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Faircloud #1
The Story We Wrote
Fall for a small-town, friends-to-lovers romance where a bookish dreamer and a rugged ranch hand discover that sometimes, love comes when you least expect it.
Aspen Westgrove has spent her life pleasing others, more specifically her family. Growing up in Faircloud, Texas she has come to love the roots she dug and wants to make a life for herself in the place she calls home. Aspen aspires to be a romance author, to create stories of love to share with other readers like herself but, there is one small problem—she has never been in love. After losing her job at the local coffee shop, Aspen is now left to wonder how she will navigate the sudden change and make her dreams of writing finally come true.
Boone Cassidy is Faircloud’s resident bachelor and ranch hand on his family’s land who's been causing chaos in town since he was a boy. When his sister leaves town, he and his family are forced to find a solution to keep their farm-stand running in her absence.
Timing and fate align, pushing Boone to offer Aspen an opportunity she can’t refuse. When the reformed bad boy and the shy bookworm come together to form an unexpected friendship, feelings are brought to the surface that neither of them know how to handle.
Follow Boone and Aspen along on a journey of self-discovery, friendship, and love in a small town cowboy romance.
Aspen Westgrove has spent her life pleasing others, more specifically her family. Growing up in Faircloud, Texas she has come to love the roots she dug and wants to make a life for herself in the place she calls home. Aspen aspires to be a romance author, to create stories of love to share with other readers like herself but, there is one small problem—she has never been in love. After losing her job at the local coffee shop, Aspen is now left to wonder how she will navigate the sudden change and make her dreams of writing finally come true.
Boone Cassidy is Faircloud’s resident bachelor and ranch hand on his family’s land who's been causing chaos in town since he was a boy. When his sister leaves town, he and his family are forced to find a solution to keep their farm-stand running in her absence.
Timing and fate align, pushing Boone to offer Aspen an opportunity she can’t refuse. When the reformed bad boy and the shy bookworm come together to form an unexpected friendship, feelings are brought to the surface that neither of them know how to handle.
Follow Boone and Aspen along on a journey of self-discovery, friendship, and love in a small town cowboy romance.
382 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 7, 2025
14160 people want to read
About the author
M. Hartley
10 books170 followersM. Hartley is a hopeless romantic with a passion for crafting heartfelt stories about small-town charm and rugged fictional cowboys (with big hearts and big…) When she’s not writing, while drinking a glass of sweet red wine, she can be found doting on her beloved dog, Hank, or indulging in her absurd Swedish Fish addiction. Dedicated to making readers fall head over heels for romance, M. Hartley believes there’s nothing better than a love story that lingers long after the last page is turned.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 184 reviews
October 7, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I absolutely devoured this book in less than 24 hours. Have you ever read a story that just feels like a breath of fresh air? That’s exactly what this book is. It’s sweet, heartwarming, and filled with characters you can’t help but fall in love with.
Boone and Aspen completely stole my heart. Their chemistry is magnetic, and their connection feels so genuine. The side characters are fantastic too. I can already tell the rest of the series is going to be amazing if it follows their friends.
The small-town vibes are perfection, and the ranch setting? Absolute chef’s kiss. This book has everything you could want in a small-town cowboy romance with warmth, charm, and the perfect amount of spice.
The fake dating trope had me swooning. Boone Cassidy is the definition of a dream book boyfriend, attentive, protective, and always making Aspen feel seen. And Aspen Westgrove? She’s a total gem, a ray of sunshine who deserves every bit of love that comes her way.
Now, onto book two. I cannot wait to continue this adventure!
I absolutely devoured this book in less than 24 hours. Have you ever read a story that just feels like a breath of fresh air? That’s exactly what this book is. It’s sweet, heartwarming, and filled with characters you can’t help but fall in love with.
Boone and Aspen completely stole my heart. Their chemistry is magnetic, and their connection feels so genuine. The side characters are fantastic too. I can already tell the rest of the series is going to be amazing if it follows their friends.
The small-town vibes are perfection, and the ranch setting? Absolute chef’s kiss. This book has everything you could want in a small-town cowboy romance with warmth, charm, and the perfect amount of spice.
The fake dating trope had me swooning. Boone Cassidy is the definition of a dream book boyfriend, attentive, protective, and always making Aspen feel seen. And Aspen Westgrove? She’s a total gem, a ray of sunshine who deserves every bit of love that comes her way.
Now, onto book two. I cannot wait to continue this adventure!
November 20, 2024
for an indie debut novel i literally looooved!! this book feels like the perfect small town/cowboy romance palate cleanser!! did i have my husband start calling me darling because of boone cassidy??? yuuuup. do i regret it? nope!!
definitely loved this book && will never get over the cover!!
tysm maggie for letting me alpha & beta read this precious book!🥰
definitely loved this book && will never get over the cover!!
tysm maggie for letting me alpha & beta read this precious book!🥰
October 6, 2024
Cute small town read!!!!!!! It was fun and easy to read definitely a book to have a cozy read with! Plus a hot cowboy yeah you got me 🙏🏻 Boone you sly dog woooweeee saying he’s the man in the books she reads WOOO where did he pull that line from cause goooodd lord 😍 and the friend group ugh GOTTA love a good friend group in a small town! I just makes a small town! I can’t wait to read the other characters they have me so intrigued 😍😍😍
December 16, 2025
The Story We Wrote by M. Hartley is a gentle, small‑town friends‑to‑lovers cowboy romance about Aspen Westgrove, a bookish dreamer who has never truly been in love, and Boone Cassidy, Faircloud, Texas’s rugged ranch hand and once notorious bachelor, as they forge an unexpected partnership and discover what it means to open their hearts while pursuing their dreams.
