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Willow Creek #1
Spur of the Moment
Not yet published
Expected 19 May 26This beautiful edition of Spur of the Moment will include spot gloss and a gorgeous inside cover design.
"This might just be my favorite summer yet at Willow Creek. Lottie doesn't know it, but I'm determined to make it her favorite too."
Seventeen-year-old Lottie Turner was born to ride bulls.
Rodeos, big dreams, dusty boots—bull-riding was her whole life. Until the accident. Until the diagnosis that changed epilepsy. Now her doctor and her family have grounded her for good. No bulls. No danger. No freedom.
Then Walker—her former best friend, first crush, and the boy who once knew every piece of her—returns to town for the summer. Walker's supposed to be chasing stars with NASA, not mucking stalls, even if he really does want dirt, sweat, and saddles. He wants Lottie Turner and all of her wildness.
When Lottie makes a summer bucket list to find herself again, Walker's the first to volunteer to do it with her. One item at a time, they tumble back into laughter, heat, and everything they left unsaid.
But as the sparks between them reignite, Lottie has to face the hardest truth of some risks can break you, but others are worth taking anyway.
"This might just be my favorite summer yet at Willow Creek. Lottie doesn't know it, but I'm determined to make it her favorite too."
Seventeen-year-old Lottie Turner was born to ride bulls.
Rodeos, big dreams, dusty boots—bull-riding was her whole life. Until the accident. Until the diagnosis that changed epilepsy. Now her doctor and her family have grounded her for good. No bulls. No danger. No freedom.
Then Walker—her former best friend, first crush, and the boy who once knew every piece of her—returns to town for the summer. Walker's supposed to be chasing stars with NASA, not mucking stalls, even if he really does want dirt, sweat, and saddles. He wants Lottie Turner and all of her wildness.
When Lottie makes a summer bucket list to find herself again, Walker's the first to volunteer to do it with her. One item at a time, they tumble back into laughter, heat, and everything they left unsaid.
But as the sparks between them reignite, Lottie has to face the hardest truth of some risks can break you, but others are worth taking anyway.
384 pages, Paperback
Expected publication May 19, 2026
1039 people want to read
About the author
Juliana Smith
10 books1,136 followersJuliana Smith grew up in an Alabama small town and still calls it home―along with her husband, daughter, two dogs, and an ever-growing collection of unfinished stories to come. She writes sweet, feel-good romance full of charm, laughter, and just the right amount of yearning. When she’s not falling in love with her fictional characters, she’s probably in the Chick-fil-A drive-thru or deep-diving into Star Wars theory podcasts.
Juliana believes in happily ever afters, second chances, and that life is better when you’re laughing (preferably with a Diet Dr Pepper in hand).
Juliana believes in happily ever afters, second chances, and that life is better when you’re laughing (preferably with a Diet Dr Pepper in hand).
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
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January 30, 2026Lottie + Walker coming to stores 5.19!
🍓🃏🤠🌞🍉🌷
Here’s a couple things you can expect from Lottie + Walker…
✨ second chance
✨ friends to strangers to lovers
✨ Retired junior female bull rider
✨ small town ranch
✨ Epilepsy rep
✨ hair washing scene
✨ Miley Cyrus summer aesthetic
✨ Ranchers daughter x hired cowboy
✨ and they were neighbors…
🍓🃏🤠🌞🍉🌷
Here’s a couple things you can expect from Lottie + Walker…
✨ second chance
✨ friends to strangers to lovers
✨ Retired junior female bull rider
✨ small town ranch
✨ Epilepsy rep
✨ hair washing scene
✨ Miley Cyrus summer aesthetic
✨ Ranchers daughter x hired cowboy
✨ and they were neighbors…
February 24, 2026
Thank you so much @read_bloom for this ARC.
It had been a long time since I'd read a YA romance and it's refreshing to read a story with young people who have passionate and wild feelings but don't always know how to express them.
Lottie touches me because she can no longer do what she loves most and is seen as fragile and broken by others. She had to grieve the loss of her passion and that's not something you can do overnight. She has this anger inside her and I understand her. I also really liked Walker, who is a gentle and attentive man without being overprotective or overbearing. He's an excellent listener and never neglect Lottie's reactions. By her side, he will manage to find the path he wants to take. His family often makes decisions for him, without asking his opinion and now it's his turn to choose what makes him truly happy.
I love how the author describes the Bloom Farm and the rural, family atmosphere. Her writing is fluid and immersive. You become attached to all these characters, whether it's Flick, Knox or even Kit. I found him incredibly adorable and his connection with Lottie brought joy, so much fun and sweetness to the story.
On the other hand, I'm a little sad about the bucket list, which I feel wasn't explored enough. I would have liked to see even more moments where Walker and Lottie checked off items on that list. But I can't wait to return to Willow Creek Ranch for the next book!!
"Is that what I am for you this summer? Your compass?"
"Trouble, you're the destination."
It had been a long time since I'd read a YA romance and it's refreshing to read a story with young people who have passionate and wild feelings but don't always know how to express them.
