin by thanking NetGalley and Harper Collins for the ARC of One Last Rodeo in exchange for an honest review.
I opened this book without knowing it would become a new part of my heart. It healed me just as much as it broke my heart. It has many emotionally difficult subjects, and Emma did it so well.
This story is for the hopeless believers who think that even in the darkest moments, flowers can still bloom. For all the twisted thoughts telling you that you will never be loved, people teach you love is only painful, there will still be someone for you in this universe at the right time, in the place you belong.
I never thought Sawyer and Honey would touch my soul so deeply and immediately. From the first page, I suffered, cried, laughed, and hoped for them— for the life they both deserve. I couldn’t be prouder or happier with their evolution. It wasn’t too slow or too fast, just the perfect timing and the right person. Their chemistry exceeded my expectations. I felt their connection and their souls craving each other.
Their story couldn’t be more real, honest, and beautiful. All the tears, pain, laughter, and tender moments were worth it. I enjoyed every second with them, and they will always have a place in my heart.
I will never forget this place, this small town, this ranch, and this perfect family— their own beautiful healing place.
Noah, this sweet boy, was the cherry on top. I can’t be more obsessed with the three of them. And until the last sentence, all my hopes and love were poured into their story.
Noah, Honey, and Sawyer have their own story and scars, but they couldn’t be more perfect and safe together.
Thank you Emma from the bottom of my heart for this story, because it’s exactly for what I love so much reading.
Please be careful of the trigger warnings. ❤️🩹
🩵/5
I opened this book without knowing it would become a new part of my heart. It healed me just as much as it broke my heart. It has many emotionally difficult subjects, and Emma did it so well.
This story is for the hopeless believers who think that even in the darkest moments, flowers can still bloom. For all the twisted thoughts telling you that you will never be loved, people teach you love is only painful, there will still be someone for you in this universe at the right time, in the place you belong.
I never thought Sawyer and Honey would touch my soul so deeply and immediately. From the first page, I suffered, cried, laughed, and hoped for them— for the life they both deserve. I couldn’t be prouder or happier with their evolution. It wasn’t too slow or too fast, just the perfect timing and the right person. Their chemistry exceeded my expectations. I felt their connection and their souls craving each other.
Their story couldn’t be more real, honest, and beautiful. All the tears, pain, laughter, and tender moments were worth it. I enjoyed every second with them, and they will always have a place in my heart.
I will never forget this place, this small town, this ranch, and this perfect family— their own beautiful healing place.
Noah, this sweet boy, was the cherry on top. I can’t be more obsessed with the three of them. And until the last sentence, all my hopes and love were poured into their story.
Noah, Honey, and Sawyer have their own story and scars, but they couldn’t be more perfect and safe together.
Thank you Emma from the bottom of my heart for this story, because it’s exactly for what I love so much reading.
Please be careful of the trigger warnings. ❤️🩹
🩵/5
April 26, 2026
I think this was my favourite of the series and the best written. In the previous 2 books I had issues with plot holes but this one felt much improved and like the writing had a bit more depth which I enjoyed.
Single mom Honey and her son Noah are back in willow ridge and bump into bull rider Sawyer who Noah idolises. Sawyer is back home on his deceased father’s ranch recovering from an injury. What nobody else knows is that 9 years ago Honey and Sawyer bonded over their horrific home lives and grew close, which broke him when she then left.
I really liked how the flashbacks were done- the balance between them and the present day was great and worked really well, enough to give you the full story of their past without constantly feeling like you were back in that story and not the present. The author writes very sensitively about their childhoods and everything they’re both subject to, and shows beautifully how this deepens their bond and helps them both feel like maybe they’re not completely alone in the world.
Noah is a great side character and it was lovely to see him and Sawyer build such a close relationship too.
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for this ARC.
Single mom Honey and her son Noah are back in willow ridge and bump into bull rider Sawyer who Noah idolises. Sawyer is back home on his deceased father’s ranch recovering from an injury. What nobody else knows is that 9 years ago Honey and Sawyer bonded over their horrific home lives and grew close, which broke him when she then left.
I really liked how the flashbacks were done- the balance between them and the present day was great and worked really well, enough to give you the full story of their past without constantly feeling like you were back in that story and not the present. The author writes very sensitively about their childhoods and everything they’re both subject to, and shows beautifully how this deepens their bond and helps them both feel like maybe they’re not completely alone in the world.
Noah is a great side character and it was lovely to see him and Sawyer build such a close relationship too.
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for this ARC.
July 2, 2026
huge thank you to Emma Lucy for an arc of her third book!! I absolutely LOVED Sawyer and Honey’s love story and couldn’t get enough of them! a cowboy romance always gets me, but this book in particular also featured so many of my other favorite tropes and so I was laughing, smiling, crying and saying “aw” outloud the entire time i was reading. can’t recommend this book enough and it’s going to be available so soon!
June 18, 2026
There is no doubt in my mind Sawyer and Honey’s book is my favourite in the entire series, I have adored the other two but the emotion and depth in Emma’s writing for these amazing characters has my entire heart. It was so so beautiful, I truly felt so much love for these characters all I wanted was to help them heal, the anxiety I felt with each flashback made my stomach clench in worry. I felt truly connected to them both, the way they both suffered but they understood one another and how to help heal each others broken parts in a way no one else understood, even if some of the healing took 9 years to complete.
I loved Noah, each scene you saw him grow into himself and I loved how much of a big part Sawyer played in this. I also loved Honey’s mum May although a side character I felt she added a lot to the story especially in helping Honey see a different perspective at times to understanding how Sawyer may be feeling.
This book was truly made for the people who have experienced trauma when all they have wanted is a safe place and to truly feel and experience love, scars and all.
“Your scars don’t make you weak- if anything, they just show how many times you’ve stood up to fear and survived”
“I ain’t ever felt freedom like I do with you”
Thank you so much Emma and Harper Collins for my ARC copy 💛
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 27, 2026
"Just so you know, Blue. I ain't ever felt freedom like I do with you." 🩵
If you love a filthy talking cowboy who's been yearning for the girl who broke his heart since they were teens, then Sawyer Nash is about to become your newest obsession 😮💨
Sawyer and Honey's connection felt so raw, tender and real that I couldn't help but fall in love with them. Noah who completely stole my heart. The moment he called Sawyer "Dad" I was an emotional mess 🥹
This book had me giggling, kicking my feet, and tearing up all at once. Did I forget to mention there's a cow that plays fetch? 🤭
Hands down my favourite book in the series!
Thankyou Emma Lucy and Netgalley for this ARC 🫶
If you love a filthy talking cowboy who's been yearning for the girl who broke his heart since they were teens, then Sawyer Nash is about to become your newest obsession 😮💨
Sawyer and Honey's connection felt so raw, tender and real that I couldn't help but fall in love with them. Noah who completely stole my heart. The moment he called Sawyer "Dad" I was an emotional mess 🥹
This book had me giggling, kicking my feet, and tearing up all at once. Did I forget to mention there's a cow that plays fetch? 🤭
Hands down my favourite book in the series!
Thankyou Emma Lucy and Netgalley for this ARC 🫶
July 4, 2026
Another stellar book from Emma Lucy! God anyone else head over heels for Sawyer! I really enjoyed this one, it was a super easy read and I was rooting for him and Honey from the start. I loved their relationship and the flashbacks. I loved the naming of Noah and the relationship him and Swayer built. It was really emotional read and so heartwarming the love that came out of their adversity and backgrounds
May 25, 2026
Emma Lucy can do no wrong for me!! Another 5 star - absolutely ate this up!
I loved everything about this book! It does touch on some sensitive topics so definitely look into that before reading but it adds to the story and makes you fall in love with the characters and their relationship even more!
I loved everything about this book! It does touch on some sensitive topics so definitely look into that before reading but it adds to the story and makes you fall in love with the characters and their relationship even more!
June 24, 2026
Thank you for the Arc NetGalley
I really enjoyed this book. I liked Emma’s writing style and found it easy to get into. I love a second-chance romance, The characters were well written, and I was interested to see how their story would work out. A good romance overall. 4.5⭐️
I really enjoyed this book. I liked Emma’s writing style and found it easy to get into. I love a second-chance romance, The characters were well written, and I was interested to see how their story would work out. A good romance overall. 4.5⭐️
June 23, 2026
What a beautiful emotional read this was.