Aspen, freshly unemployed from the local coffee shop, wants to write the kind of love stories she has only ever read about, and Boone steps in with an opportunity that draws them closer than either expected, inspiring moments of self‑discovery, friendship, and affection against the warm backdrop of rural life and community. Their journey carries the familiar beats of forced proximity, slow‑burn connection, and sunshine‑laden character energy that many readers have found both comforting and sweet.
When I turned the last page I felt uplifted by the simplicity and quiet joy of Aspen and Boone’s evolving relationship, because Hartley portrays their chemistry and growth with a light touch that feels genuinely heartfelt. The small town setting became almost like a character itself for me, a place where moments on a porch swing or text conversations between friends carried as much emotional weight as the romantic beats, grounding the story in easy intimacy.
While the narrative moves at a relaxed pace, I appreciated how Aspen’s personal aspirations to write romance were woven into her connection with Boone, adding a layer of introspective charm to a genre romance. Some readers might find the plot predictable at moments, but I found that predictability comforting in a story meant to feel like a warm embrace.
Based on its appealing characters, delightful banter, and enjoyable portrayal of friendship turning into love, I would give The Story We Wrote a 4 out of 5 because it made me smile often and kept me invested in the characters’ emotional journeys even when it stayed within familiar romantic territory.
Aspen, freshly unemployed from the local coffee shop, wants to write the kind of love stories she has only ever read about, and Boone steps in with an opportunity that draws them closer than either expected, inspiring moments of self‑discovery, friendship, and affection against the warm backdrop of rural life and community. Their journey carries the familiar beats of forced proximity, slow‑burn connection, and sunshine‑laden character energy that many readers have found both comforting and sweet.
When I turned the last page I felt uplifted by the simplicity and quiet joy of Aspen and Boone’s evolving relationship, because Hartley portrays their chemistry and growth with a light touch that feels genuinely heartfelt. The small town setting became almost like a character itself for me, a place where moments on a porch swing or text conversations between friends carried as much emotional weight as the romantic beats, grounding the story in easy intimacy.
While the narrative moves at a relaxed pace, I appreciated how Aspen’s personal aspirations to write romance were woven into her connection with Boone, adding a layer of introspective charm to a genre romance. Some readers might find the plot predictable at moments, but I found that predictability comforting in a story meant to feel like a warm embrace.
Based on its appealing characters, delightful banter, and enjoyable portrayal of friendship turning into love, I would give The Story We Wrote a 4 out of 5 because it made me smile often and kept me invested in the characters’ emotional journeys even when it stayed within familiar romantic territory.
November 7, 2024
This was honestly the perfect palate cleanser from my usually high stakes fantasy reads. A hot cowboy who is respectful AND has a mustache??? Sign me up! This book was such an easy read and was written in a way that I felt I was just gossiping with a best friend about her love life. I also am normally a little scared going into a debut book but you seriously would never guess it was, the flow of the storyline was so smooth. I loved that there wasn’t any drama between our main characters. It was just good vibes as their relationship formed. It was nice seeing a healthy relationship vs. what we are normally given in romance books. Anyways off to go buy my husband a cowboy hat, YEEEHAWWW
November 5, 2024
✨ARC Review✨
“I would keep teasing you, darling, but you’re already soaked for me.”
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice. 🌶️🌶️.5
Who doesn’t love a good cowboy romance?!
The Story We Wrote is the wholesome, feel good and spicy southern cowboy romance I needed in my life!
Growing up in a small town Boone Cassidy + Aspen Westgrove have always been in opposite sides of the social circles. But now with Aspen’s life about to flip upside down, it’s Boone with his rugged + sexy cowboy appeal to the rescue!
Everything about this book was extremely captivating and I thoroughly enjoyed envisioning this sweet + spicy southern romance in my mind. The progression of their relationship was perfectly written as if I was really witnessing a real couple fall in love.🥹 Boone Cassidy is hands down the definition of the perfect cowboy book boyfriend and Aspen is a woman with strength + determination to reach for goals!
I also loved seeing the side characters make such lasting appearance and I’m already trying to guess who will be next….
Highly Recommend if you LOVE
✨friends to lovers
✨forced proximity
✨sunshine x sunshine
✨ no 3rd act breakup
✨cowboy romance
✨he falls first + hard
✨ “darling” and “cowboy” nicknames
✨fake dating(ish)
“I would keep teasing you, darling, but you’re already soaked for me.”
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice. 🌶️🌶️.5
Who doesn’t love a good cowboy romance?!
The Story We Wrote is the wholesome, feel good and spicy southern cowboy romance I needed in my life!
Growing up in a small town Boone Cassidy + Aspen Westgrove have always been in opposite sides of the social circles. But now with Aspen’s life about to flip upside down, it’s Boone with his rugged + sexy cowboy appeal to the rescue!
