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Thatcher Ranch Cowboys #1
Can't Stand the Cowboy
Addison Thatcher can’t stand the cowboy.
From the moment she sets foot on her family’s Montana ranch, Cruz Conley rubs her the wrong way. He’s gruff, bossy, and far too good at reminding her she doesn’t belong. Unfortunately, he’s also the one tasked with keeping an eye on her all summer—and every time he throws one of his infuriating smirks her way, her pulse kicks up for all the wrong reasons.
Cruz knows Addison’s type. Polished, city-bred, and destined to leave. He’s been burned before, and he has no intention of falling for another woman with one foot out the door. But when their fiery arguments turn into the best parts of his day and he finds himself noticing more about her than just her irritating remarks, he worries that he’s falling—fast.
But Addison came to Cedar Ridge, Montana for a reason, and despite her debilitating panic attacks and desire for a softer, slower existence, her life back in the city—along with her parents’ overwhelming expectations—still calls.
She came to Thatcher Ranch to find her way. Instead, she might just lose herself to the cowboy she swore she hated.
A steamy, small-town, cowboy romance filled with heat, heart, and plenty of sparks.
enemies to lovers, small town, cowboy, forced proximity, mental health rep
The first in the sizzling Thatcher Ranch series, Can’t Stand the Cowboy is the perfect spicy cowboy read!
From the moment she sets foot on her family’s Montana ranch, Cruz Conley rubs her the wrong way. He’s gruff, bossy, and far too good at reminding her she doesn’t belong. Unfortunately, he’s also the one tasked with keeping an eye on her all summer—and every time he throws one of his infuriating smirks her way, her pulse kicks up for all the wrong reasons.
Cruz knows Addison’s type. Polished, city-bred, and destined to leave. He’s been burned before, and he has no intention of falling for another woman with one foot out the door. But when their fiery arguments turn into the best parts of his day and he finds himself noticing more about her than just her irritating remarks, he worries that he’s falling—fast.
But Addison came to Cedar Ridge, Montana for a reason, and despite her debilitating panic attacks and desire for a softer, slower existence, her life back in the city—along with her parents’ overwhelming expectations—still calls.
She came to Thatcher Ranch to find her way. Instead, she might just lose herself to the cowboy she swore she hated.
A steamy, small-town, cowboy romance filled with heat, heart, and plenty of sparks.
enemies to lovers, small town, cowboy, forced proximity, mental health rep
The first in the sizzling Thatcher Ranch series, Can’t Stand the Cowboy is the perfect spicy cowboy read!
249 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 17, 2025
89 people are currently reading
544 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
September 22, 2025
3.75 rounded up. Addison goes to her family’s ranch in Montana after having a public breakdown due to a panic attack. There she meets Cruz and they ruffle each other’s feathers. Cruz thinks Addison is the typical city girl who won’t last while Addison finds Cruz to be gruff and bossy, but they secretly both crave the other. Cruz is there for Addison during one of her attacks and the spark ignites from there! Addison was supposed to find her way while in Montana, but finds herself a cowboy as well.
September 18, 2025
So I had the pleasure of ARC reading this absolute masterpiece that is Can’t Stand The Cowboy by @peneloperyanbooks !🫶🏼 Omg I absolutely devoured this book!! It was such a beautiful read but don’t let the cover deceive you because this book had spice that had me blushing!👏🏼👏🏼🌶️❤️🔥
I was hooked from the first page. Addison had me in stitches with some of her one liners!😅
This book includes:
- Enemies to lovers❤️🔥
- Cowboy x City girl🤠🏙️
- Small town🏡
- Forced proximity🫂
- Spice🌶️🌶️
- Mental health rep❤️🩹
- Dual POV🗣️
Thank you so so much for giving me this amazing opportunity!📚 This book was hands down a 5 star read for me!⭐️ The spice, the banter, the love and healing! It was perfection🫶🏼
I was hooked from the first page. Addison had me in stitches with some of her one liners!😅
This book includes:
- Enemies to lovers❤️🔥
- Cowboy x City girl🤠🏙️
- Small town🏡
- Forced proximity🫂
- Spice🌶️🌶️
- Mental health rep❤️🩹
- Dual POV🗣️
Thank you so so much for giving me this amazing opportunity!📚 This book was hands down a 5 star read for me!⭐️ The spice, the banter, the love and healing! It was perfection🫶🏼
October 8, 2025
I received this book as an advanced reader copy and all I can say is wow. Cruz and Addison were so much fun to read about, there was sass and grump that turned sweet throughout the pages. I picked this book up and couldn’t put it down. I love the duel point of view because it’s always interesting seeing how the two characters feel. But onto the book itself I won’t be giving much information away because I don’t want to have to mark this review as one with spoilers. Addison quite literally stumbles onto the ranch only to run into Cruz the grumpy cowboy. When Cruz is tasked to keep an eye on Addison you would think these two were ready to rumble at any moment. Slowly though they begin to see that Addison isn’t a spoiled city girl but someone with real problems and that Cruz isn’t really a grumpy cowboy but someone with a big heart that has been broken before. Their relationship throughout the book was so fun and well written. Thank you to the author who allowed me to arc read this book.
October 15, 2025
This is a short read, so I’m diving straight into the review. If you’re looking to knock a book off your reading goal for the year, pick this one up, especially if you enjoy cowboy romances. It’s fun, emotional, and fast-paced romance. I really enjoyed the enemies-to-lovers tension at the start, as well as Addison’s struggle with the pressure from her parents and her journey to figure out whether to keep them happy or follow her own passions. These challenges added depth and character to the story. Overall, it’s an enjoyable, quick, and easy read.
Genre/Type: Adult Romance 18+
APK: Kindle ARC
Pages: 162
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Series or Standalone: Book One In The Thatcher Ranch Novel
Tropes or Themes: Enemies To Lovers, Small Town, Cowboy, Opposites Attract (Cowboy / City Girl) Forced Proximity, Tension, Mental Health Rep, Panic Attacks, Family Drama, Sexual Content, Dirty Talk, Praise, Oral and Impact Play.
Discusses: Self Harm
Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫
All Round Romance Reader
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | StoryGraph | Fable | Everand | Amazon | Audible Reviews 💫
Genre/Type: Adult Romance 18+
APK: Kindle ARC
Pages: 162
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Series or Standalone: Book One In The Thatcher Ranch Novel
Tropes or Themes: Enemies To Lovers, Small Town, Cowboy, Opposites Attract (Cowboy / City Girl) Forced Proximity, Tension, Mental Health Rep, Panic Attacks, Family Drama, Sexual Content, Dirty Talk, Praise, Oral and Impact Play.
Discusses: Self Harm
Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫
All Round Romance Reader
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | StoryGraph | Fable | Everand | Amazon | Audible Reviews 💫
January 25, 2026
This was everything I needed! Short choppy chapter & only 238 pages! I read it in 1 sitting 🫢
Addison gets sent to her cousins Ranch 'Thatchers Ranch' for the summer so she can reset and come back to the city fresh minded and ready to take over the family business. Right from the get go I knew this would be a good book because Cruz and Addison repelled eachother but always bumped into eachother. Both playing hard to get but Cruz a little less so.
I loved how Cruz helped Addi with her panic attacks and made her feel recognised and not a burden. I love how he brought out her playful side & I love that she changed her outlook on life. At Thatchers Ranch she could be who she wanted to be and not someone her parents wanted her to be.