Perfect if you’re a lover of second-chance romance, small town romance, forced proximity.
After both having a difficult relationship with family members in their younger years
Sawyer and Honey meet again after 9 years. Sawyer has an injury and made it worse when falling during a rodeo. Honey has a son who’s cowboy mad.
When Sawyer suggests that Honey and her son move in when her flat is destroyed and needing repairs. Honey isn’t sure and declines at first and then she changes her mind so they both move in with sawyer.
As they get closer is this their second chance at love? When Sawyer has doubts about the relationship, can his friends rally around him and persuade him that he is perfect for Honey and her son ? What will the future bring ?
Thank you to NetGalley for letting me read this in exchange for an honest review.
Perfect if you’re a lover of second-chance romance, small town romance, forced proximity.
After both having a difficult relationship with family members in their younger years
Sawyer and Honey meet again after 9 years. Sawyer has an injury and made it worse when falling during a rodeo. Honey has a son who’s cowboy mad.
When Sawyer suggests that Honey and her son move in when her flat is destroyed and needing repairs. Honey isn’t sure and declines at first and then she changes her mind so they both move in with sawyer.
As they get closer is this their second chance at love? When Sawyer has doubts about the relationship, can his friends rally around him and persuade him that he is perfect for Honey and her son ? What will the future bring ?
Thank you to NetGalley for letting me read this in exchange for an honest review.
November 10, 2025
I just finished Riding the Line, and while I'll come back and edit my review, I just had to say that I CAN'T WAIT to jump into book 3 of Willow Ridge!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Some books break your heart. Some books heal it. This one somehow did both. ❤️🩹
Thank you so much to Emma Lucy, NetGalley, and HarperCollins UK for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest and voluntary review!
Some books don’t just entertain you; they take a piece of your heart and refuse to give it back. Going into Sawyer’s story, I knew I would love it because he’s always been my favorite, Playboy-coded character in the previous books. But I was entirely unprepared for how deeply I would get into it. It heals me, and leaves me on the verge of tears from the very first page. It is a breathtakingly beautiful story full of raw emotion, tenderness, and an underlying ache that had my stomach clenching in a constant state of anxious, deeply invested caring.
The Golden Hour (or Flowers in the Darkness) is an exquisite high school friends-to-lovers, second-chance romance that hinges on shared trauma and profound healing. Sawyer and Honey were connected by their scars and fears during their senior year, but Honey left. Nine years later, she’s back in their small town with her young son, Noah. When a flooded apartment forces Honey and Noah to move onto Sawyer’s ranch while he recovers from an injury, the forced proximity drags all their unspoken words, lingering anger, and undeniable chemistry right to the surface.
👥 Character Breakdown
🚜 Sawyer
Sawyer completely broke my heart. In previous books, he was always the funny, Playboy-coded friend, but underneath that easygoing exterior lies a man fighting severe demons, deep-seated insecurities, and the agonizing belief that he doesn't deserve to be loved. No matter how hard life has knocked him down, he still possesses one of the purest souls. Watching him doubt himself made me tear up, but seeing him slowly realize he belongs and watching him finally accept the love he deserves was incredibly emotional.
🌻 Honey
Honey is a phenomenal, fiercely devoted mother who will do absolutely anything for her son. She carries her own heavy scars from a childhood where she never truly knew what real love looked like. I’ll admit, it hurt to see her break Sawyer's heart more than once in the past, but her fear and instinct to run felt entirely real. Seeing her find a haven, blossom in this small town, and finally get the love and security she’s always lacked was profoundly moving.
🧒 Noah
This sweet, shy little guy was the absolute cherry on top of the entire reading experience. His evolution throughout the book is so precious. Watching him transform from a quiet, hesitant boy into a more confident child, all thanks to the safe space Sawyer and Honey created for him, warmed my heart completely.
The Relationship
What made Sawyer and Honey's romance so special was that it wasn't built on instant attraction—it was built on understanding, friendship, history, and healing. They saw the broken parts of each other and loved anyway. Their journey wasn't easy, but it felt authentic, emotional, and incredibly rewarding.
📖 The Romance & Plot
Sawyer and Honey are two fractured people who inherently understand each other's darkness, proving you never really forget the first person who truly saw you. The structure of this book is flawless; the high school flashbacks to the tutor sessions, the bleachers, the prom, and the stars are perfectly woven in, deepening the weight of their current reconciliation. Every golden moment on the ranch felt entirely earned.
The third-act conflict, while painful, felt necessary to their growth and ultimately made total sense for their journey. Together, the three of them create the safest, most perfect little family. This is a story for the hopeless believers who need to remember that even in the darkest moments, flowers can still bloom.
My Perspective:
There were moments that made me smile, moments that made me cry, and moments that left me sitting in silence just absorbing everything I had read. By the end, I felt like I wasn't simply saying goodbye to characters, I was leaving behind people I had genuinely come to love. This series continues to get stronger with every book. If you love emotional small-town romances with unforgettable characters, beautiful healing journeys, and a romance that feels earned every step of the way, I cannot recommend this enough. 😊
Thank you so much to Emma Lucy, NetGalley, and HarperCollins UK for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest and voluntary review!
Some books don’t just entertain you; they take a piece of your heart and refuse to give it back. Going into Sawyer’s story, I knew I would love it because he’s always been my favorite, Playboy-coded character in the previous books. But I was entirely unprepared for how deeply I would get into it. It heals me, and leaves me on the verge of tears from the very first page. It is a breathtakingly beautiful story full of raw emotion, tenderness, and an underlying ache that had my stomach clenching in a constant state of anxious, deeply invested caring.
The Golden Hour (or Flowers in the Darkness) is an exquisite high school friends-to-lovers, second-chance romance that hinges on shared trauma and profound healing. Sawyer and Honey were connected by their scars and fears during their senior year, but Honey left. Nine years later, she’s back in their small town with her young son, Noah. When a flooded apartment forces Honey and Noah to move onto Sawyer’s ranch while he recovers from an injury, the forced proximity drags all their unspoken words, lingering anger, and undeniable chemistry right to the surface.
👥 Character Breakdown
🚜 Sawyer
Sawyer completely broke my heart. In previous books, he was always the funny, Playboy-coded friend, but underneath that easygoing exterior lies a man fighting severe demons, deep-seated insecurities, and the agonizing belief that he doesn't deserve to be loved. No matter how hard life has knocked him down, he still possesses one of the purest souls. Watching him doubt himself made me tear up, but seeing him slowly realize he belongs and watching him finally accept the love he deserves was incredibly emotional.
🌻 Honey
Honey is a phenomenal, fiercely devoted mother who will do absolutely anything for her son. She carries her own heavy scars from a childhood where she never truly knew what real love looked like. I’ll admit, it hurt to see her break Sawyer's heart more than once in the past, but her fear and instinct to run felt entirely real. Seeing her find a haven, blossom in this small town, and finally get the love and security she’s always lacked was profoundly moving.
🧒 Noah
This sweet, shy little guy was the absolute cherry on top of the entire reading experience. His evolution throughout the book is so precious. Watching him transform from a quiet, hesitant boy into a more confident child, all thanks to the safe space Sawyer and Honey created for him, warmed my heart completely.
The Relationship
What made Sawyer and Honey's romance so special was that it wasn't built on instant attraction—it was built on understanding, friendship, history, and healing. They saw the broken parts of each other and loved anyway. Their journey wasn't easy, but it felt authentic, emotional, and incredibly rewarding.
📖 The Romance & Plot
Sawyer and Honey are two fractured people who inherently understand each other's darkness, proving you never really forget the first person who truly saw you. The structure of this book is flawless; the high school flashbacks to the tutor sessions, the bleachers, the prom, and the stars are perfectly woven in, deepening the weight of their current reconciliation. Every golden moment on the ranch felt entirely earned.
The third-act conflict, while painful, felt necessary to their growth and ultimately made total sense for their journey. Together, the three of them create the safest, most perfect little family. This is a story for the hopeless believers who need to remember that even in the darkest moments, flowers can still bloom.