Everything about this book was extremely captivating and I thoroughly enjoyed envisioning this sweet + spicy southern romance in my mind. The progression of their relationship was perfectly written as if I was really witnessing a real couple fall in love.🥹 Boone Cassidy is hands down the definition of the perfect cowboy book boyfriend and Aspen is a woman with strength + determination to reach for goals!
I also loved seeing the side characters make such lasting appearance and I’m already trying to guess who will be next….
Highly Recommend if you LOVE
✨friends to lovers
✨forced proximity
✨sunshine x sunshine
✨ no 3rd act breakup
✨cowboy romance
✨he falls first + hard
✨ “darling” and “cowboy” nicknames
✨fake dating(ish)
November 4, 2024
I was gone for this woman, a woman I never thought would be willing to give me a chance. She thought no one ever noticed her, but I always did.
Omg, this was the most adorable, downright heart felt, swoony-est, gorgeous cowboy romance I've read in a while. It was easy to read, very entertaining, and easy to connect and love the characters that were created.
Aspen was a romance book lover just like the rest of us girlies who dreamed of being an author & when she was swept off her feet by her very own cowboy, Boone, I promise I was giggling, kicking my feet, and loving every minute of this book this debut author crafted! You can tell she put her all into this book and made it perfect for us all--so happy I stumbled across this one & signed up & was able to be an ARC reader for it!
Thank you so much to M. Hartley for providing me with an ARC copy of her debut novel, The Story We Wrote.
It was cute, beautiful, fluffy, sexy, and so much more!
✨Tropes✨
•Cowboy/small town romance
• Friends to lovers
• Semi-fake dating
• Banter & text messages
• Next door neighbors
• Forced proximity
• Sunshine x sunshine
• He falls harder
• No third act breakup
When this gets released, do yourself a favor & read it!!!! 💘
November 14, 2024
This is such a cute concept and an easy, feel good, low stakes palate cleanser!
Aspen is an aspiring writer and dedicated coffee shop employee stuck under her parents thumbs for the dreams they have for her when the coffee shop owners decide to close shop and Aspen is given a Hail Mary in the form of Boone Cassidy and his family’s ranch that has a shop keeper opening that needs to be filled asap. With a cabin on the ranch for Aspen to live in, she starts to get closer to her reformed playboy neighbor.
I really enjoyed the ease of this story and how quickly it’s read.
Some things that brought the rating down for me:
- very obviously eluding to recently popular books that the FMC is currently reading (Swift and Saddled, Happy Place, Juniper Hill)
- FMC and her friends describing the MMC a “book boyfriend”
- Her friend being in a certain life situation and them using a particular “trope” to describe that situation multiple times (this isn’t it but as an example let’s say she’s fighting with her hot boss but there’s tension so the girls would say “oh you’ve got a real enemies to lovers workplace romance trope going on)
(Those first three just made it feel awk for me, it was just too realistic I guess? I can’t think of the right word)
- the tone of the story seemed to switch A LOT. They went from a wholesome sweet, gentle story to all of a sudden throwing around vulgarities and profanities. I’m good with filthy cowboy feel good stories but it just didn’t feel like it matched the characters natures
- and of course, just some of the writing style was difficult for me to read BUT romance is my preferred genre and this is a debut book so with that in mind, it’s an AMAZING foundation!
Would I recommend this book? Maybe, but only if you very rarely ever read romance and need a palate cleanser or if you’re brand new to romance. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it to my “seasoned” romance readers
Thank you so much M. Hartley for a chance to read this ARC is exchange for an honest review.
Aspen is an aspiring writer and dedicated coffee shop employee stuck under her parents thumbs for the dreams they have for her when the coffee shop owners decide to close shop and Aspen is given a Hail Mary in the form of Boone Cassidy and his family’s ranch that has a shop keeper opening that needs to be filled asap. With a cabin on the ranch for Aspen to live in, she starts to get closer to her reformed playboy neighbor.
I really enjoyed the ease of this story and how quickly it’s read.
Some things that brought the rating down for me:
- very obviously eluding to recently popular books that the FMC is currently reading (Swift and Saddled, Happy Place, Juniper Hill)
- FMC and her friends describing the MMC a “book boyfriend”
- Her friend being in a certain life situation and them using a particular “trope” to describe that situation multiple times (this isn’t it but as an example let’s say she’s fighting with her hot boss but there’s tension so the girls would say “oh you’ve got a real enemies to lovers workplace romance trope going on)
(Those first three just made it feel awk for me, it was just too realistic I guess? I can’t think of the right word)
- the tone of the story seemed to switch A LOT. They went from a wholesome sweet, gentle story to all of a sudden throwing around vulgarities and profanities. I’m good with filthy cowboy feel good stories but it just didn’t feel like it matched the characters natures
- and of course, just some of the writing style was difficult for me to read BUT romance is my preferred genre and this is a debut book so with that in mind, it’s an AMAZING foundation!
Would I recommend this book? Maybe, but only if you very rarely ever read romance and need a palate cleanser or if you’re brand new to romance. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it to my “seasoned” romance readers
Thank you so much M. Hartley for a chance to read this ARC is exchange for an honest review.
