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Black Springs Ranch #3
After the Rain
Cleo Hayes is done with looking back. After a painful divorce and years of trying to outrun heartbreak, she returns to her parent's ranch in Texas seeking one thing—a fresh start. No drama. No distractions. And definitely no second chances.
But then Grady Wilde shows up.
Once her high school sweetheart, Grady is now a country music superstar looking to settle down. When an unexpected reunion brings them face-to-face for the first time in over a decade, they are both faced with emotions they thought were long gone.
Cleo never expected to see him again, let alone feel the familiar pull of the boy who once held her heart. And Grady knows he made the biggest mistake of his life when he let her walk away. Now, older, wiser, and with a daughter who’s softened every edge of him, he’s ready to prove that love like theirs doesn’t just fade.
Cleo built walls to protect herself. But Grady is the only one who’s ever known how to slip through the cracks, and maybe, just maybe, he’s the only one who can help her feel safe enough to let them fall.
But then Grady Wilde shows up.
Once her high school sweetheart, Grady is now a country music superstar looking to settle down. When an unexpected reunion brings them face-to-face for the first time in over a decade, they are both faced with emotions they thought were long gone.
Cleo never expected to see him again, let alone feel the familiar pull of the boy who once held her heart. And Grady knows he made the biggest mistake of his life when he let her walk away. Now, older, wiser, and with a daughter who’s softened every edge of him, he’s ready to prove that love like theirs doesn’t just fade.
Cleo built walls to protect herself. But Grady is the only one who’s ever known how to slip through the cracks, and maybe, just maybe, he’s the only one who can help her feel safe enough to let them fall.
474 pages, Paperback
Published November 11, 2025
598 people are currently reading
3872 people want to read
About the author
Amber Palmer
9 books493 followersAmber Palmer is an American romance author specializing in paranormal and contemporary love stories. Born in Arizona and raised in Texas, she’s the proud parent of three mischievous cats and one playful pup. When she’s not devouring spicy romance novels, you can find her curating bookish Spotify playlists or jotting down ideas for her next project. A fierce advocate for mental health, Amber crafts characters who face and heal from deep traumas. She’s unapologetically passionate about all things spicy—both in books and life—and loves gaming with her husband in her downtime.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 724 reviews
November 13, 2025
DNF @ 67%
there are no words to describe how much i hated this book. the MMC fucking sucked. in the past, he treated the FMC like shit until she broke up with him. he spent the next four years fucking other women until marrying his best friend and having a kid with her… all while claiming he was still in love with the FMC. in the present, he and his daughter barged into the FMC’s life at every possible opportunity because he and the FMC were ~meant to be~ never mind the fact that he was STILL MARRIED while doing that shit and constantly talking about what a wonderful life he and his wife have had together. GIVE A GIRL A DAMN BREAK 😩
there are no words to describe how much i hated this book. the MMC fucking sucked. in the past, he treated the FMC like shit until she broke up with him. he spent the next four years fucking other women until marrying his best friend and having a kid with her… all while claiming he was still in love with the FMC. in the present, he and his daughter barged into the FMC’s life at every possible opportunity because he and the FMC were ~meant to be~ never mind the fact that he was STILL MARRIED while doing that shit and constantly talking about what a wonderful life he and his wife have had together. GIVE A GIRL A DAMN BREAK 😩
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 17, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ I always get genuinely sad when a series I love comes to an end. It really feels like saying goodbye to friends and family, and after three books, I had grown so attached to these characters. IM GONNA MISS YALL😭🫶🏻
Of course, Amber saved the most emotional story for last. This book wasn’t just emotional it was deeply realistic in a way that made it even more endearing.
I’m finding myself drawn to second-chance romance more and more, especially when real time has passed. In this case, twelve years. Watching Cleo and Grady go from two kids hopelessly in love to two fully grown adults was something really special. All those feelings still being there after so much time had gone by truly felt like the definition of the one that got away.
This second-chance romance in particular had me wanting to throw hands with Grady this story felt TOO realistic. He did and said things that felt painfully believable, which made everything hit harder. Usually, I can see both sides, but in this book I was firmly standing behind Cleo, arms crossed, giving Grady the nastiest stink eye. If it were possible, Lennox and I absolutely would’ve jumped him.
And then… somehow, he starts to win me over. I start falling in love with him right alongside Cleo, and that’s what made this story feel so emotional to me, I was literally experiencing that shift at the same time she was.
I also really loved the buildup between Cleo and Charlie. Their relationship developed so naturally, and it was honestly adorable. Charlie had absolutely no filter and was constantly putting her dad on blast, which added so much humor and heart. Watching Cleo find her place in Charlie’s world made everything feel even more grounded and real.
The treehouse scene??? HELLO?! I was sobbing. And then you hit me with the mixing bowls?! I truly could not take it.
Cleo deserves the world, and I’m so glad Grady was willing to give it to her.
There was so much love poured into this entire series, the characters, the setting, the storylines and I honestly think it’s incredibly slept on. I’m going to miss Black Springs Ranch so much, but I know I’ll be back to visit. And I can’t wait to see what Amber gives us next.
I also wanna let you guys know that every single time Bishop and Lennox entered the chat. I highlighted that shit so fast….. so it seems that I am still obsessed with them🤭
Of course, Amber saved the most emotional story for last. This book wasn’t just emotional it was deeply realistic in a way that made it even more endearing.
