Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Smothered and Covered

Rate this book
Lucy Tritt

I’ve never considered myself a guarded person, instead I choose to wear my heart on my sleeve. With the events of last year finally behind me, I’m finding happiness in the small things My flower booth, the diner, and my family.

Until a handsome stranger visits my flower booth, the machine fails, and he leaves his card telling me he’ll come back later.

It’s not until he’s gone that I notice his name.

Reese Walker.

My dead ex-boyfriends far older brother.

And he’s completely off limits.

Reese Walker

After I retired and opened my ranch, I’ve been content to keep to myself.

Training new up-and-coming rodeo cowboys and girls is my passion, and I’ve never wanted anything… more.

Imagine my surprise to find myself back in Goldspur Ridge after my brother’s death, only to lay eyes on the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.

She’s all hard glares and loaded smiles, wrapped in the most sinfully perfect package.

Lucy Tritt.

Unfortunately for me, she’s got her heart caged inside her chest.

And she’ll never be mine.

*It is best to read Wrangled and Tangled prior to reading Smothered and Covered*

319 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 28, 2025

45 people are currently reading
196 people want to read

About the author

Taylor Wilson-West

13 books127 followers
Taylor Wilson-West is a firm believer that the magic of words on a page can transport readers to new places, and finds comfort in making new, albeit fictional, friends. Currently residing in a small town in North Carolina with her husband and two perfect kiddos, she lives off Cheerwine, potatoes, and ranch dressing. When she’s not reading or writing, she can be found shopping at bookstores, adding to her never ending bookshelves. Taylor finds it necessary to have a bookish candle that fits every genre and book character that she has ever fallen in love with. Her favorite moment in any consumable media is when confident, fat main characters get their happily ever after.

If you’ve made it this far, please leave a review! Reviews are an author's best friend, and readers obviously! :P

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
52 (30%)
4 stars
74 (42%)
3 stars
42 (24%)
2 stars
4 (2%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
Profile Image for Julie Booklover.
2,095 reviews105 followers
October 31, 2025
I was lucky enough to meet this author at a signing and purchased the first book in this series. I enjoyed it and when I saw this one available grabbed it.

Lucy has not had it easy, and we are with her as she struggles in Wrangled and Tangled. Her heart is guarded and trust is precious. Reese is so good and patient with her. He sees her, knows her worth to him and will wait it out. Reese has his own past to work through. His family needs him and he needs to demolish the walls he has erected around himself, to reconnect with them.

We catch up with friends from the first book and meet more, adding richness and depth to the story. The writing is authentic, not one character feels like a check mark. Inclusivity is meaningful part of the story, not an afterthought.

Be prepared for small town drama, found family, and a few unexpected twists. Our characters are not perfect, but we love them as they are.

Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
Profile Image for Dawn Cornelius.
90 reviews1 follower
October 26, 2025
3.5⭐️

This is my first book from Taylor and I enjoyed it! Some of my “cons” may be answered in the next book (assuming there is one) so my rating could change down the road.

Things I enjoyed:
- The relationships building between every character
- Reese falling first and putting Lucy first
- Lucy accepting she is worthy of love after a bad ex
- Side characters having heart and growth not just main characters

Things I wish were different:
- The last 25% felt rushed to wrap up storylines that were developing on pace.
- Unanswered questions for the dead ex-boyfriend
- New character introduced at the end with no explanation

Lucy Tritt:
I've never considered myself a guarded person, instead I choose to wear my heart on my sleeve. With the events of last year finally behind me, I'm finding happiness in the small things again: my flower booth, the diner, and my family.
Until a handsome stranger visits my flower booth, the machine fails, and he leaves his card telling me he'll come back later. It's not until he's gone that I notice his name.
Reese Walker.
My dead ex-boyfriends far older brother. And he's completely off limits.

Reese Walker:
After I retired and opened my ranch, I've been content to keep to myself. Training new up-and-coming rodeo cowboys and girls is my passion, and I've never wanted anything...more.
Imagine my surprise to find myself back in Goldspur Ridge after my brother's death, only to lay eyes on the most beautiful woman I've ever seen. She's all hard glares, and loaded smiles wrapped in the most sinfully perfect package.
Lucy Tritt. 
Unfortunately for me, she's got her heart caged inside her chest. And she'll never be mine.

What you will find inside this book:
* Ex’s Brother
* Age Gap
* Plus Size FMC
* Diner Girl/Flower Booth Owner
* Retired Bull Rider

Thank you Luna Literary for the eArc.
Profile Image for Amanda Bennett.
237 reviews12 followers
October 28, 2025
I'm gonna be honest, this one just fell flat for me. It had all the tropes I love, but something about the plot just didn't work for me. I was confused like 80% of the book, but that could be my fault since I didn't read the first book in the series. I thought it was an interconnected standalone but I will say you will be so lost if you didn't read book 1.

I did love the MMC & FMC though. I love them together and the playful banter. I also enjoyed the third act, although, it was a little unexpected. the suspense added a nice little element.
Profile Image for lex.
31 reviews3 followers
October 22, 2025
Smothered & Covered by Taylor Wilson-West — the second book in the Raven Peak Ranch Duet — absolutely stole my heart. I never want to leave Goldspur Ridge. These books are so beautifully written, and this one in particular had me feeling every emotion possible.

The depth of the story was stunning, and the character growth was nothing short of incredible. The LGBTQ+ visibility throughout was so beautifully and thoughtfully done — it’s meaningful, authentic, and so important to highlight.

