Riding the Line: A Novel

Willow Ridge #2

by Emma Lucy

Escape to Willow Ridge with a deliciously addictive, grumpy cowboy, steamy romance!Cherry Hensley just wants to feel strong again. Armed with a bucket list of activities to help her regain her confidence after years of health conditions holding her back, Cherry’s determined to make the best of her last summer in Willow Ridge before graduating college and moving to the city. But when her best friend—and co-author of the bucket list—lets her down, Cherry’s left afraid to tackle it alone.

As the owner of Willow Ridge’s only bar Duke Bennett enjoys being a shoulder to lean on for Willow Ridge residents. Especially his best friend’s little sister, Cherry Hensley. So, when he stumbles upon her upset in his office, desperate to complete her bucket list, he can’t stop himself from offering to help.

But every moment with Duke makes Cherry feel more alive than any activity on her bucket… will they manage to hold the line between friends and lovers?

Genres: Romance, Westerns, Cowboy Romance, Contemporary Romance, Friends To Lovers, Slow Burn, Small Town Romance

368 pages, Paperback

First published September 11, 2025

About the author

Emma Lucy is a romance author based in London who loves writing books that will make you swoon, blush, and hopefully learn to believe in yourself a little more. When she’s not writing, she’s usually reading, listening to whatever new country music artist she’s obsessed with, or trying to convince her boyfriend to go to a bookstore with her. Live, Ranch, Love is Emma’s debut novel. You can find her on Instagram and TikTok at @emmalucyauthor.

Reviews

[Ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brother's best friend, small town romance and he's helping her with a bucket list, what more can you ask for!!
I loved this book so much more than the first one, they were adorable together.

Cherry is ready to fully live her life during the summer, before her last year of college starts, with a bucket list in hand. Duke, her brother's best friend, unexpectedly finds her list and decides to help her with some of the things on it.. Just as a friend of course.. But, the more time they spend together, the harder it becomes to ignore their feelings, because being together makes them feel more alive than ever..

I really loved the setting and I adore the group of people that make this series.
Even in the first book Cherry and Duke were my favourite, so I was so excited for their story!!

Cherry was so brave and I loved how she wanted to live her life fully, not letting her epilepsy control her life. And I have to say, I'm also glad her struggle with endometriosis was shown. Her growth during the book was so fun to watch, I loved how she gained her confidence.
Duke, his quiet demeanor is what pulled me in during the first book. I loved seeing him being vulnerable with Cherry and how he cared about her, without clipping her wings. I also loved seeing him grow, how he didn't let fear rule his life anymore. And you know what they say about the quiet ones, and it was a motorcycle scene, if you know you know.. And that bar scene was frustrating, yet hilarious..
I really liked them together, I loved their slow progress. While some scenes were a bit cringe, they were still adorable.

Now, the conflict was a little too dragged for my taste and I have to say I hated how it all came to a head at the end. I knew it would happen that way and hated every single second of it..
The end was also a bit abrupt, I think we should've gotten a few more chapters.

Overall, I enjoyed it and I hope we get Sawyer's book next.

*Thank you to Netgalley and to HarperCollins UK for providing me with an ARC.*

[joni ౨ৎ (ia) · Rating 4 out of 5]

oh this was such an improvement in emma's writing 😫 rtc

𐙚⋆°｡⋆♡ ── pre-read
okay i didnt enjoy book 1 in that series that much but i was intrigued about wyatt's sister and the tension cherry and duke had. i started this one a few days ago and im alr enjoying it way more than book 1!! chronic illness rep & bipoc !!! sm better than the most basic stuff book 1 was 👀

[cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Riding the Line was honestly such a ride (pun intended). Cherry and Duke spent the whole book riding the line between their feelings and I was on edge the entire time wondering when they were finally going to stop teasing each other. 🫣🫣 The tension just kept building and building.

I really connected with Cherry, especially over her endometriosis. Watching her navigate life with something that could make her feel so different was emotional, but what made it even more powerful was how Duke handled it. He constantly reassured her that she was still worthy, still beautiful, and that her struggles didn’t make her weak. ❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹 He didn’t try to fix her or control her, he just supported her in a way that let her feel strong and seen. Seeing that care and understanding gave her space to grow into her confidence. 🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼

Duke was everything I wanted in a love interest. He didn’t boss her around or go over the top with treating her like she needed protecting, but he was always there to catch her when she fell. Watching him support her while letting her be unapologetically herself was just perfect.

