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Rawlings Ranch #2
Storm Warning
From the sound of a bell to the buck of a bull, a person's fate can shift in an instant. One choice, one action, one second can change everything.
Being a champion bull rider is all Rhett Rogers has ever dreamed of and lucky for him he has the talent to become a star. But fate is a fickle thing, and every ride is an eight second gamble against being the best, or landing among those who wish they were. As fate would have it, Rhett finds himself grappling with the decision to face his fears or save those he loves while succumbing to a life that fails to set his soul on fire. But making that decision isn’t as easy as he’d thought it’d be.
Kaylee Slayton has dealt with her fair share of disappointments her whole life. But none compare to the sadness triggered by the one man she should have been able to depend on— her dad. Alone in this world and hoping to make something of herself, she leaves the only life she's ever known behind. Swearing off anything to do with rodeos in the process. Love and trust are hard to come by, forcing her to not only guard her heart, but let it harden all together.
A quick run in with a certain cocky, attractive and positively magnetic man leads her to question the wall she built so high. The only problem is he comes paired with a cowboy hat.
Their need to find themselves brings them together, but her stubbornness and his desire for a thrill could ruin everything.
Is it true that love can conquer all?
Set in early 2000's
Rom-Com
Bull Rider
Black Cat FMC/ Golden Retriever MMC
Small Town Country Romance / Cowboy Romance
Slow burn
He Falls First
Dislike to Love (loosely "Enemies to Lovers")
On Page Spice
Storm Warning Is book 2 in the Rawlings Ranch Series and can be read as a complete standalone.
For readers who like love stories with a nostalgic early 2000’s twist.
Being a champion bull rider is all Rhett Rogers has ever dreamed of and lucky for him he has the talent to become a star. But fate is a fickle thing, and every ride is an eight second gamble against being the best, or landing among those who wish they were. As fate would have it, Rhett finds himself grappling with the decision to face his fears or save those he loves while succumbing to a life that fails to set his soul on fire. But making that decision isn’t as easy as he’d thought it’d be.
Kaylee Slayton has dealt with her fair share of disappointments her whole life. But none compare to the sadness triggered by the one man she should have been able to depend on— her dad. Alone in this world and hoping to make something of herself, she leaves the only life she's ever known behind. Swearing off anything to do with rodeos in the process. Love and trust are hard to come by, forcing her to not only guard her heart, but let it harden all together.
A quick run in with a certain cocky, attractive and positively magnetic man leads her to question the wall she built so high. The only problem is he comes paired with a cowboy hat.
Their need to find themselves brings them together, but her stubbornness and his desire for a thrill could ruin everything.
Is it true that love can conquer all?
Set in early 2000's
Rom-Com
Bull Rider
Black Cat FMC/ Golden Retriever MMC
Small Town Country Romance / Cowboy Romance
Slow burn
He Falls First
Dislike to Love (loosely "Enemies to Lovers")
On Page Spice
Storm Warning Is book 2 in the Rawlings Ranch Series and can be read as a complete standalone.
For readers who like love stories with a nostalgic early 2000’s twist.
460 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 26, 2026
29 people are currently reading
391 people want to read
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March 5, 2026
જ⁀➴ 2 stars
Thank you to Ella Embers and Love Notes PR for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. Storm Warning is out now!
.°˖⋆ ℧ 𓃗 .°˖⋆𐚁.°˖⋆ ℧ 𓃗 .°˖⋆𐚁.°˖⋆ ℧ 𓃗 .°˖⋆𐚁.°˖⋆ ℧ 𓃗 .°˖⋆𐚁.°˖⋆ ℧ 𓃗 .°˖⋆𐚁.°˖⋆ ℧ 𓃗 .°˖⋆𐚁
I REALLY wanted to like this book. It's been a while since I read a cowboy/Western romance, so I figured this would be right up my alley at the time and would've been a fun read, especially since this takes place in the early 2000s, and I was looking for that sort of nostalgia. Unfortunately, I feel like this is a "it's not you, it's me" sort of situation, and I just never felt like there was a point where I ever felt fully invested in Rhett and Kaylee's story. There are a lot of reasons why that is, and they all sort of go hand-in-hand with each other to form one giant mess that ended up being this book.
Rhett Rogers is at the top of his game as a bullrider. He's seen the fame and fortune it brings him, and he's been living the highlife for quite some time. When he suffers an accident, and his family's ranch goes under, he realizes that he could've been saving the money he spent to help them, and now works a dead-end job to support his family. Enter Kaylee Slayton, fashionista, small business owner, and DEFINITELY hates everything that has to do with bullriding. When she and Rhett cross paths due to their best friends, she's determined to keep him at arm's length, while Rhett's determined to bring her walls down.