My Perspective:
There were moments that made me smile, moments that made me cry, and moments that left me sitting in silence just absorbing everything I had read. By the end, I felt like I wasn't simply saying goodbye to characters, I was leaving behind people I had genuinely come to love. This series continues to get stronger with every book. If you love emotional small-town romances with unforgettable characters, beautiful healing journeys, and a romance that feels earned every step of the way, I cannot recommend this enough. 😊
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
✿ 𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀 ✿
🏡 Small town romance
💕 Second chance romance
🤠 Cowboy romance
🐂 Bull rider MMC
👦🏼 Single mom
♥️ Reformed playboy
🚪 Forced proximity
🎞 Flashbacks
“𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙛𝙡𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙗𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙢 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙖𝙧𝙠𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙮 𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙡, 𝘽𝙡𝙪𝙚.”
Warning: this book will break your heart and then put it back together again! 🥹😭
It took me so long to write this review because I wanted to do the book justice and just couldn’t find the words to describe how it made me feel and how much it means to me! Through every page, you can just tell how much Emma put her heart and soul into this and it was such a special experience to read something that means so much to her whilst getting to bombard her with my thoughts at the same time! 💗
It was such a cute, sweet story but it had me emotional quite early on!! I spent half the book squealing and grinning from ear to ear, and the other half sobbing! 😭
It saved me from the beginning of a book slump, I was spending every minute at work counting down until I could go home and dive back into the story! Usually when I’m reading I can’t stay focused for hours on end and need a scroll break, but I read for hours on end without looking at my phone because I couldn’t put the book down!
I loved watching Sawyer slowly begin to feel worthy of Honey and Noah throughout the story, and then helping him to finally have faith in himself!! And Sawyer in turn helping Noah gain the confidence to talk to people and supporting him with everything was just the absolute cutest and had me squealing!! They were the cutest little trio and as a single parent trope lover, this was perfection!! The epilogue also felt so fitted to them as a couple, the chaos and sweetness with the spice was the perfect ending to the story!!
One thing I loved about the single parent trope in this book was that it had the perfect amount of Noah’s real dad being in the story, enough that he’s not a deadbeat, but not too much that it gave Sawyer the opportunity to shine as the main male role model in Noah’s life (and as his dad in our eyes!)
It was so heartbreakingly beautiful and poetic that the third act drama involved Sawyer running away, mirroring how Honey had broken his heart 9 years before. It really felt necessary for their story and hit so much more than a normal third act breakup!
All of the little callbacks and flashbacks had my heart in an absolute chokehold!! This is easily Emma’s best book yet!! And I say that as someone who has a special place in their heart for Live, Ranch, Love!!
It was so sweet when the guys all finally shared their feelings with one another!
It felt so natural to them, but so needed, and was such a beautiful representation of male friendships!!
Shoutout to Kentucky the cutest cow that plays fetch!!
If you haven’t picked up the Willow Ridge series yet, then what are you doing?!
Thank you Emma and Harper Collins for putting me out of my misery and letting me read this ARC early!! 🤍
🏡 Small town romance
💕 Second chance romance
🤠 Cowboy romance
🐂 Bull rider MMC
👦🏼 Single mom
♥️ Reformed playboy
🚪 Forced proximity
🎞 Flashbacks
“𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙛𝙡𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙗𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙢 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙖𝙧𝙠𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙮 𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙡, 𝘽𝙡𝙪𝙚.”
Warning: this book will break your heart and then put it back together again! 🥹😭
It took me so long to write this review because I wanted to do the book justice and just couldn’t find the words to describe how it made me feel and how much it means to me! Through every page, you can just tell how much Emma put her heart and soul into this and it was such a special experience to read something that means so much to her whilst getting to bombard her with my thoughts at the same time! 💗
It was such a cute, sweet story but it had me emotional quite early on!! I spent half the book squealing and grinning from ear to ear, and the other half sobbing! 😭
It saved me from the beginning of a book slump, I was spending every minute at work counting down until I could go home and dive back into the story! Usually when I’m reading I can’t stay focused for hours on end and need a scroll break, but I read for hours on end without looking at my phone because I couldn’t put the book down!
I loved watching Sawyer slowly begin to feel worthy of Honey and Noah throughout the story, and then helping him to finally have faith in himself!! And Sawyer in turn helping Noah gain the confidence to talk to people and supporting him with everything was just the absolute cutest and had me squealing!! They were the cutest little trio and as a single parent trope lover, this was perfection!! The epilogue also felt so fitted to them as a couple, the chaos and sweetness with the spice was the perfect ending to the story!!
One thing I loved about the single parent trope in this book was that it had the perfect amount of Noah’s real dad being in the story, enough that he’s not a deadbeat, but not too much that it gave Sawyer the opportunity to shine as the main male role model in Noah’s life (and as his dad in our eyes!)
It was so heartbreakingly beautiful and poetic that the third act drama involved Sawyer running away, mirroring how Honey had broken his heart 9 years before. It really felt necessary for their story and hit so much more than a normal third act breakup!
All of the little callbacks and flashbacks had my heart in an absolute chokehold!! This is easily Emma’s best book yet!! And I say that as someone who has a special place in their heart for Live, Ranch, Love!!
It was so sweet when the guys all finally shared their feelings with one another!
It felt so natural to them, but so needed, and was such a beautiful representation of male friendships!!
Shoutout to Kentucky the cutest cow that plays fetch!!
If you haven’t picked up the Willow Ridge series yet, then what are you doing?!
Thank you Emma and Harper Collins for putting me out of my misery and letting me read this ARC early!! 🤍
July 6, 2026
This book completely pulled me in from the very beginning. It was emotional, heartfelt, and had me feeling every high and low alongside the characters. I spent most of the story worried about what would happen next because I became so attached to them. Those are always the books that stay with me long after I finish reading.
Sawyer and Honey first met during their senior year of high school, forming a bond through shared pain and difficult pasts. When Honey suddenly left, it shattered what they had. Nearly a decade later, fate brings them together again when Honey returns with her son, Noah. After an accident leaves her apartment unlivable, she and Noah end up staying at Sawyer's ranch while he recovers from an injury. Being forced into each other's lives again gives them the opportunity to confront old feelings and wonder if the love they once had deserves another chance.
Sawyer was easily my favorite part of the story. Watching him struggle with his scars, insecurities, and the way he viewed himself was heartbreaking. He had such a kind heart but couldn't always see his own worth. Every time he questioned whether he deserved happiness or a place in the family, I just wanted to hug him. His relationship with Noah was incredibly touching, and seeing the impact he had on that little boy made me smile so many times.
Honey was a wonderful mother who always put Noah first. She carried her own emotional wounds, and I loved how safe and cared for she felt whenever she was with Sawyer. I won't lie—I was frustrated with some of the choices she made, especially when they hurt Sawyer, but I could understand why she reacted the way she did. When you've never truly experienced love or stability, trusting someone isn't easy. In the end, they both became the healing the other needed.
One of my favorite things about this book was how naturally the past and present were woven together. The flashbacks added so much depth to their relationship and made every reunion feel more meaningful. All of those little memories—from the tutoring sessions and the bleachers to prom, the stars, and the quiet moments of understanding—made their connection feel genuine. In the present, I loved the forced proximity, Sawyer's growing bond with Noah, and all the small moments that slowly rebuilt their trust. Their journey wasn't perfect or easy, but that's exactly what made it feel authentic.
The third-act conflict didn't surprise me, even if I wasn't thrilled it happened. Looking back, it fit the story and the characters, and I think it was necessary for them to finally face everything they'd been avoiding.
I've really fallen in love with this series. The small-town setting, the friendships, and the sense of community make these books so comforting to read. Noah was another highlight for me, and watching him become more confident throughout the story was incredibly rewarding.
Sawyer and Honey first met during their senior year of high school, forming a bond through shared pain and difficult pasts. When Honey suddenly left, it shattered what they had. Nearly a decade later, fate brings them together again when Honey returns with her son, Noah. After an accident leaves her apartment unlivable, she and Noah end up staying at Sawyer's ranch while he recovers from an injury. Being forced into each other's lives again gives them the opportunity to confront old feelings and wonder if the love they once had deserves another chance.
Sawyer was easily my favorite part of the story. Watching him struggle with his scars, insecurities, and the way he viewed himself was heartbreaking. He had such a kind heart but couldn't always see his own worth. Every time he questioned whether he deserved happiness or a place in the family, I just wanted to hug him. His relationship with Noah was incredibly touching, and seeing the impact he had on that little boy made me smile so many times.
