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By the Bootstraps
Not yet published
Expected 26 May 26“Alexa Martin has crafted a cowboy romance keeper!”—Lyla Sage, #1 New York Times bestselling author
A cowboy romance enthusiast discovers that everything’s bigger in Texas—even love—in this swoony novel from beloved author Alexa Martin.
Fueled by a love of romance novels, Luna Starr was destined for a life with her head in the clouds. Her delusional tendencies serve her well…or at least they used to. When life throws her a curveball, she decides it’s time to turn her cowboy fantasies into reality and purchases a tiny farm in Celestial, Texas. After all, don’t all heroines try to outrun grief?
Tate Jacobs hates cowboys, which is a small problem, considering his family happens to own the largest ranch in Celestial. Life might not have gone the way he wanted, but as head coach at his old high school and the town’s best (and only) handyman, he’s figured out how to stay busy and keep his head down—until the new girl in town shows up. Luna’s new property is a bad accident waiting to happen unless someone helps her with her DIY home renovations.
As Tate and Luna spend more time together fixing up her house, unexpected feelings and undeniable chemistry bubble to the surface. Luna might’ve moved to Celestial to make her cowboy dreams come true, but somewhere beneath the vast Texas skies, she discovers that love in the real world can be far better than she imagined.
A cowboy romance enthusiast discovers that everything’s bigger in Texas—even love—in this swoony novel from beloved author Alexa Martin.
Fueled by a love of romance novels, Luna Starr was destined for a life with her head in the clouds. Her delusional tendencies serve her well…or at least they used to. When life throws her a curveball, she decides it’s time to turn her cowboy fantasies into reality and purchases a tiny farm in Celestial, Texas. After all, don’t all heroines try to outrun grief?
Tate Jacobs hates cowboys, which is a small problem, considering his family happens to own the largest ranch in Celestial. Life might not have gone the way he wanted, but as head coach at his old high school and the town’s best (and only) handyman, he’s figured out how to stay busy and keep his head down—until the new girl in town shows up. Luna’s new property is a bad accident waiting to happen unless someone helps her with her DIY home renovations.
As Tate and Luna spend more time together fixing up her house, unexpected feelings and undeniable chemistry bubble to the surface. Luna might’ve moved to Celestial to make her cowboy dreams come true, but somewhere beneath the vast Texas skies, she discovers that love in the real world can be far better than she imagined.
Audible Audio
Expected publication May 26, 2026
About the author
Alexa Martin
9 books2,288 followersAlexa Martin is a writer and stay at home mom. She lives in Colorado with her husband, a former NFL player who now coaches at the high school where they met, their four children, and a German Shepherd. When she's not telling her kids to put their shoes on...again, you can find her catching up with her latest book boyfriend or on Pinterest pinning meals she'll probably never make. Her first book, Intercepted, was inspired by the eight years she spent as an NFL wife.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
May 7, 2026
This was cute and swoony with plenty of emotional depth.
The small-town is bursting with cute characters, friends, and family. This book is a great setup for future books and I honestly REALLY want Silas’s romance asap.
This book feels a bit more small-town WITH cowboys rather than a cowboy romance, if that makes sense? BUT I think future books (esp if they feature the rest of the siblings) will be heavier on the cowboy. I love seeing more bipoc cowboys and hope this is only the beginning!
Set in small-town (central?) Texas and as someone who previously lived in small-town Texas this feels like a rosier but accurate representation! I LOVE that the author didn’t shy away from talking about the Texas heat and sun!
Whats to love…
- small town with cowboys
- football coach + new in town fmc
- exploration of grief
- complicated family dynamics
- adorable animal companions
- bookish FMC
What might not work for some…
- At times it felt like the FMC was trying really hard to convince the reader she was a “girl's girl” (her words not mine) but then she’d have an internal thought that (imho) conflicted with that sentiment. I’m not sure I would have noticed as much if it wasn’t for the pop culture and particular phrasing used often.
| IG | TikTok |
Thank you Berkley for the gifted book. All opinions are my own.
The small-town is bursting with cute characters, friends, and family. This book is a great setup for future books and I honestly REALLY want Silas’s romance asap.
This book feels a bit more small-town WITH cowboys rather than a cowboy romance, if that makes sense? BUT I think future books (esp if they feature the rest of the siblings) will be heavier on the cowboy. I love seeing more bipoc cowboys and hope this is only the beginning!
Set in small-town (central?) Texas and as someone who previously lived in small-town Texas this feels like a rosier but accurate representation! I LOVE that the author didn’t shy away from talking about the Texas heat and sun!
Whats to love…
- small town with cowboys
- football coach + new in town fmc
- exploration of grief
- complicated family dynamics
- adorable animal companions
- bookish FMC
What might not work for some…
- At times it felt like the FMC was trying really hard to convince the reader she was a “girl's girl” (her words not mine) but then she’d have an internal thought that (imho) conflicted with that sentiment. I’m not sure I would have noticed as much if it wasn’t for the pop culture and particular phrasing used often.
| IG | TikTok |
Thank you Berkley for the gifted book. All opinions are my own.
October 27, 2025
I always know my joy is safe in Alexa Martin’s hands, but By the Bootstraps builds an entire world for it. I never knew I needed the Texas cowboy version of Gilmore girls, but apparently wherever Alexa leads I will follow and happily!
September 28, 2025
Black. Cowboys. Need I say more?
But in all seriousness, Alexa’s newest is so full of heart and character.
But in all seriousness, Alexa’s newest is so full of heart and character.
April 18, 2026
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
By the Bootstraps by Alexa Martin is so much more than a romance; it is a vibrant, epic tale of a woman finding herself as she rebuilds her life and heals grief. Set against a perfectly realized backdrop of small-town Texas, where football and cowboy cultures collide, the story follows Luna as she attempts to rebuild her life from the ground up.
While the chemistry and banter are top-tier, the true heart of this book lies in the female friendships. Luna’s journey is supported by a "found family" that feels incredibly real and raw. If you are a "girl’s girl," this book is for you. The redemption arcs are messy, and the family dynamics are complicated, reflecting the reality that even "good" families can be difficult. It’s a story that provides a space for the soul to be whole, even in its imperfection.
Watching Luna and her love interest, Tate, navigate their respective versions of grief and disappointment was deeply satisfying. Their story feels "soft" and healing, focusing on their gradual process of opening up to one another. Luna is a relatable heroine. She is messy, stubborn, and hilariously human, which makes her growth feel earned because the story never pretends she is perfect.
Written in a single POV, the narrative remains firmly focused on Luna’s internal evolution, which felt appropriate given that this is truly her story. My only point of frustration was the ending; the conflict felt slightly unnecessary and was resolved so quickly that the final pages felt rushed. I found myself wishing for just a bit more of that hard-earned Happily Ever After.
Perhaps it was my small-town Texan nostalgia or just the perfect vibes, but this was an absolute standout. It balances laugh-out-loud humor with low-key emotional weight, making it a grounded and real second-chance story. For my first Alexa Martin novel, I couldn't have asked for a better introduction.
By the Bootstraps by Alexa Martin is so much more than a romance; it is a vibrant, epic tale of a woman finding herself as she rebuilds her life and heals grief. Set against a perfectly realized backdrop of small-town Texas, where football and cowboy cultures collide, the story follows Luna as she attempts to rebuild her life from the ground up.
While the chemistry and banter are top-tier, the true heart of this book lies in the female friendships. Luna’s journey is supported by a "found family" that feels incredibly real and raw. If you are a "girl’s girl," this book is for you. The redemption arcs are messy, and the family dynamics are complicated, reflecting the reality that even "good" families can be difficult. It’s a story that provides a space for the soul to be whole, even in its imperfection.