I’m finding myself drawn to second-chance romance more and more, especially when real time has passed. In this case, twelve years. Watching Cleo and Grady go from two kids hopelessly in love to two fully grown adults was something really special. All those feelings still being there after so much time had gone by truly felt like the definition of the one that got away.
This second-chance romance in particular had me wanting to throw hands with Grady this story felt TOO realistic. He did and said things that felt painfully believable, which made everything hit harder. Usually, I can see both sides, but in this book I was firmly standing behind Cleo, arms crossed, giving Grady the nastiest stink eye. If it were possible, Lennox and I absolutely would’ve jumped him.
And then… somehow, he starts to win me over. I start falling in love with him right alongside Cleo, and that’s what made this story feel so emotional to me, I was literally experiencing that shift at the same time she was.
I also really loved the buildup between Cleo and Charlie. Their relationship developed so naturally, and it was honestly adorable. Charlie had absolutely no filter and was constantly putting her dad on blast, which added so much humor and heart. Watching Cleo find her place in Charlie’s world made everything feel even more grounded and real.
The treehouse scene??? HELLO?! I was sobbing. And then you hit me with the mixing bowls?! I truly could not take it.
Cleo deserves the world, and I’m so glad Grady was willing to give it to her.
There was so much love poured into this entire series, the characters, the setting, the storylines and I honestly think it’s incredibly slept on. I’m going to miss Black Springs Ranch so much, but I know I’ll be back to visit. And I can’t wait to see what Amber gives us next.
I also wanna let you guys know that every single time Bishop and Lennox entered the chat. I highlighted that shit so fast….. so it seems that I am still obsessed with them🤭
November 15, 2025
ARC review.
I went into this thinking that I was going to LOVE this… however, this was not for me… for a multitude of reasons.
What I did like was Amber Palmer’s writing. She did write a deeply emotional and heartfelt story. I am a huge fan of her writing but this story was not it for me. However, I do plan on going back to read the first two books. The side characters are one of the only reasons I did not DNF this.
I did not like Grady in any shape or form. It felt like Grady had more faults than positives. I believe that he did not have enough of a character arc to deserve winning Cleo back. It felt like he wanted to have his cake and eat it too without talking about it. His relationship with Liv was a huge hang up for me because it felt like he had more actual real conversations with Liv instead of Cleo. Granted, his whole relationship with Liv felt gross, overbearing and uncomfortable to me. Need I say more?
Cleo needed to go to a therapist more often, look into finding better men, obtain a personality and move tf on. Her whole persona was avoiding Grady, then physically mauling him while still avoiding any and all communication or conflict. Every time things got hard, she ran and Grady would show back up and she would say “kiss me” and poof their fight would be magically over. Then she would go from meek and mild to being a dominant in the bedroom but then still run away afterwards? No. Not interested in reading a FMC like her.
There was no real communication about important topics between the main characters. They had the important conversations about each other with the side characters but never to each other. Horrible communication between main characters is not it for me.
The ending also felt super rushed.
⚠️ Here are my unhinged reading notes. Hopefully this helps you understand why I feel the way I feel. Please be warned there may be minor spoilers ahead. ⚠️
Okay so hi I am Maria and I won’t lie, I am having trouble accepting Grady as a MMC because I don’t think I would forgive him.
I hate his secret tattoo.
I love a FMC initiated fck it moment baby.
I want to DNF this so bad and maybe it’s because a piece of cardboard would be more entertaining than Cleo.
The fact that they just ended this make out to talk about his kid and he called the kid his wing woman and she goes that’s adorable might be my 13th reason.
And you went home with him after that? Shut up.
@ 71% I am sobbing. Carry on.
Is she really sleeping at his house without having several very critical conversations happening first?
Did they really just exchange I love you’s before having very crucial conversations? I am done here for tonight.
Talking about dick chafing during smut is not it. Thank you. Carry on.
The fact that he is like please please please begging like a fckn child during the smut is a huge ick.
They just fckd in his parents bed when they are almost 40 and this might actually be my 13th reason.
The more I read this, the more I just don’t care.
I don’t think I like when MMCs are called good boys. Especially not by meek and mild women.
I went into this thinking that I was going to LOVE this… however, this was not for me… for a multitude of reasons.
What I did like was Amber Palmer’s writing. She did write a deeply emotional and heartfelt story. I am a huge fan of her writing but this story was not it for me. However, I do plan on going back to read the first two books. The side characters are one of the only reasons I did not DNF this.
I did not like Grady in any shape or form. It felt like Grady had more faults than positives. I believe that he did not have enough of a character arc to deserve winning Cleo back. It felt like he wanted to have his cake and eat it too without talking about it. His relationship with Liv was a huge hang up for me because it felt like he had more actual real conversations with Liv instead of Cleo. Granted, his whole relationship with Liv felt gross, overbearing and uncomfortable to me. Need I say more?
Cleo needed to go to a therapist more often, look into finding better men, obtain a personality and move tf on. Her whole persona was avoiding Grady, then physically mauling him while still avoiding any and all communication or conflict. Every time things got hard, she ran and Grady would show back up and she would say “kiss me” and poof their fight would be magically over. Then she would go from meek and mild to being a dominant in the bedroom but then still run away afterwards? No. Not interested in reading a FMC like her.
There was no real communication about important topics between the main characters. They had the important conversations about each other with the side characters but never to each other. Horrible communication between main characters is not it for me.