Honey was a wonderful mother who always put Noah first. She carried her own emotional wounds, and I loved how safe and cared for she felt whenever she was with Sawyer. I won't lie—I was frustrated with some of the choices she made, especially when they hurt Sawyer, but I could understand why she reacted the way she did. When you've never truly experienced love or stability, trusting someone isn't easy. In the end, they both became the healing the other needed.
One of my favorite things about this book was how naturally the past and present were woven together. The flashbacks added so much depth to their relationship and made every reunion feel more meaningful. All of those little memories—from the tutoring sessions and the bleachers to prom, the stars, and the quiet moments of understanding—made their connection feel genuine. In the present, I loved the forced proximity, Sawyer's growing bond with Noah, and all the small moments that slowly rebuilt their trust. Their journey wasn't perfect or easy, but that's exactly what made it feel authentic.
The third-act conflict didn't surprise me, even if I wasn't thrilled it happened. Looking back, it fit the story and the characters, and I think it was necessary for them to finally face everything they'd been avoiding.
I've really fallen in love with this series. The small-town setting, the friendships, and the sense of community make these books so comforting to read. Noah was another highlight for me, and watching him become more confident throughout the story was incredibly rewarding.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to HarperCollins and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC of One Last Rodeo by Emma Lucy in exchange for an honest review!
Without a doubt, this is my favorite book in the series.
From the very first page, I was completely hooked on Honey and Sawyer's story. This book has everything I love dual POV, dual timelines, single mom, second chance romance, slow burn tension, and a beautiful right person, wrong time storyline that absolutely wrecked me in the best way.
Honey was such an easy character to connect with. As someone who was also the quiet girl who tried to make herself smaller and stay unnoticed, I saw so much of myself in her. Watching her reconnect with Sawyer a decade after high school was both heartbreaking and beautiful.
And Sawyer? Emma Lucy gave us a former football quarterback bull rider with the biggest heart imaginable. The way he views himself broke my heart more than once, but watching him and Honey heal, grow, and find their way back to each other made every emotional moment worth it.
The dual timeline was executed perfectly. I loved getting to see their relationship begin in high school while also watching them navigate their reunion years later. Knowing what they lost made every moment they shared in the present hit even harder.
The emotional depth in this story was incredible. Both Honey and Sawyer carry painful wounds from their pasts, and seeing them work through those struggles together felt authentic and deeply moving. Their growth individually and as a couple was one of my favorite parts of the entire book.
The side characters completely stole my heart too. Trixie the dog and Kentucky the cow were absolute scene stealers, and I looked forward to every moment they appeared on the page.
There were so many beautiful lines throughout this book, but two Sawyer quotes completely captured my heart. "I rather like the darkness in this house, because it's where I found the light in Honey again. The light that once kept me going. The light I don't think I'll stop chasing." and "I'm done standing on the sidelines of our love. She didn't come back for nothing. I've never been so sure of anything." Just thinking about those lines makes me emotional all over again.
This story is filled with longing, healing, hope, and a love that never truly disappeared. The stars seemed to know Honey and Sawyer belonged together long before they did, and watching them finally find their way back to each other was unforgettable.
If you're looking for an emotional second chance cowboy romance with incredible character growth, plenty of heart, and a love story worth waiting for, I cannot recommend this one enough.
Without a doubt, this is my favorite book in the series.
From the very first page, I was completely hooked on Honey and Sawyer's story. This book has everything I love dual POV, dual timelines, single mom, second chance romance, slow burn tension, and a beautiful right person, wrong time storyline that absolutely wrecked me in the best way.
Honey was such an easy character to connect with. As someone who was also the quiet girl who tried to make herself smaller and stay unnoticed, I saw so much of myself in her. Watching her reconnect with Sawyer a decade after high school was both heartbreaking and beautiful.
And Sawyer? Emma Lucy gave us a former football quarterback bull rider with the biggest heart imaginable. The way he views himself broke my heart more than once, but watching him and Honey heal, grow, and find their way back to each other made every emotional moment worth it.
The dual timeline was executed perfectly. I loved getting to see their relationship begin in high school while also watching them navigate their reunion years later. Knowing what they lost made every moment they shared in the present hit even harder.
The emotional depth in this story was incredible. Both Honey and Sawyer carry painful wounds from their pasts, and seeing them work through those struggles together felt authentic and deeply moving. Their growth individually and as a couple was one of my favorite parts of the entire book.
The side characters completely stole my heart too. Trixie the dog and Kentucky the cow were absolute scene stealers, and I looked forward to every moment they appeared on the page.
There were so many beautiful lines throughout this book, but two Sawyer quotes completely captured my heart. "I rather like the darkness in this house, because it's where I found the light in Honey again. The light that once kept me going. The light I don't think I'll stop chasing." and "I'm done standing on the sidelines of our love. She didn't come back for nothing. I've never been so sure of anything." Just thinking about those lines makes me emotional all over again.
This story is filled with longing, healing, hope, and a love that never truly disappeared. The stars seemed to know Honey and Sawyer belonged together long before they did, and watching them finally find their way back to each other was unforgettable.
If you're looking for an emotional second chance cowboy romance with incredible character growth, plenty of heart, and a love story worth waiting for, I cannot recommend this one enough.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
ARC REVIEW- ONE LAST RODEO
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.75
Tropes:
🩵Cowboy Romance
🩵Second Chance
🩵Single Mom
🩵Bull Rider MMC x Librarian FMC
🩵It's Always Been You
🩵Dual Timeline
________________
Thanks to Emma Lucy, HarperCollins UK and NetGalley for the ARC! I received an advance copy of the book and am leaving an honest review. All opinions are my own.
________________
What a way to end the Willow Ridge series. One Last Rodeo is such a beautiful story, of overcoming trauma, second chances and learning to love yourself. The story of Sawyer and Honey is both devastating and uplifting. The dual timeline of this story really marries both aspects together and gives you a glimpse of what each of them was thinking and feeling and how their separation came to be.
Sawyer is a bull rider who becomes injured and is out of the game for at least 6 months. Honey is his childhood sweetheart turned ex who he hasn't seen in 9 years and turns up with her 6 year old son back in their hometown. When Honey's apartment floods, she moves in with Sawyer until repairs are made. Cue the forced proximity goodness!
There was so much miscommunication between these two, some of which yes, they were teenagers and so young when they got together. But in the present day, I wanted to shake them both sometimes because THEY JUST NEEDED TO TALK TO EACH OTHER, Y'ALL. I can get down with a miscommunication trope but sometimes enough is enough. Go to therapy, learn some communication tools you two.
What was my absolute favorite part of the whole book, even more than the rekindling romance between Sawyer and Honey, was Sawyer's relationship with her son Noah. What started out as Sawyer not really knowing what to do or how to act around Noah turned into him completely falling in love with the little boy and wishing he was his dad. I adored Noah's hero worship of Sawyer and just how much joy they brought out in each other.
My heart hurt for both Honey and Sawyer, for what they went through during their childhoods and how it shaped them as teenagers and adults. Honey seemed to come out the other side stronger and much more emotionally mature. Sawyer still struggled with his self worth and what he could offer Honey and Noah. They both had a tendency to run when things got too scary or hard, but they worked on that.
This was such a lovely addition to the Willow Ridge series and I loved the cameos from Wyatt, Rory and Duke. This series is like a warm hug, makes me want to pack my bags and head to Willow Ridge. I can't wait to read more by Emma Lucy. Be sure to check out the entire series!
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.75
Tropes:
🩵Cowboy Romance
🩵Second Chance
🩵Single Mom
🩵Bull Rider MMC x Librarian FMC
🩵It's Always Been You
🩵Dual Timeline
________________
Thanks to Emma Lucy, HarperCollins UK and NetGalley for the ARC! I received an advance copy of the book and am leaving an honest review. All opinions are my own.
________________
What a way to end the Willow Ridge series. One Last Rodeo is such a beautiful story, of overcoming trauma, second chances and learning to love yourself. The story of Sawyer and Honey is both devastating and uplifting. The dual timeline of this story really marries both aspects together and gives you a glimpse of what each of them was thinking and feeling and how their separation came to be.
Sawyer is a bull rider who becomes injured and is out of the game for at least 6 months. Honey is his childhood sweetheart turned ex who he hasn't seen in 9 years and turns up with her 6 year old son back in their hometown. When Honey's apartment floods, she moves in with Sawyer until repairs are made. Cue the forced proximity goodness!
There was so much miscommunication between these two, some of which yes, they were teenagers and so young when they got together. But in the present day, I wanted to shake them both sometimes because THEY JUST NEEDED TO TALK TO EACH OTHER, Y'ALL. I can get down with a miscommunication trope but sometimes enough is enough. Go to therapy, learn some communication tools you two.
What was my absolute favorite part of the whole book, even more than the rekindling romance between Sawyer and Honey, was Sawyer's relationship with her son Noah. What started out as Sawyer not really knowing what to do or how to act around Noah turned into him completely falling in love with the little boy and wishing he was his dad. I adored Noah's hero worship of Sawyer and just how much joy they brought out in each other.
My heart hurt for both Honey and Sawyer, for what they went through during their childhoods and how it shaped them as teenagers and adults. Honey seemed to come out the other side stronger and much more emotionally mature. Sawyer still struggled with his self worth and what he could offer Honey and Noah. They both had a tendency to run when things got too scary or hard, but they worked on that.
This was such a lovely addition to the Willow Ridge series and I loved the cameos from Wyatt, Rory and Duke. This series is like a warm hug, makes me want to pack my bags and head to Willow Ridge. I can't wait to read more by Emma Lucy. Be sure to check out the entire series!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you, Emma Lucy, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I absolutely loved this book—I devoured it in a single sitting (I stayed up until 3 a.m., and I’m definitely paying for it now!).
This is a second-chance romance between Sawyer and Honey. They first met in high school, bonding over shared trauma from abusive fathers, and quickly fell in love. But when Sawyer reveals he’s willing to give up his dreams to follow her, Honey runs away. She doesn’t want him to lose the freedom he’s just gained after graduation. Her decision leaves them both heartbroken.
Fast forward nine years: Sawyer is now the top bull rider in the U.S., and Honey is a single mother. Their paths cross again in Willow Ridge when Honey takes her son, Noah, to watch a competition. After Sawyer seriously breaks his leg—on top of an existing injury—Honey visits him in the hospital, and it becomes clear that the love they felt at seventeen never truly disappeared.
Neither of them can stay away from each other, and when Honey is forced to leave her apartment, they end up living together. Sawyer has just inherited his family ranch, a place he resents because of painful memories—his mother abandoning him and his father’s abuse. But with Honey and Noah, he slowly begins to create new, happier memories.
This book is so well written, and you can truly feel the depth of the trauma both characters went through. Neither of them was loved the way they deserved. Honey at least had her mother—who was also a survivor of severe abuse—but Sawyer was abandoned by his mother and left with a drunk and violent father. The flashback chapters are especially heartbreaking, showing what they endured through the eyes of their seventeen-year-old selves. They became each other’s safe place, helping one another survive. Sawyer, in particular, was so gentle and careful with Honey, always making sure she felt safe and loved.
Sawyer never experienced real love and believed he wasn’t worthy of it. His inner monologues throughout the book were absolutely heartbreaking, and they added so much emotional depth to his character. Watching him slowly open up and heal felt incredibly powerful.
As they reconnect, Honey and Sawyer finally start to confront and unpack the trauma from their past. Bit by bit, they realize they were never meant to stay apart—and that life is giving them a second chance.
And Sawyer? He has the filthiest mouth ever—and I loved it so damn much!!
This book truly felt like a masterpiece to me.
I absolutely loved this book—I devoured it in a single sitting (I stayed up until 3 a.m., and I’m definitely paying for it now!).
This is a second-chance romance between Sawyer and Honey. They first met in high school, bonding over shared trauma from abusive fathers, and quickly fell in love. But when Sawyer reveals he’s willing to give up his dreams to follow her, Honey runs away. She doesn’t want him to lose the freedom he’s just gained after graduation. Her decision leaves them both heartbroken.
Fast forward nine years: Sawyer is now the top bull rider in the U.S., and Honey is a single mother. Their paths cross again in Willow Ridge when Honey takes her son, Noah, to watch a competition. After Sawyer seriously breaks his leg—on top of an existing injury—Honey visits him in the hospital, and it becomes clear that the love they felt at seventeen never truly disappeared.
Neither of them can stay away from each other, and when Honey is forced to leave her apartment, they end up living together. Sawyer has just inherited his family ranch, a place he resents because of painful memories—his mother abandoning him and his father’s abuse. But with Honey and Noah, he slowly begins to create new, happier memories.
This book is so well written, and you can truly feel the depth of the trauma both characters went through. Neither of them was loved the way they deserved. Honey at least had her mother—who was also a survivor of severe abuse—but Sawyer was abandoned by his mother and left with a drunk and violent father. The flashback chapters are especially heartbreaking, showing what they endured through the eyes of their seventeen-year-old selves. They became each other’s safe place, helping one another survive. Sawyer, in particular, was so gentle and careful with Honey, always making sure she felt safe and loved.
Sawyer never experienced real love and believed he wasn’t worthy of it. His inner monologues throughout the book were absolutely heartbreaking, and they added so much emotional depth to his character. Watching him slowly open up and heal felt incredibly powerful.
As they reconnect, Honey and Sawyer finally start to confront and unpack the trauma from their past. Bit by bit, they realize they were never meant to stay apart—and that life is giving them a second chance.
And Sawyer? He has the filthiest mouth ever—and I loved it so damn much!!
This book truly felt like a masterpiece to me.
Review of advance copy received from Author
"You make me believe, Blue. That maybe I can love one day." - Sawyer Nash
What a way to finish the Willow Ridge trilogy.
Emma, you have truly spoilt us with this book. Not only do we get brand new characters, a new romance and a hot new cowboy, but we get so many throwbacks to Live, Ranch, Love and Riding the Line: A Novel throughout this book.
The writing was so fun and readable whilst grabbing your attention and making you cry at some moments. The pacing was spot on throughout the whole book. Making it flow seamlessly even with flashbacks spread in the book.
Honey's life was tipped upside down when she got pregnant during college, but she works hard and is the best mum she can be. Whilst having to deal with a deadbeat baby daddy.
She puts everything on hold for Noah, making sure that he has the best childhood she can give him. Even moving back to Willow Ridge to see if a fresh start will help her boy.
It's when she returns that all the memories of her childhood and teen years hit her, she reunites with old friends and makes new ones. Including discovering the spark for her high school boyfriend is still there and burning strong.
She is so brave and strong, not once letting on how much she craves help from somebody in case they think she is weak or a bad mum. She is willing to do anything to keep her body happy.
Sawyer went from a troubled childhood to a headstrong bull rider.
He has so many shadows from his past that he's still fighting, because the one person who made everything seem lighter left him after high school.
He had no control as a child and now he's grown he tries to control everything that he can, so when he ends up in an unexpected situation he falls back on someone who understands how he feels.
Sawyer is so soft around Noah, understanding how shy the little boy is he never forces him to interact but encourages him to do things with Sawyer, proving that he is a good man.
I loved all the flashbacks of Sawyer and Honey at school, how they first started talking to how they fell in love, to how Honey left. I really liked how Emma dotted them throughout the book at exactly the right moments too. It gives us a deeper understanding of how close their relationship was and how perfect they are together.
What a way to finish the Willow Ridge trilogy.
Emma, you have truly spoilt us with this book. Not only do we get brand new characters, a new romance and a hot new cowboy, but we get so many throwbacks to Live, Ranch, Love and Riding the Line: A Novel throughout this book.
The writing was so fun and readable whilst grabbing your attention and making you cry at some moments. The pacing was spot on throughout the whole book. Making it flow seamlessly even with flashbacks spread in the book.
Honey's life was tipped upside down when she got pregnant during college, but she works hard and is the best mum she can be. Whilst having to deal with a deadbeat baby daddy.
She puts everything on hold for Noah, making sure that he has the best childhood she can give him. Even moving back to Willow Ridge to see if a fresh start will help her boy.
It's when she returns that all the memories of her childhood and teen years hit her, she reunites with old friends and makes new ones. Including discovering the spark for her high school boyfriend is still there and burning strong.
She is so brave and strong, not once letting on how much she craves help from somebody in case they think she is weak or a bad mum. She is willing to do anything to keep her body happy.
Sawyer went from a troubled childhood to a headstrong bull rider.
He has so many shadows from his past that he's still fighting, because the one person who made everything seem lighter left him after high school.
He had no control as a child and now he's grown he tries to control everything that he can, so when he ends up in an unexpected situation he falls back on someone who understands how he feels.
Sawyer is so soft around Noah, understanding how shy the little boy is he never forces him to interact but encourages him to do things with Sawyer, proving that he is a good man.
I loved all the flashbacks of Sawyer and Honey at school, how they first started talking to how they fell in love, to how Honey left. I really liked how Emma dotted them throughout the book at exactly the right moments too. It gives us a deeper understanding of how close their relationship was and how perfect they are together.
May 14, 2026
I really enjoyed Live, Ranch, Love and Riding The Line last year - the first two books in Willow Ridge, a small town cowboy romance series, so I was keen to pick up the third and final book, One Last Rodeo.
Sawyer was born to fight - against the demons of his past and the bulls that made him champion. When an injury steals the only life he’s ever known, he feels lost. Then Honey comes back to town. A decade ago, she broke his heart, now she’s back with her son… As Sawyer steps in to help the boy, old wounds reopen, and long-buried feelings rise to the surface. As Sawyer and Honey grapple with the past, could love be the thing that saves him after all.
If you love a small town, second chance cowboy romance, with a single mum x reformed playboy, forced proximity and high school flashbacks, then I think you’ll enjoy this one!
I’m so sad our time is up in Willow Ridge, as I’ve really enjoyed the series! What a wonderful way to end with Sawyer and Honey. I flew through this book in one sitting, I couldn’t put it down!
This is the most emotional story of the series, it definitely tackles some heavier themes - but it was beautiful to see them bond and have such a deep level of understanding for each other due to their childhood traumas.
The flashback to high-school scenes worked really well for developing the story and bringing it all together. You could feel the chemistry between them and the undeniable connection right from the beginning, so it was inevitable that they would have their second chance (particularly when they’re very quickly forced into one household 🤭)!
I also loved Noah’s involvement in the story and how Honey truly was the best mum. She took her poor childhood experiences and made sure he was the most loved child he could possibly be. Watching Noah’s relationship develop with Sawyer was also so lovely to see! He stepped up for them both which was wonderful.
Overall it was such a lovely end to the series, and I’m really excited to see what Emma does next!
Thank you NetGalley, Emma Lucy and Harper Collins for providing an eARC - One Last Rodeo publishes July 2nd.
Sawyer was born to fight - against the demons of his past and the bulls that made him champion. When an injury steals the only life he’s ever known, he feels lost. Then Honey comes back to town. A decade ago, she broke his heart, now she’s back with her son… As Sawyer steps in to help the boy, old wounds reopen, and long-buried feelings rise to the surface. As Sawyer and Honey grapple with the past, could love be the thing that saves him after all.
If you love a small town, second chance cowboy romance, with a single mum x reformed playboy, forced proximity and high school flashbacks, then I think you’ll enjoy this one!
I’m so sad our time is up in Willow Ridge, as I’ve really enjoyed the series! What a wonderful way to end with Sawyer and Honey. I flew through this book in one sitting, I couldn’t put it down!
This is the most emotional story of the series, it definitely tackles some heavier themes - but it was beautiful to see them bond and have such a deep level of understanding for each other due to their childhood traumas.
The flashback to high-school scenes worked really well for developing the story and bringing it all together. You could feel the chemistry between them and the undeniable connection right from the beginning, so it was inevitable that they would have their second chance (particularly when they’re very quickly forced into one household 🤭)!
I also loved Noah’s involvement in the story and how Honey truly was the best mum. She took her poor childhood experiences and made sure he was the most loved child he could possibly be. Watching Noah’s relationship develop with Sawyer was also so lovely to see! He stepped up for them both which was wonderful.
Overall it was such a lovely end to the series, and I’m really excited to see what Emma does next!
Thank you NetGalley, Emma Lucy and Harper Collins for providing an eARC - One Last Rodeo publishes July 2nd.
July 5, 2026
One Last Rodeo by Emma Lucy
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
One Last Rodeo completely stole my heart. As the last book in the series I did not want it to end! Sawyer and Honeys book was the perfect ending and I loved every minute of it.
Sawyer is the kind of book boyfriend who sneaks up on you. Beneath his confident, bull-riding exterior is a man carrying years of heartbreak, guilt, and self-doubt, and watching him slowly open himself up again was incredibly moving. Honey was equally easy to love. She’s strong, resilient, and doing everything she can to build a better life for herself and her son, even while facing the ghosts of her past. Together, they felt like two people who had always understood each other, even when life pulled them in different directions. Their chemistry was undeniable, but it was the emotional connection and unwavering care between them that really made this romance unforgettable.
The dual timeline was one of my favourite parts of the story. Seeing their relationship unfold in the past while watching them reconnect in the present added so much depth to their journey and made every emotional moment hit even harder. Emma Lucy perfectly balances heartbreak, healing, longing, and hope, creating a second-chance romance that feels completely authentic. Sawyer’s relationship with Honey’s son was another standout, adding so much warmth and heart to an already emotional story.
The small-town setting, forced proximity, cowboy romance vibes, and beautifully written character development made this impossible to stop reading. Every chapter left me wanting just one more, and I found myself completely invested in these characters and their journey toward healing and finding their way back to one another.
One Last Rodeo is easily my favourite book in the Willow Ridge series. It’s emotional, swoony, heartfelt, and full of characters you’ll fall in love with. If you’re looking for a cowboy romance with incredible emotional depth, unforgettable characters, and a love story that stays with you long after you’ve finished the final page, this one is an absolute must-read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
One Last Rodeo completely stole my heart. As the last book in the series I did not want it to end! Sawyer and Honeys book was the perfect ending and I loved every minute of it.
Sawyer is the kind of book boyfriend who sneaks up on you. Beneath his confident, bull-riding exterior is a man carrying years of heartbreak, guilt, and self-doubt, and watching him slowly open himself up again was incredibly moving. Honey was equally easy to love. She’s strong, resilient, and doing everything she can to build a better life for herself and her son, even while facing the ghosts of her past. Together, they felt like two people who had always understood each other, even when life pulled them in different directions. Their chemistry was undeniable, but it was the emotional connection and unwavering care between them that really made this romance unforgettable.
The dual timeline was one of my favourite parts of the story. Seeing their relationship unfold in the past while watching them reconnect in the present added so much depth to their journey and made every emotional moment hit even harder. Emma Lucy perfectly balances heartbreak, healing, longing, and hope, creating a second-chance romance that feels completely authentic. Sawyer’s relationship with Honey’s son was another standout, adding so much warmth and heart to an already emotional story.
The small-town setting, forced proximity, cowboy romance vibes, and beautifully written character development made this impossible to stop reading. Every chapter left me wanting just one more, and I found myself completely invested in these characters and their journey toward healing and finding their way back to one another.
One Last Rodeo is easily my favourite book in the Willow Ridge series. It’s emotional, swoony, heartfelt, and full of characters you’ll fall in love with. If you’re looking for a cowboy romance with incredible emotional depth, unforgettable characters, and a love story that stays with you long after you’ve finished the final page, this one is an absolute must-read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
ARC provided by Netgalley and this review is my honest opinion. My thanks to Netgalley, Harper Collins Publishers and the author for the opportunity to review.
One Last Rodeo by Emma Lucy is a second chance romance and book 3 in the Willow Ridge series. I have not read the two previous books in the series, but this did not impact on my ability to read this story. Sawyer and Honey first meet in school, where a shared understanding of growing up in an abusive home develops into a secret friendship. Honey leaves for College and returns 9 years later as a single Mum to the adorable Noah, and Sawyer has become a Bull rider. External events conspire to bring the two together and they begin to reconnect and rediscover what they mean to each other.