Watching Luna and her love interest, Tate, navigate their respective versions of grief and disappointment was deeply satisfying. Their story feels "soft" and healing, focusing on their gradual process of opening up to one another. Luna is a relatable heroine. She is messy, stubborn, and hilariously human, which makes her growth feel earned because the story never pretends she is perfect.
Written in a single POV, the narrative remains firmly focused on Luna’s internal evolution, which felt appropriate given that this is truly her story. My only point of frustration was the ending; the conflict felt slightly unnecessary and was resolved so quickly that the final pages felt rushed. I found myself wishing for just a bit more of that hard-earned Happily Ever After.
Perhaps it was my small-town Texan nostalgia or just the perfect vibes, but this was an absolute standout. It balances laugh-out-loud humor with low-key emotional weight, making it a grounded and real second-chance story. For my first Alexa Martin novel, I couldn't have asked for a better introduction.
April 20, 2026
Cowboy romance x Friday night lights
I adore everything this woman writes - 4.5 stars!
Per usual I loved this book!!! Alexa Martin is one of my favorite authors and knows how to just suck you into her worlds.
I loved the small snippet of a love triangle and really enjoyed reading about Luna's journey to finding herself and falling in love with Celestial, TX. I loved that Tate and Silas were opposites, but also so alike! I adored all of the side characters and hope that they find their way into their own novel in this series.
Small town romance
Friday night lights x cowboys
grumpy/sunshine
grief journey with lightheartedness
I really hope that Alexa writes Silas and their sister, Ciara's stories next!
I rate this book 4.5 stars because I feel like the ending was too rushed and would have liked to have seen more development in the end.
I adore everything this woman writes - 4.5 stars!
Per usual I loved this book!!! Alexa Martin is one of my favorite authors and knows how to just suck you into her worlds.
I loved the small snippet of a love triangle and really enjoyed reading about Luna's journey to finding herself and falling in love with Celestial, TX. I loved that Tate and Silas were opposites, but also so alike! I adored all of the side characters and hope that they find their way into their own novel in this series.
Small town romance
Friday night lights x cowboys
grumpy/sunshine
grief journey with lightheartedness
I really hope that Alexa writes Silas and their sister, Ciara's stories next!
I rate this book 4.5 stars because I feel like the ending was too rushed and would have liked to have seen more development in the end.
May 14, 2026
By the bootstraps follows Luna Star, as she moves to the small town of Celestial, TX for a fresh start. When she arrives, she feels like she’s exactly where she’s supposed to be. But when she realizes the house she blindly bought has so many issues she enlists the help of a grumpy handyman/highschool football coach named Tate that she actually met on her first night in town
I thought this was a cute grumpy/sunshine with the new girl in town. I liked the small town vibes and how Luna fit in so seamlessly. I also liked Tate as the MMC. He wasn’t really that grumpy to me, but I liked how he was different with her and helped make her Pinterest dreams come true with her house. I even liked her accepting that her trauma with her mom. But I didn’t like how the 3rd act breakup played out tbh. I felt like it couldn’t been done different for a bigger impact.
I thought this was a cute grumpy/sunshine with the new girl in town. I liked the small town vibes and how Luna fit in so seamlessly. I also liked Tate as the MMC. He wasn’t really that grumpy to me, but I liked how he was different with her and helped make her Pinterest dreams come true with her house. I even liked her accepting that her trauma with her mom. But I didn’t like how the 3rd act breakup played out tbh. I felt like it couldn’t been done different for a bigger impact.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.75 ⭐️'s
My first Black cowboy romance, and I was definitely intrigued.
I’d honestly love to see more stories like this because Black cowboys have always been part of history, even if mainstream narratives haven’t always reflected that.
Luna Starr was such a strong and relatable character. She could be incredibly hard on herself at times, but I appreciated that she had people around her who continually reminded her of her worth and supported her through everything.
Tate Jacobs was the perfect grumpy love interest—guarded, complex, and far more layered than he initially appears. Watching him slowly open up to Luna was one of the highlights of the story for me.
Overall, this was a cute slow-burn romance with strong chemistry, emotional growth, and plenty of heart. (Though I could have done without one particular recurring anatomy term.)
My first Black cowboy romance, and I was definitely intrigued.
I’d honestly love to see more stories like this because Black cowboys have always been part of history, even if mainstream narratives haven’t always reflected that.
Luna Starr was such a strong and relatable character. She could be incredibly hard on herself at times, but I appreciated that she had people around her who continually reminded her of her worth and supported her through everything.
Tate Jacobs was the perfect grumpy love interest—guarded, complex, and far more layered than he initially appears. Watching him slowly open up to Luna was one of the highlights of the story for me.
Overall, this was a cute slow-burn romance with strong chemistry, emotional growth, and plenty of heart. (Though I could have done without one particular recurring anatomy term.)
May 21, 2026
4.5⭐️ I received this book as an arc and let me tell you, I loved it! I loved it from the moment the book began. The way this author told Luna‘s story, the way she told the town story, the way she broke Tate down to reveal his soft side and his family dynamic, the way I could relate to why Luna arrived in Celestial, I’m here for it all. I was excited to turn every page. I honestly could’ve had more! I didn’t want it to end and I love the way it ended. All of it. Definitely a cozy hometown cowboy romance that you should read! Book comes out 5/26/26!!!
May 3, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley & the publisher for the e-arc.
I found myself wanting to skim ahead. There was so much potential for more but the pacing felt off and there was a lot of unnecessary filler. I also found more grammatical errors than I cared too, I think another round of edits would be beneficial. This is perfect for someone who enjoys fluffy romances.
I found myself wanting to skim ahead. There was so much potential for more but the pacing felt off and there was a lot of unnecessary filler. I also found more grammatical errors than I cared too, I think another round of edits would be beneficial. This is perfect for someone who enjoys fluffy romances.
April 13, 2026
3.5 ⭐️ This book was definitely entertaining and I enjoyed it. I truly wished it was higher but it felt slightly underdeveloped for me. The jump into their relationship seemed weird and then it was head over heels, it just felt a bit disjointed.
again, i did enjoy it, but it was just alright for me.
again, i did enjoy it, but it was just alright for me.
March 23, 2026
3.5⭐️
Cowboy romances are just so much fun! Do I like cowboys in real life, as a native Texas, absolutely not, but there's just something about fictional ones that always works. By the Bootstraps delivers on this with a fun and emotional story about starting over and finding yourself and your people.
This book had so many unique and quirky elements that had me wishing I lived in a small town. Luna is immediately absorbed into this setting and the people of Celestial are more than happy to welcome her in. The energy of the town is overwhelming, but in the best way and the author introduces you to so many fun characters that you can’t help but feel a part of their small town life.
When Luna meets the reluctant and grumpy Tate, it really is the epitome of grumpy x sunshine. All her bright colors mixed with his perpetual gray cloud is everything you’d want. Their banter and teasing is so clever, but then mixed with the dry humor, it really kept me wanting more.
Unfortunately, that was also an issue I had with the book. At first I could feel the spark between the FMC & MMC, but then I feel like I lost it. Their chemistry felt off and their relationship seemed very rushed. I think because we had these small time jumps, we weren’t able to see more of the build up of feelings between them, so once they got together, it was hard to believe it. And not just in their storyline, but as a whole, the book felt a little bit disjointed even if it had all of the right moving parts. There were so many elements that I loved and I think this could have been great, but it fell a little flat the longer I read. I also was very frustrated with Luna at the end and the unnecessary conflict, which was then wrapped up within just a few pages and made the ending feel a little too rushed.
I wanted to love this one so badly and give it a full 5 stars, but as more issues arose within the structure of the story, I felt too far removed to enjoy it. However, the author did give us a solid foundation to build upon if she chooses to write in this universe again (hoping for a book about Silas), and I look forward to what she writes in the future, but this one sadly missed the mark for me.
Thank you NetGalley & Berkley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Cowboy romances are just so much fun! Do I like cowboys in real life, as a native Texas, absolutely not, but there's just something about fictional ones that always works. By the Bootstraps delivers on this with a fun and emotional story about starting over and finding yourself and your people.