The ending also felt super rushed.
⚠️ Here are my unhinged reading notes. Hopefully this helps you understand why I feel the way I feel. Please be warned there may be minor spoilers ahead. ⚠️
Okay so hi I am Maria and I won’t lie, I am having trouble accepting Grady as a MMC because I don’t think I would forgive him.
I hate his secret tattoo.
I love a FMC initiated fck it moment baby.
I want to DNF this so bad and maybe it’s because a piece of cardboard would be more entertaining than Cleo.
The fact that they just ended this make out to talk about his kid and he called the kid his wing woman and she goes that’s adorable might be my 13th reason.
And you went home with him after that? Shut up.
@ 71% I am sobbing. Carry on.
Is she really sleeping at his house without having several very critical conversations happening first?
Did they really just exchange I love you’s before having very crucial conversations? I am done here for tonight.
Talking about dick chafing during smut is not it. Thank you. Carry on.
The fact that he is like please please please begging like a fckn child during the smut is a huge ick.
They just fckd in his parents bed when they are almost 40 and this might actually be my 13th reason.
The more I read this, the more I just don’t care.
I don’t think I like when MMCs are called good boys. Especially not by meek and mild women.
November 7, 2025
After ending an abusive marriage, Cleo Hayes finds herself back at home on Black Springs Ranch.
Despite all his success as one of the top country music stars in the business, a wife who is also his best friend, and a daughter who believes he hung the moon, Grady Wilde left half his heart in Ashwood, Texas.
Whew… All the feels with this heartbreaking story. Admittedly, second chance is not my favorite trope. However, I wanted to see this series through to its end. I am really glad I did. I can’t say I didn’t cry a few times because I did. Watching Cleo and Grady find their way back to one another again was a testament to true love.
Also, do yourself a favor and be sure to read the extended epilogue!! I sometimes skip those, but I loved seeing the entire Hayes family and all the couples one last time!!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥
Darkness: 🤍
Heat: 🌶️🌶️
Range of Emotions: 😩😊🥹🫠😍
Ending: 💗 {HEA}
POV: 👫🏻 {Dual | Past • Present}
🗄️ Genre: Contemporary Romance
🗂️ Subgenre(s): New Adult
✨ Tropes: Second Chance, Single Parent
💫 Microtropes: Boy Obsessed, Celebrity, It’s Always Been You, Pet Name
💋 Kinks: Crawl, Cum Jammer, Domination (Mild), Finger Licking Good
🤰🏻 Pregnancy: n/a
📍 Setting: Small Town
⚠️ Warning: The angst in this slow-burn will edge you to the point of combustion!
🚩 Safety Squad: Abuse (Not by MMC, Cheating (Not Really), Off-Page, Past), Infertility and other potentially triggering elements. If you have any hesitation, check the warnings before diving in. Otherwise, blind is best!!
📣 Type: After the Rain is part of the Black Springs Ranch series of interconnected standalones. While no other books need to be read in order to follow the story, reading prior books may enhance the experience.
🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.
Despite all his success as one of the top country music stars in the business, a wife who is also his best friend, and a daughter who believes he hung the moon, Grady Wilde left half his heart in Ashwood, Texas.
Whew… All the feels with this heartbreaking story. Admittedly, second chance is not my favorite trope. However, I wanted to see this series through to its end. I am really glad I did. I can’t say I didn’t cry a few times because I did. Watching Cleo and Grady find their way back to one another again was a testament to true love.
Also, do yourself a favor and be sure to read the extended epilogue!! I sometimes skip those, but I loved seeing the entire Hayes family and all the couples one last time!!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥
Darkness: 🤍
Heat: 🌶️🌶️
Range of Emotions: 😩😊🥹🫠😍
Ending: 💗 {HEA}
POV: 👫🏻 {Dual | Past • Present}
🗄️ Genre: Contemporary Romance
🗂️ Subgenre(s): New Adult
✨ Tropes: Second Chance, Single Parent
💫 Microtropes: Boy Obsessed, Celebrity, It’s Always Been You, Pet Name
💋 Kinks: Crawl, Cum Jammer, Domination (Mild), Finger Licking Good
🤰🏻 Pregnancy: n/a
📍 Setting: Small Town
⚠️ Warning: The angst in this slow-burn will edge you to the point of combustion!
🚩 Safety Squad: Abuse (Not by MMC, Cheating (Not Really), Off-Page, Past), Infertility and other potentially triggering elements. If you have any hesitation, check the warnings before diving in. Otherwise, blind is best!!
📣 Type: After the Rain is part of the Black Springs Ranch series of interconnected standalones. While no other books need to be read in order to follow the story, reading prior books may enhance the experience.
🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.
October 5, 2025
alpha read 🤠💙
November 14, 2025
I love this series as a whole and love Amber's writing. Grady and Cleo were each other's first loves and now they are back in the same town after years of being apart. Grady also has a kid now and happens to also be married to his best friend, long story. I'm happy these two found their way back to each other and Grady's little girl was adorable. I do wish there would have been a little more personal growth for the main characters throughout the book. I also wish I would have connected to the characters a little more like I had in the previous two books. This one was definitely the most emotional of the series and tugged at the heart strings at times. The true hero of the story is daddy Doug. He deserves all the credit for the HEA these two finally get with each other. I knew I liked Doug! Overall, I have loved this series and I'm sad to see it come to an end, but I loved the journey to the sisters' happily ever afters.