Taylor Wilson-West has been one of my favorite authors for a long time, but Smothered & Covered somehow made me fall even more in love with her writing — something I didn’t even think was possible. Feeling all the feels with this one. 💛

You need to add both Wrangled & Tangled and Smothered & Covered to your TBR immediately
Profile Image for Ashley O'Leary.
86 reviews1 follower
October 21, 2025
Thank you Luna Literacy and Taylor Wilson-West for the ARC copy of Smothered and Covered.

Smothered and Covered is the 2nd book in the Raven Peak Ranch Duet.

The book follows Lucy, who’s mourning the loss of her ex-bf. Little by little she’s piecing herself together again through her love for growing flowers, baking, and her family. One day at the market, a guy purchases flowers from her flower stand. In a hurry, he leaves his card and vows to return. It isn’t until he’s gone that he notices his name, Reese Walker, her dead ex-BF’s brother.

Reese Walker recently returned to Goldspur Ridge - a retired bullrider that is trying to keep himself busy. After a chance encounter with Lucy at the farmer’s market, he can’t stop thinking of her. Finding all the ways to make himself be seen by Lucy they develop a relationship that is all sorts of taboo and off-limits. But is their relationship, and happiness worth the forbiddenness?

This book was fast paced. With a little bit of drama, and some definite spicy scenes, it was an easy book to get into. There’s a lot going on and I feel that Lucy and Reese’s story was done well, but I wanted some closure on some of the other events in the story. The story itself felt well-paced until the ending where I felt that the story was rushed. Overall though, I’d recommend this read to anyone who’s into forbidden, small-town, and age-gap romances.
Profile Image for Cassandra Booth.
37 reviews
October 28, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Tropes: Ex-Boyfriend’s Brother • Found Family • Age Gap • Cowboy Romance • Plus Size FMC • Family Bonds • Small Town • Healing Love

ARC gifted in exchange for an honest review 🤎

The love and admiration I have for Taylor Wilson-West grows with every book she writes. Smothered & Covered completely blew me away — heartfelt, funny, spicy, and full of emotion. I feel so lucky to be on the ARC team because every time I step into the Raven Peak Ranch world, it feels like coming home.

Lucy and Reese are pure couple goals. If I could have a man like Reese Walker, yes please, Daddy 😮‍💨 He’s the perfect mix of gruff cowboy and total family man — loyal, protective, and emotionally grounded. The way he shows up for Lucy, cares for her, and loves her like she’s the center of his universe? I was gone.

Lucy, my sweet girl, has been through it. After everything that went down in Wrangled & Tangled, I was so eager to see how she would heal. She’s hesitant to trust again — especially when it comes to her ex’s brother — but Reese is patient, gentle, and determined to prove she deserves happiness. Their chemistry is explosive, but it’s the tenderness between them that made me melt.

And Reese isn’t without his own demons. He’s learning to rebuild family bonds after his brother’s death and facing his own anger and guilt head-on. Watching him grow, reconnect with his family, and become a better man for the people he loves was just chef’s kiss.

Of course, the side characters brought so much life to this story. Seeing Spencer and Heath again (and Briar and Colt!) felt like catching up with old friends. We even meet Reese’s parents, Yates and Callie, and his youngest brother, Jarrett — plus, the real star of the show, Cap the dog 🐾

This story had it all — drama, healing, found family, small-town charm, and some seriously hot scenes 🔥 The writing flows beautifully, balancing humor and heart with some unexpected twists that kept me hooked. And can we talk about the plus-size rep? Lucy being loved, desired, and adored exactly as she is made me so emotional.

My favorite line?

“I’m addicted to you, Goldie. One taste will never be enough.”

Tell me that doesn’t make your heart flutter 🥹

Taylor Wilson-West has once again proven she’s a powerhouse in contemporary romance. Smothered & Covered is tender, steamy, emotional, and real. Lucy and Reese will hold a special place in my heart for a long time — and I’ll be counting down the days until the next Raven Peak Ranch story.

Thank you so much to Taylor Wilson-West and Luna Literary Management for the opportunity to read this ARC early. This book is everything I love about romance — beautiful, healing, and full of heart. 🤎
Profile Image for MaeBae.
110 reviews2 followers
November 8, 2025
Thanks so much Taylor Wilson-West and Luna Literary Management for the book. I was given this book as an advance review copy (ARC) for free, and I am leaving this review completely voluntarily.

Smothered and Covered is the second book in the series, and it follows Lucy Tritt as she tries to rebuild her life while slowly, reluctantly falling for Reese Walker—her late ex-boyfriend’s much older brother. The story blends small-town drama, family tension, and a gentle, steady romance as Lucy and Reese figure out whether they can trust themselves (and each other) enough to take a chance. It’s got cowboys, emotional healing, and just a touch of suspense to keep things interesting.

I went into this thinking it was an interconnected standalone series. It is not. If you don’t read the first book, you will definitely miss context, emotional history, and some pretty major plot threads, especially involving Lucy’s dead ex-boyfriend. I didn’t read the first book (my mistake), so I spent more time than I wanted feeling confused, and I think I would’ve loved book two a whole lot more with that foundation.

That said, I still enjoyed the story. Lucy and Reese are a great pairing, and their banter is warm and surprisingly playful for how guarded they both are. I grew up going to PBR events and riding horses, so cowboys are an automatic win for me. Reese may not be a current rider, but he’s absolutely got the cowboy energy. And honestly, the “falling for your ex’s older brother” vibe adds the perfect hint of taboo. Delicious.