This one is definitely a slow burn, built up over years and stretched through the book, and it makes their moments together so satisfying. I’m already excited to go back and read the first book and see where the rest of the series 🩷🩷


-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-favorite quotes-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-

”If I ever got the privilege of painting her, she'd be a canvas of deep reds and midnight blacks, topped with bright white for all the little moments of light she brings to the world.”

“With the paint dappling her skin, it only reminds me further that I'm holding a masterpiece of a life in my hands, a woman who deserves to be idolised.”

“Even the finest painting in the world wouldn't come close to rivalling your beauty, Cherry.”

“You're allowed to let others take care of you, to give you the love you need on the days when you can't find enough for yourself. It doesn't make you weak—it just makes you human.”

“I'm ready to bare the deepest depths of my soul, no matter how dark and fear-ridden, if it means I get the privilege of loving you even for one more second.”

-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-

things to know about the book ↓

🏍️ brother’s best friend
🏍️ age gap (6 years)
🏍️ friends→lovers
🏍️ bucket list adventures (spicy)
🏍️ chronic illness rep

A huge thank you to Netgalley, Avon and Harper Voyager, and Emma Lucy for allowing me to read this arc. These are all my honest opinions in this review.

spice rating:【 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 】
swearing: yes

[megan ◡̈ · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up!!

i absolutely LOVEEEE duke & cherry oh my goodness. this book was so much fun from the start, i absolutely love when books like this start off with a little flashback so that we can see just how much the MCs care for one another!! it sets up for SUCH good yearning through out.

the dynamic between cherry and duke was super fun because not only was it forbidden because hes her brothers best friend and honorary family member but hes also her boss so the stakes felt extra high and made the tension a little bit more exciting!! i really liked the idea of cherry having a list of “dangerous” things she’d like to do before she graduated college and duke wanting to be the person to help her, i thought it was endearing because he knows first hand cherrys struggles with her family babying her due to her epilepsy and how she wants to let loose more and this way she was able to do it with someone she trusted to be there for her if something went wrong!!

i loved the epilepsy and endometriosis rep in this book! especially for how great duke did in helping take care of her when one of these things would flare up. honorable mention to him being a male bar owner and stocking up on feminine care products for the women’s bathroom there!! duke was already hot as hell but ill be damned if him being so competent didnt skyrocket that hotness level to astronomical levels lol.

the ONLY reason this book is not a 5 star read for me was because i didnt really like the way duke handled things towards the end for a minute there. in all honesty it reallllyyy threw me out of the story but other than that it was an amazing read for me!!

[ashlyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

i had a good time with this one, but it wasn’t quite a favorite. cherry and duke were sweet together, and i really liked watching cherry slowly gain her confidence back throughout the story. that part felt genuine and was definitely the strongest aspect of the book for me. my biggest issue was the smut. it felt way too dramatized, and knowing who cherry is as a character, those scenes just didn’t feel authentic to her. it almost felt like i was reading about a completely different person whenever they happened, which pulled me out of the story. there were also a few descriptions throughout the book that made me pause because they were just… weird, and instead of adding to the scene they completely took me out of it. i also think i’m starting to hit cowboy romance fatigue because this trope is everywhere lately. will that stop me from reading them or requesting every cowboy romance i see on netgalley? absolutely not. i’ll be right back in the saddle for the next one. overall it was still a cute, enjoyable romance, but i just wish those moments had stayed more true to the characters.

[thebookofhearts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg I am so grateful I had the privilege to read the ARC copy of Riding The Line. Emma Lucy has written the perfect, steamy cowboy romance AGAIN! Returning to Willow Ranch was a dream and I fell in love with Cherry and Duke. Cherry needs to find her confidence and Duke is there to help her in more ways than one hehe. The way Duke looks out for Cherry had me kicking my legs! The bucket list, the bar, the motorbike… oh my days I was blushing! This is a must read for all cowboy romance lovers!!!

[Liz Morris · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good book but it just didn’t hit the way I thought it would. I really liked the first book and found it well paced with a more original plot.This felt disjointed. The 1st half of the book felt very different from the second half and it didn’t really hold my attention. I think some details related to continuity were lost in the chapters.

I would still continue on with the series and do look forward to the stories of some of the characters we haven’t really gotten to know yet.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for the advanced copy.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m cowboy obsessed for a reason! I love this series so much and the yearning on both sides of this book were everything!