November 8, 2025
I had to DNF because I was getting weird vibes all around. I am never one to bash an author but this one just wasn’t it for me. I really was all in for this book because I’m a huge fan of second chance and add a country singer? Yup. But this missed the mark. I skimmed the rest of the book and idk… Grady was still married and pinning after his ex? The whole Olivia dynamic with the baby mama / still wife but wanting your ex? Even if their marriage was platonic just didn’t sit well with me. Of course, just because I wasn’t a fan doesn’t mean you won’t be so please do pick the series up and read! I enjoyed the other books but this one sadly missed the mark for me 😭😭😭
DNF’d at 40%
DNF’d at 40%
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
I will recommend this series to absolutely anyone looking for a cowboy romance.
And I’m sad for it to now be over.
I loved how this followed three sisters.
All very different sisters.
Texas ranch setting.
Cleo : oldest daughter
- divorced
- personal issues x therapy
-💙🦜
- she felt super relatable
Enter Grady : the high school sweetheart
- turned country music superstar
- a marriage and child
- Liv: the child’s mother, the longer I sit on her, I don’t know if I vibe with her yet
Their time apart made me so sad.
It truly hurt.
Cleo’s past hurt.
But the way this man comes back for her.
And doesn’t falter.
Also Doug… oh you… 🤣
Arc review ✨
I will recommend this series to absolutely anyone looking for a cowboy romance.
And I’m sad for it to now be over.
I loved how this followed three sisters.
All very different sisters.
Texas ranch setting.
Cleo : oldest daughter
- divorced
- personal issues x therapy
-💙🦜
- she felt super relatable
Enter Grady : the high school sweetheart
- turned country music superstar
- a marriage and child
- Liv: the child’s mother, the longer I sit on her, I don’t know if I vibe with her yet
Their time apart made me so sad.
It truly hurt.
Cleo’s past hurt.
But the way this man comes back for her.
And doesn’t falter.
Also Doug… oh you… 🤣
Arc review ✨
November 5, 2025
Loved to follow the journey of the last sister in the Black Springs Ranch series. Cleo had a rough time in her first marriage, was trying to find a place that would hide the pain of losing her first love. Grady drown himself in his carrier to forgot the girl that got away. Fast forward to a newly discovered Cleo and single dad Grady and we discover true love always wins.
November 18, 2025
the series starting in tennessee and ending in tennessee is so poetic. also doug being the mastermind behind everything is so funny
November 7, 2025
3⭐️
2🌶
I realllly really wanted to love this and went into 1000% expecting to but it just felt a little flat for me 😭 I just found it really hard to connect with Grady. I feel like he wanted his cake and to eat it too. The whole situation with Liv was strange to me and I don’t think he did enough groveling for everything he did. There also never a conversation about their marriage. He never told Cleo it was strictly platonic. I didnt like how he kept praising Liv either... like it definitely seemed like he was in love with her too, not just best friends. He just let Cleo walk away, never spoke to her again, met Liv in a bar, got famous, got married to her, had her baby and lived happily ever after for 13 years until suddenly he wasnt happy anymore? Doesn't make sense to me.
Cleo was my favorite fmc of the series though. I still don’t think she got enough recognition from her sisters and family or Grady though. She was abused by her ex husband and infertile and it just didnt seem like anyone had anything to say but oh im sorry.. 😭
The ending also seemed super rushed. I also hated that OF COURSE, cleo had to be the one to drop everything and move to follow HIS family and career. Grady didnt have to sacrifice anything.
I'm a bit of a second chance snob so while this wasnt my favorite, it may be yours so I still definitely recommend you read it!
2🌶
I realllly really wanted to love this and went into 1000% expecting to but it just felt a little flat for me 😭 I just found it really hard to connect with Grady. I feel like he wanted his cake and to eat it too. The whole situation with Liv was strange to me and I don’t think he did enough groveling for everything he did. There also never a conversation about their marriage. He never told Cleo it was strictly platonic. I didnt like how he kept praising Liv either... like it definitely seemed like he was in love with her too, not just best friends. He just let Cleo walk away, never spoke to her again, met Liv in a bar, got famous, got married to her, had her baby and lived happily ever after for 13 years until suddenly he wasnt happy anymore? Doesn't make sense to me.
Cleo was my favorite fmc of the series though. I still don’t think she got enough recognition from her sisters and family or Grady though. She was abused by her ex husband and infertile and it just didnt seem like anyone had anything to say but oh im sorry.. 😭
The ending also seemed super rushed. I also hated that OF COURSE, cleo had to be the one to drop everything and move to follow HIS family and career. Grady didnt have to sacrifice anything.
I'm a bit of a second chance snob so while this wasnt my favorite, it may be yours so I still definitely recommend you read it!
November 13, 2025
I wanted to like this, since it was the last of the series, but I just couldn’t. MMC is HORRIBLE. Hes the most selfish person and took advantage of FMC’s loving nature. It made me not want to finish the book he bothered me so much. He got to live the life he wanted and then decided he wanted his old life back and expected it to be the same. It wasn’t fair to her, and I can’t stand the lack of communication. You can sign million dollar contracts, but didn’t think to ask her if she was dating anyone even though she asked you out? I’m annoyed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 29, 2025
Slow burn, second chance romance, past/present storyline, single dad, country music star- all the makings of a fabulous romance book! The family roots are strong in this series, and I love that while the focus is on Cleo and Grady, we still see plenty of Josie/Lincoln, and Lennox/Bishop.