I also appreciated the inclusivity the author wove into the story, and I loved that there’s no unnecessary third-act breakup. The slight touch of suspense was a fun addition without overwhelming the romance.

My main critiques: there are still unanswered questions about Lucy’s ex (which I assume oriented in book one), and the last 25% of the story felt rushed. It was like the book was trying to tie up too many loose ends at once. The emotional payoff was there, but I wanted a little more breathing room.

Overall, even with my confusion, this was a sweet, engaging read with a genuinely lovable MMC and FMC. I’m planning to circle back and read book one because I suspect that with the missing pieces filled in, this story will hit even harder.

Happy reading friends,
~ Maebae 💚

I’m a fellow book lover reviewing the good, the bad, and everything bookish in-between. All thoughts, opinions, and reactions are completely my own. I wasn’t paid, sponsored, or influenced in any way.
Profile Image for Maggie.
247 reviews5 followers
October 28, 2025
📚✨ ARC REVIEW ✨📚
Smothered and Covered by Taylor Wilson-West
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 (3.5/5 stars)

Thank you, @lunaliterary.management, for providing a free ARC!

⚠️ Spoilers for book one, Wrangled and Tangled ⚠️

Lucy is still piecing her life together after the death of her boyfriend, Levi—a man she discovered wasn’t who she thought he was. Grieving someone who turned out to be a monster has left her raw and wary, so she pours her energy into working at her family’s diner and selling flowers at the farmer’s market.

Reese, a former champion bull rider turned ranch owner, has his hands full with his teenage brother, Jarrett. When he buys flowers from Lucy, sparks fly...until she realizes he’s Levi’s older brother. He leaves his credit card behind, guaranteeing their paths will cross again.

Despite every reason to stay away, their undeniable connection deepens into something real. Will Lucy's reluctance to open her heart keep them from a future together?

This is the second book in the Raven Peak Ranch series, and I wouldn't suggest reading it as a standalone. The first book provides a lot of context on Lucy and Levi's relationship and her headspace immediately following his death. Having that background helped me understand why Lucy was so reluctant to let herself fall for Reese.

This is one of the slowest burns I've read, but it felt worth it because I love Lucy and Reese as a couple. They had a lot of fun, light banter that shows how well they complement each other. His love language was clearly acts of service (mine too!), and my heart melted every time he did something sweet for Lucy, like stepping in to help at the diner.

That said, I found the story's pacing uneven. The last 25% of the book felt like a rush to the finish, trying to tie up loose ends and throwing in the "suspense" part of romantic suspense.

For fans of: 🔥 Romantic Suspense | 🤎 Ranch Romance | 💔 Ex’s Brother | 👨‍👦 Unexpected Guardian | 👨‍👩‍👧 Family Bonds | ⏳ Age Gap Romance | 🌸 Plus-Size FMC | 🐎 Former Bull Rider MMC

#SmotheredAndCovered #TaylorWilsonWest #ARCReview #RomanceReaders #WesternRomance #RanchRomance #ExsBrother #SlowBurnRomance #AgeGapRomance #PlusSizeRomance #RomanticSuspense #BookReview #ReadersOfInstagram #Bookstagram #RomanceBookRecs
Profile Image for Jess *lovetolovebooks*.
679 reviews151 followers
October 31, 2025
After reading Wrangled & Tangled, I knew I wanted to read more of the Tritt family and this small town, but most especially I was looking forward to Lucy getting her happily ever after. Stepping back onto Raven Peak Ranch feels like the biggest, most comforting warm hug. I love that we got to see little glimpses of Spencer, Heath, Briar, and Mawmaw. You can’t help but feel welcomed and surrounded by family support and love inside these books.
Lucy was front and center in this book, of course, and I couldn’t have been happier to see her! She went through a lot in book one and really deserved to find someone who will cherish and adore her. And that someone was Reese freaking Walker. Oh baby did that man have charm! He definitely fell first for our Lucy and he was the epitome of a gentleman. He was quick to listen or help if needed, made her a garden bed on his own ranch so it felt like home for her, and gave excellent and frequent oral service (that man loves to eat).
This book wasn’t all sugar though. Reese is dealing with difficult family relationships as well as finding out that the man he sees as his father is dying of cancer which of course is very heavy. And there’s a certain scene that made me bawl my eyes out so have your tissues ready. There’s more difficult discussions throughout this whole book but as always I thought Taylor wrote it all with compassion and gentleness. Yeah this was just really really good and I’m happy to finally see Lucy ride off into the sunset with someone who will treat her exceptionally well.

5⭐️
3.5🔥

What to expect:
MF
Small town
Age gap
Ex boyfriend’s brother
MMC is a retired bull riding champion
He helps her in the kitchen
Complicated family relationships
Trauma healing
Squirting
He calls her “Goldie”

TW/CW (taken from author’s list): mentions of rape (not in detail nor between MCs), terminal illness, mention of domestic violence (not in detail nor between MCs), alcohol abuse/recovering alcoholic, gun violence, stalking/kidnapping, parental death
Profile Image for Lauren.
55 reviews
November 14, 2025
The Raven Peak Ranch series was written by Taylor Wilson-West. Smothered and Covered is book two in the interconnected series that can be read as a stand-alone story. However, to understand the series as the author intended I recommend that you read the first book before reading this one.

This is the first series that I have read by this author. I was offered the opportunity to read this ARC by Luna Literary. I hope that this series continues because I have some questions that I NEED answers to. I am hooked and read this book in a day. Full disclosure, I thoroughly enjoy many cowboy romance novels. This one just had a little extra sparkle in my opinion. Raven Peak Ranch has become one my favorite reads of the year.

Lucy has been put through the wringer in life. Reese just plows into her life, falling first and fast for this sassy lady. He is very supportive and protective of her from the start. Lucy also cracked the hard exterior around Reece’s heart and was there for him during some really challenging situations. Their love did not waiver at all. It was nice to see them grow as individuals and as a couple.

With all this being said, I cannot leave this review without discussing one element that I did not expect. The unexpected shinning star in this story is honestly Reece’s relationship with his little brother Jarrett. I had suspicions of what was going on between these two early on in the book. The scene where Reece is sitting at his parent’s kitchen table had me in a puddle of tears! If you have experienced anything like that, then this will hit you right in the chest. Also, the scene with Jarrett in the arena with his brother…hand me the tissues please! The author made the reader FEEL what the character’s were going through. If the emotions can jump off the page it makes the storyline relatable.

I highly recommend this series if you like cowboys, swooning romance, spice, and a bit of a twisty plot. Taylor Wilson-West please tell us there will be additional books in the series because sign me up!

Profile Image for Emily Knaus.
445 reviews4 followers
October 31, 2025
Taylor Wilson-West’s Smothered and Covered (Raven Peak Ranch #2) is more than just a cowboy romance, it’s a layered, emotionally charged story about healing, redemption, and the secrets that refuse to stay buried. With Reese, the brooding 42-year-old ex bull rider turned rancher, and Lucy, a 29-year-old woman trying to outrun her past, this book delivers a love story that’s as raw as it is tender.

Lucy’s history with Reese’s younger half-brother, recently deceased and deeply troubled, casts a small shadow over the impending relationship between the two. Reese is in situation to help is other young, troubled brother, Jarrett which adds heavily to the storyline for both Lucy and Reese.

I loved how Wilson-West didn’t shy away from the messy emotional terrain. She brought us Reese; he’s the kind of MMC who doesn’t storm in with grand gestures, he waits, he listens, and he shows up when it matters most. His patience is a quiet strength, and his persistence is never pushy. He understands that Lucy’s heart has been through hell, and instead of demanding space in it, he earns it. Watching him gently chip away at her walls was one of the most satisfying parts of the book.

The chemistry between the Reese and Lucy is undeniable, but what really stood out was the emotional tension. Wilson-West doesn’t rush the romance she lets it simmer, building trust and vulnerability in a way that feels earned. Lucy is strong but scarred, and Reese? He’s a rugged cowboy with a soft heart and a complicated past. Their banter made me laugh, their struggles made me ache, and their love story made me believe in second chances.

The final chapters had me flipping pages like mad. The suspense is subtle but gripping, and the emotional payoff is worth it. If you love western romances with depth, heart, and a touch of mystery, Smothered and Covered will absolutely deliver.

A huge thank you to Taylor Wilson-West & Luna Literary for the early copy!

Profile Image for Ivy Maldonado.
32 reviews1 follower
October 24, 2025
I was given an ARC copy of ‘Smothered & Covered’ by Taylor Wilson-West in exchange for an honest review! Thanks to Luna Literary for giving me the E-ARC!

3 star rating on Goodreads & 3.75 star rating on Storygraph! This was so cute!

I was going to give this a 3.5 star but as I continued writing this review about them, my overall opinion of the book grew even better than the initial rating I was giving.

With the high hopes that Wrangled & Tangled had given me I had very high expectations for this book following the events of the first one. It follows Spencer’s sister Lucy Tritt and one of the much OLDER brothers of her deceased boyfriend Reese Walker (spoilers: Levi died in the first book). This had an age gap pairing where Reese is 42 and Lucy was 28-29 i believe. This also had cameos from the first couple, Heath Macabe and Spencer Tritt, as well as Blair, and we also see new faces like Colt (in relation to Lucy) and Jarrett (in relation to Reese), the plot was actually one that I was trying to understand to the best of my ability, but the characters were the ones that eventually grew on me. I loved them! Their dynamic was very classic of what I was giving. I really enjoyed seeing their chemistry, the side characters (that were plot related) were also cool! The tension at the end to which I wanted a bit more of. Like how the villain Brent was portrayed (i didn’t even know he was a villain until the last second of the plot) really got me hooked towards the end on how Lucy and Reese were going to end up together in the end. Overall pretty solid! The smut- WOOF that was good! Really really great, but yeah! I loved this! Please if you can, go ahead and read the first in this duet. Both of them are equally awesome to read!

Smothered & Covered by Taylor Wilson-West releases on 10.28.2025! Go ahead and check it out!
Profile Image for Ash M..
55 reviews
October 26, 2025
Overall, this was a pretty solid read. I’d rate it around a 3.5 or 3.75. At first, I thought it was more of a 3, but as I started writing this review and thinking more about Lucy and Reese, my opinion definitely improved.

Coming off Wrangled & Tangled, I had high hopes for this one, and while it didn’t hit every mark for me, I still enjoyed it. Smothered & Covered is the second book in the Raven Peak Ranch series and follows Lucy Tritt (Spencer’s sister) and Reese Walker, the much older brother of her late boyfriend, Levi. It’s an age-gap romance with that forbidden twist that made things really interesting.