November 5, 2024
“I’m proud to be with you. I’d stand from the mountain tops and shout to anyone who would listen how amazing you are and how beautiful you make me feel.”
Okay besties, you better giddy-up and get your cowboy hat on for the FairCloud express because this book WAS EVERYTHING!
First off, you’d never know this was Maggie’s debut novel because it’s written like a seasoned author. Also, I’m not sure what she sprinkled in it because I was addicted and could not put it down once I started! I even had to DM her to ask. 🤣
Aspens character development was so beautiful to watch unfold. Her finally gaining confidence and her willingness to start new and start over under her circumstances was admirable.
BOONE, I don’t even know what to say other than top tier book boyfriend! He is everything sexy, swoony cowboy that my little heart needed. Boone truly respected Aspen’s wishes to take things slow and the friends to lovers trope in this book was executed perfectly.
I knew from the very moment I started this book that it was going to be 5 stars from me. From the perfect dialogue, the descriptive scenery of beautiful, small town Faircloud, to even the interesting side plots with all the side characters. I don’t know what else to tell you guys other than you NEED to read this as soon as it’s released. Definitely in my top 5 cowboy romances of the year! I cannot wait to see what is to come next!
I would very HIGHLY recommend to all my book besties looking for an addictive, forced proximity, friends to lovers, cowboy romance!
Thank you to the author M. Hartley for the ARC of this book! 🫶🏻
Okay besties, you better giddy-up and get your cowboy hat on for the FairCloud express because this book WAS EVERYTHING!
First off, you’d never know this was Maggie’s debut novel because it’s written like a seasoned author. Also, I’m not sure what she sprinkled in it because I was addicted and could not put it down once I started! I even had to DM her to ask. 🤣
Aspens character development was so beautiful to watch unfold. Her finally gaining confidence and her willingness to start new and start over under her circumstances was admirable.
BOONE, I don’t even know what to say other than top tier book boyfriend! He is everything sexy, swoony cowboy that my little heart needed. Boone truly respected Aspen’s wishes to take things slow and the friends to lovers trope in this book was executed perfectly.
I knew from the very moment I started this book that it was going to be 5 stars from me. From the perfect dialogue, the descriptive scenery of beautiful, small town Faircloud, to even the interesting side plots with all the side characters. I don’t know what else to tell you guys other than you NEED to read this as soon as it’s released. Definitely in my top 5 cowboy romances of the year! I cannot wait to see what is to come next!
I would very HIGHLY recommend to all my book besties looking for an addictive, forced proximity, friends to lovers, cowboy romance!
Thank you to the author M. Hartley for the ARC of this book! 🫶🏻
November 9, 2024
‼️ARC REVIEW‼️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️.5/5
The Story We Wrote by M. Hartley
Release Date: 11/18/24
Better grab your boots and hat and saddle up for a ride with Boone and Aspen because this book is everything you need in a cowboy romance💕 I couldn’t get enough of this book and so I’m tipping my hat to @mhartley_author for her debut novel!!🤠
This books was so easy to read and felt like you were constantly sipping tea and spilling tea with the besties!! I adored that Boone and Aspen’s relationship was strictly healthy and there wasn’t any toxic moments. They helped eachother and talked to eachother which we love!!!💕 Also did I mention he has a MUSTACHE 😏
This books made me want to go buy a brand new pair of boots and new hat…so before you grab this book make sure you go to your local farmers market and pick up some blueberry muffins and pour a glass of your favorite red wine 😉❤️ Now excuse me while I add Boone Cassidy to my book boyfriend list💋
Tropes:
💕Friends to Lovers
💕Forced Proximity
💕Sunshine x Sunshine
💕No 3rd Act Breakup
💕COWBOY
💕He Falls First & Hard
💕”Darling” x “Cowboy”
💕Fake Dating (sorta)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️.5/5
The Story We Wrote by M. Hartley
Release Date: 11/18/24
Better grab your boots and hat and saddle up for a ride with Boone and Aspen because this book is everything you need in a cowboy romance💕 I couldn’t get enough of this book and so I’m tipping my hat to @mhartley_author for her debut novel!!🤠
This books was so easy to read and felt like you were constantly sipping tea and spilling tea with the besties!! I adored that Boone and Aspen’s relationship was strictly healthy and there wasn’t any toxic moments. They helped eachother and talked to eachother which we love!!!💕 Also did I mention he has a MUSTACHE 😏
This books made me want to go buy a brand new pair of boots and new hat…so before you grab this book make sure you go to your local farmers market and pick up some blueberry muffins and pour a glass of your favorite red wine 😉❤️ Now excuse me while I add Boone Cassidy to my book boyfriend list💋
Tropes:
💕Friends to Lovers
💕Forced Proximity
💕Sunshine x Sunshine
💕No 3rd Act Breakup
💕COWBOY
💕He Falls First & Hard
💕”Darling” x “Cowboy”
💕Fake Dating (sorta)
April 10, 2025
3.5 to maybe 4 stars?? Honestly unexpectedly good! I love a cowboy romance with a simp AND no third act breakup okay okay okay I see you
November 4, 2024
WOW WOW WOW!!
ARC REVIEW: MAGGIE OUT DID HERSELF WITH THIS.