The writing was strong in this final installment of the series, and plot/concept was delightful. However, overall it was a little lackluster for me. I didn’t like either main character which was a big problem. Grady is not a MMC I’m rooting for. He seems a little selfish and self-indulgent. He didn’t seem to try too hard to win Cleo over, and had an odd relationship with his daughter’s mother.
Cleo has no personality. After being in an abusive relationship, I could understand how she’d be unsure and tentative. But this started even before, when she was a teen. It’s like she needs to be picked up and put in a spot and told what to do. She was bland. I love when characters go to therapy and it shows it or talks about it but I think she needs a new therapist.
I definitely enjoyed the first two in the series SO much, so I’m going to consider this one a blip.
Thank you Amber Palmer for an advance copy of After the Rain for review.
The writing was strong in this final installment of the series, and plot/concept was delightful. However, overall it was a little lackluster for me. I didn’t like either main character which was a big problem. Grady is not a MMC I’m rooting for. He seems a little selfish and self-indulgent. He didn’t seem to try too hard to win Cleo over, and had an odd relationship with his daughter’s mother.
Cleo has no personality. After being in an abusive relationship, I could understand how she’d be unsure and tentative. But this started even before, when she was a teen. It’s like she needs to be picked up and put in a spot and told what to do. She was bland. I love when characters go to therapy and it shows it or talks about it but I think she needs a new therapist.
I definitely enjoyed the first two in the series SO much, so I’m going to consider this one a blip.
Thank you Amber Palmer for an advance copy of After the Rain for review.
November 23, 2025
Hey, so let’s not advertise a book as a single dad romance, and then make the MMC happily married.
Also, maybe it hasn’t always been you, cause I had no problem f*cking other women, and then marrying my best friend and having a daughter with her.
Also, maybe it hasn’t always been you, cause I had no problem f*cking other women, and then marrying my best friend and having a daughter with her.
November 12, 2025
This one fell short for me. While I enjoy flashbacks, it was like every time something happened, we got a flashback. And I just wanted to see progress in the present, it was a bit irritating.
There were so many things that bothered me:
- I didn’t like how Grady’s marriage wasn’t discussed. It was an important topic that should have been talked through…
- Grady should have backed off when letting Charlie push so much. I hate how it put her on the spot every time there was a conversation. Just a gross way to make her spend time or talk.
- When Cleo broke up with Grady, he literally went to the bar and was talking up a new girl. I feel like the relationship between them wasn’t that important if he couldn’t even remember her birthday, and forgot all about her a little later after Olivia introduced herself.
Unfortunately this one just wasn’t what I hoped for, especially since I really enjoyed the other books.
There were so many things that bothered me:
- I didn’t like how Grady’s marriage wasn’t discussed. It was an important topic that should have been talked through…
- Grady should have backed off when letting Charlie push so much. I hate how it put her on the spot every time there was a conversation. Just a gross way to make her spend time or talk.
- When Cleo broke up with Grady, he literally went to the bar and was talking up a new girl. I feel like the relationship between them wasn’t that important if he couldn’t even remember her birthday, and forgot all about her a little later after Olivia introduced herself.
Unfortunately this one just wasn’t what I hoped for, especially since I really enjoyed the other books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 16, 2025
Written for the eldest daughters. Seeing glimpses of Cleo and Grady in the previous books had me desperate to understand more and wow this was everything I wanted. Full of history, tension, pining, and the perfect slow burn.
It’s the third book in the series and you should read the others first! The sisters and their relationships play a big part in the story so I think it’s important for the full picture. Plus they are so good.
Read this when you’re in the mood for…
- second chance
- single dad….ish
- TENSION
- GROVELING
- it was always you
- secret tattoos
I would recommend this book and the whole series!
It’s the third book in the series and you should read the others first! The sisters and their relationships play a big part in the story so I think it’s important for the full picture. Plus they are so good.
Read this when you’re in the mood for…
- second chance
- single dad….ish
- TENSION
- GROVELING
- it was always you
- secret tattoos
I would recommend this book and the whole series!
November 9, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
After the first two books, I couldn’t wait for more of Cleo & Grady! We’ve seen glimpses of them once Grady was back in town, but I loved the flashbacks we got to when they were younger and how their relationship started. My heart hurt when they weren’t together, but I love how they reunited for a chance at love again. This whole series has been so enjoyable and I truly love the family at Black Springs Ranch.
What to expect:
💙second chance
💙divorced fmc
💙small town
💙secret tattoo
💙it’s always been you
💙mental health rep
💙single dad
Thank you so much to Amber Palmer for letting me read/review an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion!
After the first two books, I couldn’t wait for more of Cleo & Grady! We’ve seen glimpses of them once Grady was back in town, but I loved the flashbacks we got to when they were younger and how their relationship started. My heart hurt when they weren’t together, but I love how they reunited for a chance at love again. This whole series has been so enjoyable and I truly love the family at Black Springs Ranch.
What to expect:
💙second chance
💙divorced fmc
💙small town
💙secret tattoo
💙it’s always been you
💙mental health rep
💙single dad
Thank you so much to Amber Palmer for letting me read/review an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion!