One for when you need a pallet cleanser and there are also another 2 in the series 😍
Addison gets sent to her cousins Ranch 'Thatchers Ranch' for the summer so she can reset and come back to the city fresh minded and ready to take over the family business. Right from the get go I knew this would be a good book because Cruz and Addison repelled eachother but always bumped into eachother. Both playing hard to get but Cruz a little less so.
I loved how Cruz helped Addi with her panic attacks and made her feel recognised and not a burden. I love how he brought out her playful side & I love that she changed her outlook on life. At Thatchers Ranch she could be who she wanted to be and not someone her parents wanted her to be.
One for when you need a pallet cleanser and there are also another 2 in the series 😍
April 30, 2026
⋆｡°✩ Spoiler Free Reviews ⋆｡°✩
4.5 stars.
This book was a spontaneous read I ended up loving!
Tropes for this one; enemies to lovers, cowboy X city girl, small town, forced proximity, mental health rep (the FMC has panic attacks).
Smut was 2/5 on the spice scale and its a HEA.
Addison is our FMC, she’s floundering in life so escapes to the middle of nowhere on her extended family’s ranch for a break. She’s stubbornly independent (to her detriment, of course) but she finds her groove eventually and getting to see her flourish was amazing!
Cruz is our MMC, not interested in playing babysitter to a city girl but that gut feeling of his never steers him wrong. He was devoted to his woman and I loved to see it.
4.5 stars.
This book was a spontaneous read I ended up loving!
Tropes for this one; enemies to lovers, cowboy X city girl, small town, forced proximity, mental health rep (the FMC has panic attacks).
Smut was 2/5 on the spice scale and its a HEA.
Addison is our FMC, she’s floundering in life so escapes to the middle of nowhere on her extended family’s ranch for a break. She’s stubbornly independent (to her detriment, of course) but she finds her groove eventually and getting to see her flourish was amazing!
Cruz is our MMC, not interested in playing babysitter to a city girl but that gut feeling of his never steers him wrong. He was devoted to his woman and I loved to see it.
November 12, 2025
Closer to a 4.5
This was an ARC read, and boy did I love it!
Can’t Stand the Cowboy was such a refreshing surprise! I read it in one sitting since it’s short, but it truly feels like a full, complete story. It made me giggle, blush, and feel all the feels. The chemistry was adorable, the banter was on point, and the pacing never dragged. Sometimes you just need a quick, feel-good romance that leaves you smiling, and this one delivered perfectly.
This was an ARC read, and boy did I love it!
Can’t Stand the Cowboy was such a refreshing surprise! I read it in one sitting since it’s short, but it truly feels like a full, complete story. It made me giggle, blush, and feel all the feels. The chemistry was adorable, the banter was on point, and the pacing never dragged. Sometimes you just need a quick, feel-good romance that leaves you smiling, and this one delivered perfectly.
March 28, 2026
’Y de repente, Cruz Conley me ha abierto como un libro, viéndome por completo. Y lo más sorprendente es que no le guardo rencor por ello. No, me siento segura al ser vista por él.’
•Mi opinión puede contener Spoilers.
•Esta destinada a ser un descargo personal no para que alguien más lea pero si lo haces y te ofende, me disculpo porque sé lo que es que te guste un libro y otros lo critiquen.
Cant Stand the Cowboy de Penelope Ryan serie Thatcher Ranch Cowboys libro 1
Argumento:
Addison Thatcher no soporta al vaquero.
Desde el momento en que pone un pie en el rancho de su familia en Montana, Cruz Conley le cae fatal. Es brusco, mandón y se le da fatal recordarle que no pertenece allí. Por desgracia, también es él quien tiene que vigilarla todo el verano, y cada vez que le dedica una de sus exasperantes sonrisas, se le acelera el pulso por las razones equivocadas.
Cruz conoce a Addison: refinada, de ciudad y destinada a irse. Ya ha tenido problemas antes, y no tiene intención de enamorarse de otra mujer con un pie fuera de la puerta. Pero cuando sus acaloradas discusiones se convierten en los mejores momentos de su día y se da cuenta de que ella no se fija solo en sus comentarios irritantes, le preocupa estar enamorándose... rápido.
Pero Addison llegó a Cedar Ridge, Montana, por una razón, y a pesar de sus debilitantes ataques de pánico y su deseo de una existencia más suave y lenta, su vida en la ciudad, junto con las abrumadoras expectativas de sus padres, todavía la llama.
Vino a Thatcher Ranch para encontrar su camino. En cambio, podría perderse en el vaquero que juró odiar.
Mi humilde opinión:
Romance de enemigos a amantes, opuestos se atraen, vaquero, chica de ciudad, proximidad forzada, pueblo pequeño.
Cruz (ame el nombre) es mi nuevo novio de libro! Hacia mucho que no leía sobre vaqueros que no fueran los típicos gruñones o alfas posesivos, Cruz era… un rollo de canela. Me encantaba lo rápido que él quedó cayó por Addy, inclusive cuando peleaban e intentaba ignorar lo que sentía, mostraba que le importaba y se preocupaba por ella. Sus choques eran divertidos y lleno de tensión de la buena. Este dulce y sexy vaquero era justo lo que Addy necesitaba para decidir su destino y ser feliz. Cruz la comprendía y escuchaba, le hizo ver que no había nada malo con ella y alentaba a hacer lo que disfrutaba, la sacaba de su zona de confort, la hacia sentir segura como para confiarle sus temores e inseguridades. Él la adoraba. Yo solo pensaba, favor Addison no le rompas el corazón!
Addison es una chica de la ciudad que esta luchando con problemas de ansiedad y ataques de pánico, la presión que le pones sus padres sobre trabajar para ellos que es algo que no eligió ni la hace feliz.
Me gustaba que a pesar de donde venia era una mujer sencilla, sensible y de gran corazón. Se noto su crecimiento a lo largo de la historia. Me alegre que encontrara su lugar en el pueblo, amor, aceptación y propósito en el rancho que era todo lo contrario a lo que estaba acostumbrada. Casi me da algo cuando decidió regresar pero valió la pena por el momento emocionante del final.
El romance tenia risas, dulzura y pasión. Las chispas saltaron desde el día uno en que se conocieron los protagonistas, había la tensión y cruces acalorados hasta que se dan cuenta de lo equivocados que estaban del otro.
Disfrute mucho el librito, lo leí de una sentada sin poder soltarlo. La historia es simple pero linda, acogedora y apasionada, me gusto la ambientación en el rancho, los personajes secundarios eran geniales y los protagonistas tenían una gran química, hicieron que los apoyara desde el inicio.
October 17, 2025
I received this copy as an advance reader copy, and while I am so grateful to have read it ahead of publication, every thought here is entirely my own.
I devoured this book in one sitting and I finished it with a weird smile off my face I cannot wipe off lol It is such a well-written, funny, emotional, and romantic story in all the right ways, and by the end I was fully invested in every detail of Addison and Cruz’s story that I wanted to know more about what happens next lol
It doesn't necessarily end in a cliffhanger, but it will have you wanting for more.
This book gripped me from the first chapter and refused to let go. Addison and Cruz are both so stubborn and so flawed in ways that made me sometimes want to shake them and sometimes want to hug them. Their miscommunications are real and relentless, and seeing them slowly chip away at their walls was so satisfying. The slow burn had me holding my breath between every will-they-won’t-they moment, with each chapter making their connection feel stronger and more inevitable.
Cruz’s brooding, protective instincts balance Addison’s internal battles so well. She carries panic and pressure quietly, and when those burdens start to show, you see all the layers beneath her polished exterior. Her relationship with her parents hit me hard in parts, made me tear up when their expectations and emotional demands weighed on her. I appreciated how her growth didn’t feel forced—she stuttered, stumbled, and had to make difficult choices.