This book had so many unique and quirky elements that had me wishing I lived in a small town. Luna is immediately absorbed into this setting and the people of Celestial are more than happy to welcome her in. The energy of the town is overwhelming, but in the best way and the author introduces you to so many fun characters that you can’t help but feel a part of their small town life.
When Luna meets the reluctant and grumpy Tate, it really is the epitome of grumpy x sunshine. All her bright colors mixed with his perpetual gray cloud is everything you’d want. Their banter and teasing is so clever, but then mixed with the dry humor, it really kept me wanting more.
Unfortunately, that was also an issue I had with the book. At first I could feel the spark between the FMC & MMC, but then I feel like I lost it. Their chemistry felt off and their relationship seemed very rushed. I think because we had these small time jumps, we weren’t able to see more of the build up of feelings between them, so once they got together, it was hard to believe it. And not just in their storyline, but as a whole, the book felt a little bit disjointed even if it had all of the right moving parts. There were so many elements that I loved and I think this could have been great, but it fell a little flat the longer I read. I also was very frustrated with Luna at the end and the unnecessary conflict, which was then wrapped up within just a few pages and made the ending feel a little too rushed.
I wanted to love this one so badly and give it a full 5 stars, but as more issues arose within the structure of the story, I felt too far removed to enjoy it. However, the author did give us a solid foundation to build upon if she chooses to write in this universe again (hoping for a book about Silas), and I look forward to what she writes in the future, but this one sadly missed the mark for me.
Thank you NetGalley & Berkley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 15, 2026
Alexa Martin has officially cemented herself as one of my all time favorite authors because this book was absolute perfection. I laughed, cried, swooned, and genuinely felt every emotion possible while reading this story. One of my new favorite romances without question.
Luna completely stole my heart. I adored her from the very beginning and honestly feel like we would be best friends in real life. She was hilarious, relatable, emotional, and messy in the most human way. You just can't help but bond to her. The way her grief surrounding her mother's death was handled absolutely wrecked me. As someone currently dealing with similar feelings surrounding boundaries and questioning whether cutting off a family member is the right thing to do, Luna's journey hit real close to home. What I loved about Luna even dealing with this grief, she never morally changed. She stayed true to who she was, a kind, open hearted, loving person who just needed time and space to heal.
I wanted everything for Luna. I wanted her dream home to become exactly what she imagined. I wanted her heart and mind to heal. And most importantly, I wanted her to find the perfect man. And let me tell you. Tate was exactly that.
Tate is everything to me. The way he so clearly loved Luna while still giving her room to grow was so refreshing. And he never treated our girl Luna like a child or inconvenience. Especially because he was fixing her home after the tub fell through the ceiling....WHOOPS. Their relationship never relied on the frustrating push and pull drama. It was built on tension, yearning, support, chemistry, and genuine love for each other. And their first date under the stars!!! SWOON. Tate set the standard with that one for sure.
Watching them work together to fix Luna's house was both hilarious and heart warming. Luna knew what she wanted and Tate was gonna give it to her!! I am so obsessed with the setting of Celestial. The friend group and found family dynamics in this story is making me crave a full series with interconnected standalones please and thank you. There are some side characters that I need their story ASAP like for example Silas & Ciara.
This book was addictive from beginning to end and honestly just meant so much to me.
Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley Romance for the arc. All opinions are my own.
Luna completely stole my heart. I adored her from the very beginning and honestly feel like we would be best friends in real life. She was hilarious, relatable, emotional, and messy in the most human way. You just can't help but bond to her. The way her grief surrounding her mother's death was handled absolutely wrecked me. As someone currently dealing with similar feelings surrounding boundaries and questioning whether cutting off a family member is the right thing to do, Luna's journey hit real close to home. What I loved about Luna even dealing with this grief, she never morally changed. She stayed true to who she was, a kind, open hearted, loving person who just needed time and space to heal.
I wanted everything for Luna. I wanted her dream home to become exactly what she imagined. I wanted her heart and mind to heal. And most importantly, I wanted her to find the perfect man. And let me tell you. Tate was exactly that.
Tate is everything to me. The way he so clearly loved Luna while still giving her room to grow was so refreshing. And he never treated our girl Luna like a child or inconvenience. Especially because he was fixing her home after the tub fell through the ceiling....WHOOPS. Their relationship never relied on the frustrating push and pull drama. It was built on tension, yearning, support, chemistry, and genuine love for each other. And their first date under the stars!!! SWOON. Tate set the standard with that one for sure.
Watching them work together to fix Luna's house was both hilarious and heart warming. Luna knew what she wanted and Tate was gonna give it to her!! I am so obsessed with the setting of Celestial. The friend group and found family dynamics in this story is making me crave a full series with interconnected standalones please and thank you. There are some side characters that I need their story ASAP like for example Silas & Ciara.
This book was addictive from beginning to end and honestly just meant so much to me.
Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley Romance for the arc. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I wanted to love this more than I actually did because the premise is SO me-coded. A woman running off to a tiny Texas farm to live out her cowboy romance fantasies while trying to outrun grief??? That sounds exactly like the kind of emotionally messy small-town romance I usually eat up. And there were parts I genuinely enjoyed, but something about the execution never fully clicked for me.
The biggest issue was probably the pacing. Early on, I kept finding myself fighting the urge to skim, and I think a huge part of that was only being in Luna’s perspective because I desperately needed more from the Tate. He’s such a quiet, reserved character that I never fully felt connected to him emotionally, which is unfortunate because he honestly ended up being my favorite part of the book. He was dependable, caring, and actually followed through on what he said he’d do. Just a genuinely good guy.
And while I understood Luna’s grief and desire to reinvent herself, she unfortunately came across younger and more immature than thirty at times 😭 I did absolutely love her friendship with Gabby though because those moments felt the most natural and warm to me.
Honestly, this felt less like a romance and more like Luna’s personal journey of figuring out who she is after life completely knocked her off course. The cowboy romance elements were there, but the emotional core leaned much heavier into healing and self-discovery.
(also I know ARCs aren’t final copies, but there were enough grammar and vocabulary errors that it occasionally pulled me out of the story)
Overall, this definitely wasn’t a bad read for me. It had charm, emotional moments, and a genuinely lovable hero. I just never fully connected to the romance the way I wanted to.
things to know about the book ↓
🩵 small town romance
🩵 cowboy romance
🩵 grumpy x sunshine
🩵 handyman hero
🩵 emotional healing journey
🩵 fresh start
🩵 slowburn ish
🩵 single POV (hers)
spice rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
swearing: yes
Thank you NetGalley, publisher & author for this arc in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The biggest issue was probably the pacing. Early on, I kept finding myself fighting the urge to skim, and I think a huge part of that was only being in Luna’s perspective because I desperately needed more from the Tate. He’s such a quiet, reserved character that I never fully felt connected to him emotionally, which is unfortunate because he honestly ended up being my favorite part of the book. He was dependable, caring, and actually followed through on what he said he’d do. Just a genuinely good guy.
And while I understood Luna’s grief and desire to reinvent herself, she unfortunately came across younger and more immature than thirty at times 😭 I did absolutely love her friendship with Gabby though because those moments felt the most natural and warm to me.
Honestly, this felt less like a romance and more like Luna’s personal journey of figuring out who she is after life completely knocked her off course. The cowboy romance elements were there, but the emotional core leaned much heavier into healing and self-discovery.
(also I know ARCs aren’t final copies, but there were enough grammar and vocabulary errors that it occasionally pulled me out of the story)
Overall, this definitely wasn’t a bad read for me. It had charm, emotional moments, and a genuinely lovable hero. I just never fully connected to the romance the way I wanted to.
things to know about the book ↓
🩵 small town romance
🩵 cowboy romance
🩵 grumpy x sunshine
🩵 handyman hero
🩵 emotional healing journey
🩵 fresh start
🩵 slowburn ish
🩵 single POV (hers)
spice rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
swearing: yes
Thank you NetGalley, publisher & author for this arc in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you Berkley Publishing for my copy! All thoughts are my own.