[Cláudia Oliveira · Rating 4 out of 5]

Foi tão fofo!!! 🥹🥹

Ele é um autêntico golden retriever boy, a fazer tudo por ela e por todos! E ela, a lidar com endometriose e epilepsia, a ganhar autoconhecimento e posição na vida!! Adorei 🫶🏼

P.s (pode ser um spoiler): ele pinta quadros dela e isso foi tão mas tão fofo 🫠

[Amee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2 in the series has us back at Willow Ridge with a sweet, brothers best friend trope. Best friend to her brother, Cherry has had a crush on Duke since she was a young girl. Duke owes so much to his best friends family for taking him in, his guilt over his secret crush on Cherry weighs heavy on him. Low angst but pretty darn steamy, Riding the Line had a few spots where the story lulled, but overall their coming together was cute. Duke helping innocent Cherry with her bucket list. Cherry has Epilepsy which was sad to read about so much of growing up she missed. I’m definitely keeping on this series as the other friend Sawyer seems to be set up for an upcoming book and I like his carefree style knowing someone deeper is in there. I liked being back at the Ranch but most of the book seemed to take place at Dukes bar which I enjoyed too. Wish we had more interaction with townspeople though.
Thanks to BookSirens for this ARC. These opinions are my own.

[✨Jessica✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

“You . . . soothe me, Cherry. Distract me, I guess. When you’re around, my mind likes to focus on you, instead of all the worries swirling about.“

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️


Riding the Line was a cute romance about Cherry who deals with seizures and everyone acting over protective due to the seizures even though she’s almost done with college. She has a huge crush on Duke who is the owner of the bar she works at and her older brother’s best friend.

A mutual crush + a spicy, adventure-filled summer bucket list lead to a secret summer romance.

Thank you to Avon Harper Voyager for the e-arc. All opinions are my own.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

This had a good premise and when I read about Cherry and Duke in the first book, I really wanted their story.
I like the tropes: forbidden romance, brother’s best friend, age gap, epilepsy and endometriosis rep and the fact that he takes such good care of her was really sweet. I liked their dynamic, it was cute yet filled with tension.
However I felt like some parts were a little bit corny and I wish he wouldn’t call her Baby Hensley all the time because that nickname bothered me for its meaning.
It was still a very enjoyable read though and I am grateful to
Netgalley and Harper Collins for the ARC

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I enjoyed Riding the Line a little more than the first book, but only by the smallest margin. There’s something about the Willow Ridge setting that keeps pulling me back, and I found Cherry and Duke’s relationship easier to root for than the previous couple.

I especially liked that the romance wasn’t instant. The history between them created some good tension, and Duke was easy to like. Cherry was also a sympathetic heroine, and I appreciated that the story included chronic illness representation, even if I wish it had been woven into the story a little more naturally. There were moments where those aspects felt important, but then they seemed to disappear for long stretches, which made the emotional impact feel a bit uneven.

My biggest issue continues to be that I never felt fully connected to the characters. I wanted more depth…not just from the main couple, but from the people around them as well. There were a few emotional moments that should have landed harder, but I don’t think enough time was spent developing them.

Overall, this was still a quick, enjoyable small-town romance, and I did find myself more invested than I was in book one.

[Maaike · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun read! I already loved the vibe between Cherry and Duke in Live, Ranch, Love and couldn’t wait to read more about them. Their connection was so cute between them right from the start and that made it so enjoyable to read about them.

I also loved the epilepsy and endometriosis representation and how that stayed such an important topic throughout the book. How Duke helped her with that was just so nice to see. Not pitying her or trying to turn her into a victim, but supporting her so she can be the best version of her.

The only thing that didn’t really work for me was how long the brother’s best friend thing was dragged out. Yes they had their reasons but when you have to start asking your friends to lie for you, I feel like you should get the memo that it’s time to just be honest about it. And like where was her best friend throughout this entire book??? She just went poof.

But I really had such a good time reading this and I really appreciated the ending as well. With a lot of small town romances it can feel like their happy ending is always in that small town and it’s fun to see that changed up from time to time.

All in all, I really enjoyed this book and I can’t wait to read more from Emma Lucy!

Thank you NetGalley & Harper Collins for this digital arc 🩷

[Shyla's Book Nook · Rating 4 out of 5]

✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧⋆⁺₊✧✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧⋆⁺₊✧✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧⋆⁺₊✧

Rɪᴅɪɴɢ ᴛʜᴇ Lɪɴᴇ
ʙʏ Eᴍᴍᴀ Lᴜᴄʏ

☆☆☆☆✩

✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧

Riding the Line is a tension-filled, emotionally charged romance that hooked me right away. It follows two characters whose lives collide in a way that’s equal parts inconvenient and irresistible, forcing them into close proximity while they’re both trying (and failing) to keep things strictly professional. The setup alone delivers a ton of spark without giving too much away, and the dynamic between them is easily the best part.