The chemistry is electric, the tension intense, and Penelope Ryan writes every fight, every glance, and every moment of refusal or surrender in a way that made me feel both frustrated and hopeful. The steamy scenes land with just the right amount of heat to match the emotion. Some plot threads, like the parental acceptance, felt like they could have extended further or gotten more nuance, but even so the resolution was satisfying in its own way.
What I loved most is that Addison and Cruz feel like real people trying to navigate love, fear, pride, and vulnerability. They clash because they care and because they are scared. Their imperfect selves pushing toward something better is exactly the kind of story I want to live inside for a few hours.
If you love small-town cowboy romance, emotional tension, characters with real scars, and a heat level that matches emotional stakes, Can’t Stand the Cowboy is one you’ll want on your shelf. It’s a thoroughly immersive romance that made me stay up too late reading, and I’m so glad I got to experience it early. I absolutely recommend this to anyone who loves flawed characters and heat that feels earned.
I devoured this book in one sitting and I finished it with a weird smile off my face I cannot wipe off lol It is such a well-written, funny, emotional, and romantic story in all the right ways, and by the end I was fully invested in every detail of Addison and Cruz’s story that I wanted to know more about what happens next lol
It doesn't necessarily end in a cliffhanger, but it will have you wanting for more.
This book gripped me from the first chapter and refused to let go. Addison and Cruz are both so stubborn and so flawed in ways that made me sometimes want to shake them and sometimes want to hug them. Their miscommunications are real and relentless, and seeing them slowly chip away at their walls was so satisfying. The slow burn had me holding my breath between every will-they-won’t-they moment, with each chapter making their connection feel stronger and more inevitable.
Cruz’s brooding, protective instincts balance Addison’s internal battles so well. She carries panic and pressure quietly, and when those burdens start to show, you see all the layers beneath her polished exterior. Her relationship with her parents hit me hard in parts, made me tear up when their expectations and emotional demands weighed on her. I appreciated how her growth didn’t feel forced—she stuttered, stumbled, and had to make difficult choices.
The chemistry is electric, the tension intense, and Penelope Ryan writes every fight, every glance, and every moment of refusal or surrender in a way that made me feel both frustrated and hopeful. The steamy scenes land with just the right amount of heat to match the emotion. Some plot threads, like the parental acceptance, felt like they could have extended further or gotten more nuance, but even so the resolution was satisfying in its own way.
What I loved most is that Addison and Cruz feel like real people trying to navigate love, fear, pride, and vulnerability. They clash because they care and because they are scared. Their imperfect selves pushing toward something better is exactly the kind of story I want to live inside for a few hours.
If you love small-town cowboy romance, emotional tension, characters with real scars, and a heat level that matches emotional stakes, Can’t Stand the Cowboy is one you’ll want on your shelf. It’s a thoroughly immersive romance that made me stay up too late reading, and I’m so glad I got to experience it early. I absolutely recommend this to anyone who loves flawed characters and heat that feels earned.
April 27, 2026
#părerea_Violetei
#recomandare_de_lectura
🌹Can’t stand the cowboy, Penelope Ryan
246 pagini (Thatcher Ranch Cowboys, #1)
🌹Posibile spoilere!
🌹Addison Thatcher este o fată de oraș, care datorită unei probleme de sănătate și a atacurilor de panică dese, dar mai ales a unei căderi psihice în timpul unei prezentări publice, hotărăște sa se distanțeze de afacerile părinților și să petreacă o perioadă de timp în Montana la ferma mătușii sale, unde speră să își revină și să se regăsească pe ea. Numai ca în momentul în care pune piciorul la fermă îl întâlnește pe morocănosul cowboy Cruz Conley care o crede o răsfață care nu are ce căuta la țară.
🌹Cruz este un bărbat muncitor, un bărbat care iubește viața la fermă și care stă departe de relații deoarece crede ca viața lui simplă nu este destul pentru o posibilă iubită, dar Addison îl face să își schimbe perspectivele și după ce află ca a greșit în ceea ce o privește, va face tot posibilul pentru a-i fi alături și pentru a o cucerii.
🌹Încet, încet Addison se regăsește pe ea, regăsește plăcerea de a trăi pentru ea, găsește curajul să se opună părinților săi și să facă ceea ce îi aduce ei bucurie, se deschide în fața lui Cruz și mai ales dă o șansă fericirii alături de cel mai sexy cowboy de la Cedar Ridge. Numai ca totul se schimbă când o vizită neașteptată o face Addison să se îndoiască de tot ce a reușit până acum.
🌹Cine este persoana care o face pe Addie să fie atât de nesigură? Va reuși Cruz să o facă pe Addison să înțeleagă ca merită să fie fericită și împlinită cu ceea ce își dorește ea? Va reuși Addison să-l convingă pe Cruz ca nu contează diferențele dintre ei? Ce și cum veți descoperi voi.
🌹Am căutat o copertă pastel și am dat peste o poveste foarte drăguță cu cowboy. Addison este o tânără care mereu s-a lăsat pe ultimul loc și a urmat calea trasată de părinți, dar când când a călcat a găsit liniștea la fermă și în brațele lui Cruz, iar faptul ca a reușit să își înfrunte părinții și să le arate ca cea ce îi face pe ei fericiți nu o face și pe ea m-a făcut să o ador. Cruz este un pic răutăcios la început, dar apoi devine cel care îi stă alături lui Addison și care o susține în tot ce își propune aceasta, iar împreună sunt minunați. Da recomand și cu siguranță voi citit și următoarele volume din serie.
🌹”People know what they want, deep down. Just sometimes it’s hard to hear yourself ofer all the noise.”
#recomandare_de_lectura
🌹Can’t stand the cowboy, Penelope Ryan
246 pagini (Thatcher Ranch Cowboys, #1)
🌹Posibile spoilere!
🌹Addison Thatcher este o fată de oraș, care datorită unei probleme de sănătate și a atacurilor de panică dese, dar mai ales a unei căderi psihice în timpul unei prezentări publice, hotărăște sa se distanțeze de afacerile părinților și să petreacă o perioadă de timp în Montana la ferma mătușii sale, unde speră să își revină și să se regăsească pe ea. Numai ca în momentul în care pune piciorul la fermă îl întâlnește pe morocănosul cowboy Cruz Conley care o crede o răsfață care nu are ce căuta la țară.
🌹Cruz este un bărbat muncitor, un bărbat care iubește viața la fermă și care stă departe de relații deoarece crede ca viața lui simplă nu este destul pentru o posibilă iubită, dar Addison îl face să își schimbe perspectivele și după ce află ca a greșit în ceea ce o privește, va face tot posibilul pentru a-i fi alături și pentru a o cucerii.
🌹Încet, încet Addison se regăsește pe ea, regăsește plăcerea de a trăi pentru ea, găsește curajul să se opună părinților săi și să facă ceea ce îi aduce ei bucurie, se deschide în fața lui Cruz și mai ales dă o șansă fericirii alături de cel mai sexy cowboy de la Cedar Ridge. Numai ca totul se schimbă când o vizită neașteptată o face Addison să se îndoiască de tot ce a reușit până acum.
🌹Cine este persoana care o face pe Addie să fie atât de nesigură? Va reuși Cruz să o facă pe Addison să înțeleagă ca merită să fie fericită și împlinită cu ceea ce își dorește ea? Va reuși Addison să-l convingă pe Cruz ca nu contează diferențele dintre ei? Ce și cum veți descoperi voi.