The ear of Cowboy Romances isn’t anywhere close to coming to an end and this Summer, you can dive into By the Bootstraps. I think my favorite part of this book is that it follows a reluctant cowboy who’s real passion is coaching the local high school football team. It’s an easy read that will make you laugh when you need it!
Synopsis:
“Fueled by a love of romance novels, Luna Starr was destined for a life with her head in the clouds. Her delusional tendencies serve her well…or at least they used to. When life throws her a curveball, she decides it’s time to turn her cowboy fantasies into reality and purchases a tiny farm in Celestial, Texas. After all, don’t all heroines try to outrun grief?Tate Jacobs hates cowboys, which is a small problem, considering his family happens to own the largest ranch in Celestial. Life might not have gone the way he wanted, but as head coach at his old high school and the town’s best (and only) handyman, he’s figured out how to stay busy and keep his head down—until the new girl in town shows up. Luna’s new property is a bad accident waiting to happen unless someone helps her with her DIY home renovations.As Tate and Luna spend more time together fixing up her house, unexpected feelings and undeniable chemistry bubble to the surface. Luna might’ve moved to Celestial to make her cowboy dreams come true, but somewhere beneath the vast Texas skies, she discovers that love in the real world can be far better than she imagined.” —NetGalley
What I Liked:
The Setting—This takes place in Texas so it really captures, or at least my East Coast brain thought it did, the Friday Night Lights aspect!
The Characters—The characters are all really fun and their banter is fantastic!
What Didn’t Work for Me:
Pacing—I’m picky with pacing so I didn’t vibe with it 100% but that’s okay!
Character Authenticity: 4/5 Spice Rating: 2/5 Overall Rating: 3.75/5
The ear of Cowboy Romances isn’t anywhere close to coming to an end and this Summer, you can dive into By the Bootstraps. I think my favorite part of this book is that it follows a reluctant cowboy who’s real passion is coaching the local high school football team. It’s an easy read that will make you laugh when you need it!
Synopsis:
“Fueled by a love of romance novels, Luna Starr was destined for a life with her head in the clouds. Her delusional tendencies serve her well…or at least they used to. When life throws her a curveball, she decides it’s time to turn her cowboy fantasies into reality and purchases a tiny farm in Celestial, Texas. After all, don’t all heroines try to outrun grief?Tate Jacobs hates cowboys, which is a small problem, considering his family happens to own the largest ranch in Celestial. Life might not have gone the way he wanted, but as head coach at his old high school and the town’s best (and only) handyman, he’s figured out how to stay busy and keep his head down—until the new girl in town shows up. Luna’s new property is a bad accident waiting to happen unless someone helps her with her DIY home renovations.As Tate and Luna spend more time together fixing up her house, unexpected feelings and undeniable chemistry bubble to the surface. Luna might’ve moved to Celestial to make her cowboy dreams come true, but somewhere beneath the vast Texas skies, she discovers that love in the real world can be far better than she imagined.” —NetGalley
What I Liked:
The Setting—This takes place in Texas so it really captures, or at least my East Coast brain thought it did, the Friday Night Lights aspect!
The Characters—The characters are all really fun and their banter is fantastic!
What Didn’t Work for Me:
Pacing—I’m picky with pacing so I didn’t vibe with it 100% but that’s okay!
Character Authenticity: 4/5 Spice Rating: 2/5 Overall Rating: 3.75/5
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is my first Alexa Martin read, but not small-town, cowboy romance. This book screamed Black joy and love. This was a cute read, but it did take me longer than expected to finish.
Luna Starr might be one of the best FMC names I've ever read. The town of Celestial was so cute and welcoming. Alexa did an excellent job in building the town and the people in it. I really enjoyed Luna's relationship with her best friend, and the friendships she built after moving to Celestial. I truly am a sucker for found family.
Tate was a solid man! He was on the quiet side, but his actions were LOUD. He took initiative, completed what he said he would, and was good with his words. I kinda found myself wanting a football coach/handyman/cowboy. Tate was absolutely full of surprises and came with such a cute sidekick.
Now on to why it took me such a long time to finish this. This is a romance, but it felt like Luna & Tate's relationship was not the focal point. This was more about Luna finding/understanding herself and dealing with her grief. There were moments where I felt like Luna was a little childish or naive, even though she was thirty. But I'm gonna chalk it up to the trauma she experienced (which I felt was over emphasized and repetitive). I also could have done without the pop culture references. They tend to make a book feel too realistic when I'm looking to escape real life.
I look forward to the other characters possibly getting their own books. There were a few I felt had a deep backstory and so much potential. Thank you NetGalley & Berkley publishing for honoring me with this ARC.
Luna Starr might be one of the best FMC names I've ever read. The town of Celestial was so cute and welcoming. Alexa did an excellent job in building the town and the people in it. I really enjoyed Luna's relationship with her best friend, and the friendships she built after moving to Celestial. I truly am a sucker for found family.
Tate was a solid man! He was on the quiet side, but his actions were LOUD. He took initiative, completed what he said he would, and was good with his words. I kinda found myself wanting a football coach/handyman/cowboy. Tate was absolutely full of surprises and came with such a cute sidekick.
Now on to why it took me such a long time to finish this. This is a romance, but it felt like Luna & Tate's relationship was not the focal point. This was more about Luna finding/understanding herself and dealing with her grief. There were moments where I felt like Luna was a little childish or naive, even though she was thirty. But I'm gonna chalk it up to the trauma she experienced (which I felt was over emphasized and repetitive). I also could have done without the pop culture references. They tend to make a book feel too realistic when I'm looking to escape real life.
I look forward to the other characters possibly getting their own books. There were a few I felt had a deep backstory and so much potential. Thank you NetGalley & Berkley publishing for honoring me with this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Sweet start to a small town romance series. Luna Starr is a smart, modern character. She is deeply reflective and self-aware. She is seeking community and a fresh start and she finds in Celestial, Texas. Tate Jacobs is used to being the talk of his small town and as a result has shut most people out. As the two grow closer and closer together, gossip abounds – but so does support. The whole town (except for maybe a former HS girlfriend, lol) is rooting for them. The cast of characters of Celestial were all wonderful! Kind, funny, nosey, with their share of quirks. Old wounds abound within the Jacobs family. All three siblings feel hard done by their father, Calvin, who seems to care more about the family ranch and legacy, than his children’s happiness. Since no resolution occurs with the Jacobs patriarch in this book – I expect that the future novels will focus on Tate’s siblings, Silas and Ciara, and how all three will finally get their father to listen to them.
Overall, this was quick and pleasant read. A bit repetitious and the ending felt abrupt. I don’t care for third act break-ups. I like them even less when there is no reason for it – and there was no reason for it here. However, the author doesn’t drag it out. Everything is confronted and talked out fairly quickly. But the back and forth of the break-up used up most of the time left in the story, and when the couple finally makes up – the book is over. Also, Tate ran WAY too hot and cold throughout this story. Then later claims he fell first! Really?! That’s not the impression I got at all. Hopefully the pacing will improve in the next installment of the series. Also, the “sexy talk” during the one love scene was very cringe. Would have been much better without it.
Thank you to Net Galley and Berkley Publishing Group for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Overall, this was quick and pleasant read. A bit repetitious and the ending felt abrupt. I don’t care for third act break-ups. I like them even less when there is no reason for it – and there was no reason for it here. However, the author doesn’t drag it out. Everything is confronted and talked out fairly quickly. But the back and forth of the break-up used up most of the time left in the story, and when the couple finally makes up – the book is over. Also, Tate ran WAY too hot and cold throughout this story. Then later claims he fell first! Really?! That’s not the impression I got at all. Hopefully the pacing will improve in the next installment of the series. Also, the “sexy talk” during the one love scene was very cringe. Would have been much better without it.