Emma Lucy shines when it comes to chemistry and character voice—the banter is sharp, the emotional moments land, and the romance has that addictive push-and-pull that keeps you turning pages. Their connection feels earned, messy, and genuinely fun to watch unfold.

If I had one wish, it would be for a little more depth in certain emotional beats. Some moments felt like they could’ve dug in further to really elevate the impact. But that’s a critique of pacing and development, not the author herself—her writing style is engaging, and the tone fits the story beautifully.

Overall, this is a strong 4-star romance: warm, swoony, and just angsty enough to keep things interesting without ever spoiling the journey.

Huge thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the ARC in exchange for my honest and spoiler-free review. ✧

✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧⋆⁺₊✧✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧⋆⁺₊✧

[AmyJ_booktok · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating - 4.25⭐️

Cherry is sick of being treated like she is about to break at any moment; her epilepsy meant that her childhood was closely monitored and she missed out on far too many things. That’s why, on her final summer before the end of college, and the start of adult life, she has a bucket list. She wants to have the experiences she missed out on. When duke offers to help, she is over the moon - she has always crushed on Duke. He is 6 years older than her, sexy and covered in tattoos. The big issue - he is her brother’s best friend and treats her like his little sister.

Everyone is sleeping on Emma Lucy, I loved live ranch love and didn’t think this would be as good but it really was. The banter in this was top tier, I really loved cherry and her character growth in this book was amazing. Duke has such a troubled soul but with a heart of absolute gold. You can feel the chemistry literally pouring out of the pages, and the spice - sweat inducing.

[daphne · Rating 4 out of 5]

“𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭? 𝐘𝐨𝐮, 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐦𝐲 𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐝𝐲 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬, 𝐧𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐈 𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐢𝐭.”

I love Emma Lucy; her writing and what she stands for. As a chronically ill person, the rep in Riding the Line hit close to home (thank you). I loved Duke and Cherry together - I’ve been excited for them ever since they got foreshadowed in Live, Ranch, Love. I’m also a sucker for found family, which is so well done in this series. I’m already frothing at the mouth for book 3.

the vibes ™:
- brothers best friend
- chronic illness rep
- spice (including a motorcycle)
- small town
- found family

🧡✨🌾

[Lucca Powers Bates · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5 stars

Read if you like:
- Brother's best friend
- Small town romance
- Slowburn

On the whole, this was a really cute and effortless read which was quick to get through. I love the brother's best friend trope, so it automatically had me sold on that. The tension between Duke and Cherry was great as well.

However, I do think the book lacked depth I felt like Emma Lucy attempted to give the characters a deeper backstory and daily struggles, but it just felt.. forced and a bit unnatural to me. Cherry struggles with epilepsy and endometriosis. The first of which does play a central role but also seems slightly forgotten in many parts of the book, the second of which I didn't even know was endometriosis rep until the author's note at the end. I will say, this may also just be me not fully vibing with the writing style so take this with a grain of salt . I also think the build-up to the couple in the next book could've been more smooth. Generally, side characters aren't very fleshed out and suddenly getting this random (very tropey) backstory to two characters felt a bit forced.

I did definitely enjoy Live, Ranch, Love more than this one - I felt more connected to the characters and their story. Definitely curious to read the next book in the series but this one wasn't my favourite.

Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the ARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Ashley G. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A spicy bucket list with your best friend's, off limits little sister who has been making your heart stir for years every time she comes home for the summer to work in your bar? Yes please.

Read for:
Sexy times on a motorcycle
Epilepsy rep
Her overprotective family
New horseback riding bestie
Sexy tatted, black mmc
Found family
and his having to get past his fear of losing his best friend to be happy with Cherry. I need the third book yesterday!

[lucialeelibros · Rating 5 out of 5]

sorry but this book was so f beautiful.

the way I loved it 🥲🥹❤️!!!!!! I just devour them in like... 12 hours???? IDK.

THANK YOU netgalley and Avon and Harper Voyager ❤️❤️🫰🏻!!!

[Nada A. · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 stars
Why can’t I feel the chemistry in this series?

[becs · Rating 4 out of 5]

I waited so long for this book and what do I do now it’s over 😭

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heading back to Willow Ridge was a dream. I feel like I waited for this specific book for so long and I never wanted this to be over.

The tension between Cherry & Duke had been built over years and it finally started to explode once Duke caught a look at Cherry’s bucket list...a list which contained a few extra things she didn't need her boss and brothers best friend to see!