🌹Am căutat o copertă pastel și am dat peste o poveste foarte drăguță cu cowboy. Addison este o tânără care mereu s-a lăsat pe ultimul loc și a urmat calea trasată de părinți, dar când când a călcat a găsit liniștea la fermă și în brațele lui Cruz, iar faptul ca a reușit să își înfrunte părinții și să le arate ca cea ce îi face pe ei fericiți nu o face și pe ea m-a făcut să o ador. Cruz este un pic răutăcios la început, dar apoi devine cel care îi stă alături lui Addison și care o susține în tot ce își propune aceasta, iar împreună sunt minunați. Da recomand și cu siguranță voi citit și următoarele volume din serie.
🌹”People know what they want, deep down. Just sometimes it’s hard to hear yourself ofer all the noise.”
October 1, 2025
ARC Reader Confessional – Can’t Stand the Cowboy by Penelope Ryan
Okay, so apparently I have a weakness for cowboys who are equal parts infuriating and irresistible—and this book just proved it. Our heroine? She’s fiery, stubborn, and absolutely determined not to fall for the cowboy who drives her crazy. And him? Oh. My. God. The cowboy himself. Broody, rugged, frustratingly charming, and the exact brand of trouble you know you shouldn’t want but absolutely do.
Watching these two butt heads is like watching a rodeo in slow motion—you know someone’s going to get thrown, but you can’t look away. The banter? Sharp enough to draw blood. The tension? Off-the-charts, toe-curling, scream-into-your-pillow levels. The chemistry? Explosive. I laughed, I swooned, and I may have muttered “just kiss already” more times than I care to admit.
And the steam? Let’s just say Penelope Ryan did not come to play. Every moment between them crackles with intensity, making the payoff feel both inevitable and deliciously worth the wait.
What makes this book stand out, though, is how heartfelt it is underneath all the sass and sparks. There’s family, loyalty, and small-town charm woven through the chaos, grounding the romance in something that feels real and lived-in. It’s not just about the heat (though, trust me, there’s plenty of that)—it’s about two people learning how to let down their walls and take a chance.
If you love grumpy/sunshine dynamics, stubborn heroines, cowboy chaos, and chemistry that will make you weak in the knees, Can’t Stand the Cowboy is your next obsession. I laughed, swooned, fan-kicked the air, and adored every second.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Okay, so apparently I have a weakness for cowboys who are equal parts infuriating and irresistible—and this book just proved it. Our heroine? She’s fiery, stubborn, and absolutely determined not to fall for the cowboy who drives her crazy. And him? Oh. My. God. The cowboy himself. Broody, rugged, frustratingly charming, and the exact brand of trouble you know you shouldn’t want but absolutely do.
Watching these two butt heads is like watching a rodeo in slow motion—you know someone’s going to get thrown, but you can’t look away. The banter? Sharp enough to draw blood. The tension? Off-the-charts, toe-curling, scream-into-your-pillow levels. The chemistry? Explosive. I laughed, I swooned, and I may have muttered “just kiss already” more times than I care to admit.
And the steam? Let’s just say Penelope Ryan did not come to play. Every moment between them crackles with intensity, making the payoff feel both inevitable and deliciously worth the wait.
What makes this book stand out, though, is how heartfelt it is underneath all the sass and sparks. There’s family, loyalty, and small-town charm woven through the chaos, grounding the romance in something that feels real and lived-in. It’s not just about the heat (though, trust me, there’s plenty of that)—it’s about two people learning how to let down their walls and take a chance.
If you love grumpy/sunshine dynamics, stubborn heroines, cowboy chaos, and chemistry that will make you weak in the knees, Can’t Stand the Cowboy is your next obsession. I laughed, swooned, fan-kicked the air, and adored every second.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 4, 2025
Can't Stand The Cowboy! Yeh right, and who doesn't make Cruz their immediate book boyfriend straight away is delusional!
Addison takes a break from the demands of city life and the demands of her parents to spend some down time at her Aunts Ranch in Montana.
Having never been involved in her relatives ranch, the life on the busy cattle ranch was definitely something Addison was finding hard to adapt to.
Meeting and clashing with Cruz Conlon was not her to do list, but clash they did. At every meeting they seemed to not agree with anything the other had to say!
Then she needs rescuing, much to Cruz's chagrin! LOL City girl lost in a rain storm.....BUT He finds her more interesting than he wants to!
A great story of both Addison and Cruz finding they suddenly have feelings for each other, but unsure how to proceed!
A Lot of spice in the mix and Cruz and Addison take from each other, satisfying their sexual needs in favour of labelling their time together as anything serious.....until Cruz realises he has once again fallen for the wrong type of girl....A city girl, who has to return to Seattle once her summer at the Ranch is over.
Give me a HEA for the cowboy and all is well within my world. Addison and Cruz do finally get their HEA, but only after the many hurdles created by parents that don't want to let go. BUT Addison has to make some big decisions and no amount of panic attacks or anxiety is going to help her.
A story with all the feels and HEA...you couldn't ask for more!
Addison takes a break from the demands of city life and the demands of her parents to spend some down time at her Aunts Ranch in Montana.
Having never been involved in her relatives ranch, the life on the busy cattle ranch was definitely something Addison was finding hard to adapt to.
Meeting and clashing with Cruz Conlon was not her to do list, but clash they did. At every meeting they seemed to not agree with anything the other had to say!
Then she needs rescuing, much to Cruz's chagrin! LOL City girl lost in a rain storm.....BUT He finds her more interesting than he wants to!
A great story of both Addison and Cruz finding they suddenly have feelings for each other, but unsure how to proceed!
A Lot of spice in the mix and Cruz and Addison take from each other, satisfying their sexual needs in favour of labelling their time together as anything serious.....until Cruz realises he has once again fallen for the wrong type of girl....A city girl, who has to return to Seattle once her summer at the Ranch is over.
Give me a HEA for the cowboy and all is well within my world. Addison and Cruz do finally get their HEA, but only after the many hurdles created by parents that don't want to let go. BUT Addison has to make some big decisions and no amount of panic attacks or anxiety is going to help her.
A story with all the feels and HEA...you couldn't ask for more!
October 26, 2025
Save a horse... Ride a Cowboy
Addison arrives on her family ranch, looking to escape the humiliation she faced back in the big city. Once there, she runs into ranch foreman Cruz Conley, who has been tasked with keeping watch on her. The pair do not see eye to eye, with Cruz misjudging Addison before she's even opened her mouth. But as the weeks pass by, both Cruz and Addison find they cant escape the growing attraction. What happens when Addison is only there temporarily? Will Cruz admit it's more than a summer fling? Will Addison want to stay around, and settle for simple living? Read and find out!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book is fast paced, and full of flirtatious filth 🥵 I loved the characters, the steamy banter, the setting, everything! Whilst I'm a true smut lover, my favourite part of this book was reading how Addison grew into her true herself with each chapter. The way Cruz falls is written so beautifully, and I could picture him easily in my mind, loving Addison the way she truly deserves.
🌶🌶🌶.5
The Dirty spice had me squealing with girlish giggles, and is so descriptive, believe me when I say, you can picture things vividly 😉 That kitchen scene when Cruz has to punish his brat... I was just hoping someone would come smack my ass and call me a "good girl" too 😂 I mean it's not too much to ask for, right?!
I would 100% recommend this book if you want a fast paced, quick read, with laugh out loud banter, and dirty lovable characters!