I cannot wait for everyone to read🩷
Tropes:
Friends to Lovers
Forced Proximity
He Falls First (this mf was simping long before their relationship really started)
Sunshine x Sunshine
ARC REVIEW: MAGGIE OUT DID HERSELF WITH THIS.
I cannot wait for everyone to read🩷
Tropes:
Friends to Lovers
Forced Proximity
He Falls First (this mf was simping long before their relationship really started)
Sunshine x Sunshine
March 26, 2025
I loved this story so much! As a small town girl, I loved that this book tried to change the stigma of you always having to get out of your small home town, or do something bigger, go to school etc. I am someone who chose not to do any of that, I stayed home in my hometown with my family where I am most comfortable and I don’t regret it a bit! I loved the sweetness and the fake dating scheme for the book writing! It was totally an interesting take on that trope! I read a lot of books a year and I have not seen that one yet! I loved Boone’s growth as a character and learning to let himself give into falling in love with Aspen! Mr. Chaos In A Cowboy Hat really was the sweetest guy! Aspen and I were so similar! My parents were not like hers but I probably would have been the same way she was if they were! Overall loved it!
The Story We Wrote is a feel good cowboy romance, with an FMC who is finding her place in the world and finding what makes her happy, and a MMC who is there to help her every step of the way! It’s a great palette cleanser! A perfect sweet read!
Tropes:
🤠 Forced Proximity
🤠 Friends to Lovers
🤠 He Falls First
🤠 Banter & Texts
🤠 Small Town
🤠 Cowboy MMC
🤠 Bookish FMC
🤠 ‘Fake Dating’
Thank you Maggie for the honor of beta reading this! 🫶🏻
The Story We Wrote is a feel good cowboy romance, with an FMC who is finding her place in the world and finding what makes her happy, and a MMC who is there to help her every step of the way! It’s a great palette cleanser! A perfect sweet read!
Tropes:
🤠 Forced Proximity
🤠 Friends to Lovers
🤠 He Falls First
🤠 Banter & Texts
🤠 Small Town
🤠 Cowboy MMC
🤠 Bookish FMC
🤠 ‘Fake Dating’
Thank you Maggie for the honor of beta reading this! 🫶🏻
December 10, 2024
beta read—rtc closer to release date 🙂↕️🤍
May 29, 2025
Precious “hallmark feeling” debut from M. Hartley! Adorable characters and small town feel🥰 everyone loves a cowboy!
Thank you to the author for the ARC!
Thank you to the author for the ARC!
November 17, 2024
The Story We Wrote
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫(4.5)
Thank you SO much Maggie for the opportunity to ARC read your debut book for you. I am in awe and I loved this. Devoured it in a day. Literally within a few hours.
Boone and Aspen are just perfect I loved them both. This was such a palette cleansing cute cowboy romance if you need one. I was giggling and just blushing as I was reading this. I love a friends to lovers trope romance as well and watching Boone and Aspen go from friends to lovers was perfection. It was absolutely perfectly done.
Aspen, is me. Thats its. I messaged the author and was like did you hide cameras in my room? Because why is this too relatable. Have the same taste in drinks, personality is very similar, and life experiences as well. I admired her character. I liked that Boone truly was perfect for her. He guided and supported her through everything she wants in life and needs.
Boone. One hot ass cowboy. I just loved his confidence and the way he just was so perfect and sweet with Aspen. The moment he knew he wanted her that was his focus and he wanted her happy so he made sure of it. The support he gave her in her dreams had my heart so whole. I just loved him. He was a green flag and his relationship with his family was so sweet.
I am so excited to see what’s next for Maggie because this was such a wonderful debut novel and I am intrigued to know which friend of Aspen’s is next because there’s one I so badly want next but I can also wait for her if she isn’t 👀
Tropes:
📖 Friends to Lovers
📖 Forced Proximity
📖 Small Town & Cowboys
📖 Semi “Fake Dating”
📖 Cowboy hat rule
& more !
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫(4.5)
Thank you SO much Maggie for the opportunity to ARC read your debut book for you. I am in awe and I loved this. Devoured it in a day. Literally within a few hours.
Boone and Aspen are just perfect I loved them both. This was such a palette cleansing cute cowboy romance if you need one. I was giggling and just blushing as I was reading this. I love a friends to lovers trope romance as well and watching Boone and Aspen go from friends to lovers was perfection. It was absolutely perfectly done.
Aspen, is me. Thats its. I messaged the author and was like did you hide cameras in my room? Because why is this too relatable. Have the same taste in drinks, personality is very similar, and life experiences as well. I admired her character. I liked that Boone truly was perfect for her. He guided and supported her through everything she wants in life and needs.
Boone. One hot ass cowboy. I just loved his confidence and the way he just was so perfect and sweet with Aspen. The moment he knew he wanted her that was his focus and he wanted her happy so he made sure of it. The support he gave her in her dreams had my heart so whole. I just loved him. He was a green flag and his relationship with his family was so sweet.
I am so excited to see what’s next for Maggie because this was such a wonderful debut novel and I am intrigued to know which friend of Aspen’s is next because there’s one I so badly want next but I can also wait for her if she isn’t 👀
Tropes:
📖 Friends to Lovers
📖 Forced Proximity
📖 Small Town & Cowboys
📖 Semi “Fake Dating”
📖 Cowboy hat rule
& more !