Thank you to Net Galley and Berkley Publishing Group for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5⭐
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC!
This was my first Alexa Martin read, so I didn't know what to expect. I love a cowboy/small town romance, and I'm obsessed with anything celestial related, so reading the blurb and seeing the cover immediately drew me in!
Overall, I thought By the Bootstraps was a cute read, but I'll admit I had some issues with it, and I'm so sad that I did.
Let's start with the positive! I loved everything about the small town of Celestial, including all of the little details and characters, such as the football team. I really liked Tate and his family, Luna's friendships, and the overall "found family" trope! I also enjoyed Luna's DIY journey. I thought that was fun!
As for what I didn't like ... first off, it took me a bit longer than usual to get into the story. However, that could just be me. It had been a bit since I read a first-person single POV romance. Going off that, my main issue with the story was that although this is a romance, I felt that Luna's relationship with Tate was more of a side plot, and her journey (including her own struggles and navigating her grief) was more the main plot. It seemed that after Luna and Tate finally got together, they were only together for a minute, before the main conflict came to a head at the end, and then was resolved super quickly. I also felt that all of Tate's drama with his dad wasn't really resolved (but that could have been intentional to set up for future books?)
Despite this, I still liked the story, especially because it was something different. I will also definitely tune in for the second book because I need to know what happens with Silas and the one who got away!
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC!
This was my first Alexa Martin read, so I didn't know what to expect. I love a cowboy/small town romance, and I'm obsessed with anything celestial related, so reading the blurb and seeing the cover immediately drew me in!
Overall, I thought By the Bootstraps was a cute read, but I'll admit I had some issues with it, and I'm so sad that I did.
Let's start with the positive! I loved everything about the small town of Celestial, including all of the little details and characters, such as the football team. I really liked Tate and his family, Luna's friendships, and the overall "found family" trope! I also enjoyed Luna's DIY journey. I thought that was fun!
As for what I didn't like ... first off, it took me a bit longer than usual to get into the story. However, that could just be me. It had been a bit since I read a first-person single POV romance. Going off that, my main issue with the story was that although this is a romance, I felt that Luna's relationship with Tate was more of a side plot, and her journey (including her own struggles and navigating her grief) was more the main plot. It seemed that after Luna and Tate finally got together, they were only together for a minute, before the main conflict came to a head at the end, and then was resolved super quickly. I also felt that all of Tate's drama with his dad wasn't really resolved (but that could have been intentional to set up for future books?)
Despite this, I still liked the story, especially because it was something different. I will also definitely tune in for the second book because I need to know what happens with Silas and the one who got away!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was FANTASTIC! I really love Alexa’s writing, and it really was SO GOOD in this one! I love this new town and all these new characters! The female friendships are written so well, and they’re all al strong! I love how quickly Luna was able to find a family in Celestial, and how close she was able to keep Gabby even from across the country! I already cannot wait to be back in this small town just from the small crumbs Alexa’s left us!!!! I am screaming with excitement!!!
LUNA AND TATE ARE PERFECT! There is simply nothing I love more than a SUNSHINE GIRL and a GRUMPY BOY okay!! Especially when he is SO DOWN BAD it’s not even funny!!! They were the perfect pair. From their very first meeting their chemistry was electric and I was clamoring for MOOOOORE any time they weren’t on page together!!!! I also LOVED how quickly Tate’s family took her in. She was missing that family feeling in her life, and while was able to find it with her friends, I think it was so important that Tate’s family was also so warm and welcoming!!
I also really appreciated the way Alexa wrote Luna’s grief throughout the book. She was still very much dealing with the loss of her mother and her grandmother. And while she was trying to build a new life, and doing it successfully, she wasn’t actually handling her feelings and I really did like that eventually Gabby set her straight but was always there for her regardless of her choices!
Again I can’t wait to be back and (hopefully) see what else the Jacobs siblings have to offer!! I think both Silas and Ciara will have such fun stories!!! Along with maybe a little something for Millie?! And maybe even Gabby!?? Whatever comes next I will be here!!
Thanks to Berkley for the arc in exchange for an honest review!!
LUNA AND TATE ARE PERFECT! There is simply nothing I love more than a SUNSHINE GIRL and a GRUMPY BOY okay!! Especially when he is SO DOWN BAD it’s not even funny!!! They were the perfect pair. From their very first meeting their chemistry was electric and I was clamoring for MOOOOORE any time they weren’t on page together!!!! I also LOVED how quickly Tate’s family took her in. She was missing that family feeling in her life, and while was able to find it with her friends, I think it was so important that Tate’s family was also so warm and welcoming!!
I also really appreciated the way Alexa wrote Luna’s grief throughout the book. She was still very much dealing with the loss of her mother and her grandmother. And while she was trying to build a new life, and doing it successfully, she wasn’t actually handling her feelings and I really did like that eventually Gabby set her straight but was always there for her regardless of her choices!
Again I can’t wait to be back and (hopefully) see what else the Jacobs siblings have to offer!! I think both Silas and Ciara will have such fun stories!!! Along with maybe a little something for Millie?! And maybe even Gabby!?? Whatever comes next I will be here!!
Thanks to Berkley for the arc in exchange for an honest review!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
"From this close, I can see the moment his restraint snaps and the man he's been hiding from the world steps out of the shadows."
Luna & Tate. When I tell you that these are absolutely SCRUMPTIOUS! First of all, I absolutely love these two characters and was cheering and hollering for them throughout the entire book. And don't forget his adorable dog, Duke. OMG, I want to snuggle him. Alexa Martin has a way with words (I mean, the quote at the top of the page had my jaw dropping) and I just couldn't read fast enough to satisfy my need to devour it!
If the amazing relationship building between the MCs isn't enough for you, there's also family relationship drama on both sides, a small town whose gossip moves faster than a running horse, and the highlight of all this is the female friendships Luna is at the center of. She is just sunshine and moonlight all in one and everyone is attracted to her goodness.
While reading this book I really felt like I was going along on Luna's days so while the romance was the main theme - the other things going on in her life were represented just as much and so it felt all the more real to me. The trouble with her uncle had me on edge, Tate's relationship with his family and her wanting to help, the house, her grief, and her friendships all played such a huge part in this story. I love this writing style and can't wait to get into more of Alexa Martin's books, not to mention the rest of this series! I'm ready for Gabby, Silas, and Ciara's stories - but I'm REALLY looking forward to Ciara's the most. She's going to show them all!
"I might not have known who you were, but I knew you were mine."
*I received a complimentary eARC and my review is voluntary. Thank you to the author, NetGalley, and Berkley Publishing Group.
Luna & Tate. When I tell you that these are absolutely SCRUMPTIOUS! First of all, I absolutely love these two characters and was cheering and hollering for them throughout the entire book. And don't forget his adorable dog, Duke. OMG, I want to snuggle him. Alexa Martin has a way with words (I mean, the quote at the top of the page had my jaw dropping) and I just couldn't read fast enough to satisfy my need to devour it!
If the amazing relationship building between the MCs isn't enough for you, there's also family relationship drama on both sides, a small town whose gossip moves faster than a running horse, and the highlight of all this is the female friendships Luna is at the center of. She is just sunshine and moonlight all in one and everyone is attracted to her goodness.
While reading this book I really felt like I was going along on Luna's days so while the romance was the main theme - the other things going on in her life were represented just as much and so it felt all the more real to me. The trouble with her uncle had me on edge, Tate's relationship with his family and her wanting to help, the house, her grief, and her friendships all played such a huge part in this story. I love this writing style and can't wait to get into more of Alexa Martin's books, not to mention the rest of this series! I'm ready for Gabby, Silas, and Ciara's stories - but I'm REALLY looking forward to Ciara's the most. She's going to show them all!