Addison arrives on her family ranch, looking to escape the humiliation she faced back in the big city. Once there, she runs into ranch foreman Cruz Conley, who has been tasked with keeping watch on her. The pair do not see eye to eye, with Cruz misjudging Addison before she's even opened her mouth. But as the weeks pass by, both Cruz and Addison find they cant escape the growing attraction. What happens when Addison is only there temporarily? Will Cruz admit it's more than a summer fling? Will Addison want to stay around, and settle for simple living? Read and find out!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book is fast paced, and full of flirtatious filth 🥵 I loved the characters, the steamy banter, the setting, everything! Whilst I'm a true smut lover, my favourite part of this book was reading how Addison grew into her true herself with each chapter. The way Cruz falls is written so beautifully, and I could picture him easily in my mind, loving Addison the way she truly deserves.
🌶🌶🌶.5
The Dirty spice had me squealing with girlish giggles, and is so descriptive, believe me when I say, you can picture things vividly 😉 That kitchen scene when Cruz has to punish his brat... I was just hoping someone would come smack my ass and call me a "good girl" too 😂 I mean it's not too much to ask for, right?!
I would 100% recommend this book if you want a fast paced, quick read, with laugh out loud banter, and dirty lovable characters!
February 3, 2026
Addison arrives at Thatcher Ranch straight from Seattle, dropped off at the entrance by a car from the airport. When she finally encounters someone who can help her—he’s undeniably attractive, yet rude. Cruz knows the moment he sees her that she’s a city girl through and through, a spoiled princess. Addison’s cousin, Tate, offers her a place to stay and, much to Cruz’s irritation, asks him to keep an eye on her. Cruz has no interest in babysitting a princess—until he witnesses Addison in the middle of a panic attack. Instinct takes over, and he steps in. His way of calming her is unlike anything she’s ever experienced and grounding her. Addison didn’t come to the ranch for a vacation. She’s there to escape the spotlight her parents insist she embrace. The plan is simple: clear her head, return to Seattle and become the public face of her family’s company. After that night, the hostility between her and Cruz begins to shift, replaced by an undeniable pull neither of them can ignore and sparks ignite. When Tate mentions that Hank needs help in the kitchen, Addison volunteers—and unexpectedly discovers a passion she never knew she had for baking. Addison begins to fall in love with a life far removed from Seattle, she’s forced to confront a difficult question. Is this ranch and connection with Cruz exactly what she’s been missing all along? And if so, can she really go back—or will choosing herself mean disappointing her parents?
September 22, 2025
I absolutely ate this book up! From the very first chapter, the banter between Addison and Cruiz had me hooked. The chemistry between them is off the charts and their back-and-forth bickering is everything I love about an enemies-to-lovers romance.
Addison is sent to her aunt’s ranch for the summer after a very public panic attack leaves her parents insisting she “fix” her mental health before taking over their high-end realty business. She dreads the small town at first, but soon finds that the quiet life, fresh air, and a new hobby actually make her happy. Cruiz Conaly, the ranch’s assistant foreman, takes one look at Addison’s pink cowboy boots and assumes she’s just another spoiled city girl. But as the summer goes on, he discovers the real reason she’s at the ranch and shows a patience and compassion that completely melts you.
This book is a quick, fun read but it also touches on some heavier topics like anxiety and panic attacks (definitely check the trigger warnings). I loved how Addison’s growth was handled alongside her romance with Cruiz — it felt believable and satisfying. And yes, there are some steamy scenes sprinkled in! Ultimately, it’s a feel-good story with heart, healing, and a swoony cowboy hero. If enemies-to-lovers is your favourite trope, you’ll devour this one just like I did.
Addison is sent to her aunt’s ranch for the summer after a very public panic attack leaves her parents insisting she “fix” her mental health before taking over their high-end realty business. She dreads the small town at first, but soon finds that the quiet life, fresh air, and a new hobby actually make her happy. Cruiz Conaly, the ranch’s assistant foreman, takes one look at Addison’s pink cowboy boots and assumes she’s just another spoiled city girl. But as the summer goes on, he discovers the real reason she’s at the ranch and shows a patience and compassion that completely melts you.
This book is a quick, fun read but it also touches on some heavier topics like anxiety and panic attacks (definitely check the trigger warnings). I loved how Addison’s growth was handled alongside her romance with Cruiz — it felt believable and satisfying. And yes, there are some steamy scenes sprinkled in! Ultimately, it’s a feel-good story with heart, healing, and a swoony cowboy hero. If enemies-to-lovers is your favourite trope, you’ll devour this one just like I did.
October 20, 2025
I had the pleasure of reading an ARC of Can’t Stand the Cowboy, and honestly, it was such a heartfelt surprise.
Addison is a city girl who’s hit a breaking point, and spending the summer on her family’s Montana ranch is supposed to be her reset — not a romance. Cruz, the rugged cowboy tasked with keeping an eye on her, is equal parts infuriating and irresistible. Their banter is sharp, their chemistry undeniable, and watching their walls slowly come down was both sweet and emotional.
What really stood out to me was the mental health representation. Penelope Ryan captured anxiety and panic attacks with so much empathy and realism that it added depth to the story without feeling heavy. I also loved seeing Addison rediscover parts of herself she’d lost — it’s just as much a story about self-healing as it is about love.
The spice was a slow burn that fit the characters perfectly — not overdone, just enough to make you smile (and maybe blush a little). My only tiny wish? That it had been longer! I wasn’t ready to leave Thatcher Ranch yet.
If you love:
🐎 enemies to lovers
🌾 city girl meets cowboy
💞 forced proximity
🧠 mental health rep
Then you’ll definitely want to grab this one. It’s equal parts tender, witty, and hopeful — a story that feels like a deep breath after a long day. I’ll absolutely be picking up book two!
Addison is a city girl who’s hit a breaking point, and spending the summer on her family’s Montana ranch is supposed to be her reset — not a romance. Cruz, the rugged cowboy tasked with keeping an eye on her, is equal parts infuriating and irresistible. Their banter is sharp, their chemistry undeniable, and watching their walls slowly come down was both sweet and emotional.
What really stood out to me was the mental health representation. Penelope Ryan captured anxiety and panic attacks with so much empathy and realism that it added depth to the story without feeling heavy. I also loved seeing Addison rediscover parts of herself she’d lost — it’s just as much a story about self-healing as it is about love.
The spice was a slow burn that fit the characters perfectly — not overdone, just enough to make you smile (and maybe blush a little). My only tiny wish? That it had been longer! I wasn’t ready to leave Thatcher Ranch yet.
If you love:
🐎 enemies to lovers
🌾 city girl meets cowboy
💞 forced proximity
🧠 mental health rep
Then you’ll definitely want to grab this one. It’s equal parts tender, witty, and hopeful — a story that feels like a deep breath after a long day. I’ll absolutely be picking up book two!
January 21, 2026
Okay! To be honest this is the first book of cowboy genre for me, and actually it is great! I just finish the whole book just for one day! This book kept making me blushing and giggling so much. Cruz is really a great character! Freaking love it!
I love it that Cruz always praise Addison, i love it that he is so gentle despite looking rough for a cowboy. I love it that he is so patience.
“Okay, Princess. Want me to carry you over the mud while I’m at it?”
This is making me blushing so much, my heart warms. The way their chemistry work together! And the sex?! Damn it, it is great and so erotic.
'I know my mind will be consumed by her. Like it has been ever since I laid eyes on that infuriating woman.' THIS SENTENCE!
I also love the dynamic of relationships! Cruz and Addison is so perfect together. I love it that Addison is find herself, find what she actually want and happy to do. Sometimes parent can be overwhelming , and sometimes they just didnt really understand. To this day, there is still some people that still think anxiety , hyperventilating and panic attack means that you're weak. And this story tells perfectly on how important someone is and how much the panic attack matter.
