One Last Rodeo

Willow Ridge #3

by Emma Lucy

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.

Genres: Westerns, Romance, Cowboy Romance, Second Chance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance

376 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 2, 2026

About the author

Emma 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.

Reviews

[Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.*

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second chance small-town romance between a bull rider and single mother is insanely adorable and incredibly profound! Full of the perfect balance of chemistry, spice, found family and healing, this really made for a wonderful read and is one of my favourites for this year. 🤠

I wonder what the stars think as they watch us dance. Did they know back in his truck bed all those years ago that we’d be torn apart? Did they twinkle above us unfettered because they also knew we’d find our way back to each other eventually? That they kept our secret knowing our fates would always be intertwined, and they’d watch us dance in the silence of the night once again.

[ Contains some spoilers ]

PLOT SUMMARY
In senior year at Willow Ridge High, popular quarterback and aspiring bull rider Sawyer Nash notices wallflower and choir singer Honey Goldman hiding a bruise from her abusive father. Having suffered at the hands of his own father, he is compelled to help her and offers to give her concealer for it. In exchange for his kindness, Honey offers to tutor him to improve his grades so he won’t be off the football team. They then become close friends, both understanding the other’s situation. He even ensures she won’t stay at home missing prom. But then things get closer, and Honey ends things as she leaves for college in North Carolina.

Nine years later, 27-year-old Sawyer is now a Professional Bull Riders World Champion and is at the Willow Ridge Rodeo. As he is heading to the ring, he bumps into a little boy called Noah who is the son of none other than single mother Honey, who has finally returned to Willow Ridge. After a horrific accident with a bull, he is confined for six months of healing to his family ranch which he doesn’t know what to do with now his father has passed.

When Honey’s apartment is flooded, Sawyer picks up her son from school for her. Noah, who seldom speaks to anyone, is a fan of cowboys and rodeos which mean they form a great bond, and he brings Noah out of his shell. and offers them his house to stay in. With this comes the risk of more proximity and the resurfacing of feelings from nine years ago.

There are various obstacles: Sawyer’s casual lifestyle alongside his fear of abandonment and unworthiness; Honey’s life revolving around Noah, and her ex-husband’s dislike of where their child is being raised. Is a second chance a chance worth taking? Or will one of them run from the other again?

‘It’s been nine years, Sawyer.’ My voice trembles out with my breath. ‘How can you possibly remember?’
‘Yeah, Blue. Nine years of replaying that night in my head every day. Ain’t easy to forget the feeling of heaven.’

This is told in a dual timeline from the first-person present-tense POV of Honey and Sawyer.

OVERALL OPINIONS
ㅤ🏡👨🏼‍👩🏼‍👦🏼🐂 introduction 🐂👨🏼‍👩🏼‍👦🏼🏡
This isn’t my first rodeo, as I’m on to my second bull rider book this year (the first was Elsie Silver’s Flawless). I’d seen Emma Lucy’s previous books on the go (couldn’t miss nor fail to appreciate the Live Ranch Love) but hadn’t dug in. While I am a little late as this is the third and final book of the Willow Ridge series, I’m so glad I did. Because what a read this was! I actually was going to take a bit longer to read it but it got to the point I couldn’t put it down. And it is a lovely standalone that I could dive into without knowing much about what happened in the previous books as the plots of those were supplied quickly when Wyatt and Duke are on the scene. Listening to “Again” by Brooks & Dunn on loop as I read this.

ㅤ🏡👨🏼‍👩🏼‍👦🏼🐂 the second chance element 🐂👨🏼‍👩🏼‍👦🏼🏡
Now, from what I can see based on the overall star ratings and opinions, Emma Lucy’s first story felt a bit flat and the second one seemed improved to many people. I would of course need to read them both to confirm this, but I do think this one will delight those who were disappointed by the previous two. The main reason for this is presumably experience – not only in Lucy’s writing but in her own love life, as she too had a second chance there.