"I might not have known who you were, but I knew you were mine."
*I received a complimentary eARC and my review is voluntary. Thank you to the author, NetGalley, and Berkley Publishing Group.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I'm loving all of the black cowboy books I've been reading lately!! PLEASEEEEE keep em coming y'all!!
But seriously this was such an amazing book! This was actually my first read by Alexa and I was not disappointed at all!! It had tension, it had drama, it had romance, it had BLACK cowboys... I was loving it all!!
I will say the only thing I didn't enjoy was the 3rd act break up, I am absolutely not a fan of 3rd act breakups but that's just me I know some people love them. But even with that being said, I very much enjoyed this book and would still give it 5 stars!
Luna: whew lawd the girl has suffered so much pain and loss and grief I truly felt bad for her. There was so much emotion and grief played into her character and it was written beautifully.. because truly, how do you cope with that much loss?
Tate: loved this grumpy, moody man down!! He was down bad for Luna and I loved to see it honestly
Silas, Ciara, Gabby and Millie were all amazing side characters as well! I loved the little love triangle snippet we had towards the beginning with Luna, Silas, and Tate! Silas is such a sweetheart and I hope he eventually gets a book or novella or something! Millie and Ciara were hilarious too! Loved Millie down, she reminded me of my bestie! And also loved how real Gabby was!! We all need a Gabby in our life to call us out on our sh*t!!
Soooo yeah basically I loved this book and hopefully you will too!!
Thank you to Alexa Martin, Berkley Publishing Group, and NetGalley for this eARC! I truly enjoyed it and can't wait to read more of Alexa's works!! 🖤
But seriously this was such an amazing book! This was actually my first read by Alexa and I was not disappointed at all!! It had tension, it had drama, it had romance, it had BLACK cowboys... I was loving it all!!
I will say the only thing I didn't enjoy was the 3rd act break up, I am absolutely not a fan of 3rd act breakups but that's just me I know some people love them. But even with that being said, I very much enjoyed this book and would still give it 5 stars!
Luna: whew lawd the girl has suffered so much pain and loss and grief I truly felt bad for her. There was so much emotion and grief played into her character and it was written beautifully.. because truly, how do you cope with that much loss?
Tate: loved this grumpy, moody man down!! He was down bad for Luna and I loved to see it honestly
Silas, Ciara, Gabby and Millie were all amazing side characters as well! I loved the little love triangle snippet we had towards the beginning with Luna, Silas, and Tate! Silas is such a sweetheart and I hope he eventually gets a book or novella or something! Millie and Ciara were hilarious too! Loved Millie down, she reminded me of my bestie! And also loved how real Gabby was!! We all need a Gabby in our life to call us out on our sh*t!!
Soooo yeah basically I loved this book and hopefully you will too!!
Thank you to Alexa Martin, Berkley Publishing Group, and NetGalley for this eARC! I truly enjoyed it and can't wait to read more of Alexa's works!! 🖤
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Read This Book If…you’ve ever wanted to run away from your problems!
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5
By the Bootstraps by Alexa Martin
Genre: cowboy romance
Setting: small town in Texas
POV: single, first person, present tense
Spice Level: 3/5🌶, 1-2 explicit scenes
Tropes: love triangle
My Thoughts:
Listen, I liked this one! It was cute! But it wasn’t quite what I expected.
The multiple love interests felt forced and more of a way to set up the rest of the series, focusing on the siblings. This also felt more like a sports romance than cowboy.
I really enjoyed the running away and starting over, new-to-town storyline! This definitely has all the quintessential small town quirks and I hope we get to revisit Celestial in future books.
Luna has a LOT on her plate, including moving to a new town, home renovations, grieving her mother, and a pesky relative that won’t leave her alone. But none of those conflicts really had to do with the relationship, so the third act conflict wasn’t my favorite.
Again, I liked this one, it just didn’t hit like I wanted it to (especially since I was reading it on an actual cattle ranch in Texas!)
Memorable Quote: “Once upon a time, a great prophet proclaimed that in order to save a horse, one must ride a cowboy.”
Thank you to the publisher for my advance copy! This book will be available May 26, so pre-order now!
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5
By the Bootstraps by Alexa Martin
Genre: cowboy romance
Setting: small town in Texas
POV: single, first person, present tense
Spice Level: 3/5🌶, 1-2 explicit scenes
Tropes: love triangle
My Thoughts:
Listen, I liked this one! It was cute! But it wasn’t quite what I expected.
The multiple love interests felt forced and more of a way to set up the rest of the series, focusing on the siblings. This also felt more like a sports romance than cowboy.
I really enjoyed the running away and starting over, new-to-town storyline! This definitely has all the quintessential small town quirks and I hope we get to revisit Celestial in future books.
Luna has a LOT on her plate, including moving to a new town, home renovations, grieving her mother, and a pesky relative that won’t leave her alone. But none of those conflicts really had to do with the relationship, so the third act conflict wasn’t my favorite.
Again, I liked this one, it just didn’t hit like I wanted it to (especially since I was reading it on an actual cattle ranch in Texas!)
Memorable Quote: “Once upon a time, a great prophet proclaimed that in order to save a horse, one must ride a cowboy.”
Thank you to the publisher for my advance copy! This book will be available May 26, so pre-order now!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I just knew this book was going to emotionally destroy me—in the best way possible—and somehow it still exceeded my expectations. It balances heartbreak and chaos so perfectly, delivering a story that’s just as fun and messy as it is deeply moving.
Luna Starr completely stole my heart. She’s the kind of main character you can’t help but root for—raw, real, and carrying so much grief. And yes, she’s still figuring things out, but that’s what makes her feel so human. Healing isn’t linear, and the story doesn’t rush her through it. Instead, it gives her the space she deserves to process everything she’s been through. If she wants to cope by redecorating her home in her own unique, slightly chaotic way? Let her. She’s earned that autonomy, and honestly, it becomes part of her charm.
What I loved most is how the book handles love. It doesn’t come in as something forced or overly dramatic—it sneaks up on Luna, quietly and unexpectedly. And instead of pushing it away, she lets it happen in her own time. The romance blooms so naturally, growing out of vulnerability, trust, and those small, meaningful moments that feel so real it almost hurts.
This story is a beautiful reminder that even in the middle of grief, joy can find you. Love can find you. And sometimes, the most unexpected connections end up meaning the most. It’s emotional, it’s chaotic, it’s comforting—and I absolutely loved every second of it.
Luna Starr completely stole my heart. She’s the kind of main character you can’t help but root for—raw, real, and carrying so much grief. And yes, she’s still figuring things out, but that’s what makes her feel so human. Healing isn’t linear, and the story doesn’t rush her through it. Instead, it gives her the space she deserves to process everything she’s been through. If she wants to cope by redecorating her home in her own unique, slightly chaotic way? Let her. She’s earned that autonomy, and honestly, it becomes part of her charm.
What I loved most is how the book handles love. It doesn’t come in as something forced or overly dramatic—it sneaks up on Luna, quietly and unexpectedly. And instead of pushing it away, she lets it happen in her own time. The romance blooms so naturally, growing out of vulnerability, trust, and those small, meaningful moments that feel so real it almost hurts.
This story is a beautiful reminder that even in the middle of grief, joy can find you. Love can find you. And sometimes, the most unexpected connections end up meaning the most. It’s emotional, it’s chaotic, it’s comforting—and I absolutely loved every second of it.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
By the Bootstraps is a cowboy/football romance set in Celestial, Texas. This was my first read by Alexa Martin and I enjoyed it. Luna’s life has been very challenging. After her mother dies, she decides to start over in a new place. She buys a house sight unseen, and moves to a charming, football-crazy small town in Texas. She meets Tate on her first night in town at a restaurant, and both are smitten. Tate is very guarded about his past, and it is challenging at first for them to break the ice.