I really love this story! This is my first book of 2026!
I hope there's more i will enjoy!
I love it that Cruz always praise Addison, i love it that he is so gentle despite looking rough for a cowboy. I love it that he is so patience.
“Okay, Princess. Want me to carry you over the mud while I’m at it?”
This is making me blushing so much, my heart warms. The way their chemistry work together! And the sex?! Damn it, it is great and so erotic.
'I know my mind will be consumed by her. Like it has been ever since I laid eyes on that infuriating woman.' THIS SENTENCE!
I also love the dynamic of relationships! Cruz and Addison is so perfect together. I love it that Addison is find herself, find what she actually want and happy to do. Sometimes parent can be overwhelming , and sometimes they just didnt really understand. To this day, there is still some people that still think anxiety , hyperventilating and panic attack means that you're weak. And this story tells perfectly on how important someone is and how much the panic attack matter.
I really love this story! This is my first book of 2026!
I hope there's more i will enjoy!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 19, 2025
This was a great read. The main characters have fabulous banter right from the beginning. The chemistry between the two is off the charts.
Cruiz Conaly is the assistant ranch foreman on Addison Thacher’s aunts family farm. He’s met women like Addison before and knows just by her pink cowboy boots who he thinks she is.
Addison needed a break, her parents have sent her to the farm for the summer to “ get over” her anxiety and panic attacks. They want her to take over the family business and be in the spotlight front and center for the high end realty company. Addison has had a very public panic attack while trying to give a speech and her parent want her to fix the issue while spending her summer at the farm.
These two start off with bickering back and forth, Addison is very defensive about most things. She’s had to be…
On the farm Addison find herself, she learns what things make her happy and she starts to heal. Cruz turns out to be extremely patient, kind, and uniquely understanding of what Addison is dealing with.
This enemies to lovers touches on some very real things please make sure to check the trigger warnings. I thought it was very well done and really enjoyed Cruz and Addisons story!
Cruiz Conaly is the assistant ranch foreman on Addison Thacher’s aunts family farm. He’s met women like Addison before and knows just by her pink cowboy boots who he thinks she is.
Addison needed a break, her parents have sent her to the farm for the summer to “ get over” her anxiety and panic attacks. They want her to take over the family business and be in the spotlight front and center for the high end realty company. Addison has had a very public panic attack while trying to give a speech and her parent want her to fix the issue while spending her summer at the farm.
These two start off with bickering back and forth, Addison is very defensive about most things. She’s had to be…
On the farm Addison find herself, she learns what things make her happy and she starts to heal. Cruz turns out to be extremely patient, kind, and uniquely understanding of what Addison is dealing with.
This enemies to lovers touches on some very real things please make sure to check the trigger warnings. I thought it was very well done and really enjoyed Cruz and Addisons story!
September 22, 2025
Thank you Penelope Ryan for the ARC.
Addison goes to stay on Thatcher Ranch for the summer. She's burnt out, jaded and has a family who aren't understanding her struggles. The Ranch is her Aunt's and her son, Tate (Addison's cousin) is raising his family on said ranch. Tate tasks Cruz, his right hand man to look after Addison during her stay. Cruz is less than impressed about being asked to 'babysit' a pink cowgirl boot wearing grown woman.
Their first encounter is a true clash of personalities but are they really showing their true personalities?
A storm, a breakdown (great mental health rep) and some delicious cakes later, the masks start to slip and they start to fall. But with Addison due to return to Seattle and Cruz set on ranch life will they get their happily ever after or are they destined to live worlds apart?
I loved this book. It's short and sweet and a little bit spicy! Addison's mental health was handled really well as someone who has experienced what she has (albeit in different circumstances) and she was lucky to have Cruz on hand.
If I had to describe this book in one word it would be heartfelt. ❤️
Please check the TW as your mental health is important.
💕
Addison goes to stay on Thatcher Ranch for the summer. She's burnt out, jaded and has a family who aren't understanding her struggles. The Ranch is her Aunt's and her son, Tate (Addison's cousin) is raising his family on said ranch. Tate tasks Cruz, his right hand man to look after Addison during her stay. Cruz is less than impressed about being asked to 'babysit' a pink cowgirl boot wearing grown woman.
Their first encounter is a true clash of personalities but are they really showing their true personalities?
A storm, a breakdown (great mental health rep) and some delicious cakes later, the masks start to slip and they start to fall. But with Addison due to return to Seattle and Cruz set on ranch life will they get their happily ever after or are they destined to live worlds apart?
I loved this book. It's short and sweet and a little bit spicy! Addison's mental health was handled really well as someone who has experienced what she has (albeit in different circumstances) and she was lucky to have Cruz on hand.
If I had to describe this book in one word it would be heartfelt. ❤️
Please check the TW as your mental health is important.
💕
October 17, 2025
"I was sent here to get over my fear and come back better, but maybe I just needed to f**k a cowboy."
Cruz and Addison's initial meeting was far from ideal and you can definitely say they both didn't give off the best first impression.
However, after Addisons cousin Tate, tasking Cruz with keeping an eye on her, forced the pair endure a lot of time in close proximity. Their initial dislike for one another, soon turned into desire.
I enjoyed Addison's sass and the back and forth between Cruz and Addison. I loved how Cruz knew how to help Addison when needed. They were great for one another.
I really enjoyed seeing their personal journey's, as well as their one together.
Even though it was a short story, it didn't feel like anything was missing. It had the spice, banter, small town vibes, love and healing. Everything a good cowboy romance needs.
I really liked Penelope Ryan's writing and will definitely read more from this author.
Tropes:
🌸 Enemies to lovers
🌸 Close proximity
🌸 Small town
🌸 Cowboy x City girl
🌸 Spice
🌸 Mental Health rep
If your looking for a short, spicy cowboy romance this is the book for you.
Thank you to Penelope Ryan for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Cruz and Addison's initial meeting was far from ideal and you can definitely say they both didn't give off the best first impression.
However, after Addisons cousin Tate, tasking Cruz with keeping an eye on her, forced the pair endure a lot of time in close proximity. Their initial dislike for one another, soon turned into desire.
I enjoyed Addison's sass and the back and forth between Cruz and Addison. I loved how Cruz knew how to help Addison when needed. They were great for one another.
I really enjoyed seeing their personal journey's, as well as their one together.
Even though it was a short story, it didn't feel like anything was missing. It had the spice, banter, small town vibes, love and healing. Everything a good cowboy romance needs.
I really liked Penelope Ryan's writing and will definitely read more from this author.
Tropes:
🌸 Enemies to lovers
🌸 Close proximity
🌸 Small town
🌸 Cowboy x City girl
🌸 Spice
🌸 Mental Health rep
If your looking for a short, spicy cowboy romance this is the book for you.
Thank you to Penelope Ryan for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 10, 2025
I had the pleasure of ARC reading this book and I am beyond humbled.
Addison is a city girl with a bit of a chip on her shoulder and Cruz is a country boy who works on her family’s ranch and thinks he has her figured out. Addison is out of her element on the ranch and Cruz is tasked with watching out for her. They don’t get along at all at first in fact they fight quite a bit. Addison is very stubborn and Cruz loves to push her buttons, which leads to more. Addison starts to help out at the mess hall on the ranch and discovers she has a love of baking, but it doesn’t exact line up with her parent’s expectations for her. She’s only supposed to be staying for the summer. What will she decide? Will she go back to Seattle? Will she finally do what makes her truly happy?