The story follows Lucy as she tries to move forward after Levi’s death. She throws herself into her flower stand, baking, and spending time with her family. One day at the market, a man buys flowers from her and leaves his card behind, and only after he’s gone does she realize his name—Reese Walker. He’s a retired bull rider who’s recently come back to Goldspur Ridge, and after running into Lucy, he can’t stop thinking about her. Soon enough, they’re drawn together in a relationship that’s off-limits but full of chemistry and emotion.

Lucy and Reese’s dynamic was one of my favorite parts. Reese has this calm confidence, and he treats Lucy with so much care and patience. Lucy’s warmth and determination make her such an easy character to root for. The side characters, especially Colt and Jarrett, added nice depth, and it was fun seeing characters we already know and like show up again (Spencer, Blair, and Heath).

If I had one complaint, it’s that the pacing felt a little too fast. Some scenes could’ve used more time to breathe, and the ending especially felt a bit rushed. I also wish there had been more buildup with the villain, Brent, since his role didn’t really click for me until the very end. Also I wish we got a little more backstory about the main characters.

Overall, even though it moved a bit quickly, this was a cute, emotional, and spicy read. If you’re into small-town romances with a forbidden, age-gap twist, definitely check this duet out, but starting with Wrangled & Tangled to get the full experience.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
324 reviews32 followers
October 31, 2025
Cowboy Kisses & Blueberry Pies

Dedication: TO ALL OF MY PLUS-SIZE BADDIES OUT THERE, YOU DESERVE A COWBOY WHO LOVES A WOMAN WITH ALL THE CELLULITE, ROLLS, DIPS, AND VALLEYS.
ESPECIALLY ONE WHO LOVES TO EAT...

Lucy (FMC): 29 • Baker • Waitress • Flower Farmer • Sunshine • Silly & Sassy • Kind Heart •
Reese (MMC): 42 • Retired Bull Rider • Ranch Owner • Trainer • Grumpy • Dog Dad •

Tropes:
🐂 Retired Bull Rider x Baker/ Flower Farmer
🌼 Plus Sized FMC
🐂 Age Gap
🌼 Decreased Ex’s Brother
🐂 Found Family
🌼 Small Town
🐂 Cowboy/Ranch Romance
🌼 Healing Love
🐂 Adorable Fluffy Sidekick 🐶
🌼 Romantic Suspense
🐂 Grumpy x Sunshine
🌼 Nicknames
🐂 Slow Burn
🌼 Unexpected Guardian

Rating: 🥧🥧🥧.🫐(3.5⭐️)
Spice: 🌶️🫑🫑(praise, dirty talk, 💦💦, public play, 👅)
T/W: DV (referenced), alcohol consumption (on page), death of a boyfriend (referenced), parental death (referenced), cancer (referenced), 🍇 (with an “R”, not MCs, referenced), recovering alcoholic (referenced), 🔫 violence (on page), unwanted taking of a person (on page), strained family dynamics (on page)

There’s something about a grumpy cowboy and a sunshine baker that just hits right, and Lucy and Reese’s story had all the ingredients for a slow burn, small town romance with a dash of forbidden heat.

Reese is the kind of cowboy who doesn’t just ride bulls, he steadies storms. The way he shows up for Lucy, quietly and consistently, made him the ultimate book boyfriend. Their chemistry simmers beneath layers of guilt, grief, and longing until it finally boils over in moments that feel both tender and chef’s kiss spicy. I loved the meddling family, the small town warmth, and the quiet acts of love that made this romance shine.

That said, I wanted the suspense to hit sooner instead it galloped in right at the end and wrapped up too quick for my liking. Still, the emotional payoff and the genuine sweetness between Lucy and Reese made up for it.

I received an ARC copy and wanted to leave an honest review.
Profile Image for maria.
226 reviews7 followers
November 15, 2025
Huge thank you to Taylor Wilson-West & Luna Literary for the ARC!

I am going to be honest… I liked this a lot but I had some hang ups and we are going to talk about it!

To start, this was my first novel from Taylor Wilson-West and I will certainly go back and check out her other work because I did enjoy her writing style.

I really enjoyed Lucy and Reese’s relationship! Their chemistry was top tier.. but their relationship was also super tender and sweet. It was really sweet seeing Reese fall first and then constantly put Lucy first. Add in the fact that we got to watch Lucy realize she was worthy of love after her ex 🥹… really heartwarming and well done!!

I love the ex���s brother trope and this was a very unique take on it! It felt like a breath of fresh air compared to a lot of what I had read in the past. I enjoyed what Taylor did here!!

I really enjoyed watching Reese’s growth and healing after the death of his brother. The way he reconnected with his family was really beautiful.

I loved every single side character!!! And their relationships with the main characters! Watching their interactions has me foaming at the mouth to go back and read book!

I will just summarize what I didn’t like quickly… the last 25% of the book felt rushed, the 3rd act break up felt forced/like it came out of nowhere and I had a lot of unanswered questions about the dead ex. Please note that I did not read book one first and that was my mistake as I lost track of time. I thoroughly believe I would have enjoyed this so much more if I read book one first.

Would I suggest this to a friend? Sure but do book one first. Would I reread? Sure but after I do book one first. Do I need a trophy? Let me read book one before I decide.
Profile Image for Jordan Coley.
101 reviews7 followers
October 24, 2025
The love and admiration I have for Taylor Wilson West grows with each turn of the page. Every time I read one of her books it just brings me so much joy. I am so lucky to be on the ARC team for Smothered and Covered, and I am absolutely blown away by the beautiful story that is unfolded.

Lucy and Reece are 100% couples goals. Literally. If I could have a man like Reece, yes please Daddy! Thanks to her ex, and also Reece’s younger brother, Levi (who happened to be in the first book of this series, Wrangled and Tangled), Lucy has some trauma. The way that Reece takes care of her through it and shows her that she deserves to be seen is absolutely perfection.

Reece isn’t free of his own demons tho. He has a past too, and honestly he may need some anger management at times. But because of Lucy he is able to learn to really listen and understand when it comes to those he cares about, and starts to build a relationship with his loved ones.

Not only was I excited about the main couple, but we had so many amazing side characters, too! Spencer and Heath showed back up of course! How can you have Raven Peak Ranch without those guys. Briar and Colt are back, too. We also get to meet Reeces parents, Yates and Callie, along with his youngest brother, Jarrett.

And of course the star of the show - Cap! The best dog ever!

So if you’re like me and you love a feel good romance, with a bit of spice, some thrilling scenes, some plus size representation, and a good ol’ time, read this series… or really anything by Taylor Wilson-West. She’s fantastic!
Profile Image for Lindsay.
46 reviews
October 27, 2025
📚 ARC Book Review: Smothered and Covered by Taylor Wilson-West

Releasing tomorrow - October 28th!

I dove headfirst into this spicy, southern romance and let me tell you—I was hooked from page one! Lucy Tritt and Reese Walker’s story is anything but simple, and I loved every messy, steamy, heartfelt moment of it.

Reese Walker? Whew. Tall, dark, handsome, and obsessed with Lucy in the best way. Every woman deserves a Reese in her life—retired bull rider with a soft spot for a diner girl? Yes please, serve me up some of that!

And the supporting cast? Chef’s kiss! From Lucy’s sassy grandmother to her ride-or-die best friend—and everyone in between—this crew brought Goldspur and the surrounding ranches to life. They added warmth, humor, and depth that made the story feel like home.

This book packs a punch with:
🐂Ex’s Brother
🐂 Age Gap
🐂 Plus Size FMC
🐂Diner Girl Vibes
🐂 Retired Bull Rider
🐂 Squirting

The ending took a dramatic twist I didn’t see coming, but it worked. That said if I had a dollar for every time Lucy “giggled,” I’d have 32 bucks and a mild headache. She’s 30, not 13... A little variety in reactions would’ve gone a long way! That's really my only negative on the book....

Still, this was a fast-paced, emotionally charged read that kept me flipping pages late into the night. I’ll definitely be checking out more from this new-to-me author!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Bookstagram #RomanceReads #SmotheredAndCovered #TaylorWilsonWest #PlusSizeRomance #BullRiderBookBoyfriend #SpicyReads #BookReview
Profile Image for Nicole Daniels.
102 reviews
October 28, 2025
Smothered and Covered is the second book in the Raven Peak Ranch series. This book follows Lucy and Reese. This book was everything that I needed a cowboy/ranch romance to be.

Lucy has been through a lot in the past year. Her ex-boyfriend was suddenly murdered and what came to life scared Lucy. He had been violating women while away during rodeo season. This left her conflicted about her feelings towards him and his actions.

Reese comes back to Goldspur Ridge to check in on his family after losing one brother and another acting out. What he wasn’t expecting was to see the most beautiful women he ever laid eyes and for whet to be completely off limits.

Lucy and Reese first meet when Reese comes to her flower stand at the market to buy flowers for his mother. He is instantly taken back by her beauty. Lucy is equally as drawn to him. The two don’t realize the history between each other and try to fight their attraction but fail.

I absolutely loved reading Lucy and Reese’s story. Reese constantly showed up for Lucy and demonstrated how much he truly cared for her. Not to mention the chemistry between these two is palpable. The spice on this book was *chef’s kiss*.

My only complaint was how fast the drama in the end happened. It was about 90% through when it started and i would have liked for it to either happen sooner or have more time to elaborate. Overall I really enjoyed this book.

Thank you Taylor Wilson-West and Luna Literacy for the advanced copy.

4.5⭐️3🌶️
Profile Image for Kirsty.
403 reviews8 followers
October 29, 2025
Oh my heart. This book completely wrecked me in the best way. Smothered & Covered by Taylor Wilson-West is everything I want in a small-town, age-gap, forbidden romance — tender, slow-burn, and just the right amount of heartbreak before the healing.

Lucy Tritt is honestly the sweetest soul. She’s sunshine and sass and soft edges, but you can feel the weight she’s been carrying since everything fell apart last year. I adored her flower booth scenes — they were cozy and raw and just so her. Then enters Reese freaking Walker… her dead ex’s older brother. Yeah. Cue the emotional chaos.

Reese had me swooning from the second he appeared — all quiet, broody cowboy energy and that impossible mix of protectiveness and guilt. You can tell he doesn’t think he deserves love, and watching him fall for Lucy anyway? TORTURE. Delicious, emotional torture. The chemistry between them was insane, but it was the soft moments — the unspoken glances, the stolen touches, the way they just got each other — that absolutely did me in.

The writing? Beautiful but unpolished in the best way — like you can feel the heart beating through every line. I was grinning, tearing up, and full-on clutching my chest at different points.

This book isn’t flashy, it’s real. It’s grief and growth and finding love again when you least expect it. Taylor Wilson-West absolutely nailed it. I’m obsessed. Reese and Lucy have officially taken up permanent residence in my heart.
Profile Image for Cassidy Dreier.
41 reviews
October 23, 2025
I was lucky enough to be selected to be an ARC reader for this book, and after reading the first book in the Raven Peak Ranch duet to say I was ecstatic would be an understatement! Lucy Tritt is still recovering from the sudden death of her boyfriend Levi when Reese Walker comes into the picture who happens to be Levi’s older brother….At first he is just buying flowers from her at the market but it quickly develops into a lot more. While this is going on Reese and Levi’s family is going through it, especially the youngest brother Jarrett . I don’t want to give too much away but the growth between the two brothers is really something else. I love that all the main characters from the first book are still pretty big parts of this second book as well. Taylor Wilson-West truly knows how to write a multi plot driven romance without it becoming messy. A lot of questions the first book left you having are answered or played out which I really appreciated as a reader! Towards the end there is a cliffhanger though that will have you reading the page two or three times to make sure you read what you think you just read and I realllllllly hope it’s eluding to a spinoff of this series! Listed below are some of my favorite details, tropes and character characteristics.


-plus size FMC
- age gap
-cute nicknames
-no 3rd act breakup!!!
-he is obsessed with her
-slow burn
Profile Image for Pamela Hancharyk.
51 reviews
October 28, 2025
⭐️=4/5
🌶️=1.5/5
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. This book was definitely way better written than book one. The characters were more complex. The storyline was a little bit more flushed out and overall I fully enjoyed it. I like that they interconnected a little bit. However, you could pick up smothered and covered without having wrangle and tangled and figure out what happened in the first book (which is awesome as someone who usually accidentally starts reading a series on the second or third book). This book also set things up for hopefully a third book which is awesome.
Lucy and Reese were really complex and well written and had lots of chemistry. The supporting characters are funny and lovable, for the most part a few were there to add to the drama and storyline. None of the characters felt like they were just there to be there. I did not see the plot twist at the end I will not say more because spoilers.
The only problem I really have with this book and I had the same problem with her previous book is that she has one main problem that then has tons of other little problems that are fixed really quickly. My personal thought is it would be better to have fewer problems and have them flush out longer over the storyline and be more prominent in the storyline than just a whole bunch of little issues.
Overall, would recommend her book fully enjoyed. It will come back and read if there is a third book.
Profile Image for Natasha Torres.
66 reviews5 followers
November 14, 2025
✨ARC Review✨
📖: Smothered & Covered
✍🏻: Taylor Wilson West
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Can I clone Reese? Have we invented that yet? I go feral for cowboy romances and Taylor didn’t let me down. This is book 2 in the Raven Peak Ranch series and I’m literally dying for book 3! These are interconnected standalones, so each story gets wrapped up, but it will have you begging for more of the community and side characters. Lucy and Reese’s story was so beautiful and relatable. I loved that they each had jobs and things to do outside of falling in love. Sometimes I feel like characters in books just fall in love and everything just revolves around them together, so it was nice that Reese still had duties to his ranch and the trainees and Lucy still had responsibilities at the diner and time with Indy. It made the time they did have together that much sweeter. Much like W&T, this book had a little suspense and suspicion, which kept me flipping the pages and biting my nails to see what happened. The spice in this one was hot, but also tasteful and very well written. This is my second book of Taylor’s and definitely not my last! If you’re looking to be swept off your feet by a cowboy with salt and pepper hair, a beautiful blonde that’s unapologetically herself, and some old fashioned southern charm, then I highly suggest picking this one up! ❤️
Profile Image for Angela.
256 reviews7 followers
October 21, 2025
A cute wee slow burn, age-gap, ex-boyfriends, older brother book. This one felt so different from the first book. I definitely enjoyed the style of writing in this one a lot more. It felt more structured and less jumpy, although the ending still felt like it rushed very quickly to a close with the sudden suspense element thrown in. I did really enjoy the connection Reese and Lucy shared. From their little nicknames for each other, to the way their relationship was able to just grow so organically, to the care they both felt for each other. Reese was the ultimate supportive king, always boosting Lucy up, making her feel seen, appreciated and loved, but also helping her go after her goals. After going through so much, Lucy was finally able to find that peace and happiness through Reese. I also enjoyed the way all the side characters made it feel like one big family. Reese really got to build a relationship with his brother and help him fight his own demons and Lucy got to show her love and support for her friend and community. All in all, this one was a 4 star read for me.

Thank you to Luna Literary Management and Taylor Wilson-West for sending me this arc to review.
Profile Image for Lauren.
149 reviews3 followers
November 2, 2025
4 ⭐️// 2.5 🌶️// would recommend

I believe Smothered & Covered could easily be read as a standalone, however I would suggest reading Wrangled & Tangled first so that you’re familiar with the side characters in this story!

I loved getting to know Lucy in book one and was excited when Taylor announced that S&C would be her time to shine! Lucy went through hell with her ex boyfriend and came out on the other side a stronger version of herself. She’s curvy, confident, and a business minded woman who clearly care about their small town.

Reese kind of comes out of no where? Literally blows through the market like a tumbleweed, leaving his card and Lucy behind in the rush. Reese’s character was steadfast and supportive, being a pillar for both his family and Lucy.

This was certainly an insta love story!! It felt like no time between the MCs meeting and them moving fast into their relationship. Not complaining, because I think we often see that when an older (not old, just age gap here) involved!

Overall, I’m enjoying this series and can’t wait to see what happens next! Thank you Taylor and Luna Lit for the ARC. All thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for Kimberly Blackburn.
97 reviews5 followers
November 19, 2025
Lucy owns a flower business, RPR Blooms, in her hometown of Goldspur Ridge. She lives with her grandmother and works at the diner in town. She is working at her flower booth when a man tries to buy flowers but he’s running late. He leaves his card with her and her eyes go wide at the name: Reese Wilder, who is the brother of her former boyfriend who died. He is a retired bull riding champion who has come back to town.