November 5, 2024
Saddle up cowboy romance lovers because this debut novel from M. Hartley just might be your next favorite read! I was hooked from the very first paragraph and couldn't get enough of Aspen and Boone!
Aspen is a relatable and loveable FMC. She struggles with body image and confidence in herself. She is a talented, loving, brave, and strong woman, and I enjoyed how she grew and developed as the novel went on. Through the acceptance and encouragement of her brother, her friends, and of course, the man of her dreams, Aspen gains the courage to pursue a dream, and I was rooting for her the entire time!
Boone, a reformed "bad boy," is absolutely swoon-worthy! He is considerate, thoughtful, attentive, and caring. He would do anything for the people he loves, he takes pride in his work, and bonus: he can rock a mustache! Ooof... 🔥🔥
This sweet and spicy romance has everything. Fabulous characters, a smooth flowing plot, tension and drama, and delicious bedroom scenes. I am so grateful I was given the opportunity to read this ARC copy, and I can't wait to read whatever M. Hartley comes up with next!
If you're a fan of dual POV, close proximity, fake dating, friends to lovers, and/or small town romance, I would highly recommend giving The Story We Wrote a try.
Aspen is a relatable and loveable FMC. She struggles with body image and confidence in herself. She is a talented, loving, brave, and strong woman, and I enjoyed how she grew and developed as the novel went on. Through the acceptance and encouragement of her brother, her friends, and of course, the man of her dreams, Aspen gains the courage to pursue a dream, and I was rooting for her the entire time!
Boone, a reformed "bad boy," is absolutely swoon-worthy! He is considerate, thoughtful, attentive, and caring. He would do anything for the people he loves, he takes pride in his work, and bonus: he can rock a mustache! Ooof... 🔥🔥
This sweet and spicy romance has everything. Fabulous characters, a smooth flowing plot, tension and drama, and delicious bedroom scenes. I am so grateful I was given the opportunity to read this ARC copy, and I can't wait to read whatever M. Hartley comes up with next!
If you're a fan of dual POV, close proximity, fake dating, friends to lovers, and/or small town romance, I would highly recommend giving The Story We Wrote a try.
November 5, 2024
arc review 💕
This one was adorable! It captured every essence of a small town romance. Boone and Aspen were just a couple that fit together like perfect puzzle pieces. Something I feel like his parents picked up on immediately and we love supportive parents!
I love how easily the supporting characters were introduced but we didn’t get a lot of their back story or life currently. So we have so much to look forward to!
Boone was precious. He was who he was unapologetically. But I also adore how much growth he had as a human. And how he was able to recognize a mistake and then adjust his behavior. Even in just his friendships. Because I feel like often times the friendships get put it the way side. But friendships make up so much of who we are and what our life is. So I applaud that.
Overall this one was so cute and a perfect read to go through if you need a breather between heavier books or just a cute solid little read.
Thank you for trusting me with your baby! And happy debut!!!!
It only get better from here 💕
This one was adorable! It captured every essence of a small town romance. Boone and Aspen were just a couple that fit together like perfect puzzle pieces. Something I feel like his parents picked up on immediately and we love supportive parents!
I love how easily the supporting characters were introduced but we didn’t get a lot of their back story or life currently. So we have so much to look forward to!
Boone was precious. He was who he was unapologetically. But I also adore how much growth he had as a human. And how he was able to recognize a mistake and then adjust his behavior. Even in just his friendships. Because I feel like often times the friendships get put it the way side. But friendships make up so much of who we are and what our life is. So I applaud that.
Overall this one was so cute and a perfect read to go through if you need a breather between heavier books or just a cute solid little read.
Thank you for trusting me with your baby! And happy debut!!!!
It only get better from here 💕
June 19, 2025
3.75 ⭐️ this was cute but also a little (a lot) cringy…giving peak 2013 wattpad fic, exacerbated by the cover…but I’ll dish out an extra point for no third act breakup
November 11, 2024
there is NO way this is this authors debut novel bc omg. literally the sweetest wholesome cowboy romance you could ask for! this book had me kicking my feet and giggling! I loved how relatable the FMC was and we LOVE the MMC Boone. A+ for quick small town spicy romance read!
November 5, 2024
Such a small cute cowboy romance read!! This book was so easy to get into and you fall in love with the characters!
November 15, 2024
This was a cute cowboy romance, but I didn’t find anything truly unique about the book to keep me submerged in the story. For a debut novel she did well, it just wasn’t for me. My biggest thing was the whole “idk if this is lust or not” at 65% when we clearly can see it’s not because they had such a strong friendship, for then 4% later they are now boyfriend/girlfriend without having the issue of it being lust. She did set the storyline up for a good series with the side characters she brought to life.