I thought this was such a strong story with two beautifully written and heartfelt main characters. Sawyer was my favourite and he made my heart ache with how broken he felt he was and seeing how much his past had impacted on him. There was something really touching about watching his relationship bloom with Noah, which was so healing for the both of them and it was a really nice part of the story to follow. Honey was a great mother and while, Sawyer’s internal monologues were very open, I found it harder to warm to her as she was much cooler in temperament (understandably so). I think as the story progressed, they did hurt and heal each other at various parts but their connection and chemistry was really strong and their hard-fought happy ending was all the more powerful because of it. I thought Noah was a very well written and convincing child character and he was so adorable especially with his pet cow! The book deals with difficult subject matters in a very touching way and there is something really heartening to see the two main characters love and be loved by each other and make a home that neither of them had. I would recommend this book.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.4/5
One Last Rodeo by Emma Lucy is a second chance romance and book 3 in the Willow Ridge series. I have not read the two previous books in the series, but this did not impact on my ability to read this story. Sawyer and Honey first meet in school, where a shared understanding of growing up in an abusive home develops into a secret friendship. Honey leaves for College and returns 9 years later as a single Mum to the adorable Noah, and Sawyer has become a Bull rider. External events conspire to bring the two together and they begin to reconnect and rediscover what they mean to each other.
I thought this was such a strong story with two beautifully written and heartfelt main characters. Sawyer was my favourite and he made my heart ache with how broken he felt he was and seeing how much his past had impacted on him. There was something really touching about watching his relationship bloom with Noah, which was so healing for the both of them and it was a really nice part of the story to follow. Honey was a great mother and while, Sawyer’s internal monologues were very open, I found it harder to warm to her as she was much cooler in temperament (understandably so). I think as the story progressed, they did hurt and heal each other at various parts but their connection and chemistry was really strong and their hard-fought happy ending was all the more powerful because of it. I thought Noah was a very well written and convincing child character and he was so adorable especially with his pet cow! The book deals with difficult subject matters in a very touching way and there is something really heartening to see the two main characters love and be loved by each other and make a home that neither of them had. I would recommend this book.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.4/5
May 30, 2026
THE ENDING 🤏🏽🤏🏽🤏🏽🫶🏽🫶🏽🫶🏽
This was such a heartwarming story. I loved that it followed a single mother and a bull rider who already had history together. It had that second-chance romance feel that I absolutely love, but it never felt overly tropey or predictable.
One of my favourite things about this book was the flashbacks. Sometimes flashbacks can pull me out of a story, but here they worked so well because they showed Honey and Sawyer’s history and how they first became important to each other. Every flashback added something meaningful and made their present-day relationship hit even harder.
There was also a lot more emotional depth than I expected. Both Honey and Sawyer have gone through difficult experiences and carry insecurities from those experiences into adulthood. I really enjoyed how their struggles weren’t magically fixed overnight. Their pasts shaped who they were, and you could see how those wounds affected the choices they made and the distance between them.
♡ “But for the first time in a long time, I rather like the darkness in this house, because it’s where I found the light in Honey again.”
♡ “Yeah, Blue. Nine years of replaying that night in my head every day. Ain’t easy to forget the feeling of heaven.”
♡ “And if I have to wait another nine years to get another chance to finally deserve you, I’ll do it.”
♡ “What’s mine is yours—my home, my ranch, my heart.”
And tell me what it is about children in books that make me emotional every single time 😭 There were so many small moments throughout this story that just made my heart melt.
Overall, this was warm, emotional, romantic, and incredibly easy to get invested in. I laughed, I teared up, and by the end I was completely rooting for Honey and Sawyer to find their way back to each other.
♡ Thank you to HarperCollins UK and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. ♡
This was such a heartwarming story. I loved that it followed a single mother and a bull rider who already had history together. It had that second-chance romance feel that I absolutely love, but it never felt overly tropey or predictable.
One of my favourite things about this book was the flashbacks. Sometimes flashbacks can pull me out of a story, but here they worked so well because they showed Honey and Sawyer’s history and how they first became important to each other. Every flashback added something meaningful and made their present-day relationship hit even harder.
There was also a lot more emotional depth than I expected. Both Honey and Sawyer have gone through difficult experiences and carry insecurities from those experiences into adulthood. I really enjoyed how their struggles weren’t magically fixed overnight. Their pasts shaped who they were, and you could see how those wounds affected the choices they made and the distance between them.
♡ “But for the first time in a long time, I rather like the darkness in this house, because it’s where I found the light in Honey again.”
♡ “Yeah, Blue. Nine years of replaying that night in my head every day. Ain’t easy to forget the feeling of heaven.”
♡ “And if I have to wait another nine years to get another chance to finally deserve you, I’ll do it.”
♡ “What’s mine is yours—my home, my ranch, my heart.”
And tell me what it is about children in books that make me emotional every single time 😭 There were so many small moments throughout this story that just made my heart melt.
Overall, this was warm, emotional, romantic, and incredibly easy to get invested in. I laughed, I teared up, and by the end I was completely rooting for Honey and Sawyer to find their way back to each other.
♡ Thank you to HarperCollins UK and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. ♡
May 28, 2026
✨3.5 stars✨
In the beginning, I thought this book was on track to being my favourite out of this series. However, as this book progressed, there were things that frustrated me.
Firstly, Sawyer and Honey needed to talk to each other more! Literally most of their issues would have been prevented or at least solved quicker if they had just done so! In the past timeline, Honey leaves abruptly without telling Sawyer why and then they don’t talk for 9 years until she returns with her son. I get she was scared but just to not talk to him for that long?! And then the third act break up when Sawyer leaves on Christmas Day because Noah gets hurt without talking to anyone. He doesn’t return until New Year’s Eve?? 6 days of stewing and not just talking like adults? This tells me that neither of these characters and grown since they were teenagers which is beyond frustrating to read about.
Secondly, I found the fact that they both connected over their troubled home life (abusive dads) was cute especially as they became a safe space for each other. However, it never felt like we as the reader got enough information. Like if you’re going to tackle a topic like abuse then it shouldn’t leave me feeling like it just shoved in there. Especially when it’s clear that the characters are dealing with the aftermath of this in their adult lives but it just seems to be brushed over and remained surface level.
I think that’s my main complaint, everything just seemed surface level with a lack of real character development. So if you like fluffy romance with hints of depth then I think you’ll like this books and series. Yet personally I was just left feeling frustrated by the characters actions.
I received an ARC from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
In the beginning, I thought this book was on track to being my favourite out of this series. However, as this book progressed, there were things that frustrated me.
Firstly, Sawyer and Honey needed to talk to each other more! Literally most of their issues would have been prevented or at least solved quicker if they had just done so! In the past timeline, Honey leaves abruptly without telling Sawyer why and then they don’t talk for 9 years until she returns with her son. I get she was scared but just to not talk to him for that long?! And then the third act break up when Sawyer leaves on Christmas Day because Noah gets hurt without talking to anyone. He doesn’t return until New Year’s Eve?? 6 days of stewing and not just talking like adults? This tells me that neither of these characters and grown since they were teenagers which is beyond frustrating to read about.
Secondly, I found the fact that they both connected over their troubled home life (abusive dads) was cute especially as they became a safe space for each other. However, it never felt like we as the reader got enough information. Like if you’re going to tackle a topic like abuse then it shouldn’t leave me feeling like it just shoved in there. Especially when it’s clear that the characters are dealing with the aftermath of this in their adult lives but it just seems to be brushed over and remained surface level.
I think that’s my main complaint, everything just seemed surface level with a lack of real character development. So if you like fluffy romance with hints of depth then I think you’ll like this books and series. Yet personally I was just left feeling frustrated by the characters actions.
I received an ARC from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
the sweetest, most heartbreakingly beautiful end to the Willow Ridge series!! 🥹🤍
in my opinion, this is Emma's best book yet! Honey and Swayer (plus Noah!) truly captured my heart, and i loved every second of it. i laughed, i cried — it gave me everything i could want from a romance book, honestly.
the dual timeline worked so perfectly (given that it's a second chance romance!), and i loved diving into the past every so often to get a bit more of the start of Honey and Sawyer's relationship from a decade ago.
both of their backstories were truly heartbreaking, and Emma did such a great job of writing this, despite the heavy themes. i just wanted to wrap them both up in the tightest hug possible.