This is such a good story of finding yourself and finding your true happiness. There is amazing mental health and anxiety representation throughout. And the love and compassion that is shown is beautiful.
I really enjoyed reading Addison and Cruz’s story and found myself wanting more when it was over. I’m definitely excited for book 2.
I highly recommend everyone pick up this book!! You won’t be disappointed!!
Addison is a city girl with a bit of a chip on her shoulder and Cruz is a country boy who works on her family’s ranch and thinks he has her figured out. Addison is out of her element on the ranch and Cruz is tasked with watching out for her. They don’t get along at all at first in fact they fight quite a bit. Addison is very stubborn and Cruz loves to push her buttons, which leads to more. Addison starts to help out at the mess hall on the ranch and discovers she has a love of baking, but it doesn’t exact line up with her parent’s expectations for her. She’s only supposed to be staying for the summer. What will she decide? Will she go back to Seattle? Will she finally do what makes her truly happy?
This is such a good story of finding yourself and finding your true happiness. There is amazing mental health and anxiety representation throughout. And the love and compassion that is shown is beautiful.
I really enjoyed reading Addison and Cruz’s story and found myself wanting more when it was over. I’m definitely excited for book 2.
I highly recommend everyone pick up this book!! You won’t be disappointed!!
October 15, 2025
Thank you Penelope for giving me the opportunity to be an ARC reader.
Can’t Stand the Cowboy is more than just a spicy enemies to lovers cowboy romance. This book was raw. True. Heartfelt. Personal. I’ve walked. I am walking in my own Addison shoes. Penelope raised awareness of anxiety and panic attacks with a beautiful sensitivity. Can a book be sensitively spicy or spicily sensitive? Somehow Cruz and Addison’s story is… I loved it!
When a public meltdown leads Addison to escaping to her family’s ranch in Montana, she meets Cruz. He’s sin in a cowboy hat but.. He’s instantly judged her, already nicknamed her Princess and her cousin assigns him as her ‘babysitter’. Cue the fiery arguments, the irritating remarks and the undeniable chemistry!
But… Maybe Addison’s escape isn’t an escape but something else entirely… or rather someone.. and more importantly finding herself.
If you like:
🌸 enemies to lovers
🌸 forced proximity
🌸 cowboy/city girl
🌸 small town
🌸 mental health rep
Then Can’t Stand The Cowboy is for you and if you don’t, just read it for Cruz because you definitely want him as your new book boyfriend!
Can’t Stand the Cowboy is more than just a spicy enemies to lovers cowboy romance. This book was raw. True. Heartfelt. Personal. I’ve walked. I am walking in my own Addison shoes. Penelope raised awareness of anxiety and panic attacks with a beautiful sensitivity. Can a book be sensitively spicy or spicily sensitive? Somehow Cruz and Addison’s story is… I loved it!
When a public meltdown leads Addison to escaping to her family’s ranch in Montana, she meets Cruz. He’s sin in a cowboy hat but.. He’s instantly judged her, already nicknamed her Princess and her cousin assigns him as her ‘babysitter’. Cue the fiery arguments, the irritating remarks and the undeniable chemistry!
But… Maybe Addison’s escape isn’t an escape but something else entirely… or rather someone.. and more importantly finding herself.
If you like:
🌸 enemies to lovers
🌸 forced proximity
🌸 cowboy/city girl
🌸 small town
🌸 mental health rep
Then Can’t Stand The Cowboy is for you and if you don’t, just read it for Cruz because you definitely want him as your new book boyfriend!
October 17, 2025
Okay, I am obsessed. I picked this up thinking I’d get a little small-town cowboy drama and maybe some good banter—but wow, Penelope Ryan went and gave me everything.
Addison and Cruz are literal fire and gasoline. From page one, they’re snapping at each other, but you can feel the tension simmering underneath every word. He’s all gruff cowboy energy, bossy and infuriating, and she’s this city girl trying so hard to hold herself together—and failing beautifully in the best way possible. Their chemistry is ridiculous. Every argument, every stolen glance, every “I can’t stand you” moment just made my heart race.
And underneath all that steam? So much heart. The mental health rep felt real—Addison’s panic attacks, her search for peace, that ache of trying to live up to impossible expectations. It hit hard. And Cruz, the way he slowly shifts from judging her to seeing her, truly seeing her… I melted. Like, full-on puddle.
This book is messy and emotional and so steamy and tender all at once. It’s everything I want in an enemies-to-lovers story—grumpy cowboy, strong but vulnerable heroine, small-town vibes, and a love that sneaks up on you and refuses to let go.
Addison and Cruz are literal fire and gasoline. From page one, they’re snapping at each other, but you can feel the tension simmering underneath every word. He’s all gruff cowboy energy, bossy and infuriating, and she’s this city girl trying so hard to hold herself together—and failing beautifully in the best way possible. Their chemistry is ridiculous. Every argument, every stolen glance, every “I can’t stand you” moment just made my heart race.
And underneath all that steam? So much heart. The mental health rep felt real—Addison’s panic attacks, her search for peace, that ache of trying to live up to impossible expectations. It hit hard. And Cruz, the way he slowly shifts from judging her to seeing her, truly seeing her… I melted. Like, full-on puddle.
This book is messy and emotional and so steamy and tender all at once. It’s everything I want in an enemies-to-lovers story—grumpy cowboy, strong but vulnerable heroine, small-town vibes, and a love that sneaks up on you and refuses to let go.
October 17, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
I’m an audiobook girlie through and through, so whenever I eye read a book, my brain automatically gives everyone a voice. And I swear, every time the MMC said “Princess”, I heard Connor Crais! Tell me he wouldn’t make a perfect Cruz.
This novella was such a lovely surprise. It really captures what it feels like to have a panic attack and how healing real acceptance can be. I also loved those small, relatable, real-life moments — the ones that make you think “girl, same”
The spice was spot on, and the build-up really hit. I did find myself wishing the story had been a bit longer, just to linger in some of those scenes and explore the plot a little more. Honestly, there’s so much potential here for a full-length book.
I’ll admit, there were a few moments where I got tripped up by the vocabulary. Some words were completely new to me — a few old-fashioned ones (thank you, Google) and maybe some regional ones too? It wasn’t a dealbreaker, just enough to slow me down a bit.
This was my first Penelope Ryan read, and now I’m curious to dive into more of her work. Any favourites I should continue with?
I’m an audiobook girlie through and through, so whenever I eye read a book, my brain automatically gives everyone a voice. And I swear, every time the MMC said “Princess”, I heard Connor Crais! Tell me he wouldn’t make a perfect Cruz.
This novella was such a lovely surprise. It really captures what it feels like to have a panic attack and how healing real acceptance can be. I also loved those small, relatable, real-life moments — the ones that make you think “girl, same”
The spice was spot on, and the build-up really hit. I did find myself wishing the story had been a bit longer, just to linger in some of those scenes and explore the plot a little more. Honestly, there’s so much potential here for a full-length book.
I’ll admit, there were a few moments where I got tripped up by the vocabulary. Some words were completely new to me — a few old-fashioned ones (thank you, Google) and maybe some regional ones too? It wasn’t a dealbreaker, just enough to slow me down a bit.
This was my first Penelope Ryan read, and now I’m curious to dive into more of her work. Any favourites I should continue with?
October 5, 2025
Absolutely loved this!
Addie is sent to her aunts ranch in Montana after suffering a panic attack giving a speech for her parents luxury real estate business. Sent for the summer in an effort to help her refresh, Addie finds a lot more than she was bargaining for.
Cowboy Cruz has seen her type before, stuck up rich city girls who think they’re better than everyone else. But there’s something about Addie that gets under Cruz’s skin right from the outset.