Tate is the local football coach and handyman. His family owns a huge ranch that is adjacent to Luna’s house. When the bathtub falls through the floor, Luna realizes that she needs to do major renovations, and Tate offers to help out. Both Tate and Luna are carrying lots of baggage, but spending time together allows them to build trust as they get to know each other slowly.
As another reviewer commented, this book is more about Luna’s grief and healing than a romance. It is fitting that the author chose to tell the story in Luna’s POV, and also that her female friendships played such a large role in the story. I loved how the author created a charming small town that was inclusive and welcoming. This is the first book in this series, and I am excited to read future books about Tate’s siblings, Silas and Ciara!
Thank you to Berkley Romance/Berkley Publishing and NetGalley for an advance reader’s copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Tate is the local football coach and handyman. His family owns a huge ranch that is adjacent to Luna’s house. When the bathtub falls through the floor, Luna realizes that she needs to do major renovations, and Tate offers to help out. Both Tate and Luna are carrying lots of baggage, but spending time together allows them to build trust as they get to know each other slowly.
As another reviewer commented, this book is more about Luna’s grief and healing than a romance. It is fitting that the author chose to tell the story in Luna’s POV, and also that her female friendships played such a large role in the story. I loved how the author created a charming small town that was inclusive and welcoming. This is the first book in this series, and I am excited to read future books about Tate’s siblings, Silas and Ciara!
Thank you to Berkley Romance/Berkley Publishing and NetGalley for an advance reader’s copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
April 27, 2026
the cutest most wholesome cowboy romance!!!
luna starr decides that she wants to buy a new house and move to small town in celestial, texas! she’s dealing with a lot of grief and trauma and wants a fresh start in a new town and home. she meets a man named tate and he’s very closed off and to himself. he eventually ends up helping luna out with some repairs that her new house needs and things go from there.
what I loved about this story is truly the setting! it was everything I needed when I picked it up. a cozy small town, with animals, black cowboys? check! I thought it was so descriptive and the imagery had me wishing I was there because the town sounded so cute!! 🥹
all of the side characters were so fun and brought so much depth to the story too! I loved the found family aspect and the female friendships that were built. I enjoyed getting to see luna and tate develop a deeper relationship. it started off very slowly and in the small gestures you can see them falling more and more for each other and it was really beautiful. the story also touches on some more deeper topics such as grief, and family dynamics as well.
I didn’t enjoy the third act breakup and thought it was all a bit dramatic for me 😭 but other than that it was really a cute and beautiful story! 🩵
• small town
• cowboy romance
• friday night lights
• grumpy x sunshine
• found family
thank you so much berkley for the arc! 🥰
luna starr decides that she wants to buy a new house and move to small town in celestial, texas! she’s dealing with a lot of grief and trauma and wants a fresh start in a new town and home. she meets a man named tate and he’s very closed off and to himself. he eventually ends up helping luna out with some repairs that her new house needs and things go from there.
what I loved about this story is truly the setting! it was everything I needed when I picked it up. a cozy small town, with animals, black cowboys? check! I thought it was so descriptive and the imagery had me wishing I was there because the town sounded so cute!! 🥹
all of the side characters were so fun and brought so much depth to the story too! I loved the found family aspect and the female friendships that were built. I enjoyed getting to see luna and tate develop a deeper relationship. it started off very slowly and in the small gestures you can see them falling more and more for each other and it was really beautiful. the story also touches on some more deeper topics such as grief, and family dynamics as well.
I didn’t enjoy the third act breakup and thought it was all a bit dramatic for me 😭 but other than that it was really a cute and beautiful story! 🩵
• small town
• cowboy romance
• friday night lights
• grumpy x sunshine
• found family
thank you so much berkley for the arc! 🥰
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Such a lovely slice-of-life romance. We follow Luna, who impulsively buys a house in a small Texas town sight unseen and moves across the country after her mom dies. While this is definitely a romance, there’s a strong focus on Luna herself and everything she’s going through.
I really loved her character. She’s confident in who she is, but also clearly struggling to figure out who she gets to be now that she’s no longer tied to taking care of her toxic mom. That balance felt really real and well done. I also really liked Tate, his history with the town and his struggle to redefine himself when everyone around him has already decided who he is added a lot of depth to his character.
I did feel like the small hint of a love triangle at the beginning with Tate and his twin, Silas, was a bit unnecessary. It was pretty obvious where things were going, and I would’ve rather had more time focused on building Luna and Tate’s relationship instead.
That said, I absolutely adored Celestial. The small-town setting and all the people we meet there were such a highlight. Alexa Martin really captures that cozy charm and the found family feeling that comes with being welcomed into a community like that.
And Martin’s writing really stood out to me here, there were so many lines that made me pause because the prose was just so good, which isn’t something I always notice.
Thank you to Berkley for an advance copy.
I really loved her character. She’s confident in who she is, but also clearly struggling to figure out who she gets to be now that she’s no longer tied to taking care of her toxic mom. That balance felt really real and well done. I also really liked Tate, his history with the town and his struggle to redefine himself when everyone around him has already decided who he is added a lot of depth to his character.
I did feel like the small hint of a love triangle at the beginning with Tate and his twin, Silas, was a bit unnecessary. It was pretty obvious where things were going, and I would’ve rather had more time focused on building Luna and Tate’s relationship instead.
That said, I absolutely adored Celestial. The small-town setting and all the people we meet there were such a highlight. Alexa Martin really captures that cozy charm and the found family feeling that comes with being welcomed into a community like that.
And Martin’s writing really stood out to me here, there were so many lines that made me pause because the prose was just so good, which isn’t something I always notice.
Thank you to Berkley for an advance copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I love black western love stories, so I was excited to start this one. Luna Starr, a romance reader in grief, buys a tiny farm in Celestial, Texas in an attempt to turn her cowboy fantasy into a fresh start. I liked the idea of a heroine trying to escape into the kind of story she usually reads, especially when paired with Tate, a grumpy, steady hero who wants nothing to do with the cowboy mythology surrounding his own life.
Unfortunately, the small-town setup never felt fully earned for me. Luna’s move to Texas sometimes felt more convenient for the premise than deeply rooted in her character, so the cowboy-romance framework read less like an organic reinvention and more like a trope experiment. I love a Black cowboy, and Tate’s grumpiness and quiet competence were highlights, but they were not quite enough to carry the romance.
The pacing also felt slower than I wanted, especially early on. Because the story stays so closely in Luna’s perspective, I kept wishing for more emotional access to Tate and more momentum in their connection. At times, this felt more like an identity piece about Luna figuring out who she is after grief than a romance with a strong central love story. That is not a bad thing, but it was not quite the reading experience I was hoping for. The pieces were there, but the emotional foundation did not fully click.
Many thanks to NetGalley and to the publisher for this opportunity!
Unfortunately, the small-town setup never felt fully earned for me. Luna’s move to Texas sometimes felt more convenient for the premise than deeply rooted in her character, so the cowboy-romance framework read less like an organic reinvention and more like a trope experiment. I love a Black cowboy, and Tate’s grumpiness and quiet competence were highlights, but they were not quite enough to carry the romance.
The pacing also felt slower than I wanted, especially early on. Because the story stays so closely in Luna’s perspective, I kept wishing for more emotional access to Tate and more momentum in their connection. At times, this felt more like an identity piece about Luna figuring out who she is after grief than a romance with a strong central love story. That is not a bad thing, but it was not quite the reading experience I was hoping for. The pieces were there, but the emotional foundation did not fully click.