Noah was the sweetest addition to the story (especially once you learn the story behind his name), and i simply adored his relationship with THE Sawyer Nash (hehe). the cutest little boy ever! loved watching him grow more confident and assured 🥹
i loved seeing the Willow Ridge gang once again (duh!), but having the guys talk mental health, therapy, and opening up truly was so so wonderful to see. a beautiful display of healthy relationships that brought tears to my eyes if i'm honest.
plus, of course an honourable mention has to go to Trixie the dog and Kentucky the fetch-playing cow!!
overall, an incredible read that i absolutely could not put down! it's SO hard for me to pick a favourite in the Willow Ridge series because they all mean something so different to me, but this one truly might have topped the trio! 🤭🫶🏼
thank you to Emma, Harper Collins and NetGalley for the eArc, i'll be thinking about this one for years to come 💓
in my opinion, this is Emma's best book yet! Honey and Swayer (plus Noah!) truly captured my heart, and i loved every second of it. i laughed, i cried — it gave me everything i could want from a romance book, honestly.
the dual timeline worked so perfectly (given that it's a second chance romance!), and i loved diving into the past every so often to get a bit more of the start of Honey and Sawyer's relationship from a decade ago.
both of their backstories were truly heartbreaking, and Emma did such a great job of writing this, despite the heavy themes. i just wanted to wrap them both up in the tightest hug possible.
Noah was the sweetest addition to the story (especially once you learn the story behind his name), and i simply adored his relationship with THE Sawyer Nash (hehe). the cutest little boy ever! loved watching him grow more confident and assured 🥹
i loved seeing the Willow Ridge gang once again (duh!), but having the guys talk mental health, therapy, and opening up truly was so so wonderful to see. a beautiful display of healthy relationships that brought tears to my eyes if i'm honest.
plus, of course an honourable mention has to go to Trixie the dog and Kentucky the fetch-playing cow!!
overall, an incredible read that i absolutely could not put down! it's SO hard for me to pick a favourite in the Willow Ridge series because they all mean something so different to me, but this one truly might have topped the trio! 🤭🫶🏼
thank you to Emma, Harper Collins and NetGalley for the eArc, i'll be thinking about this one for years to come 💓
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
• ARC REVIEW •
• ONE LAST RODEO: EMMA LUCY •
• SAWYER & HONEY•
•⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️•
First and foremost I would love to thank Emma, her team and Harper Collins for the ARC! I love this series so much! It was such a quick and easy read that I literally finished this in a day, I couldn't put it down! Its defiantly my favourite of the series!!
- Second Chance
- Single Mum
- Forced Proximity
- Flashbacks
- Small Town
I felt all of he emotions in this book! I loved their relationship and the fact that it was a second chance was even more special. The way they had similar childhood experiences and trauma helped build their bond that became extra special. It helped them find that special someone that they can trust.
The Flashbacks were perfection and it really helped bring the story together. Seeing their past, and what had happened really help bought all the puzzle pieces together.
Sawyer was exactly what I expected and that is such a good thing! This rough and tough cowboy had his soft side and that so happened to be Honey and her son! It was so special seeing him grown out of his scars and gain the best things life could give him.
Honey is perfect, and such a fantastic mum to Noah. I loved how her scars didn't define her and she made something of herself! Her determination to do everything right for not only herself but her son was so special to read.
I do wish we saw more of both Sawyer and Honeys carer side of things and more of Noah! He was such a great aspect of the story, I just wanted more from him! I wanted more Honey as well, I wish we saw more of her vulnerability and explored her character more!
I have loved seeing Emmas improvement from book to book! following her along her journey has been so special!
• ONE LAST RODEO: EMMA LUCY •
• SAWYER & HONEY•
•⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️•
First and foremost I would love to thank Emma, her team and Harper Collins for the ARC! I love this series so much! It was such a quick and easy read that I literally finished this in a day, I couldn't put it down! Its defiantly my favourite of the series!!
- Second Chance
- Single Mum
- Forced Proximity
- Flashbacks
- Small Town
I felt all of he emotions in this book! I loved their relationship and the fact that it was a second chance was even more special. The way they had similar childhood experiences and trauma helped build their bond that became extra special. It helped them find that special someone that they can trust.
The Flashbacks were perfection and it really helped bring the story together. Seeing their past, and what had happened really help bought all the puzzle pieces together.
Sawyer was exactly what I expected and that is such a good thing! This rough and tough cowboy had his soft side and that so happened to be Honey and her son! It was so special seeing him grown out of his scars and gain the best things life could give him.
Honey is perfect, and such a fantastic mum to Noah. I loved how her scars didn't define her and she made something of herself! Her determination to do everything right for not only herself but her son was so special to read.
I do wish we saw more of both Sawyer and Honeys carer side of things and more of Noah! He was such a great aspect of the story, I just wanted more from him! I wanted more Honey as well, I wish we saw more of her vulnerability and explored her character more!
I have loved seeing Emmas improvement from book to book! following her along her journey has been so special!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
One Last Rodeo by Emma Lucy absolutely wrecked me in the best way.
This is a beautifully emotional second-chance romance featuring Sawyer, an injured bull rider, and Honey, a single mum returning home with her son. As former high school sweethearts turned exes, their history runs deep, and the story does an excellent job of unpacking the hurt, love, and unresolved feelings between them.
Both characters carry significant trauma, and the book handles their struggles with care and sensitivity. The dual POV and flashbacks were perfectly executed, giving depth to their past relationship and helping me understand how they ended up where they are now.
One of my favourite parts was the forced-proximity element when Honey ends up moving in with Sawyer after her apartment becomes unavailable. The tension, longing, and emotional vulnerability that follow made it impossible to put down.
The romance felt authentic, but what really stood out was the emotional weight of the story. There were several moments that had me in tears, and the healing journey for both characters was incredibly moving.
I also loved the relationship between Sawyer and Noah. Their bond added so much heart to the story and provided some of the sweetest moments in the book.
If you enjoy small-town romances, high school sweethearts reunited, second chances, forced proximity, and emotionally rich stories about healing and family, One Last Rodeo is a must-read.
This book had me laughing, crying, and completely invested from beginning to end. A standout romance that I’ll be thinking about for a long time. ❤️📚
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I hadn't read the first two books in the series (which I absolutely know I will be going back to now) but I'm so glad I requested this on NetGalley 🥹
Some books just settle right into your chest, and this was absolutely one of them.
This is a breathtaking, second-chance romance about two fractured people who inherently understand each other's darkness. Sawyer and Honey first bonded over their scars and fears during their senior year, but after Honey left, it took nine years and a flooded apartment to bring her and her young son, Noah, back into Sawyer's orbit. Forced onto his ranch while he’s recovering from an injury, the proximity forces them to finally face years of unspoken words, lingering anger, and an undeniable chemistry that never truly faded.
What I loved most is that their romance isn't built on instant attraction. It’s built on history, friendship, and a deep, profound healing. They see the broken parts of each other and choose to love anyway. The author weaves high school flashbacks of tutor sessions, bleachers and prom night so flawlessly into the present-day narrative, making every single moment on the ranch feel completely earned. Even the painful third-act conflict felt entirely necessary for their growth.
Watching Sawyer, Honey, and little Noah find their way to each other was beautiful. Together, they create the safest, most perfect little family. It’s a gorgeous reminder that even in the darkest moments, flowers can still bloom. If you love emotional small-town romances with unforgettable characters and a love story that feels earned every step of the way, you need to read this.
Some books just settle right into your chest, and this was absolutely one of them.
This is a breathtaking, second-chance romance about two fractured people who inherently understand each other's darkness. Sawyer and Honey first bonded over their scars and fears during their senior year, but after Honey left, it took nine years and a flooded apartment to bring her and her young son, Noah, back into Sawyer's orbit. Forced onto his ranch while he’s recovering from an injury, the proximity forces them to finally face years of unspoken words, lingering anger, and an undeniable chemistry that never truly faded.
What I loved most is that their romance isn't built on instant attraction. It’s built on history, friendship, and a deep, profound healing. They see the broken parts of each other and choose to love anyway. The author weaves high school flashbacks of tutor sessions, bleachers and prom night so flawlessly into the present-day narrative, making every single moment on the ranch feel completely earned. Even the painful third-act conflict felt entirely necessary for their growth.
Watching Sawyer, Honey, and little Noah find their way to each other was beautiful. Together, they create the safest, most perfect little family. It’s a gorgeous reminder that even in the darkest moments, flowers can still bloom. If you love emotional small-town romances with unforgettable characters and a love story that feels earned every step of the way, you need to read this.
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