August 13, 2025
Obsessed that she was reading done and dusted she’s just like me fr. There were some formatting issues with the book so I felt like it probably needed one more editor on the team but I liked the story enough to ignore it
November 22, 2024
4 ⭐️
this was such a sweet debut 🥹 i absolutely loved Aspen and Boone! the banter between them was everything & i love when the mmc falls first 🙂↕️
I also loved seeing Aspen's growth throughout the book and how Boone was there for her every step of the way!!! (we love a supportive mmc!!)
if you're looking for a sweet (but spicy 🥵) cowboy romance i need you to run to grab this one!! ✨ (be prepared to want to go get a blueberry muffin asap though)
TROPES:
🤠 cowboy / small town romance
🫐 sunshine x sunshine
🤍 no third act break up
✨ friends to lovers
🏠 next door neighbors
🤭 the banter!!!
this was such a sweet debut 🥹 i absolutely loved Aspen and Boone! the banter between them was everything & i love when the mmc falls first 🙂↕️
I also loved seeing Aspen's growth throughout the book and how Boone was there for her every step of the way!!! (we love a supportive mmc!!)
if you're looking for a sweet (but spicy 🥵) cowboy romance i need you to run to grab this one!! ✨ (be prepared to want to go get a blueberry muffin asap though)
TROPES:
🤠 cowboy / small town romance
🫐 sunshine x sunshine
🤍 no third act break up
✨ friends to lovers
🏠 next door neighbors
🤭 the banter!!!
April 20, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
October 7, 2024
YEEEEEEEEE HAAAAAAAW !!!!! a cozy, comfort, sexy as sin cowboy is coming your way folks ! <3
• small town cowboy
• fakish dating
• friends to lovers
• text banter
• sunshine x sunshine
• forced proximity
• next door neighbors
• he falls harder
RELEASING NOV 18th !!!
• small town cowboy
• fakish dating
• friends to lovers
• text banter
• sunshine x sunshine
• forced proximity
• next door neighbors
• he falls harder
RELEASING NOV 18th !!!
January 27, 2025
A friendship based around wine, books and blueberry muffins and add in a sexy cowboy and a porch swing, yes please. We were promised a fun cowboy romance and ‘The Story We Wrote’ lived up to that and so much more. Jump on this book girls because Boone might just be the new cowboy book boyfriend you need in your life. Boone was not the guy the town chalked him up to be given his high school reputation. I loved how both of their family dynamics and everyday life struggles and feelings were portrayed, It made it such an easy read and you really felt like you could connect and relate in some aspect to the book. Aspens character development from just being around Boone was so sweet to watch. I loved seeing her gain so much confidence and become someone she loved. Boone had me smiling and blushing at my phone as if what he was saying was directed at me. He was the perfect dose of cowboy I needed. I loved the friendship Boone and Aspen created and their text messages to each other. You could tell they were just made for each other, they understood each other in a way others didn’t. I wasn’t sure what the semi “fake dating” trope was going to be like but let me tell you this was cute as hell, one of the best fake dating I’ve read in a book.
The temperature suddenly went up when Boone rode a mechanical bull.
This book is a slow burn but let me tell you that it is so worth it and it doesn’t feel like a slow burn given their building friendship and feelings. If the temperatures rose with Boone riding a mechanical bull then I must be in hell because date 3 is hot as hell. Both of them have a great group of friends and I really hope we get a book for all of them because I need more of them all.
This book had me smiling, laughing and blushing right throughout. I now need a cowboy who calls me darling and sits with me on a porch swing
Arc Review
The temperature suddenly went up when Boone rode a mechanical bull.
This book is a slow burn but let me tell you that it is so worth it and it doesn’t feel like a slow burn given their building friendship and feelings. If the temperatures rose with Boone riding a mechanical bull then I must be in hell because date 3 is hot as hell. Both of them have a great group of friends and I really hope we get a book for all of them because I need more of them all.
This book had me smiling, laughing and blushing right throughout. I now need a cowboy who calls me darling and sits with me on a porch swing
Arc Review
November 20, 2024
I LOVE MAGGIE HARTLEY! This was the perfect palette cleanser for me as it hit all the tropes I love, but in a not too cheesy way. I even baked myself some blueberry muffins after because this story was just too sweet!
Aspen's journey felt far too relatable to me as a current barista, and I love the relationship arc she has with herself, her parents, and obviously Boone! Aspen's friend group is also the best support system while showing how adult friendships differ in closeness compared to how friends are in a school setting. I appreciate the care and detail that Maggie has put into her characters both main and secondary, and I hope I'll get to read more about Aspen's friends in the future... 👀
Now for Boone -- I must admit, I was not a fan of the mustache, but that is ultimately a me problem and the rating will not be affected by it. Other than that, Boone is truly a reformed bad boy who has a sweet character under his tarnished reputation. He is one of the true book boyfriends. I wish I could meet him in person because he seems like such a genuine character who cares for those close to him. He's both super hot, but a total romantic too.
I feel like I've rambled enough, so I say this truly, go read this book!
I received an eARC for a voluntarily honest review and all opinions expressed are my own thoughts.
Aspen's journey felt far too relatable to me as a current barista, and I love the relationship arc she has with herself, her parents, and obviously Boone! Aspen's friend group is also the best support system while showing how adult friendships differ in closeness compared to how friends are in a school setting. I appreciate the care and detail that Maggie has put into her characters both main and secondary, and I hope I'll get to read more about Aspen's friends in the future... 👀
Now for Boone -- I must admit, I was not a fan of the mustache, but that is ultimately a me problem and the rating will not be affected by it. Other than that, Boone is truly a reformed bad boy who has a sweet character under his tarnished reputation. He is one of the true book boyfriends. I wish I could meet him in person because he seems like such a genuine character who cares for those close to him. He's both super hot, but a total romantic too.