The banter between the two of them is brilliant, neither wanting to show they might not actually hate the other. But when Cruz finds Addie suffering from a panic attack after a call from her mother, he swoops her up & comforts her. That’s when it all changes for him. He realises things aren’t as easy for her as he assumed.
When Cruz & Addie finally admit they don’t hate each other, the sparks fly & the spice doesn’t disappoint! He’s a gruff cowboy who likes to be in control; & she’s a city girl with a praise kink!
These two shouldn’t work together, but they absolutely do.
Addie is sent to her aunts ranch in Montana after suffering a panic attack giving a speech for her parents luxury real estate business. Sent for the summer in an effort to help her refresh, Addie finds a lot more than she was bargaining for.
Cowboy Cruz has seen her type before, stuck up rich city girls who think they’re better than everyone else. But there’s something about Addie that gets under Cruz’s skin right from the outset.
The banter between the two of them is brilliant, neither wanting to show they might not actually hate the other. But when Cruz finds Addie suffering from a panic attack after a call from her mother, he swoops her up & comforts her. That’s when it all changes for him. He realises things aren’t as easy for her as he assumed.
When Cruz & Addie finally admit they don’t hate each other, the sparks fly & the spice doesn’t disappoint! He’s a gruff cowboy who likes to be in control; & she’s a city girl with a praise kink!
These two shouldn’t work together, but they absolutely do.
October 18, 2025
🤠 Thank you so much to Penelope Ryan for the ARC of Can’t Stand the Cowboy! Wishing you the most joyful release for this beautiful book 💛
Addison heads to Tatcher Ranch hoping to slow down and heal, but instead, she runs into Cruz: smug, infuriating, and annoyingly gorgeous. He immediately pegs her as a spoiled city girl and seems to live for pushing her buttons. But Addison’s not backing down, and the tension between them? Electric. As they start to see past the surface, that spark turns into sizzling chemistry and something unexpectedly tender.
💭 This is a short book, but it fits the story so well. The banter between Addison and Cruz is sharp, funny, and full of heart. I loved watching their connection deepen. Addison’s journey of self-discovery away from her controlling parents was beautifully done, and I adored the little moments where she found joy in unexpected things. The ending did feel a bit rushed (everything wrapped up in just a few pages), but overall this was a fun, spicy escape with a cowboy who’ll definitely stir up your emotions.
Addison heads to Tatcher Ranch hoping to slow down and heal, but instead, she runs into Cruz: smug, infuriating, and annoyingly gorgeous. He immediately pegs her as a spoiled city girl and seems to live for pushing her buttons. But Addison’s not backing down, and the tension between them? Electric. As they start to see past the surface, that spark turns into sizzling chemistry and something unexpectedly tender.
💭 This is a short book, but it fits the story so well. The banter between Addison and Cruz is sharp, funny, and full of heart. I loved watching their connection deepen. Addison’s journey of self-discovery away from her controlling parents was beautifully done, and I adored the little moments where she found joy in unexpected things. The ending did feel a bit rushed (everything wrapped up in just a few pages), but overall this was a fun, spicy escape with a cowboy who’ll definitely stir up your emotions.
October 22, 2025
Addison is a city girl, her parents have money and want her to take over the family business one day. But there is one problem, she doesn’t want that and it causes her to have horrible anxiety attacks! So they are shipping her off to Montana to her aunts ranch to “fix her.” She arrives in her bright pink cowboy boots and literally starts bossing Cruz around right away. They have the best banter and you’d think that they “hate” each other, but there is some definite sexual tension going on. I think deep down they just misunderstand each other and they are judging each other by first impressions. Addison actually finds peace in the ranch and she discovers that she loves to bake and turns out she is really good. And after Cruz gets to know her, he sees she’s not just a city girl with no depth, there is more to her. And once they give in, whew it’s spicy! That cowboy, he has a dirty mouth. Addison had some major character growth and I was so proud of her. This was a short little read, but so good.
October 22, 2025
Addison needed a break from the city life and her job, and what better way than spending the summer on the family ranch? Unless there is a very grumpy cowboy that can't stand her... or is it the other way around? One thing is for sure, Addison is sure she hates the cowboy and that nothing could make her love him 🤭
What a book to start a new series! Addison and Cruz have chemistry right from the start. Addison is a city girl trying to run from her demons, and Cruz is a cowboy working at her family ranch, who swore to never date a city girl. Their "hate" is in an I-Love-But-Won't-Admit type of way, making the whole story very adorable. Besides the physical chemistry, they have a very strong emotional connection. They understand each other better than anyone, making Addison free of her demons. A very lovely short story, amazing for the fall days.
If you are looking for:
👢Cowboy romance
🌶 Spciy scenes
💞 Enemies to lovers
And much more, this book is for you! 😍
What a book to start a new series! Addison and Cruz have chemistry right from the start. Addison is a city girl trying to run from her demons, and Cruz is a cowboy working at her family ranch, who swore to never date a city girl. Their "hate" is in an I-Love-But-Won't-Admit type of way, making the whole story very adorable. Besides the physical chemistry, they have a very strong emotional connection. They understand each other better than anyone, making Addison free of her demons. A very lovely short story, amazing for the fall days.
If you are looking for:
👢Cowboy romance
🌶 Spciy scenes
💞 Enemies to lovers
And much more, this book is for you! 😍
October 12, 2025
Received this book as an ARC. I enjoyed this story! We see Addison and Cruz caught up in this ‘they hate each other,’ ‘we know they will hook up but when’ situation and it’s fun to see evolve. There were times that Cruz said a stupid comment and I actually wanted to see Addison slap him or something, lol, so the dual POV to see Cruz’s thoughts were great.
I just wish it was longer! This is a pretty quick read, so it would’ve been cool to see more from these two. More sweet moments where they’re bonding over shared interests, or even more banter between them. The amount we got was enough to see why they fell for each other, but I’ll always push for more fluffy moments, haha. However, it looks like this is the first book in a series, so I’m looking forward to seeing what’s next up for this happy couple!
I just wish it was longer! This is a pretty quick read, so it would’ve been cool to see more from these two. More sweet moments where they’re bonding over shared interests, or even more banter between them. The amount we got was enough to see why they fell for each other, but I’ll always push for more fluffy moments, haha. However, it looks like this is the first book in a series, so I’m looking forward to seeing what’s next up for this happy couple!
October 19, 2025
Addison and Cruz.
This small town novella follows the story of Addison. She has come to a small town to recharge from the city. Honestly, this novella was great!
We find Addison on her way to her aunt's ranch when you first open the book. She is having a time of it trying to figure out where she's supposed to meet her cousin. Anyway, she ends up meeting Cruz who is helping her to cabin for the summer and these two do not hit it off well.
It takes a moment of both of these characters to break down the walls and preconceived notions of one another before Cruz is making Addison's knees weak without a shirt on. *fans self*
This is such a good quick read if you only have an afternoon to gobble a romance novel up.
Thank you to the author for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
This small town novella follows the story of Addison. She has come to a small town to recharge from the city. Honestly, this novella was great!
We find Addison on her way to her aunt's ranch when you first open the book. She is having a time of it trying to figure out where she's supposed to meet her cousin. Anyway, she ends up meeting Cruz who is helping her to cabin for the summer and these two do not hit it off well.
It takes a moment of both of these characters to break down the walls and preconceived notions of one another before Cruz is making Addison's knees weak without a shirt on. *fans self*
This is such a good quick read if you only have an afternoon to gobble a romance novel up.
Thank you to the author for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
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