As someone who is herself living her own second chance, I can honestly say Emma Lucy really explored, through the excellent dual timeline, all the emotions: of meeting someone who understands you more than anyone, of losing that someone, of finding them again years later after thinking they were lost for good, of discovering they have bettered themselves, of the way memories come back (and mostly never left). And for me, it’s even more emotional considering I am also 27 years old.

The inclusion of Noah is a very essential plot point: he is the epitome of a second chance. Not only is he the one who brings the two of them together by literally bumping into Sawyer and driving their second chance from the beginning, Honey gets the chance to give him a better childhood than she ever did, and he reminds Sawyer so much of how her mother was in high school and so he has the chance to make amends through him and encourages him to come out his shell more than his real dad Gray ever did. Also, Noah is in turn someone who allows Sawyer to get the second chance of experiencing a healthy family dynamic and being a part of something, which was especially heartfelt. And Noah brings a new purpose and idea for the ranch which gives it a second chance to thrive. There were so many times my heart burst for him because he was just so cute!

I almost falter, my fingers struggling on the strings for split second, as they all begin to dance, Noah seeming completely unbothered by the crowds because all his attention is on the cowboy holding his hands. The cowboy who could never be tamed but now dances with my six-year-old son in front of the whole town, unashamed.

So yes, I did get emotional more than once reading this. Mostly, thanks to Noah. Particularly when he thanks Sawyer for being his friend. And when he calls Sawyer dad. And telling Sawyer it was okay to cry because cowboys cry too. And especially Chapter 34. I was literally like STOP IT!

ㅤ🏡👨🏼‍👩🏼‍👦🏼🐂 a ropin’ good time 🐂👨🏼‍👩🏼‍👦🏼🏡
There was a bit of everything. There was a bit of humour, like Kentucky the cow who knows how to play fetch and some funny things Wyatt says. There was a lot of amazing spice, that was really hot and I enjoyed immensely – big shout out to the kitchen counter scene, when she got to be in control (changing the conventionality of spice scenes), his hand clamping her mouth moments, the “hold the headboard” (I see you, ACOTAR Cassian!) and the “good girl” things this man said (save a horse, ride a cowboy)! Admittedly, something I did like and appreciate was the more closed-door narrative for when they are in senior year. Since they are younger in the story, it makes so much sense and reflects the innocence and sensuality of it well.

But the main thing about this story is its depth.

Honey and Sawyer’s relationship is a very profound story, and with a very heavy but necessary backstory, as they have both suffered at the hands of their fathers. I think their abuse was a good choice of plotline and such a crucial element to Sawyer’s character, especially. Without it, you wouldn’t have his central conflict, his own fears that he will be a disappointment and everyone will leave him, like his own mother; nor would you have his three alcoholic drinks rule (where after three drinks he gets non-alcoholic drinks so he doesn’t become an alcoholic like him); nor a major turning point where he has tried not to be like his father but ends up snapping at Noah to the extent that he reminds himself of him. There is also the matter of Honey, who feels like all she’ll do is hold Sawyer back from his dreams, who was very shy in school and becomes more and more confident when she is around Sawyer, just like her son. It was beautiful to see their character development.

Sawyer’s arm is tucked around me the whole time, making no effort to pretend we’re just friends like we said we would. But I secretly love it. Love the way he claims me as soon as I sit down, fingers toying with my hair and dress whenever he can. Like his life depends upon being able to touch me.

A lot of memorable scenes between them: one such example is the moment where it is revealed he covered up his scars with kiss tattoos, to represent where she kissed them nine years ago. That was really unexpected and something I will never forget.

ㅤ🏡👨🏼‍👩🏼‍👦🏼🐂 healthy masculinity 🐂👨🏼‍👩🏼‍👦🏼🏡
I also liked how every sort of relationship dynamic was covered: friendship, romance, family. Honey and her mother May have a very deep history and bond because of what they have been through together, and Honey befriending Rory was lovely to see as they both relate to being outsiders in the town who find it tricky to make real friends at their age.

There were a lot of very important conversations and moments, but a very important moment I think was near the end of the book between the men: Sawyer, Wyatt and Duke – even Wolfman. This was a display of healthy masculinity and such a realistic moment, where Sawyer’s friends all admitted they should have checked in more often with each other instead of assuming they were okay, and revealed they went to therapy for various things. And Sawyer is shocked because he had no idea, and then they ask him what’s wrong with him, and it was such a nourishing conversation that I hope more men are doing as they don’t open up as much as they should. I was very impressed with how that was handled!

One by one I look at my friends—men I’ve always seen as strong and admirable, men whose lives I’ve wished on too many nights I could’ve had instead of mine, and realise that they’re all dealing with their own shit too. But it doesn’t make them any less of a man. In fact, I’m almost more envious of them now for being able to admit they needed help and that they’re not ashamed of it.
There’s a moment of silence where I just nod, appreciating them sharing their experiences without pushing it onto me.

ㅤ🏡👨🏼‍👩🏼‍👦🏼🐂 full of bull 🐂👨🏼‍👩🏼‍👦🏼🏡
There were a few times I wasn’t keen on the narrative. For one thing, I think a lot of plot elements were revealed too soon, for example Noah’s name choice. There could have been more mystery to and surrounding that, so instead of in Chapter 1 having “It’s just a coincidence, it doesn’t mean anything, I have to tell myself. That she wouldn’t name him after something so private between us. Especially after the way she left…” I would have stopped it at “I have to tell myself” and kept the other bit until later so I’m left questioning who the original Noah is/was or what the name means to them. The same thing happens in Chapter 2. “it’s been nine years, he probably doesn’t remember the names we made up.” This takes all the intrigue out of Noah, essentially.

Though there were so so many things I loved about Sawyer (which I cover in my Character section) there were times I disliked Sawyer. His arriving with flowers for instance felt too performative and I didn’t like how he practically ambushed Honey to take her to coffee. And then the way he flirted with and looked at Briar in the café when he was about to ask Honey to try things again was sending mixed signals.

But Honey wasn’t perfect either. I really hated when she took that moment away from Sawyer with her son. While a little understandable and meant well, she shouldn’t have assumed that he didn’t want to be called dad – talk about it and then decide what to do. Because she made Sawyer feel he was unworthy and that annoyed me greatly. The miscommunication of it killed me, but thank goodness for Sawyer deciding to say how he really felt about it after. I did think that he was going to be more bitter about the situation, rightfully so, when he wanted to proudly declare she was his and then that happened with Noah calling him dad and she says he’s just her friend. Arguably, I’d have preferred Sawyer to call Honey out about that instead of brushing it off.

Most of the aspects I thought would be an obstacle or area of conflict didn’t end up as a piece of conflict at all when I thought that might have been explored. Like Briar or one or other of their fathers or the rodeo itself. The rodeo aspect surprised me most of all, since I would say most of the time the bull riding is the problem in romance novels because it is such a dangerous sport. Especially with what nearly happened to her boy and what she saw happen to Sawyer. I daresay it is refreshing that Honey wasn’t like that and that she is supportive but it is odd that she doesn’t feel worried for Sawyer or anything, considering their lifestyles. And would she truly want Noah growing up to do that and potentially injuring himself too? Should there not be a discussion about this?

ㅤ🏡👨🏼‍👩🏼‍👦🏼🐂 to conclude 🐂👨🏼‍👩🏼‍👦🏼🏡
I could actually go on and on about this novel –I had so many chunks highlighted, I probably nearly had the whole book lit up!– but I think I should stop there. I loved so many aspects and even the negative things I can easily overlook.

<< Positives >>
🠚 Can be read as a standalone
🠚 Characters from other books appear
🠚 Excellent use of dual timeline
🠚 Rory and Honey’s friendship
🠚 The SPICE! Enough said.
🠚 Closed-door scenes matched high school setting/age.
🠚 Strong character development and profound depth
🠚 Refreshing representation of healthy masculinity.
🠚 The amount of consent
🠚 Some wholesome moments, like the scene where they draw on the walls to draw over the bad memories (similar to the tattoo concept), and Honey singing whilst watching Sawyer and Noah dance
🠚 Many emotional moments, especially with Noah
🠚 Miscommunication did not last long

<< Negatives >>
🠚 Key plot mysteries were revealed too early.
🠚 Potential sources of conflict were never explored, such as dangerous rodeo riding.
🠚 Sawyer’s grand gestures felt performative and pushy.
🠚 Honey unfairly interrupted Sawyer’s moment with Noah.
🠚 More could have been explored with Beau character, friend of Sawyer’s father, who was only in Chapter 5.
🠚 More could have been explored with the school now that Honey works there
🠚 Inclusion of random character Parker as obstacle, though jealous Sawyer was needed.
🠚 Seems a little far-fetched that Honey has a bad stomach and Sawyer instantly deduces period cramps because really now – it could be anything from IBS to cramps to trapped wind to something she ate.
🠚 Too much of a parallel in having both fathers abusive.
🠚 Sawyer was too forgiving in some situations where Honey should have communicated.
🠚 Sawyer having the “Daddy” name kink gave me the ick.
🠚 Profound declarations while bonking (the “love you”s, and “marry me”s) didn’t work for me.

CHARACTERS
-ˋˏ ꒰ Honey꒱ ˎˊ-
↳ I like that the behaviours she used to do but tensed up afterwards, like rolling her eyes, is something she now does naturally. But she is also like me, her emotions are very easy to read. She is so smart, I really like that she calls Sawyer’s character Noah Stetson like the hat. She has been through so much and it’s lovely to see how much she has worked on herself, come a long way since her 18-year-old self. She handles so much on her own that it is nice that she is able to take more of a backseat thanks to Sawyer’s help.

-ˋˏ ꒰ Sawyer꒱ ˎˊ-
↳ This man. THIS. MAN. I have a whole list of things because gosh, his acts of service are through the roof and not just for Honey but for Noah too! Especially with Noah, putting him at ease by buying ranch toys and letting him help and playing pretend rodeo with him – but gosh, the level of devotion he has to Honey! Making Honey’s room blue, respecting the boundaries on touch, offering to help when she is ill, making enough warm milk for the three of them, getting her a corsage to match her eyes, spoiling her with boots that she likes, organising things so Honey can sing at the bar. He set the bar high! Something I really loved was that he thinks that “her anxiety deserves the same space and consideration as anyone else’s”, what a considerate man (bare minimum but what a role model). He has been through so much, he’s working on his fear of his scars being seen (both literally and figuratively). I hated that he still feels he needs to better himself when he is literally perfect.

FAV QUOTES
• I swallow as I look back up, finding Honey’s eyes sparkling and locked intensely on our joined hands. Everything about her visibly softens and it hits me with a bigger high than ever before. Screw the smiles and the laughter—I want to make her feel safe. Over and over again.
• 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. The light that once kept me going. The light I don’t think I’ll stop chasing.
• ‘when you’re not feeling whole, I’ll give you my strength. Just like you give me yours.’ | Sawyer nods and tightens his hold on me. ‘I’d be honoured to just have a fraction of you, Blue.’
• His fingers pulse against my hip and then he whispers in my ear, ‘Your body deserves to be worshipped, Blue.’
• The need to win, for fame, for glory—none of it comes close to the need for Honey Goldman. And I’m struggling to fight it. Have been since she moved in. Since I first laid eyes on her again.
• ‘I know that I don’t seem steady. I know how I’ve lived my life doesn’t fit the picture you’re painting for yourself but forget the man I’ve been. Forget everything, Blue. What kind of man do you need? Let me be him.’
• ‘And here I was thinking you weren’t a rule breaker, Blue.’ | ‘Can’t help it when it comes to you,’ she murmurs back. ‘Never have.’
• ‘What’s mine is yours—my home, my ranch, my heart.’

══════════ ⋆★⋆ ══════════

I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review and I’d like to thank Emma Lucy, HarperCollins, and NetGalley for the opportunity. This has not affected my opinion in any way.

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Eve &#x1f337; · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[☆Laura☆]

Odio cuando el protagonista tiene alguna escena sexual con otra y la protagonista no. Debería ser parejo. Es mi única queja.

[cakecoffeeandbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Breanna Ebisch · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Tee Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 💛

[Faeofashandpayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.5 Stars
As always, Emma Lucy writes the biggest green flag men in the absolute best way, which is saying something because I usually fall head over heels for morally grey men.
There's just something about the MMCs in this series. At first glance, they can come across as red flags, but the more you get to know them, the more you realise they're anything but.
Sawyer broke my heart more than once in this book, and there were moments when I wanted to shake Honey or just steal Sawyer for myself because, girl, stop breaking his heart! But they both carry so much pain from their pasts that I completely understood where each of them was coming from. Their backstory was equal parts heartbreaking and heartwarming, and I couldn't help rooting for them.
I love a good second-chance romance, and this one was executed perfectly. Add in a small-town cowboy setting, incredible chemistry, and Emma Lucy's signature emotional storytelling, and I was completely hooked.
This book officially pulled me out of my reading slump, and I've loved every minute of this series.

[Kim Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was waiting for Sawyer's book and boy it did not disappoint! This book felt more intense than the first 2, maybe because Sawyer and Honey both have had such difficult pasts. It made me so happy that these two broken souls found each other and were able to heal.

I have been reading Emma Lucy books since the first one and I really think she grew and improved in every following book. That is so great to experience. Can't wait for the next one.

Many thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollinsUK for the digital copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Rachael Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

"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 🫶

[booksaremysoulfood · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Rachel Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Michelle Rujudawa · Rating 5 out of 5]

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⭐️

[aimeejo · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was going to be a 4 star for me however the epilogue knocked it down a star for me:(

[mel_neverendingtbr · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Ellie Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this so much!!! This series has been so good!! 🥲🥲

[Shelbi · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Aisha Faisal · Rating 5 out of 5]

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. 😊

[Lucie Hillsley · Rating 5 out of 5]

✿ 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!! 🤍

[lalibreriadiirene · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Reanna Abare · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Jeanette · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Sole · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Caitlinjoyful · Rating 4 out of 5]

"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.

[Rachel ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Laura Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Iona Ashleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love love love Emma Lucy and I love her writing style and how she tells the story.
But second chance romances just aren’t for me. I don’t know what it is but they always have flashbacks and I feel annoyed that despite the passing of time they’ve not really grown or moved on from where they were as teenagers.

Though I guess that makes it all the more believable as in real life aren’t we all just old teenagers in matters of the heart. Maybe my dislike of second chance romance is that I dislike how true a reflection they are of romance and the current dating game. Filled with miscommunication, self doubt and being reduced to over grown teens with just as many flying hormones 😂

Maybe it’s projection from me at the horror that one of my teen romances (not that had many) may come back into my life and that’s my endgame 😂

I love Sawyer and I loved how he was on the page a decent guy who would move heaven and earth for his people on a journey to learn that he is indeed worthy and deserving of love.

I think Honey for the most part is great but like Sawyer she’s still stuck at 17 really. It’s both great and annoying that they both can come together at 27 and have that journey of healing and growing together.

May for me is the MVP. She got her and her daughter out of a horrific situation. She forged a new life with Honey and even when Honey got pregnant at 19? she didn’t she stayed by her side despite having spent 20+ years in marriage to a man who would have brought hell at the situation. It takes such strength to not only do that but to heal the hurt caused to Honey. Where Sawyers mother abandoned him May stayed in a dangerous situation because running away with Honey would have been even more dangerous.

Noah, Trixie and Kentucky are a hilarious trio and in my head Kentucky is a lap dog and sleeps at the foot of Noah’s bed.

Despite my dislike for second chance I still really enjoyed reading this just not as much as the rest of the series. I’m so excited for Wolfman’s story next

[Musingsonbooksandmore · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Eve Tsak · Rating 4 out of 5]

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. ♡