November 6, 2025
While I truly did enjoy the premise of the story. I love the found family of the entire series & Grady’s daughter was such sunshine. There were some parts that had me giddy and swooning…and the spice was 🥵
The biggest thing that is bothering me to know end.
Grady & Cleo never had that massive conversation that they were both so insistent on having, but instead jumped into bed (yes this was a very slow burn). They kept saying they needed to have this conversation about what happened with Grady and why he got married and it was never even glanced over. We got a bit of closure on some aspects of their miscommunication through the years, but the subplot for Grady’s marriage was never wrapped up like I expected it to be.
The end felt super rushed. I wish Cleo had been able to figure herself out before jumping into Grady’s bed which again…being a slow burn it potential could have happened.
While I did really enjoy the first two books in the series, this one just wasn’t for me.
We did get a tease about where the next chapter of Amber Palmer’s writing journey is going and I am intrigued.
The biggest thing that is bothering me to know end.
Grady & Cleo never had that massive conversation that they were both so insistent on having, but instead jumped into bed (yes this was a very slow burn). They kept saying they needed to have this conversation about what happened with Grady and why he got married and it was never even glanced over. We got a bit of closure on some aspects of their miscommunication through the years, but the subplot for Grady’s marriage was never wrapped up like I expected it to be.
The end felt super rushed. I wish Cleo had been able to figure herself out before jumping into Grady’s bed which again…being a slow burn it potential could have happened.
While I did really enjoy the first two books in the series, this one just wasn’t for me.
We did get a tease about where the next chapter of Amber Palmer’s writing journey is going and I am intrigued.
November 12, 2025
I’m always iffy on second chance romance books bc of how unrealistic they are but this one definitely takes the cake for being a bit ridiculous. The whole miscommunication and arranged marriage thing was weird and idk I just couldn’t get behind the plot of the story.
November 11, 2025
Amber Palmer wrapped this story up perfectly. Cleo has always been the silent, selfless older sister constantly worrying about everyone but herself, and seeing her finally step into her own and claim the happiness she deserves was everything. Her growth in this book genuinely hit me.
Grady was absolute perfection. I will always be weak for a good single dad trope, and he delivered on every front. And Doug, Cleo’s dad, had me laughing out loud by the end. The man is a little sneaky, and I loved every second of it.
The secret tattoos and their meanings added such a soft, intimate layer to this story. And yes, Bluebird has officially been added to my list of favorite book nicknames.
The final line “I’m home” brought tears to my eyes and tied Cleo’s journey together so beautifully. A heartfelt, emotional, and satisfying read.
Grady was absolute perfection. I will always be weak for a good single dad trope, and he delivered on every front. And Doug, Cleo’s dad, had me laughing out loud by the end. The man is a little sneaky, and I loved every second of it.
The secret tattoos and their meanings added such a soft, intimate layer to this story. And yes, Bluebird has officially been added to my list of favorite book nicknames.
The final line “I’m home” brought tears to my eyes and tied Cleo’s journey together so beautifully. A heartfelt, emotional, and satisfying read.
November 2, 2025
5⭐️ received this as an ARC ❤️ What a wonderful way to end off this series! Loved this story for so many reasons. Talk of anxiety and therapy, long lost love, blended family, family dynamic, musician, and can’t forget the chemistry! Truly this books was written slightly differently than the past 2, it was a bit longer and it really needed to be to round out the storyline. I couldn’t get enough. Highly recommend this entire cowboy romance series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 11, 2025
Give me single dad with second chance and I’ll fold immediately!!!
I read the first two books in the series so you can imagine how excited I was for After The Rain.
This book, Ms. Amber? It tugged on my heartstrings. I laughed, I cried, I got frustrated, but I ultimately felt so deeply for both Grady and Cleo. I enjoyed every single aspect of this—from the found family, profound love, to the tough conversations.
Tropes:
💙Country music artist x Teacher
🕊️Second Chance Small Town Romance
💙Single Dad x Divorced FMC
🕊️Slow Burn
💙Angst, Yearning off the charts
🕊️He crawls to her
💙Mental Health Rep
🕊️Found Family
As the eldest daughter, this one hit home. I connected with Cleo: her ability to stay strong and hide her struggles from her family, always putting others above herself. This book touches on mental health, self-discovery, and heartbreak but also the fear of loving again. Everything was handled perfectly without ever feeling sidetracked from the plot.
And Grady? Wow, that man left me speechless the entire time. His character development, determination, his relationship with his daughter, and the way he cared for Cleo? May this kind of love find everyone, because truly, this man was written so perfectly. The patience and understanding he showed her, the way their flirting and chemistry felt so natural—I was giggling, kicking my feet, and clenching my chest from how cute it all was.
Don’t be fooled, though—it’s not all just cute and fuzzy. The yearning, the angst, and the slow burn were insane, but so worth it. This man would do anything for her… maybe even literally crawl to her *wink wink*.
This series will forever hold a piece of my heart. I cannot recommend this book—or the rest of the Hayes sisters’ stories or MMCs—enough.
Thank you to Amber Palmer and her team for the opportunity to read this ARC. 💙🪺
I read the first two books in the series so you can imagine how excited I was for After The Rain.
This book, Ms. Amber? It tugged on my heartstrings. I laughed, I cried, I got frustrated, but I ultimately felt so deeply for both Grady and Cleo. I enjoyed every single aspect of this—from the found family, profound love, to the tough conversations.