Lottie touches me because she can no longer do what she loves most and is seen as fragile and broken by others. She had to grieve the loss of her passion and that's not something you can do overnight. She has this anger inside her and I understand her. I also really liked Walker, who is a gentle and attentive man without being overprotective or overbearing. He's an excellent listener and never neglect Lottie's reactions. By her side, he will manage to find the path he wants to take. His family often makes decisions for him, without asking his opinion and now it's his turn to choose what makes him truly happy.
I love how the author describes the Bloom Farm and the rural, family atmosphere. Her writing is fluid and immersive. You become attached to all these characters, whether it's Flick, Knox or even Kit. I found him incredibly adorable and his connection with Lottie brought joy, so much fun and sweetness to the story.
On the other hand, I'm a little sad about the bucket list, which I feel wasn't explored enough. I would have liked to see even more moments where Walker and Lottie checked off items on that list. But I can't wait to return to Willow Creek Ranch for the next book!!
"Is that what I am for you this summer? Your compass?"
"Trouble, you're the destination."
January 26, 2026
this book is EVERYTHING to me - it’s perfect, precious, and quite possibly the best book I’ve ever read. 💗🍓🃏🌞🌷
February 24, 2026
Set during the summer before Lottie Turner turns eighteen, this book follows a girl whose life changed in an instant after an accident left her with epilepsy. Once fearless and independent, Lottie now feels trapped by rules, worry, and the way everyone around her treats her like she’s fragile. Her journey of learning how to live despite her circumstances was powerful, emotional, and incredibly moving.
Lottie’s anger, grief, and longing felt so real. Losing the life you planned for yourself is a kind of heartbreak, and this story gives her the space to feel all of it. Watching her grow into a deeper understanding of herself, her limits, and her strength was inspiring and honest.
Walker was such a wonderful presence in this story. He’s gentle, patient, and truly listens to Lottie without trying to control or fix her. Their relationship is full of warmth, history, and quiet support, and I loved how he stood beside her while also learning to choose what makes him happy.
The setting at Bloom Farm and Willow Creek Ranch was cozy and immersive, filled with a strong sense of family and community. The side characters also added so much heart to the story and I look forward to getting to know them all better.
At its core, this is a story about learning to live fully again, about love that comes from care and concern, and about finding freedom in new ways when life doesn’t go as planned. It’s tender, hopeful, and filled with so much heart.
A truly beautiful YA read, and I can’t wait to return to Willow Creek Ranch.
Thank you so much Sourcebooks Bloom, NetGalley, and Juliana Smith for this e-arc in exchange for my honest review.
Lottie’s anger, grief, and longing felt so real. Losing the life you planned for yourself is a kind of heartbreak, and this story gives her the space to feel all of it. Watching her grow into a deeper understanding of herself, her limits, and her strength was inspiring and honest.
Walker was such a wonderful presence in this story. He’s gentle, patient, and truly listens to Lottie without trying to control or fix her. Their relationship is full of warmth, history, and quiet support, and I loved how he stood beside her while also learning to choose what makes him happy.
The setting at Bloom Farm and Willow Creek Ranch was cozy and immersive, filled with a strong sense of family and community. The side characters also added so much heart to the story and I look forward to getting to know them all better.
At its core, this is a story about learning to live fully again, about love that comes from care and concern, and about finding freedom in new ways when life doesn’t go as planned. It’s tender, hopeful, and filled with so much heart.
A truly beautiful YA read, and I can’t wait to return to Willow Creek Ranch.
Thank you so much Sourcebooks Bloom, NetGalley, and Juliana Smith for this e-arc in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
Wow I just- what an incredible book. I have been so so excited about this book since the title alone got announced, so when it went up on netgalley for ARCs you best BET I requested as fast as possible. I truly love and adored this story. I loved Lottie and Walker and their story. I loved the town and the farm and the people and just UGH! It was beautiful. As a girly who struggled with finding who she was, I related to Lottie a TON. Like that’s my girl. I loved her strength and determination but also the realistic side of being angry with herself and others. I loved Walker and his patience and how he truly loved Lottie the way she needed to be loved. Getting to watch the characters in this book be teenagers and have fun and be content with the small things but be over joyed with the big things too? An incredible thing to read honestly. I truly cannot wait for the world to get their hands on this book and I am so excited for the other stories that are to come!
Songs I thought of while reading:
Wedding dress - megan moroney
You you you - maisie peters
Wow I just- what an incredible book. I have been so so excited about this book since the title alone got announced, so when it went up on netgalley for ARCs you best BET I requested as fast as possible. I truly love and adored this story. I loved Lottie and Walker and their story. I loved the town and the farm and the people and just UGH! It was beautiful. As a girly who struggled with finding who she was, I related to Lottie a TON. Like that’s my girl. I loved her strength and determination but also the realistic side of being angry with herself and others. I loved Walker and his patience and how he truly loved Lottie the way she needed to be loved. Getting to watch the characters in this book be teenagers and have fun and be content with the small things but be over joyed with the big things too? An incredible thing to read honestly. I truly cannot wait for the world to get their hands on this book and I am so excited for the other stories that are to come!
Songs I thought of while reading:
Wedding dress - megan moroney
You you you - maisie peters
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This story was just perfect! I absolutely adored our characters that bring such an unique touch to this story and made me feel very emotional whilst reading it. The idea of the bucket list was a nice touch to the story but could have been a bigger part of it in my opinion. But all in all this was such a nice read!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews