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The Calloway Ranch #2
Small Town Smokeshow
Hunter Calloway is a small town smokeshow and the kind of man my father warned me about.
He’s got a reputation a mile wide, a smile that could burn through any girl’s good sense, and did I mention he’s also the man my sister once loved and left behind?
He strolls through town like he owns it, tips his hat with a promise in his eyes, and slides those calloused hands across my bakery counter like they haven’t been haunting my dreams for years. He’s six feet of pure temptation wrapped in worn Wranglers, and every time I’m near him, it’s like striking a match during a drought…
Dangerous, inevitable, and exactly what I shouldn’t want.
I try to convince myself I don’t notice the way his gaze lingers, or the way he says my name as if he’s tasting it. But all my good intentions crumble to dust when we find ourselves alone under a sky full of stars with nothing but whiskey and want between us.
And it changes everything.
We promise each other we’re just having fun, yet his fingertips brush across my skin when no one’s watching, and we pretend we don’t ache for each other in a room full of people who would never understand. Every kiss stays in the dark, every desire whispered like a secret, and every touch brands me with guilt.
I know better than to fall for a cowboy like him.
I know better than to want my sister’s past.
But when his eyes find mine, I forget every reason I’ve ever had to say no.
Every touch feels like a risk and every secret like a countdown. I’m lying to everyone, falling harder for a man who never promised me anything, and wondering how much longer I can pretend I don’t care whether I’m just another notch on his well-worn belt.
Because I’m in love with Hunter Calloway regardless of the cost.
He’s got a reputation a mile wide, a smile that could burn through any girl’s good sense, and did I mention he’s also the man my sister once loved and left behind?
He strolls through town like he owns it, tips his hat with a promise in his eyes, and slides those calloused hands across my bakery counter like they haven’t been haunting my dreams for years. He’s six feet of pure temptation wrapped in worn Wranglers, and every time I’m near him, it’s like striking a match during a drought…
Dangerous, inevitable, and exactly what I shouldn’t want.
I try to convince myself I don’t notice the way his gaze lingers, or the way he says my name as if he’s tasting it. But all my good intentions crumble to dust when we find ourselves alone under a sky full of stars with nothing but whiskey and want between us.
And it changes everything.
We promise each other we’re just having fun, yet his fingertips brush across my skin when no one’s watching, and we pretend we don’t ache for each other in a room full of people who would never understand. Every kiss stays in the dark, every desire whispered like a secret, and every touch brands me with guilt.
I know better than to fall for a cowboy like him.
I know better than to want my sister’s past.
But when his eyes find mine, I forget every reason I’ve ever had to say no.
Every touch feels like a risk and every secret like a countdown. I’m lying to everyone, falling harder for a man who never promised me anything, and wondering how much longer I can pretend I don’t care whether I’m just another notch on his well-worn belt.
Because I’m in love with Hunter Calloway regardless of the cost.
Unknown Binding
Published May 12, 2026
About the author
Holly Renee
33 books8,130 followers✨USA Today Bestselling Author
🤠 Cowboy Casual out October 7th
Find me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorhollyrenee/
Join my Reader Group, Hollywood: https://www.facebook.com/groups/HollyRenee
🩷🤠COWBOY ROMANCE🤠🩷
Cowboy Casual | Coming October 7th
✨🌙⚔️FANTASY ROMANCE⚔️🌙✨
The Veiled Kingdom Series
The Veiled Kingdom
The Hunted Heir
The Rivaled Crown
The Stars and Shadows Series
A Kingdom of Stars and Shadows
A Kingdom of Blood and Betrayal
A Kingdom of Venom and Vows
A Kingdom of Fire and Fate
🖤🫦CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE🫦🖤
The Boys of Clermont Bay Series
The Touch of a Villain
The Fall of a God
The Taste of an Enemy
The Deceit of a Devil
The Seduction of Pretty Lies
The Temptation of Dirty Secrets
The Good Girls Series
Where Good Girls Go to Die
Where Bad Girls Go to Fall
Where Bad Boys are Ruined
The Rock Bottom Series
Trouble with the Guy Next Door
Trouble with the Hotshot Boss}
[book: Trouble with the Fake Boyfriend
The Wrong Prince Charming
The Wrong Prince Charming
🤠 Cowboy Casual out October 7th
Find me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorhollyrenee/
Join my Reader Group, Hollywood: https://www.facebook.com/groups/HollyRenee
🩷🤠COWBOY ROMANCE🤠🩷
Cowboy Casual | Coming October 7th
✨🌙⚔️FANTASY ROMANCE⚔️🌙✨
The Veiled Kingdom Series
The Veiled Kingdom
The Hunted Heir
The Rivaled Crown
The Stars and Shadows Series
A Kingdom of Stars and Shadows
A Kingdom of Blood and Betrayal
A Kingdom of Venom and Vows
A Kingdom of Fire and Fate
🖤🫦CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE🫦🖤
The Boys of Clermont Bay Series
The Touch of a Villain
The Fall of a God
The Taste of an Enemy
The Deceit of a Devil
The Seduction of Pretty Lies
The Temptation of Dirty Secrets
The Good Girls Series
Where Good Girls Go to Die
Where Bad Girls Go to Fall
Where Bad Boys are Ruined
The Rock Bottom Series
Trouble with the Guy Next Door
Trouble with the Hotshot Boss}
[book: Trouble with the Fake Boyfriend
The Wrong Prince Charming
The Wrong Prince Charming
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,679 reviews
May 25, 2026
╰┈➤ 3.5 stars!
PHEW, talk about such a hot book! second book of calloway ranch did not disappoint, y’all. if anything, this was such a hot ride because of the brewing tension between maggie and hunter 😩 I’M OBSESSED WITH BOTH OF THEM!!
୨ৎ maggie. literally one of the hardest-working fmc ever and i absolutely loved her for that. she’s such a genuinely sweet soul, and the entire time i was reading, i kept wondering how her parents could look at her and still fail to see her the same way they see her sister. it honestly made me so sad for her because she deserved so much more appreciation and love than what she was given. despite everything, though, she still remained kind and caring, which made me admire her even more. and honestly? i’m just so glad she found a home in tennessee because it truly felt like the place where she finally got to become herself without constantly trying to prove her worth to people who refused to see it.
୨ৎ hunter. a man who yearns is a man who WHAT? 🙂↕️🤭 this man was down horrendous and i ate up every single second of it. it was honestly so entertaining seeing him get jealous over all the guys around maggie because it made his feelings so painfully obvious. every little possessive moment, every stare, every ounce of tension between them just made the story even better. there’s just something so satisfying about watching a man slowly realize he’s absolutely gone for someone.
and speaking of tension—OH MY GOODNESS. the tension in this book was genuinely insane from the very beginning. i’m not even exaggerating when i say i could feel it in almost every interaction they had. the secret glances, the lingering feelings, the things left unsaid… it was all so good. there were definitely moments where i felt frustrated with their relationship because there were so many things they needed to actually sit down and talk about, but even with that frustration, i still enjoyed the book so much because the chemistry between them carried everything so well.
if i remember correctly, this is actually the first “sister’s ex” romance i’ve read, and honestly? it did not disappoint at all. if you love books filled with tension, jealousy, yearning, and those not-so-secret secret glances that make you want to scream, then this book is definitely for you.
・。・。・。・。・。・。・。・。・。・。・。・。・
pre-read:
i know i’m late to reading this but i still have time until i can send my review to for the e-arc that i’ve received! 🌟🫶🏼 if you know me, you’d know that i LOVEEEED the first book of this series, so i was like, “why not sign up for the arc of second book?” fortunately, ya girl got it 🤭 but with my busy schedule, i didn’t have the time to pick it up as soon as i received it. nonetheless, it’s better to be late than never right?
PHEW, talk about such a hot book! second book of calloway ranch did not disappoint, y’all. if anything, this was such a hot ride because of the brewing tension between maggie and hunter 😩 I’M OBSESSED WITH BOTH OF THEM!!
୨ৎ maggie. literally one of the hardest-working fmc ever and i absolutely loved her for that. she’s such a genuinely sweet soul, and the entire time i was reading, i kept wondering how her parents could look at her and still fail to see her the same way they see her sister. it honestly made me so sad for her because she deserved so much more appreciation and love than what she was given. despite everything, though, she still remained kind and caring, which made me admire her even more. and honestly? i’m just so glad she found a home in tennessee because it truly felt like the place where she finally got to become herself without constantly trying to prove her worth to people who refused to see it.
୨ৎ hunter. a man who yearns is a man who WHAT? 🙂↕️🤭 this man was down horrendous and i ate up every single second of it. it was honestly so entertaining seeing him get jealous over all the guys around maggie because it made his feelings so painfully obvious. every little possessive moment, every stare, every ounce of tension between them just made the story even better. there’s just something so satisfying about watching a man slowly realize he’s absolutely gone for someone.
and speaking of tension—OH MY GOODNESS. the tension in this book was genuinely insane from the very beginning. i’m not even exaggerating when i say i could feel it in almost every interaction they had. the secret glances, the lingering feelings, the things left unsaid… it was all so good. there were definitely moments where i felt frustrated with their relationship because there were so many things they needed to actually sit down and talk about, but even with that frustration, i still enjoyed the book so much because the chemistry between them carried everything so well.
if i remember correctly, this is actually the first “sister’s ex” romance i’ve read, and honestly? it did not disappoint at all. if you love books filled with tension, jealousy, yearning, and those not-so-secret secret glances that make you want to scream, then this book is definitely for you.
・。・。・。・。・。・。・。・。・。・。・。・。・
pre-read:
i know i’m late to reading this but i still have time until i can send my review to for the e-arc that i’ve received! 🌟🫶🏼 if you know me, you’d know that i LOVEEEED the first book of this series, so i was like, “why not sign up for the arc of second book?” fortunately, ya girl got it 🤭 but with my busy schedule, i didn’t have the time to pick it up as soon as i received it. nonetheless, it’s better to be late than never right?
June 15, 2026
4.5 ⭐
Oh the tension, the tension absolutely delivered!! I was so excited for their story and it didn't disappoint, I devoured it in one breath. It was exactly what I needed!!
Maggie was stubborn and she did frustrate me at times, but considering the kind of family she had, I couldn't really blame her for always guarding herself.. She was such an amazing women, so hard-working and caring, she deserved all the happiness and a man who not only chose her, but who also gave her what she needed, always.
Hunter, I adored that man, he was so down bad for her and so obvious about it!! The way he put her first, how he knew which buttons to push, how he was always there and when Maggie put the distance between them, he wasn't afraid to be vulnerable first.
The connection and the feelings that were there since the beginning, they were never simple for them. She was his ex's sister and the way they fought the pull between them because of it, it was simply perfection. You could feel the tension even in the first book and it just got worse here, them wanting each other, but not wanting to cross that line.. All those lingering looks, all the things they couldn't say, but it really paid off when it finally erupted.. The dock, the stares, the bar, the yearning, the lake, the jealousy, the rodeo, the bonfire, the camping, the vulnerability, the house, the spice ahhh.. I loved every single moment!!
Some things were rushed though, even if their progression was slow, and I would've loved if certain moments were longer and if we got more scenes instead of skipping ahead, but I still enjoyed reading about them so much.
Once again, I loved the setting and the Calloway clan, they are the best. Ruby absolutely stole the show for the second time!! The bond Blair and Maggie had was simply unmatched, I loved how she was there for Maggie and her ability to break tension is just *chef's kiss*. I also enjoyed seeing how seamlessly Sutton slipped in with the group and I do hope we'll get a book about her brother, he was such a sweetheart and he deserved better.
The dynamic between the whole friend group is really amazing, the love and the teasing.
McCoy is probably next and I'm so excited for his book. He's so fun and I can't wait to read his story!!
Oh the tension, the tension absolutely delivered!! I was so excited for their story and it didn't disappoint, I devoured it in one breath. It was exactly what I needed!!
Maggie was stubborn and she did frustrate me at times, but considering the kind of family she had, I couldn't really blame her for always guarding herself.. She was such an amazing women, so hard-working and caring, she deserved all the happiness and a man who not only chose her, but who also gave her what she needed, always.
Hunter, I adored that man, he was so down bad for her and so obvious about it!! The way he put her first, how he knew which buttons to push, how he was always there and when Maggie put the distance between them, he wasn't afraid to be vulnerable first.
The connection and the feelings that were there since the beginning, they were never simple for them. She was his ex's sister and the way they fought the pull between them because of it, it was simply perfection. You could feel the tension even in the first book and it just got worse here, them wanting each other, but not wanting to cross that line.. All those lingering looks, all the things they couldn't say, but it really paid off when it finally erupted.. The dock, the stares, the bar, the yearning, the lake, the jealousy, the rodeo, the bonfire, the camping, the vulnerability, the house, the spice ahhh.. I loved every single moment!!
Some things were rushed though, even if their progression was slow, and I would've loved if certain moments were longer and if we got more scenes instead of skipping ahead, but I still enjoyed reading about them so much.
Once again, I loved the setting and the Calloway clan, they are the best. Ruby absolutely stole the show for the second time!! The bond Blair and Maggie had was simply unmatched, I loved how she was there for Maggie and her ability to break tension is just *chef's kiss*. I also enjoyed seeing how seamlessly Sutton slipped in with the group and I do hope we'll get a book about her brother, he was such a sweetheart and he deserved better.
The dynamic between the whole friend group is really amazing, the love and the teasing.
McCoy is probably next and I'm so excited for his book. He's so fun and I can't wait to read his story!!
June 7, 2026
No one is more annoyed by this review than me. The high hopes I had. Crushed.
3.25 stars
While this still had the Holly-esque that I love, unfortunately, this was just not for me. Between the zero tension and build up, the cringy “dating someone else who actually likes her so she can prove she doesn’t like Hunter”, and the fact that I actually wasn’t a big fan of Hunter, yeah, not for me.
The tension: non-existent. He never even wanted to date her sister, for starters. Then, these 2 hooked up in the prologue once and then both just spent chapters 1 to the end going “he doesn’t like me, I don’t like him, she can’t feel that way about me, he can't feel that way about me” etc., etc. Please, I need AT LEAST some chemistry to believe this.
Dating Brody. I hated this whole thing with a passion. He liked her; she was just using him to deny her feelings for Hunter. FUCKING RED FLAG ARE YOU KIDDING ME
Finally, Hunter. Not much to say other than he just wasn’t for me.
There were also just too many one-liners. I know that pull quotes are a thing, but authors are just too heavy-handed with them now (this isn’t directed only at Holly, obviously). I love a good “I want to ruin you for anyone else,” but please, for the love of all that is holy, calm down trying to include every single one in a book so you can then include it in a trope list. Okay, rant over lmao
While this didn’t affect my rating, since it’s only an ARC, there were a ton of errors. I’ve ARC read 5 of her books now, and I’ve never seen this many errors before. Spelling and grammar. It was off-putting but hopefully fixed by publication.
Holly did send out an "updated version" with more at the end, but honestly? That just annoyed me lmao
I need authors to STOP with these rushed publication dates. You shouldn't be writing the damn book days before it's published. That just means there are errors galore. And there was in this one. I don't want to read the ARC and then have another version sent to me that's "better." The new version did have more information and wrapped up the story better, since it was, originally, a huge, abrupt ending, but that's not gonna affect my rating because I hate this type of writing. If your book is not done and you're writing days or hours before release - push the release, you didn't give yourself enough time. And it shows. It was also kinda gave “I saw some of the negative reviews had valid points about how rushed everything was and how there were too many loose ends, so I should add more,” and no thank you. I was already done the book and annoyed to now have to reread the last like 30% again.
All in all, I'd recommend the first one, and I loved seeing those characters in this one, but I wouldn't recommend this one, and that was disappointing as fuck.
As always, thanks for Holly and Lauren for this ARC!
__________________
Cover Reveal:
HE'S ON HIS KNEES
*chants* HUNTER HUNTER HUNTER
3.25 stars
While this still had the Holly-esque that I love, unfortunately, this was just not for me. Between the zero tension and build up, the cringy “dating someone else who actually likes her so she can prove she doesn’t like Hunter”, and the fact that I actually wasn’t a big fan of Hunter, yeah, not for me.
The tension: non-existent. He never even wanted to date her sister, for starters. Then, these 2 hooked up in the prologue once and then both just spent chapters 1 to the end going “he doesn’t like me, I don’t like him, she can’t feel that way about me, he can't feel that way about me” etc., etc. Please, I need AT LEAST some chemistry to believe this.
Dating Brody. I hated this whole thing with a passion. He liked her; she was just using him to deny her feelings for Hunter. FUCKING RED FLAG ARE YOU KIDDING ME
Finally, Hunter. Not much to say other than he just wasn’t for me.
There were also just too many one-liners. I know that pull quotes are a thing, but authors are just too heavy-handed with them now (this isn’t directed only at Holly, obviously). I love a good “I want to ruin you for anyone else,” but please, for the love of all that is holy, calm down trying to include every single one in a book so you can then include it in a trope list. Okay, rant over lmao
While this didn’t affect my rating, since it’s only an ARC, there were a ton of errors. I’ve ARC read 5 of her books now, and I’ve never seen this many errors before. Spelling and grammar. It was off-putting but hopefully fixed by publication.
Holly did send out an "updated version" with more at the end, but honestly? That just annoyed me lmao
I need authors to STOP with these rushed publication dates. You shouldn't be writing the damn book days before it's published. That just means there are errors galore. And there was in this one. I don't want to read the ARC and then have another version sent to me that's "better." The new version did have more information and wrapped up the story better, since it was, originally, a huge, abrupt ending, but that's not gonna affect my rating because I hate this type of writing. If your book is not done and you're writing days or hours before release - push the release, you didn't give yourself enough time. And it shows. It was also kinda gave “I saw some of the negative reviews had valid points about how rushed everything was and how there were too many loose ends, so I should add more,” and no thank you. I was already done the book and annoyed to now have to reread the last like 30% again.
All in all, I'd recommend the first one, and I loved seeing those characters in this one, but I wouldn't recommend this one, and that was disappointing as fuck.
As always, thanks for Holly and Lauren for this ARC!
__________________
Cover Reveal:
HE'S ON HIS KNEES
*chants* HUNTER HUNTER HUNTER
Currently Reading
January 14, 2026Releasing May 12th!
Pre-order your copy today!
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Pre-order your copy today!
https://bit.ly/47Y8sb3
Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3LHobnk
May 15, 2026
*3.5 - A cowboy a day keeps the mental health crisis away 🤠
May 12, 2026
i honestly don’t know which sort of spell Holly Renee poors into her books because every single time i start one, i end up inhaling it in one sitting. there’s something so consuming about her prose, the way the story just flows effortlessly and keeps you completely immersed from start to finish.
Maggie and Hunter’s relationship was tumultuous and messy. Hunter used to date her older sister before everything fell apart and she left town, leaving years of unresolved tension between him and Maggie. & what made it even better is that Hunter had been pining for Maggie for so long. everyone around them seemed to notice it except maggie herself, even though she was just as drawn to him.
the tension throughout the book was genuinely exquisite. palpable in every interaction, every glance, every moment where they were trying so hard not to give in to what was already there between them. they were constantly waltzing around each other, both aware that there were concrete reasons why they shouldn’t cross that line, yet completely incapable of staying away either. and that push and pull made the entire story so addictive to read, an impossible not to savor.
what i appreciated the most is that the conflict never felt forced. the history with her sister was always there lingering between them, which made their hesitation feel understandable instead of frustrating. it gave the romance more weight and made the moments where they finally let themselves want each other even more satisfying.
overall, i absolutely loved this book. this series is genuinely becoming one of my favorites and i already can’t wait for the next installment.
many thanks to the author & her PA for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
Maggie and Hunter’s relationship was tumultuous and messy. Hunter used to date her older sister before everything fell apart and she left town, leaving years of unresolved tension between him and Maggie. & what made it even better is that Hunter had been pining for Maggie for so long. everyone around them seemed to notice it except maggie herself, even though she was just as drawn to him.
the tension throughout the book was genuinely exquisite. palpable in every interaction, every glance, every moment where they were trying so hard not to give in to what was already there between them. they were constantly waltzing around each other, both aware that there were concrete reasons why they shouldn’t cross that line, yet completely incapable of staying away either. and that push and pull made the entire story so addictive to read, an impossible not to savor.
what i appreciated the most is that the conflict never felt forced. the history with her sister was always there lingering between them, which made their hesitation feel understandable instead of frustrating. it gave the romance more weight and made the moments where they finally let themselves want each other even more satisfying.
overall, i absolutely loved this book. this series is genuinely becoming one of my favorites and i already can’t wait for the next installment.
many thanks to the author & her PA for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
May 23, 2026
The first guy in the series fucked her enemy and had a kid w her
… this guy thought she didn’t like him so he fucked her sister even tho her whole family treated her like shit .. whats the next guy gonna do fuck her mother bc he couldn’t have her?
These are men I would get a restraining order from
… this guy thought she didn’t like him so he fucked her sister even tho her whole family treated her like shit .. whats the next guy gonna do fuck her mother bc he couldn’t have her?
These are men I would get a restraining order from
July 1, 2026
I was really excited for this book to come out bc I loved the previous one, but it was boring
July 18, 2026
I came for a cowboy romance and stayed for the Calloway clan 🤠 💖 ✨
THIS is how you do a sequel 🙌🏽 Cowboy Casual had me hooked and this one was no different - addictive, fun, and heartfelt!
Holly ticked off most of my favourite tropes in the first book, and managed to cover the rest in this cowboy small-town romance. Get ready for:
- Forbidden romance
- Found family
- Sharp witty banter
- ‘It’s always been you’
Saddle up friends, this series is one to watch 👀
Small Town Smokeshow follows Maggie, Blaire’s bestie and bake shop owner, and Hunter Calloway. Long story short - Hunter is Maggie’s sister’s ex…when I first heard the setup I wasn’t all that excited, however Holly laced this story with unbelievable chemistry and tension galore. Furthermore, Maggie’s family treated her so poorly, that I just wanted Maggie to feel loved and comfortable in her found family on the Calloway Ranch. While Maggie always tries to do what is right, Hunter brings out the reckless side of her. When his eyes find hers, every reason to say no fades into the background…how long will they last before going up in flames? ❤️🔥 At its core this is a story is a question of Family or Found Family?
"One night. That’s all this was. One reckless summer night that would dissolve by morning. But standing there, watching the water slide down his skin, I knew the truth. Hunter Calloway belonged to my sister’s past despite how desperately I wanted it to be different. He couldn’t belong to her past and my future."
Maggie is such a likeable character. I loved her presence in book one and couldn’t wait to hear her story. What I didn’t realise was how poorly her own family treated her. She is the kind of character that is brimming with energy and light, but beneath the surface lurked a world of hurt. I admired how hard-working and dedicated she was to her bakery and those she loves. She was so caring and loyal, often at her own expense. It was sometimes frustrating to watch, but was extremely rewarding when she finally got her HEA.
Hunter got it bad! These Calloway brothers have so much love to give. I loved his getting his POV on this story. He was always there for Maggie just when she needed him, and what he did for her in the end? 🤐 SO precious!
This romance was sizzling 🥵 From the very beginning, their connection was undeniable. A reckless night, a world of feelings, but this wasn’t a simple love story. There was a constant push and pull against the forbidden feelings that had us tittering on the edge, unsure when the chemistry was going to snap and boil over. The tension was insane, but perfectly paced in my opinion. I loved how Hunter treated Maggie with absolute and pure devotion. He was so determined that their love would flourish, even when the odds were against them.
Overall, this was another absolute winner 🥇 I have fallen in love with Holly’s writing style along with the Calloway crew 🐎 The setting, particularly the lake, is so atmospheric and the characters are up there with the best of them. Once again, little Ruby tied it altogether, creating so many special heartwarming moments. I can’t wait to see what Holly gives us next… 🙇🏻♀️
4.5 🌟🌟🌟🌟✨
THIS is how you do a sequel 🙌🏽 Cowboy Casual had me hooked and this one was no different - addictive, fun, and heartfelt!
Holly ticked off most of my favourite tropes in the first book, and managed to cover the rest in this cowboy small-town romance. Get ready for:
- Forbidden romance
- Found family
- Sharp witty banter
- ‘It’s always been you’
Saddle up friends, this series is one to watch 👀
Small Town Smokeshow follows Maggie, Blaire’s bestie and bake shop owner, and Hunter Calloway. Long story short - Hunter is Maggie’s sister’s ex…when I first heard the setup I wasn’t all that excited, however Holly laced this story with unbelievable chemistry and tension galore. Furthermore, Maggie’s family treated her so poorly, that I just wanted Maggie to feel loved and comfortable in her found family on the Calloway Ranch. While Maggie always tries to do what is right, Hunter brings out the reckless side of her. When his eyes find hers, every reason to say no fades into the background…how long will they last before going up in flames? ❤️🔥 At its core this is a story is a question of Family or Found Family?
"One night. That’s all this was. One reckless summer night that would dissolve by morning. But standing there, watching the water slide down his skin, I knew the truth. Hunter Calloway belonged to my sister’s past despite how desperately I wanted it to be different. He couldn’t belong to her past and my future."
Maggie is such a likeable character. I loved her presence in book one and couldn’t wait to hear her story. What I didn’t realise was how poorly her own family treated her. She is the kind of character that is brimming with energy and light, but beneath the surface lurked a world of hurt. I admired how hard-working and dedicated she was to her bakery and those she loves. She was so caring and loyal, often at her own expense. It was sometimes frustrating to watch, but was extremely rewarding when she finally got her HEA.
Hunter got it bad! These Calloway brothers have so much love to give. I loved his getting his POV on this story. He was always there for Maggie just when she needed him, and what he did for her in the end? 🤐 SO precious!
This romance was sizzling 🥵 From the very beginning, their connection was undeniable. A reckless night, a world of feelings, but this wasn’t a simple love story. There was a constant push and pull against the forbidden feelings that had us tittering on the edge, unsure when the chemistry was going to snap and boil over. The tension was insane, but perfectly paced in my opinion. I loved how Hunter treated Maggie with absolute and pure devotion. He was so determined that their love would flourish, even when the odds were against them.
Overall, this was another absolute winner 🥇 I have fallen in love with Holly’s writing style along with the Calloway crew 🐎 The setting, particularly the lake, is so atmospheric and the characters are up there with the best of them. Once again, little Ruby tied it altogether, creating so many special heartwarming moments. I can’t wait to see what Holly gives us next… 🙇🏻♀️
4.5 🌟🌟🌟🌟✨
May 26, 2026
4.5⭐️ Coming back to this universe literally feels like coming home. I devoured this book like it was nobody’s business. Colt Callaway is still my number one, but let me tell you, Hunter is right underneath him. Honestly, just put me right in the middle of the two of them.
This book has a forbidden aspect that works so well. Holly really put care into this dynamic because I was genuinely wondering how she was going to make the sister’s ex-boyfriend thing work, but of course she pulled it off flawlessly. If anything, it added such a strong emotional layer to the story because Hunter spent so much time reassuring Maggie that she was never second to anyone. He only had eyes for her. It’s always been her. She deserves so much better than what the people around her have given her, and I love an MMC who makes it his mission to show the FMC her worth. That always hits for me.
And then we have the angst. The yearning. And Holly decided to sprinkle a little jealousy on top? Oh my God. This man was fucking sickkkkkk with jealousy, and it was such a nice little surprise. Watching him completely trip over himself was EVERYTHING, and honestly it was the kick in the ass he needed to realize, “Yeah, this girl is it for me.” And when he finally takes his claim? Oh my God. It was everything to me. He’s basically like, “I don’t give a fuck who hears me. I don’t give a fuck that all our friends are right here. You are mine. You’re sleeping in my tent, and that’s it.” 🤣 TELL HER. And it was perfect because I feel like Maggie really needed that reassurance and that confidence.
And then we have the spiceeeee. Every single moment between them was hot as hell. Even in the beginning, when things weren’t exactly going their way, the chemistry was absolutely on fire. The truck scene??? The mirror scene??? I will genuinely never forget the mirror scene. Apparently there are rumors that Hunter Callaway will talk you through it, and let me tell you right now… those rumors are TRUE.
Overall, this was such a fantastic book, and it really did feel like coming back to my happy place. Holly is creating a series that I already know is going to become a Roman Empire/comfort series for me.
I love a cowboy romance that packs an emotional punch and delivers top-tier spice, and this absolutely did both. I love this world. I love the found family. Blair and Maggie’s friendship could literally make me cry because being loved and supported like that by your friends is every woman’s dream. I love seeing healthy, happy platonic relationships where people genuinely show up for each other.
This book had so many elements that came together to make such an amazing read, and I already have a feeling I know who the next couple is going to be. If I’m right, I think their book is going to be an absolutely wild fucking ride.🥵🤭❤️🔥
This book has a forbidden aspect that works so well. Holly really put care into this dynamic because I was genuinely wondering how she was going to make the sister’s ex-boyfriend thing work, but of course she pulled it off flawlessly. If anything, it added such a strong emotional layer to the story because Hunter spent so much time reassuring Maggie that she was never second to anyone. He only had eyes for her. It’s always been her. She deserves so much better than what the people around her have given her, and I love an MMC who makes it his mission to show the FMC her worth. That always hits for me.
And then we have the angst. The yearning. And Holly decided to sprinkle a little jealousy on top? Oh my God. This man was fucking sickkkkkk with jealousy, and it was such a nice little surprise. Watching him completely trip over himself was EVERYTHING, and honestly it was the kick in the ass he needed to realize, “Yeah, this girl is it for me.” And when he finally takes his claim? Oh my God. It was everything to me. He’s basically like, “I don’t give a fuck who hears me. I don’t give a fuck that all our friends are right here. You are mine. You’re sleeping in my tent, and that’s it.” 🤣 TELL HER. And it was perfect because I feel like Maggie really needed that reassurance and that confidence.
And then we have the spiceeeee. Every single moment between them was hot as hell. Even in the beginning, when things weren’t exactly going their way, the chemistry was absolutely on fire. The truck scene??? The mirror scene??? I will genuinely never forget the mirror scene. Apparently there are rumors that Hunter Callaway will talk you through it, and let me tell you right now… those rumors are TRUE.
Overall, this was such a fantastic book, and it really did feel like coming back to my happy place. Holly is creating a series that I already know is going to become a Roman Empire/comfort series for me.
I love a cowboy romance that packs an emotional punch and delivers top-tier spice, and this absolutely did both. I love this world. I love the found family. Blair and Maggie’s friendship could literally make me cry because being loved and supported like that by your friends is every woman’s dream. I love seeing healthy, happy platonic relationships where people genuinely show up for each other.
This book had so many elements that came together to make such an amazing read, and I already have a feeling I know who the next couple is going to be. If I’m right, I think their book is going to be an absolutely wild fucking ride.🥵🤭❤️🔥
May 17, 2026
Cowboy Casual had me hooked! It was honestly so addictive, heartfelt, and spicy, and Small Town Smokeshow is no different! I loved it! I binged this as fast as I possibly could, and if you love fast-paced, addictive, small-town romances with cowboys and cozy found family, you are going to love this.
We officially have a new obsession, and its name is Calloway Ranch! 🤠✨ If you thought Cowboy Casual was a ride, Small Town Smokeshow by Holly Renee is the high-octane, heart-pounding follow-up that proves this series is basically the "Windy City" of the cowboy romance world. I am fully, 100% down for this vibe!
This time we’re following Hunter Calloway and Maggie, the town’s resident baker and literal lone wolf. Here’s the tea: Hunter used to date Maggie’s sister, Ella. Now, I’ll be honest—I wasn’t sure if I’d be into the sister’s ex trope, but I thought it was handled in such an unexpected way. Maggie’s family is honestly vile and so toxic toward her, so the storytelling shifts beautifully to focus on her and Hunter’s love for each other. It’s a powerful narrative about choosing yourself and finally letting go of the people who repeatedly cut you down. 🚫❤️
The chemistry? It’s not even a slow burn—it’s an instant wildfire! 🔥 What really sold me was the reverence. Hunter doesn’t just like Maggie, he is completely down-bad. He treats her with this beautiful sense of devotion, noticing every tiny detail and creating a safe space for her. Watching Maggie finally find the found family she deserves with the Calloways was everything. Also, seeing Blaire, Colt, and little Ruby again was top-tier—Blaire was such an instigator in this book, and I was actually laughing out loud at her antics! And don’t even get me started on June. Every scene had me laughing, she is absolutely the hilarious, straight-shooter we all need in our corner. 😂
The yearning is palpable, the spice is absolutely spicing (Hunter worshipping Maggie is a core memory now 🌶️), and that rodeo scene? That whole scene was so electric, I couldn't stop reading! 🐎⚡ I am seriously manifesting a book for the third Calloway brother, McCoy, because the tension between him and the new girl to Calloway Ranch, Sutton, is already giving me life.
Fun Fact: I totally misread the trope menu and thought there was a secret pregnancy plot because of the cover art. I spent the whole book waiting for the mic-drop moment! 😂 I love the cover art from Brittany Keller Art, it's so stunning and the colors are gorgeous! Even without the surprise pregnancy, I was hooked from page one. If you love a "he-falls-first" MMC, second-chance energy, and a heroine who finally chooses herself, you need to binge this now.
Perfect if you love:
🔥 Cowboy romances with spice
❤️ Forbidden Romance Vibes with a deep emotional payoff
🐎 Small Town Charm with a sharp, witty edge 👢
😍 "It’s Always Been You" Tropes ❤️
🥰 Found Family that actually has your back 🫂
😂 Banter for Days (shoutout to June, Ruby, and Blaire for the laughs!) 😂
I can’t wait for the next book in this series! McCoy's story!? So ready! 🩷✨️🐎
We officially have a new obsession, and its name is Calloway Ranch! 🤠✨ If you thought Cowboy Casual was a ride, Small Town Smokeshow by Holly Renee is the high-octane, heart-pounding follow-up that proves this series is basically the "Windy City" of the cowboy romance world. I am fully, 100% down for this vibe!
This time we’re following Hunter Calloway and Maggie, the town’s resident baker and literal lone wolf. Here’s the tea: Hunter used to date Maggie’s sister, Ella. Now, I’ll be honest—I wasn’t sure if I’d be into the sister’s ex trope, but I thought it was handled in such an unexpected way. Maggie’s family is honestly vile and so toxic toward her, so the storytelling shifts beautifully to focus on her and Hunter’s love for each other. It’s a powerful narrative about choosing yourself and finally letting go of the people who repeatedly cut you down. 🚫❤️
The chemistry? It’s not even a slow burn—it’s an instant wildfire! 🔥 What really sold me was the reverence. Hunter doesn’t just like Maggie, he is completely down-bad. He treats her with this beautiful sense of devotion, noticing every tiny detail and creating a safe space for her. Watching Maggie finally find the found family she deserves with the Calloways was everything. Also, seeing Blaire, Colt, and little Ruby again was top-tier—Blaire was such an instigator in this book, and I was actually laughing out loud at her antics! And don’t even get me started on June. Every scene had me laughing, she is absolutely the hilarious, straight-shooter we all need in our corner. 😂
The yearning is palpable, the spice is absolutely spicing (Hunter worshipping Maggie is a core memory now 🌶️), and that rodeo scene? That whole scene was so electric, I couldn't stop reading! 🐎⚡ I am seriously manifesting a book for the third Calloway brother, McCoy, because the tension between him and the new girl to Calloway Ranch, Sutton, is already giving me life.
Fun Fact: I totally misread the trope menu and thought there was a secret pregnancy plot because of the cover art. I spent the whole book waiting for the mic-drop moment! 😂 I love the cover art from Brittany Keller Art, it's so stunning and the colors are gorgeous! Even without the surprise pregnancy, I was hooked from page one. If you love a "he-falls-first" MMC, second-chance energy, and a heroine who finally chooses herself, you need to binge this now.
Perfect if you love:
🔥 Cowboy romances with spice
❤️ Forbidden Romance Vibes with a deep emotional payoff
🐎 Small Town Charm with a sharp, witty edge 👢
😍 "It’s Always Been You" Tropes ❤️
🥰 Found Family that actually has your back 🫂
😂 Banter for Days (shoutout to June, Ruby, and Blaire for the laughs!) 😂
I can’t wait for the next book in this series! McCoy's story!? So ready! 🩷✨️🐎
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to Holly and her team for giving me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is my favorite cowboy romance! I can't even say more than this because this book just left me speechless. It's my second Holly book and I honestly feel like there is perfection in her writing and her characters.
Watching Hunter and Maggie's story after all the tension and yearning in Cowboy Casual was honestly the best! The yearning in this book, the tension, the love, the spice! I loved everything about Small Town Smokeshow.
I am honestly so so sad that this story is over, but I'm also so extremely excited for the next book! I think I know who the third book will be about and it's going to be amazing!
Read this if you love:
• independent FMC
• so much banter and tension
• yearning
• found family
This is my favorite cowboy romance! I can't even say more than this because this book just left me speechless. It's my second Holly book and I honestly feel like there is perfection in her writing and her characters.
Watching Hunter and Maggie's story after all the tension and yearning in Cowboy Casual was honestly the best! The yearning in this book, the tension, the love, the spice! I loved everything about Small Town Smokeshow.
I am honestly so so sad that this story is over, but I'm also so extremely excited for the next book! I think I know who the third book will be about and it's going to be amazing!
Read this if you love:
• independent FMC
• so much banter and tension
• yearning
• found family
May 19, 2026
5 FREAKING STARS !!!!! Holly Renee has done it again 👏👏 The tension, the yearning, the SPICE. My gawdddd. The perfect length for this type of book and I cannot WAIT for Calloway Ranch #3!
July 3, 2026
4.5 stars. “For you, I would do anything, I would give up anything, if only you let me love you.”
So this one is SISTER'S EX, "it's always been you", small town cowboy (who was indeed on his knees).
So far Holly Renee isn't missing with The Calloway Ranch series. They're steamy, emotional and so much fun, and it is peak found family which always elevates a book for me. I'm guessing McCoy's book is next and i'm already giggling and kicking my feet.
*****
Cowboy's already on his knees on the cover 👏👏👏
So this one is SISTER'S EX, "it's always been you", small town cowboy (who was indeed on his knees).
So far Holly Renee isn't missing with The Calloway Ranch series. They're steamy, emotional and so much fun, and it is peak found family which always elevates a book for me. I'm guessing McCoy's book is next and i'm already giggling and kicking my feet.
*****
Cowboy's already on his knees on the cover 👏👏👏
July 12, 2026
What a wild ride this one was from having hunter and Maggie in first book that had you hooked. Even in first book and prologue the chemistry was there between them even to say they had feelings for each other in the past still ongoing just makes it even more special and yet more hot!.
˚┊✦ Maggie
It took me a while to get to like Maggie even in book 1 the connection of a character took a while to like her her attitude just seems very quirky and very shy about certain things like opening up to her feelings especially when it comes to her sister and that whole drama with Dean who she dispises very much.
˚┊✦ hunter
My god hunter… he was legit the most sexiest cowboy I’ve ever come across in this book like yes okay we have single daddy colt but damn hunter… was something else the way he has the hots for his girl even when they don’t know it themselves. He has so much passion to work on the farm with his family and friends despite all the drama and gossip he still cares for everyone around him that just an instant green flag. I just loved him so much throughout the whole book he made it so special. Pure heart of gold.
The Romance
It was just … everything in this one the way they had so many drama together despite the fact there was so many issues with maggies sister Ella aswell which was shocking 😳. But man on man when they got together like jeez they were so hot 🥵 the reason I kept going was the smutt how they would end up together I wasn’t at all disapointed.
That whole issue in the last few chapters fuck me sideways Maggie sister was a total grade a asshole during her wedding I can’t reveal for spoilers but she fucked me off so bad towards her own sister I’m glad Maggie stood her ground like she can fuck right off I really hated Ella even the parents siding with Ella 🤬🤬like the whole family is fucking toxic to be around.
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I just loved the ending so much melted my heart ! I kinda could tell the way it was going to plan out it was predicable especially the whole drama that happened I’m so happy they both got there happy ending they deserve made me nearly happy tears. 🥹
I can’t wait for more books if the author releases more which I will totally read! I think cowboy romance is my new fav genre !
𓏲ּ𝄢⋆˙⟡⋆꙳•̩̩͙❅*̩̩͙‧͙ ‧͙*̩̩͙❆ ͙͛ ˚₊⋆Side characters ⋆꙳•̩̩͙❅*̩̩͙‧͙ ‧͙*̩̩͙❆ ͙͛ ˚₊⋆𓏲ּ𝄢⋆˙
˚┊✦Ruby- Colts Daughter (Uncle hunter) the same old needy ruby asking so many questions about Huntrs personal life like girl your only an itty bitty just because you know your dads romance being so nosy in other peoples lives 🤣🤦♀️ I do love how she still have that magic spark in her age aswell with the magic of tooth fairy everyone around her being so supportive of that aswell! I just love the cute dynamic everyone is around ruby considering how hard she’s had it since her mum left but she’s still has that excited energy not letting it get her down.
˚┊✦blaire :
I did like blaire here i found her banter side very funny especially when it comes to maggies sex life like girl I know she’s your best friend but damn girl personal much?😭🤦♀️I loved her in cowboy casual she was just so funny and how much she has grown since book 1 knowing all the quirks and drama of the ranch inside and out.
˚┊✦McCoy;
I really do hope if she continues this series that McCoy gets his own pov I loved for him to find a significant other he’s still the best friend for colt and now hunter though those two are trouble when they are together he’s still by far my favourite side character he hasn’t changed one bit which I did appreciate the author not changing his bad boy attitude grumpy side too🤭🤭
🏖⭒˚.⋆ 🏖 ⋆⭒˚.⋆⋆⭒˚.🏖 ⋆⭒˚.⋆⋆⭒˚.⋆ 🏖 ⋆⭒˚.⋆⋆⭒˚.⋆ 🏖 ⋆⭒˚.⋆⋆⭒˚.⋆ 🏖 ⋆⭒˚.⋆⋆⭒˚.🏖 ⋆⭒˚.⋆ 🏖 ⋆⭒˚.⋆ 🏖 ⋆⭒
﹏﹒✦﹒✶﹏﹒✦﹒﹏✦﹒
𝄞⨾𓍢ִ໋🍉⋮ ⌗ pre read ⋆˙⟡
⤷ ゛ ˎˊ˗ Started 5th July 2026
i rreally enjoyed the first book of this one it seems im in my cowboy romance ara lool i hope this one turns out good as i heeard mixed reviews about this one.... trying to complete books i have started in a series hehe so lets hope this one is a good one! not as boring have my expecatations high on this one....
May 6, 2026
OKAY ARE WE JOKING????? 🍒🤠💗 *ARC COPY*
I was almost positive nobody would touch Colt but boyyy Hunter is right there with him 😮💨
I started today, finished today. And that’s how you know a book is 🤌🏼🤌🏼
The YEARNNINNGG… speechless. I have so much love for this series. Full review to be on my tik tok this week cause ya girl has ALOT to say 😜
McCoy & Sutton next? 👀
I was almost positive nobody would touch Colt but boyyy Hunter is right there with him 😮💨
I started today, finished today. And that’s how you know a book is 🤌🏼🤌🏼
The YEARNNINNGG… speechless. I have so much love for this series. Full review to be on my tik tok this week cause ya girl has ALOT to say 😜
McCoy & Sutton next? 👀
June 1, 2026
⋆˙⟡ — 3 stars
⤷⊹ started: may 31st, finished: may 31st
i'm kinda disappointed 😔 rtc!
— ⋆˙⟡ pre-read 𓂃˖ ࣪⊹
immediately starting the next book because i loved maggie and hunter 😩 i’m already loving it so far, so hopefully that continues 🤭
⤷⊹ started: may 31st, finished: may 31st
i'm kinda disappointed 😔 rtc!
— ⋆˙⟡ pre-read 𓂃˖ ࣪⊹
immediately starting the next book because i loved maggie and hunter 😩 i’m already loving it so far, so hopefully that continues 🤭
Read
October 8, 2025he dated her sister and continues to date other people in front of fmc, meanwhile we know nothing about her past, alexa play exile by taylor swift about how this book is going to go,
“He’s not looking at you like you’re friends.” “Well, he should. Considering he’s my sister’s ex.” “Oh, shit.” The way he was looking at her was like he wanted to eat her alive. Not like a man who used to date her sister.
I waited a beat, letting the silence stretch before I leveled my gaze at him. “At least I’m staring at my ex and not her little sister.” “Oh, shit,” McCoy laughed, leaning forward until he was sitting up beside me. “We’re going there, huh?” “I don’t know what the fuck you’re talking about,” Hunter growled, but he was so full of shit. Hunter and Ella, Maggie’s older sister, broke up a little over two years ago, and he’s spent that exact amount of time staring at Maggie like she wasn’t five years younger than him or related to his ex. “Right.” I nodded before I met his eyes. “So you can see the way I’m looking at Blaire, but you’re blind to your own shit?” “I have no interest in Maggie. She’s Ella’s sister, for fuck’s sake.”
His gaze lingered on Maggie for a long moment before he finally turned, and we all watched him go. He stalked toward the truck, shoulders wound tight, and then I caught sight of his date, Alicia, making her way back down to the water. She beamed at him, completely oblivious to his mood.
“Baby, Hunter,” I crooned, leaning over to ruffle his hair with my free hand. His dark strands were still a bit damp from swimming, and my fingers moved through his hair like they had a hundred times before, a habit from when we were kids. While Colt had been my world, Hunter had been like a little brother. “With that face? Who would dare cheat on your handsome ass?” He grinned, a flash of teeth, and pretended to be mortally wounded by the memory. “It’s my tragic origin story, Blaire. Women sense the trauma, makes me irresistible.” He put the back of his hand to his forehead in a grand, swooning gesture. “I bet that really works for you, doesn’t it?” I smiled down at him. “Kind of, yeah.” He nodded, and I barely caught Alicia rolling her eyes. “So who was the heartbreaker?” I asked playfully. “I’ll have to kick her ass for you.” His eyes slid past me to Maggie then back again. “Maggie’s sister,” he said, and even though he said it like a punchline, I heard the old ache in the way he let the words out slow and flat.
“He’s not looking at you like you’re friends.” “Well, he should. Considering he’s my sister’s ex.” “Oh, shit.” The way he was looking at her was like he wanted to eat her alive. Not like a man who used to date her sister.
I waited a beat, letting the silence stretch before I leveled my gaze at him. “At least I’m staring at my ex and not her little sister.” “Oh, shit,” McCoy laughed, leaning forward until he was sitting up beside me. “We’re going there, huh?” “I don’t know what the fuck you’re talking about,” Hunter growled, but he was so full of shit. Hunter and Ella, Maggie’s older sister, broke up a little over two years ago, and he’s spent that exact amount of time staring at Maggie like she wasn’t five years younger than him or related to his ex. “Right.” I nodded before I met his eyes. “So you can see the way I’m looking at Blaire, but you’re blind to your own shit?” “I have no interest in Maggie. She’s Ella’s sister, for fuck’s sake.”
His gaze lingered on Maggie for a long moment before he finally turned, and we all watched him go. He stalked toward the truck, shoulders wound tight, and then I caught sight of his date, Alicia, making her way back down to the water. She beamed at him, completely oblivious to his mood.
“Baby, Hunter,” I crooned, leaning over to ruffle his hair with my free hand. His dark strands were still a bit damp from swimming, and my fingers moved through his hair like they had a hundred times before, a habit from when we were kids. While Colt had been my world, Hunter had been like a little brother. “With that face? Who would dare cheat on your handsome ass?” He grinned, a flash of teeth, and pretended to be mortally wounded by the memory. “It’s my tragic origin story, Blaire. Women sense the trauma, makes me irresistible.” He put the back of his hand to his forehead in a grand, swooning gesture. “I bet that really works for you, doesn’t it?” I smiled down at him. “Kind of, yeah.” He nodded, and I barely caught Alicia rolling her eyes. “So who was the heartbreaker?” I asked playfully. “I’ll have to kick her ass for you.” His eyes slid past me to Maggie then back again. “Maggie’s sister,” he said, and even though he said it like a punchline, I heard the old ache in the way he let the words out slow and flat.
May 26, 2026
ABSOLUTE BUZZTOPIA!!
im a basic girl when i see a mmc who worships the ground she walks on and obsessed with her from the start i give 5 stars, wished it was soo much longer honestly if it’d been thousand pages i’d read it and epilogue’d be perfect tho😭 i can’t wait for other books in the series
im a basic girl when i see a mmc who worships the ground she walks on and obsessed with her from the start i give 5 stars, wished it was soo much longer honestly if it’d been thousand pages i’d read it and epilogue’d be perfect tho😭 i can’t wait for other books in the series
May 7, 2026
I was so excited for Hunter and maggies story from all the little bits we saw of them in cowboy causal this had so much potential but sadly it didn't hit for me. I loved Hunter! He was so hot! And I love this world but the story felt so rushed. There were so many unresolved issues at the end of the book. We were told how much Hunter was in love with Maggie and it was always her but we didn't see why that was. Why was he with Ella for so long? When clearly it was Maggie he wanted. And what happened to make Ella go for him when he knew Maggie liked him first? I just would of loved a bit more backstory in the past to really build on that tension as it would of given their story so much more depth. It just seemed very surface level and we were being told a lot of their story rather than being shown. I just wanted more from the story and it being 300 pages felt more like a filler novella. Having said that I did enjoy what I read and I do love hollys writing I just wanted more from their story. I'm interested to see where she takes Mcoys story and hoping it's him and Sutton as I loved what we saw of them!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 8, 2026
“I never stood a chance. You came in just the way the sun does—slowly at first, then you were everywhere, all at once, until I couldn’t remember what it was like not to be soaked in you.” 😩🖤
Hunter was so much filthier than I expected!! I really loved Maggie and Hunter’s story, however, I do wish we received more glimpse into their backstory. I agree that the spicy scenes were amazing and the yearning was HOT though!
😮💨🤫
I’m wondering if the author is going to continue the series with Sutton and McCoy…
Hunter was so much filthier than I expected!! I really loved Maggie and Hunter’s story, however, I do wish we received more glimpse into their backstory. I agree that the spicy scenes were amazing and the yearning was HOT though!
😮💨🤫
I’m wondering if the author is going to continue the series with Sutton and McCoy…
Want to Read
May 14, 2026THIS COVER
May 20, 2026
this book is on the short side and I still dnf’d at 65% because that’s how unbearable it felt. I LOVED Maggie and Hunter’s chemistry in book 1 (more than I liked colt & blaire’s tbh) and honestly was really really looking forward to their story, but I often found myself bored and kinda icked out by them.
if you want 100% the truth, I got to the line “I want you to fuck me like you never did with her.” and immediately called it quits. when the “her” in question is Maggie’s fucking sister who is the mmc’s ex ….. can’t believe she brought up HER SISTER during sex?!?!? neither can I!!!! I was so repulsed I immediately closed the book and moved on. all in all, really sad this didn’t live up to the hype ://
if you want 100% the truth, I got to the line “I want you to fuck me like you never did with her.” and immediately called it quits. when the “her” in question is Maggie’s fucking sister who is the mmc’s ex ….. can’t believe she brought up HER SISTER during sex?!?!? neither can I!!!! I was so repulsed I immediately closed the book and moved on. all in all, really sad this didn’t live up to the hype ://
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 12, 2026
6 ⭐️
HUNTER MAGGIE MY BELOVEDS!!! there is truly nothing like being at calloway ranch for me, i am so damn obsessed with these characters and willow grove in general 😭
i have been so excited for this book since the second holly started teasing it in cowboy casual — though i knew it was going to be insanely good it didnt stop me from thinking once or twice that colt was going to be an impossible act to follow but GOD DAMN COLT CALLOWAY WHOOO? (me 🤝 blaire, basically making this same exact joke).
but seriously, i am just in love with how vivid hollys writing is and the way i feel transported straight to willow grove every time i pick up one of these books. the tension and yearning through out this book is SO palpable, there were times i actually felt like i couldnt breathe because it felt like such a high stakes moment (this is a running theme when i read hollys books fr, she takes my breath away in the literal sense lol).
there is a specific chapter thats told through hunters perspective where in a room full of thousands its like him and maggie are the only two people there in his eyes and it was one of those moments where i was just so in awe of the writing and how holly is able to make me feel like im visually watching this play out and not reading words on my kindle lol.
hunter and maggie’s story to put it simply is addicting, from prologue till the very end. this book is extremely unputdownable, this is one of those books where i dont want to write every little thing under the sun that i loved about them because i simply think you are better off going in blind or based off of what you already learned from cowboy casual than my yapping because we’d be here all day. all you need to know is their chemistry is off the charts. they are HOT. and you are going to be OBSESSED.
i also loved seeing my favs again, the cameos sprinkled through out this book are everything and more to me. honestly it made me want to pick up cowboy casual AGAIN and then immediately just restart small town smokeshow 😂. i said it at the beginning but i just truly couldnt be more in love with this little world holly created and i am in dire need of more from willow grove!!!
HUNTER MAGGIE MY BELOVEDS!!! there is truly nothing like being at calloway ranch for me, i am so damn obsessed with these characters and willow grove in general 😭
i have been so excited for this book since the second holly started teasing it in cowboy casual — though i knew it was going to be insanely good it didnt stop me from thinking once or twice that colt was going to be an impossible act to follow but GOD DAMN COLT CALLOWAY WHOOO? (me 🤝 blaire, basically making this same exact joke).
but seriously, i am just in love with how vivid hollys writing is and the way i feel transported straight to willow grove every time i pick up one of these books. the tension and yearning through out this book is SO palpable, there were times i actually felt like i couldnt breathe because it felt like such a high stakes moment (this is a running theme when i read hollys books fr, she takes my breath away in the literal sense lol).
there is a specific chapter thats told through hunters perspective where in a room full of thousands its like him and maggie are the only two people there in his eyes and it was one of those moments where i was just so in awe of the writing and how holly is able to make me feel like im visually watching this play out and not reading words on my kindle lol.
hunter and maggie’s story to put it simply is addicting, from prologue till the very end. this book is extremely unputdownable, this is one of those books where i dont want to write every little thing under the sun that i loved about them because i simply think you are better off going in blind or based off of what you already learned from cowboy casual than my yapping because we’d be here all day. all you need to know is their chemistry is off the charts. they are HOT. and you are going to be OBSESSED.
i also loved seeing my favs again, the cameos sprinkled through out this book are everything and more to me. honestly it made me want to pick up cowboy casual AGAIN and then immediately just restart small town smokeshow 😂. i said it at the beginning but i just truly couldnt be more in love with this little world holly created and i am in dire need of more from willow grove!!!
June 1, 2026
this one was so cute and sweet 😭💗
hunter and maggie stole my heart with how perfect their relationship was and also them as individual characters. the inner turmoil they had of wanting someone who you shouldn’t so badly was chef’s kiss, I felt the torment and yearning through my screen!!
I also love the entire cast of characters and how prevalent they are in each other’s books! it creates such a wonderful atmosphere and builds up this fictional town into a more realistic place (that I wouldn’t mind living in, I’ll take brody for myself 😌✋🏼)
my only criticism is that I felt like the book stalled a bit in the middle with the constant back and forth without much real change in their dynamic, but it’s such a minor complaint compared to how much I loved the rest of the book!
this was the perfect addition to the calloway ranch series and I can’t wait to see what’s next!
thank you to the author for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
hunter and maggie stole my heart with how perfect their relationship was and also them as individual characters. the inner turmoil they had of wanting someone who you shouldn’t so badly was chef’s kiss, I felt the torment and yearning through my screen!!
I also love the entire cast of characters and how prevalent they are in each other’s books! it creates such a wonderful atmosphere and builds up this fictional town into a more realistic place (that I wouldn’t mind living in, I’ll take brody for myself 😌✋🏼)
my only criticism is that I felt like the book stalled a bit in the middle with the constant back and forth without much real change in their dynamic, but it’s such a minor complaint compared to how much I loved the rest of the book!
this was the perfect addition to the calloway ranch series and I can’t wait to see what’s next!
thank you to the author for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 14, 2026
the men in this series are just sooooooo … i’ll put it this way: we made it basically 90% through and we finally learn why he dated ella .. all because ella said maggie didn’t like him but that ella was interested .. so they fucked the same night and started dating ARE YOU KIDDING ME this dude is pathetic wdym oh might as well be with her sister then
the pacing of this book just wasn’t right I feel like there was no resolution to anything and when we got there it was rushed and needed to start way soon
When they said ily I said wait NOW ?
I think I was always not going to love that he dated her sister cuz there was never going to be reason good enough because genuinely WHAT
I liked that it was Blaire that helped her with the bakery tho rather than it being Hunter or something
I would’ve liked to see Maggie at the bakery more and being in her element we BARELY get that
There’s also no backstory what so ever and this kind of required it
the pacing of this book just wasn’t right I feel like there was no resolution to anything and when we got there it was rushed and needed to start way soon
When they said ily I said wait NOW ?
I think I was always not going to love that he dated her sister cuz there was never going to be reason good enough because genuinely WHAT
I liked that it was Blaire that helped her with the bakery tho rather than it being Hunter or something
I would’ve liked to see Maggie at the bakery more and being in her element we BARELY get that
There’s also no backstory what so ever and this kind of required it
May 18, 2026
need a pastry immediately
this is a prime example of contemporary romances being perfect at 300-350 pages. felt like I was watching a movie
Things to know:
- cowboy x bakery owner romance
- forbidden romance (her sister’s ex)
- longing looks & an MMC down bad
this is a prime example of contemporary romances being perfect at 300-350 pages. felt like I was watching a movie
Things to know:
- cowboy x bakery owner romance
- forbidden romance (her sister’s ex)
- longing looks & an MMC down bad
Want to Read
May 11, 2026CAN’T WAIT FOR THIS because he said
“You may have my brother walking around like some pussy-induced zombie, but I don’t fall so easily.”
and I want to see Hunter crawl for Maggie 🤠
May 9, 2026
Five ⭐️ and honestly? This review is completely based on vibes because anytime I get to go back to Calloway Ranch and see some of my favorite people, I am all in.
three reasons why I am obsessed with Small Town Smokeshow:
First, the YEARNING. Hunter’s long-time love for Maggie was absolutely off the charts. The way he wanted her, fought for her, and never really let go of what he felt for her had me kicking my feet the entire time. Holly Renee knows how to write a man down bad and Hunter was DOWN BAD.
Second, that “fuck it” moment??? Absolutely sizzling. Like genuinely one of those scenes you immediately want to reread because the chemistry, tension, and emotion were all jumping off the page. It was hot in the best way possible.
And finally, the found family in this series continues to be everything to me. Specifically Maggie and Blaire’s friendship. You move to a new town and immediately find a bestie like that?? I want in. The Calloway Ranch crew just feels like home every single time.
I will say there was a tiny something missing for me when it came to Maggie’s relationship with her sister and family, but it honestly didn’t stop me from loving this book overall.
Calloway Ranch is a world I will happily keep revisiting anytime Holly Renee lets me back in.
three reasons why I am obsessed with Small Town Smokeshow:
First, the YEARNING. Hunter’s long-time love for Maggie was absolutely off the charts. The way he wanted her, fought for her, and never really let go of what he felt for her had me kicking my feet the entire time. Holly Renee knows how to write a man down bad and Hunter was DOWN BAD.
Second, that “fuck it” moment??? Absolutely sizzling. Like genuinely one of those scenes you immediately want to reread because the chemistry, tension, and emotion were all jumping off the page. It was hot in the best way possible.
And finally, the found family in this series continues to be everything to me. Specifically Maggie and Blaire’s friendship. You move to a new town and immediately find a bestie like that?? I want in. The Calloway Ranch crew just feels like home every single time.
I will say there was a tiny something missing for me when it came to Maggie’s relationship with her sister and family, but it honestly didn’t stop me from loving this book overall.
Calloway Ranch is a world I will happily keep revisiting anytime Holly Renee lets me back in.
May 20, 2026
Finally pushed through, and safe to say it was not for me. That felt like the most performative yearning I’ve ever read in my life. Sorry but how do you have feelings for this girl and then end up dating her sister for a while because she said she’d never reciprocate, when you allegedly didn’t even feel anything for said sister??? That’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard.
Also fuck her family, but why in gods name was there not a bigger confrontation or at least let her get some of her anger out???? Less than fucking 2 pages dedicated to it & didn’t even get much depth on the way her family dynamics affected her 😭
Lastly, Hunter was SO bland I nearly cried. He did absolutely nothing for me & them staying away from eachother for so long when no one actually gave a fuck was so embarrassing I’m sorry.
The one bright light in this whole book, and I’m PRAYING they’re next, was the possible McCoy & Sutton crumbs…? Ate up their dynamic. Reformed playboy here I come 😝
Also fuck her family, but why in gods name was there not a bigger confrontation or at least let her get some of her anger out???? Less than fucking 2 pages dedicated to it & didn’t even get much depth on the way her family dynamics affected her 😭
Lastly, Hunter was SO bland I nearly cried. He did absolutely nothing for me & them staying away from eachother for so long when no one actually gave a fuck was so embarrassing I’m sorry.
The one bright light in this whole book, and I’m PRAYING they’re next, was the possible McCoy & Sutton crumbs…? Ate up their dynamic. Reformed playboy here I come 😝
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