Lucy is hesitant towards Reese because of the awful way his brother treated her before he died. He takes small steps, starting with helping her cook in the morning at the diner. She turns him down when Reese asks to take her on a date but she changes her mind after talking it through with her family. The two of them start talking on the phone each night before finally going out together.

I liked how the relationship between the characters builds. Each of them has their own things to work through while their feelings for each other start to grow. This is the second book but can be read as a stand alone. I didn’t read the first one but I will be going back and going doing so soon!
Profile Image for Samantha Nigliazzo.
52 reviews
October 22, 2025
Highlights – This book was quickly captivating due to its fast pace and imploring storyline. Right away we are introduced to two strong main characters that have an intense desire for one another. Their story together is exactly what I was hoping this book would be about. I loved every minute of their interactions. I was wholeheartedly invested in this story… up until 75% through.
 
Letdowns – Just 17% into the story I was overwhelmed by the number of characters that had been introduced so far, and there were still more to come throughout. Most importantly, each character had NUMEROUS names/nicknames throughout the book and it was beyond extraneous. By 78% through, I was overwhelmed with the amount of side plots that were happening. Some of them came to resolutions by the end but there were several storylines or character developments that added nothing to the story and seemed rather unnecessary. Here the book takes a drastic downturn and turns into a series of mini plot lines that vaguely resemble a fever dream. After 90%, I was left me with more questions than resolutions.
 
Concluding Thoughts – The bulk of Smothered and Covered was amazing! I couldn’t put the book down, even when I was trudging through superfluous storylines. I was invested because of the main characters and their story did not disappoint!
Profile Image for Kayla.
100 reviews5 followers
October 19, 2025
Smothered and Covered | arc review | releases 28th Oct

This is the first book I’ve read by her, and I’m blown away by how much I loved and enjoyed it! Taylor has such a beautiful way with words that captures your attention from the very first sentence. 💜

And can we just take a second to appreciate how stunning the cover is?😍

This book follows Lucy and Reese. Lucy Tritt is a flower farmer, baker, and works at her family’s diner. She’s sweet, sassy, and her relationship with her family is so heartwarming to read about.

Reese Walker is a retired bull rider and the owner of R&M Training Ranch. 🐄 This man exudes confidence and charm (with a filthy mouth 😉). I loved how he treats Lucy with so much care and gives her the space to be herself — and she does the same for him.

The supporting characters and family dynamics add an extra layer of depth to the story. I really enjoyed watching Lucy and Reese’s relationship evolve; they complement each other so well. 💜

I highly recommend checking this one!
Profile Image for Curvy Girls Read Romance.
600 reviews70 followers
October 24, 2025
I'm SO happy we're getting Lucy's story after the suspense of Wrangled and Tangled!

While working the farmer's market one weekend, a customer leaves his card behind in a hurry and promising to come back for it. Only after he leaves, does Lucy realize that the card belongs to the brother of her ex-boyfriend who did terrible things and later died.
Reese is in a hurry to visit his mother, but falls immediately for the lady selling flowers. Leaving his card is an excuse to see her again before he even knows who she is.

These two had such great chemistry. I loved how Reese gave Lucy space, while still staying on her mind. I especially loved the author's emphasis on other ways of contributing to the raising of children. This child-free couple had deeply important roles in the raising of children who weren't biologically theirs. As a child-free person myself, I LOVED this representation.

This was funny and heart-wrenching and suspenseful and hot all at once and you'll love every second of it!
Profile Image for Kendall.
317 reviews3 followers
October 29, 2025
I was so excited to be back in the Raven Peak Ranch world after Wrangled & Tangled and it did not disappoint!

Reese is adjusting to the new family dynamics after his brothers death and the secrets that followed. While Lucy is putting her guard up after learning who her ex really was, and battling her desire for a partner. When these two run into one another, i’ll tell you what the chemistry was there and the yearning was stronnnng🤭

I really loved watching these two find their way together, while navigating their pasts and the new dynamics that plagued Reese’s family. They continued to find ways to connect, work through their difficulty relationships with the past and the new role Reese was playing in his youngest brothers life. TWW did such a great job navigating complicated grief, letting the characters find their own ways to open up and building such a strong group of side characters that add so much to the story.

Thank you to @authortaylorwilsonwest & @lunaliterary.management for the opportunity to read an early copy for review💜
Profile Image for Janelle Sequin.
271 reviews35 followers
October 31, 2025
A tender, slow-burn small-town romance that hits every emotional note perfectly. Lucy and Reese’s story is one of healing, forbidden attraction, and the kind of chemistry that sneaks up on you and refuses to let go.

Lucy is the kind of heroine you want to root for—open-hearted, resilient, and learning to find joy again after heartbreak. Reese is her perfect opposite: quiet strength, steady calm, and a rugged cowboy charm that makes it impossible not to fall for him. Their connection is instant, but the forbidden tension between them is what makes the pages absolutely addictive.

Every glance feels charged. Every moment feels earned.
And the journey from guarded hearts to something real is beautifully written.

If you love grief-to-healing arcs, protective older cowboys, and small-town tension that crackles off the page, this romance will grab your heart and hold on tight.

A heartfelt, deeply romantic read that lingers long after the last page. 💛🌼🐎
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.