Many thanks to NetGalley and to the publisher for this opportunity!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5 STARS
On a whim and a prayer, Luna Starr sells her family home in Colorado and moves to a tiny West Texas town aptly named Celestial. Luna loves Cowboy romances to the point that they fuel her fantasy turned reality move to a questionable fixer upper next door to the vast Starlight Ridge ranch with some mighty fine neighbors including one prodigal son, Tate Jacobs, who eschews some of what Luna loves about the cowboy mystique. Tate is an enigmatic local hero turned High School football coach and handyman who keeps his head down and mostly away from his family.
Luna is in intense need of his services after some of her DIY projects turn into an epic fail. She is very attracted to Tate; however, with her own questionable emotional state after a recent loss and his off-putting demeanor, she figures they will just be friends while he helps reconstruct the mess of her old house. Some of Luna's remolding choices such as a pink chicken coop and Barbie style kitchen are certainly for comic relief.
Being a small town where there are no strangers, Celestial has the stereotypical gossip and rumor mill much to Tate’s dismay. Luna makes some fast friends deciding that this place is home for her despite the heat and challenges she puts for herself. Luna has some difficult issues to deal with that are an undercurrent in this slow burn romance. Fans of Ms. Martin’s style of writing will likely be pleased. This story is the first one in the Starlight Ridge series.
On a whim and a prayer, Luna Starr sells her family home in Colorado and moves to a tiny West Texas town aptly named Celestial. Luna loves Cowboy romances to the point that they fuel her fantasy turned reality move to a questionable fixer upper next door to the vast Starlight Ridge ranch with some mighty fine neighbors including one prodigal son, Tate Jacobs, who eschews some of what Luna loves about the cowboy mystique. Tate is an enigmatic local hero turned High School football coach and handyman who keeps his head down and mostly away from his family.
Luna is in intense need of his services after some of her DIY projects turn into an epic fail. She is very attracted to Tate; however, with her own questionable emotional state after a recent loss and his off-putting demeanor, she figures they will just be friends while he helps reconstruct the mess of her old house. Some of Luna's remolding choices such as a pink chicken coop and Barbie style kitchen are certainly for comic relief.
Being a small town where there are no strangers, Celestial has the stereotypical gossip and rumor mill much to Tate’s dismay. Luna makes some fast friends deciding that this place is home for her despite the heat and challenges she puts for herself. Luna has some difficult issues to deal with that are an undercurrent in this slow burn romance. Fans of Ms. Martin’s style of writing will likely be pleased. This story is the first one in the Starlight Ridge series.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Leaving her past in Colorado behind her, Luna decides to move to small town Celestial, Texas. Her new house needs a lot of work, but Luna is up to making her vision come to life. When her bathtub literally falls through the floor Luna ends up calling the town handyman and head high school football coach Tate Jacobs. Both are trying to reconcile with their messy pasts and familial dynamics. As Luna becomes a part of Celestial and gains found family she finally seems to have found the happiness that has evaded her for so long. With her pink chicken coop, a library shed and a supportive group of girlfriends Luna has curated the small town life she has dreamt of. But when a toxic family member shows up determined to take it all away from her, Luna must face her painful emotions and fight for her happiness.
This will be at the top of my favorite reads of the year. I love a good small town romance and immediately wanted to jump on a plane a visit Celestial. The strong, determined feminist Luna is makes me want to be her best friend. And I think we all know guys with a gruff exterior but a soft heart, so Tate can’t be any more lovable. Also we can all relate to dealing with toxic family member and how hard it is to stand up to them. I just finished reading this and want to start it over again.
This will be at the top of my favorite reads of the year. I love a good small town romance and immediately wanted to jump on a plane a visit Celestial. The strong, determined feminist Luna is makes me want to be her best friend. And I think we all know guys with a gruff exterior but a soft heart, so Tate can’t be any more lovable. Also we can all relate to dealing with toxic family member and how hard it is to stand up to them. I just finished reading this and want to start it over again.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange fr my honest review.
In her latest novel, Alexa Martin brings the reader 'By the Bootstraps' the first novel in the Starlight Ridge series. In this contemporary cowboy romance, our female lead, Luna Starr has a love of romance novels and a grief so powerful that she upends her life and buys a farm in Celestial, Texas to start over. Trying to outrun her grief at her mother's passing, she is on the hunt for her own cowboy and a happily ever after.
On her first night in the town she meets Tate Jacobs, a handyman and head football coach at the local high school. Also, his family owns and operates the largest ranch in Celestial. After a college football career that could have lead to the pros, he has returned to his hometown to start over. He seems to have found his place by staying busy and keeping his head down. After all, like any small town gossip rules the day. He is called out to Luna's new farm when a bathtub falls through the ceiling and a professional is needed.
As they spend time together, sparks fly and the chemistry between them only grows. With witty banter, moving dialogue, family relationships and friendships, this novel is a wonderful start to the Starlight Ridge series. I can't wait to see where the series goes next.
In her latest novel, Alexa Martin brings the reader 'By the Bootstraps' the first novel in the Starlight Ridge series. In this contemporary cowboy romance, our female lead, Luna Starr has a love of romance novels and a grief so powerful that she upends her life and buys a farm in Celestial, Texas to start over. Trying to outrun her grief at her mother's passing, she is on the hunt for her own cowboy and a happily ever after.
On her first night in the town she meets Tate Jacobs, a handyman and head football coach at the local high school. Also, his family owns and operates the largest ranch in Celestial. After a college football career that could have lead to the pros, he has returned to his hometown to start over. He seems to have found his place by staying busy and keeping his head down. After all, like any small town gossip rules the day. He is called out to Luna's new farm when a bathtub falls through the ceiling and a professional is needed.
As they spend time together, sparks fly and the chemistry between them only grows. With witty banter, moving dialogue, family relationships and friendships, this novel is a wonderful start to the Starlight Ridge series. I can't wait to see where the series goes next.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.25⭐️
I’m always of a fan of an awkward Black girl and Luna definitely delivered on that front her self described “cringey” rambles and her desire to get teenage approval. Teens are brutal so I get it. A compliment from them does go far! My favorite parts of the book were surprise surprise the family drama between the Jacobs. I was really interested in the dynamics between Tate and Silas, and then Silas and Ciara, and all the kids and their dad. I think that was the strongest part of the story for me. The romance between Luna and Tate kind of came out of nowhere for me. First we’re kinda teased that there could be a love triangle between Luna and the twin brothers so I was happy it didn’t go that way. But Tate is so quiet and grumpy that it was hard to see his feelings for Luna build since we are only in Luna’s perspective. We know that Luna runs when faced with conflict, but I couldn’t see why she thought she was ruining everyone lives and her packing up and leaving the house she just bought and renovated seemed kind of crazy to me. I think I ended up enjoying the female friendships between Luna, Millie, and Ciara and Tate and Silas’s relationship more the romance. I think I’ll end up back in Celestial cause I want to find out if Silas and Palmer get a second chance. Also still waiting for the family drama to get resolved.
I’m always of a fan of an awkward Black girl and Luna definitely delivered on that front her self described “cringey” rambles and her desire to get teenage approval. Teens are brutal so I get it. A compliment from them does go far! My favorite parts of the book were surprise surprise the family drama between the Jacobs. I was really interested in the dynamics between Tate and Silas, and then Silas and Ciara, and all the kids and their dad. I think that was the strongest part of the story for me. The romance between Luna and Tate kind of came out of nowhere for me. First we’re kinda teased that there could be a love triangle between Luna and the twin brothers so I was happy it didn’t go that way. But Tate is so quiet and grumpy that it was hard to see his feelings for Luna build since we are only in Luna’s perspective. We know that Luna runs when faced with conflict, but I couldn’t see why she thought she was ruining everyone lives and her packing up and leaving the house she just bought and renovated seemed kind of crazy to me. I think I ended up enjoying the female friendships between Luna, Millie, and Ciara and Tate and Silas’s relationship more the romance. I think I’ll end up back in Celestial cause I want to find out if Silas and Palmer get a second chance. Also still waiting for the family drama to get resolved.
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