Tropes:
💙Country music artist x Teacher
🕊️Second Chance Small Town Romance
💙Single Dad x Divorced FMC
🕊️Slow Burn
💙Angst, Yearning off the charts
🕊️He crawls to her
💙Mental Health Rep
🕊️Found Family
As the eldest daughter, this one hit home. I connected with Cleo: her ability to stay strong and hide her struggles from her family, always putting others above herself. This book touches on mental health, self-discovery, and heartbreak but also the fear of loving again. Everything was handled perfectly without ever feeling sidetracked from the plot.
And Grady? Wow, that man left me speechless the entire time. His character development, determination, his relationship with his daughter, and the way he cared for Cleo? May this kind of love find everyone, because truly, this man was written so perfectly. The patience and understanding he showed her, the way their flirting and chemistry felt so natural—I was giggling, kicking my feet, and clenching my chest from how cute it all was.
Don’t be fooled, though—it’s not all just cute and fuzzy. The yearning, the angst, and the slow burn were insane, but so worth it. This man would do anything for her… maybe even literally crawl to her *wink wink*.
This series will forever hold a piece of my heart. I cannot recommend this book—or the rest of the Hayes sisters’ stories or MMCs—enough.
Thank you to Amber Palmer and her team for the opportunity to read this ARC. 💙🪺
November 12, 2025
I can’t believe the series is over.
😭😭😭
Amber poured her whole heart and soul and I felt it down to my core!
LOVED THIS ONE soooo much!
What a good way to end the series! I love this family with all my heart.
Amber Palmer makes us feel as we are part of the Black Springs Ranch.
READ IT! But start with book one so you can fall in love with this series.
😭😭😭
Amber poured her whole heart and soul and I felt it down to my core!
LOVED THIS ONE soooo much!
What a good way to end the series! I love this family with all my heart.
Amber Palmer makes us feel as we are part of the Black Springs Ranch.
READ IT! But start with book one so you can fall in love with this series.
November 11, 2025
Well if you want a book that you will just sob the whole time reading this is it. Cleo and Grady are too much I am obsessed with them
November 14, 2025
I can’t believe I finished this… i truly skimmed half of it because i couldn’t stand both the main characters. I’ve never hated a book more than this one. Cleo needed more intense therapy and Grady needed to jump off a cliff. Gross behavior
November 17, 2025
I do a lot of my reading at 2 am while feeding my baby and I decided that staring off into the abyss in darkness was better than finishing this book.
This book is terrible, which is a shame because the others were great. The FMC thinks the MMC is married for half the book and continues to be delusional and flirt with him. Honesting turning me off from reading anything else from Amber Palmer, I don't know if she actually wrote it or just Chat GPT'ed this shit and didn't bother to review it, but by god this is a huge skip. These reviews are all clearly early ARC readers.
This book is terrible, which is a shame because the others were great. The FMC thinks the MMC is married for half the book and continues to be delusional and flirt with him. Honesting turning me off from reading anything else from Amber Palmer, I don't know if she actually wrote it or just Chat GPT'ed this shit and didn't bother to review it, but by god this is a huge skip. These reviews are all clearly early ARC readers.
November 14, 2025
Obsessed! Grady and Cleo are my favorite, and I devoured this. I could relate to Cleo so much, and I just loved her. And Grady was such a good boy! That crawling scene had me absolutely feral. The tension, slow burn, and the yearning!! I am so sad that this was the end of Black Springs Ranch, but so excited for what is coming next. That teaser was everything!!!!
Thank you Amber Palmer for the opportunity to read this early. This is my honest review.
Thank you Amber Palmer for the opportunity to read this early. This is my honest review.
November 24, 2025
Not for me. When I want to read books about adults, it's incredibly annoying to have a flashback chapter every few pages where they're 16. First of all, no teenager behaves like Grady, and secondly, I really don't want to read about any awkward first times.
Unfortunately, I'm also not a fan of him in his adult life. He broke Cleos heart back then, fucked around, had a child with his best friend Liv and married her, all while claiming to be so in love with Cleo all the time? Then he comes back into her life - still married to his best friend - and tries to convince her to date him again, while trying to get closer to her through his daughter... What?! And finally the whole thing was more therapy talk than romance. As much as I loved the second book in the series, this one lost me. 2 Stars for mentioning Lennox and Bishop once in a while and the cute best friend scenes with Rachel.
Unfortunately, I'm also not a fan of him in his adult life. He broke Cleos heart back then, fucked around, had a child with his best friend Liv and married her, all while claiming to be so in love with Cleo all the time? Then he comes back into her life - still married to his best friend - and tries to convince her to date him again, while trying to get closer to her through his daughter... What?! And finally the whole thing was more therapy talk than romance. As much as I loved the second book in the series, this one lost me. 2 Stars for mentioning Lennox and Bishop once in a while and the cute best friend scenes with Rachel.
November 11, 2025
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️
Wow… what a way to end a series! Seriously I’ve been absolutely swept away by every book in the Black Springs Ranch series and After the Rain was no different. You won’t be able to stop yourself from falling in love with Cleo and Grady’s second chance at love and a life together! I mean their chemistry just leaps off the page, through shenanigans, romance, and even a few heartbreaking moments! Truly, though I couldn’t put this book down and would highly recommend it for anyone looking for an emotional, second chance romance, full of fabulously relatable characters, so many different emotions, amazing writing, a pinch or drama and a dash of spice, and strong family bonds all around, wrapped up neatly in a series ending happily ever after!