Literally swooned every time Duke called Cherry baby Hensley like that man has my HEART.

Duke is the vibe of says a little but what he does say, counts. As a bartender, he's a good listener and people watcher and I feel like Emma did such a good job as showing his type without saying the words. He watched and listened to Cherry and understood why this bucket list was so important and helped her come out of her shell, and explain her emotions to her family and friends that had cocooned her in safety. He fought for beside her, never overstepping her and letting her have the power and confidence to do it herself.

Duke & Cherry together, chase the dreams they've been putting off for various reasons and it’s such a journey. This book was just pure enjoyment from start to finish, I loved every moment.

I'm such a sucker for side character building, it makes me fall in love even more. We got a some scenes with Wyatt & Rory from LRL as well as seeing the friendship group who I’m sure we will be seeing more of...making me ever so excited to continue my willow ridge journey!

♥ Tropes ♥
Brother’s best friend
Disability rep: endometriosis & epilepsy
Small town romance
Friends to lovers
workplace romance
bartender x waitress
slow burn

♥ info ♥
1st Person
Dual POV
Standalone in the willow ridge series

♥ ratings ♥
Characters - 7/10
Atmosphere - 6/10
Writing Style - 6/10
Plot - 6/10
Intrigue - 6/10
Logic/Relationships - 6/10
Enjoyment - 6/10
Spice - 2/5
Overall Rating: 4 stars

Thank you to Emma & Harper Fiction for sending me a ebook ARC copy in exchange for my honest review.

‎[ This book review reflects my own views and is based on my personal reading experience. All opinions provided are my honest evaluation of the book ‎]

[this review has been cross posted on various sites]

[Lula✧ · Rating 3 out of 5]

fun, quick, and very very well done

Brother's best friend is a fav for me. I loved every single aspect of this story, from the relationship Cherry and Duke had, to actually admitting their feelings!

I think there were a lot of quintessential keys for Cherry and Duke to work, I liked their dynamic, I loved how it was set up their evolution, and how much you get to see the way they love each other. I'm a huge fan of age gap and this was done right but also tricky, like it took some of the magic when Cherry kept seeing she loved Duke for years, and like.... 6 years age gap is still enjoyable but she's 21 and he's 27... so like, when Cherry says he loved Duke for a while???? Means??? When?? she ?? was ?? what?? a teen?? Like she had an infatuation and then realized she loved him?? idk that's the only thing I didn't like, that their author could've made the characters a little older, I think it would've been more enjoyable.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this brother's best friend cowboy romance where Cherry gets her boss and the guy she's had a crush on forever to help her with her bucket list for the summer. There's great disability rep (Cherry has endometriosis and epilepsy) and Duke is the biggest golden retriever whose been pining for her just as hard. Good on audio and perfect for fans of authors like Paisley Hope or Elsie Silver. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review.

[thebeespot72 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Riding the Line is my first book by Emma Lucy, the second in the Willow Ridge Series. Having said that, I believe you could read this as a standalone; however, I am curious about Cherry’s brother, Wyatt’s story, since he does play a role in this one. I do enjoy the brother’s best friend trope, and I liked that Cherry was the tag-along little sister for so many years, crushing on her brother’s friend, Duke. Cherry’s epilepsy and endometriosis were two themes that I appreciated being worked into the story. And I liked how several scenes were handled. Despite the charming illustrated cover, this romance contains some spicy moments that were really good.

Thank you to Avon Books and Author Emma Lucy for the gifted e-copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Camii · Rating 3 out of 5]

No fue la lectura del año pero esta bastante entretenido.

[Odette · Rating 4 out of 5]

We love a man in touch with his feelings.

I enjoyed this book a lot. Cherry and Duke had a good dynamic relationship with intresting stakes. It was also nice to have the endometriosis and epilepsy rep here.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC

[Joana (joanasbookshelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by Emma Lucy but it’s fair to say I’m obsessed!!! Now I need to go back and read the first book in the series because Riding The Line pulled me in from the start and I couldn’t stop reading it.
If it’s a small town romance you already know I’m going to love it. But this one was off the charts amazing.
The chemistry between Cherry and Duke is perfection and their banter so funny!! I loved how the epilepsy representation was portrayed and how it was a important part of the book.
Highly recommending this one!!!

Thank you HarperCollins UK for the arc.

[Milly Askham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I definitely enjoyed this book more than the first one. I loved the characters and the story. Was very touching and I liked the setting. Can’t wait for the 3rd book in the series to come out! Definitely recommend 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[Anna Benedikte · Rating 3 out of 5]

God! Er spændt på den næste 🤗