I feel like I've rambled enough, so I say this truly, go read this book!
I received an eARC for a voluntarily honest review and all opinions expressed are my own thoughts.
February 10, 2025
For all the Lyla Sage fans nursing a cowboy romance book hangover—welcome to Cassidy Ranch! The Story We Wrote by M. Hartley has everything I love in a small-town romance—strong friendships, laugh-out-loud banter, and a love story that feels both electric and deeply heartfelt. It was so amazing that I started and finished it in a day.
Aspen and Boone’s chemistry is undeniable from the start. Their stolen glances, the unspoken tension, and the way Boone looks at her like she’s the only thing that matters—it’s the kind of slow-burn romance that keeps you hooked. But beyond the swoon-worthy moments, this book shines with its humor and heart. The banter between Aspen and Boone is both playful and charged, making every interaction between them feel like a dance neither one wants to admit they’re part of.
And it’s not just their romance that makes this book so special. The friendships they wield, the small-town charm, and the feeling of home that Cassidy Ranch brings make this story impossible to put down. It’s the kind of book that makes you want to escape into its world and never leave.
M. Hartley has crafted a romance full of longing, laughter, and love, and I already know I’ll be thinking about Aspen and Boone long after turning the last page. If you’re looking for a heartfelt, fun, and completely captivating read, The Story We Wrote is it.
My favorite quote: “Thank you for giving me the privilege to cherish you, to love you the way you deserve. I can’t believe I’ve done so far in life without you by my side. A part of me will always belong to you, as long as you’ll have me.” -Boone Cassidy
If you love small town cowboy romance — I can promise this is going to be the next bigger series!
Aspen and Boone’s chemistry is undeniable from the start. Their stolen glances, the unspoken tension, and the way Boone looks at her like she’s the only thing that matters—it’s the kind of slow-burn romance that keeps you hooked. But beyond the swoon-worthy moments, this book shines with its humor and heart. The banter between Aspen and Boone is both playful and charged, making every interaction between them feel like a dance neither one wants to admit they’re part of.
And it’s not just their romance that makes this book so special. The friendships they wield, the small-town charm, and the feeling of home that Cassidy Ranch brings make this story impossible to put down. It’s the kind of book that makes you want to escape into its world and never leave.
M. Hartley has crafted a romance full of longing, laughter, and love, and I already know I’ll be thinking about Aspen and Boone long after turning the last page. If you’re looking for a heartfelt, fun, and completely captivating read, The Story We Wrote is it.
My favorite quote: “Thank you for giving me the privilege to cherish you, to love you the way you deserve. I can’t believe I’ve done so far in life without you by my side. A part of me will always belong to you, as long as you’ll have me.” -Boone Cassidy
If you love small town cowboy romance — I can promise this is going to be the next bigger series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 20, 2024
I really really enjoyed this one! It was a great debut
M Hartley's The Story We Wrote follows Aspen as she works on herself and starts a new job working in the shop on Boone's family ranch. When Boone discovers that Aspen's dream is to become a romance author he proposes an idea to help her write. He would take her on three dates as inspiration for her book. Cowboy romance with a touch of fake dating? Yes please
The chemistry between Aspen and Boone was off the charts. Aspen to me was like looking in a mirror. We are quite literally the same person lol
Unfortunately there were a few things that kept this from being a five star read for me. It felt a little repetitive at times and the writing felt a bit immature if that makes any sense. Although I do think that will change in Hartley's future books as their writing continues to grow and mature with them. Another thing for me was the implication that Aspen was reading real life recent book releases (Happy Place, Swift and Saddled, etc). That and there is mention of current artists (Zach Bryan). Stuff like that just takes me out of the story and makes it feel too real.
Another thing that makes it feel too real and takes me out of the story is when characters say things like "real life book boyfriend" or make references about their or their friend's lives in using different tropes as the descriptors which this book also does.
Overall I did really enjoy The Story We Wrote and look forward to reading whatever the author puts out next
Thank you to M Hartley for the ARC
M Hartley's The Story We Wrote follows Aspen as she works on herself and starts a new job working in the shop on Boone's family ranch. When Boone discovers that Aspen's dream is to become a romance author he proposes an idea to help her write. He would take her on three dates as inspiration for her book. Cowboy romance with a touch of fake dating? Yes please
The chemistry between Aspen and Boone was off the charts. Aspen to me was like looking in a mirror. We are quite literally the same person lol
Unfortunately there were a few things that kept this from being a five star read for me. It felt a little repetitive at times and the writing felt a bit immature if that makes any sense. Although I do think that will change in Hartley's future books as their writing continues to grow and mature with them. Another thing for me was the implication that Aspen was reading real life recent book releases (Happy Place, Swift and Saddled, etc). That and there is mention of current artists (Zach Bryan). Stuff like that just takes me out of the story and makes it feel too real.
Another thing that makes it feel too real and takes me out of the story is when characters say things like "real life book boyfriend" or make references about their or their friend's lives in using different tropes as the descriptors which this book also does.
Overall I did really enjoy The Story We Wrote and look forward to reading whatever the author puts out next
Thank you to M Hartley for the ARC
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