I truly did love after the rain and all the emotion packed into its story! I had been intrigued by Grady and Cleos story from the second they crossed paths in the bar… but to read it… oh my word it took my breath away! You simply can’t help but love Cleo immediately, I mean yes she’s a little reserved in comparison to her younger systems but a world of heart break and the feeling like you never quite fit would make anyone reserved. Watching Cleo overcome some of those obstacles and being loved through the ones that didn’t need fixing but just understanding was such a perfect read! As for Grady, I liked him, and I liked how he was with Charlie and Liv and even calms of his moments with Cleo, and I was rooting for him. But boy oh boy were there some moments I just wanted to shake him! Eventually he matures a bit though and I was able to wholeheartedly root for him and Cleo, and was beyond excited to see them get their happily ever after!
Overall this was just an amazing read and I can’t wait to see what comes next!
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️
Wow… what a way to end a series! Seriously I’ve been absolutely swept away by every book in the Black Springs Ranch series and After the Rain was no different. You won’t be able to stop yourself from falling in love with Cleo and Grady’s second chance at love and a life together! I mean their chemistry just leaps off the page, through shenanigans, romance, and even a few heartbreaking moments! Truly, though I couldn’t put this book down and would highly recommend it for anyone looking for an emotional, second chance romance, full of fabulously relatable characters, so many different emotions, amazing writing, a pinch or drama and a dash of spice, and strong family bonds all around, wrapped up neatly in a series ending happily ever after!
I truly did love after the rain and all the emotion packed into its story! I had been intrigued by Grady and Cleos story from the second they crossed paths in the bar… but to read it… oh my word it took my breath away! You simply can’t help but love Cleo immediately, I mean yes she’s a little reserved in comparison to her younger systems but a world of heart break and the feeling like you never quite fit would make anyone reserved. Watching Cleo overcome some of those obstacles and being loved through the ones that didn’t need fixing but just understanding was such a perfect read! As for Grady, I liked him, and I liked how he was with Charlie and Liv and even calms of his moments with Cleo, and I was rooting for him. But boy oh boy were there some moments I just wanted to shake him! Eventually he matures a bit though and I was able to wholeheartedly root for him and Cleo, and was beyond excited to see them get their happily ever after!
Overall this was just an amazing read and I can’t wait to see what comes next!
October 31, 2025
e-ARC Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐✨❤️!!!!!!!!!
You know what I regret? Reading this book first instead of starting with book one. I regret it so much that this was my first Amber Palmer book, but at the same time, I’m glad because I’ve fallen in love with her writing. After The Rain follows Cleo, a 36-year-old divorced woman, and Grady, also 36, her former high school love. Their story started when they were teenagers, and one of the main tropes in this book is second chances. Usually, that trope isn’t my favorite, but Amber handles it with such tenderness and depth. There’s no cheating or unnecessary drama; it’s about loving so deeply that you misinterpret things, make mistakes, and learn from them. The book also has a beautiful portrayal of mental health (anxiety, panic attacks, and emotional recovery are depicted with honesty and care), which I truly appreciate.
And let’s talk about the slow burn. When I say slow burn, I mean it. The kind that makes you whisper, “But when?” while DMing your friends for emotional support. I did exactly that, and my friend told me, “Be patient, it’s worth it.” And oh, it was worth it. Every single moment. Then there’s Charlie, his daughter: sweet, smart, kind, and so well written. You can feel how much love and effort her parents put into raising her. And Olivia, Grady’s ex-wife, is such an amazing woman. I love when single-parent stories show healthy co-parenting instead of toxic tension. Olivia is literally the number one supporter of Cleo and Grady, and I adored her for that.
This book is the perfect ending to a beautiful series. It made me laugh, it made me cry, and above all, it made me feel. If you’re reading this review, I hope it makes you want to pick up the book because it’s absolutely worth it. Thanks for reading my review!
You know what I regret? Reading this book first instead of starting with book one. I regret it so much that this was my first Amber Palmer book, but at the same time, I’m glad because I’ve fallen in love with her writing. After The Rain follows Cleo, a 36-year-old divorced woman, and Grady, also 36, her former high school love. Their story started when they were teenagers, and one of the main tropes in this book is second chances. Usually, that trope isn’t my favorite, but Amber handles it with such tenderness and depth. There’s no cheating or unnecessary drama; it’s about loving so deeply that you misinterpret things, make mistakes, and learn from them. The book also has a beautiful portrayal of mental health (anxiety, panic attacks, and emotional recovery are depicted with honesty and care), which I truly appreciate.
And let’s talk about the slow burn. When I say slow burn, I mean it. The kind that makes you whisper, “But when?” while DMing your friends for emotional support. I did exactly that, and my friend told me, “Be patient, it’s worth it.” And oh, it was worth it. Every single moment. Then there’s Charlie, his daughter: sweet, smart, kind, and so well written. You can feel how much love and effort her parents put into raising her. And Olivia, Grady’s ex-wife, is such an amazing woman. I love when single-parent stories show healthy co-parenting instead of toxic tension. Olivia is literally the number one supporter of Cleo and Grady, and I adored her for that.
This book is the perfect ending to a beautiful series. It made me laugh, it made me cry, and above all, it made me feel. If you’re reading this review, I hope it makes you want to pick up the book because it’s absolutely worth it. Thanks for reading my review!
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