As usual, I want to point out that this is the second book in a series of interconnected standalones, so you don't have to read the first book if you don't want to! I've heard that the first book's events run parallel to this book's, just with a different couple (AKA Kaylee and Rhett's best friends), so there are some minor references here and there to their story, but nothing that I don't think would be considered a spoiler.
I personally felt like there were a lot of moving parts to the story that never meshed, so let's break it down piece by piece:
.°˖⋆ ℧ The pacing: Everything just felt...disjointed. The story starts in the past, years before the events of the main story take place, and we immediately see that Kaylee and Rhett have a bunch of missed encounters and a "right place, wrong time" sort of situation where they see that the other person exists, but they don't really act on it. The story then jumps to the present-day timeline when the main events unfold, but there were time jumps spanning weeks or even months that made the pacing clunky, in my opinion. Time jumps are hard to pull off, in my opinion, only because you really have to sell the idea that the MCs and their relationships are developing on-page based on the interactions you do include in a story. You just sort of have to assume that a good portion of their interactions, bonding, and relationship develop happen off-page, but I never felt like any of that happened between Kaylee and Rhett. I'll get to that in a little bit.
.°˖⋆ ℧ The 2000s nostalgia: Okay, so I may have been a toddler when the story takes place (2004), but that's not to say that I didn't grow up with all of the stuff that kids grew up with in the late 90s and early 2000s! I loved the little nods and references to the old days—iPods, Kelly Clarkson, inflatable chairs, Blackberry phones with the keyboard, people having to buy minutes on their phone because unlimited data plans weren't a thing yet—but other than those references, I never would've been able to tell that this took place in the 2000s. If those references weren't in there, I would've 100% assumed it took place in the 2010s or 2020s in present-day.
.°˖⋆ ℧ Rhett and Kaylee's relationship: This kind of goes hand-in-hand with the pacing, but I felt like we didn't get enough interactions with them where they actually bonded and spent time together for the first maybe like...50% of the book. The first half of the book consisted of Kaylee taking jabs at Rhett because of her own prejudices towards bullriders (you'll find out why when you read the book) and Rhett still trying to win her over, but even that push and pull wasn't even the main focus of the story, in my opinion. Both of their POVs spent a lot time on them alone doing their own thing—Kaylee at her coffee shop and Rhett at his construction job— on TOP of them hanging out with their friends and not really seeing much of each other. This resulted in great individual character development for each of them, but not so much when it comes to their relationship. Granted, because of the time jumps even in the main storyline, the readers have to assume that a lot of their romantic relationship developed off-page, which I felt hurt the story more than helped. I felt like at times I was more invested in Daisy and Sawyer's relationship and how it was going rather than Kaylee and Rhett's because so much of the story felt like it was focused on them more than....well, the actual main characters of this story.
Overall, this personally wasn't my favorite book, but I'm now curious to read about Daisy and Sawyer's story so I honestly might go back and revisit their book at some point down the line.
.°˖⋆ ℧ 𓃗 .°˖⋆𐚁.°˖⋆ ℧ 𓃗 .°˖⋆𐚁.°˖⋆ ℧ 𓃗 .°˖⋆𐚁.°˖⋆ ℧ 𓃗 .°˖⋆𐚁.°˖⋆ ℧ 𓃗 .°˖⋆𐚁.°˖⋆ ℧ 𓃗 .°˖⋆𐚁
Trigger/content warnings (provided by the author at the beginning of the book): sexual content (I'd personally say it's a 1.5/5 on the spicy scale, but obviously this may vary from person to person), PTSD, abuse, cheating (by a parent of one of the MCs), bad family/parent relationships/dynamic, anxiety, alcohol consumption
"And I realize in the moment he was meant to find his trophy, he found me instead."
Thank you to Ella Embers and Love Notes PR for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. Storm Warning is out now!
.°˖⋆ ℧ 𓃗 .°˖⋆𐚁.°˖⋆ ℧ 𓃗 .°˖⋆𐚁.°˖⋆ ℧ 𓃗 .°˖⋆𐚁.°˖⋆ ℧ 𓃗 .°˖⋆𐚁.°˖⋆ ℧ 𓃗 .°˖⋆𐚁.°˖⋆ ℧ 𓃗 .°˖⋆𐚁
I REALLY wanted to like this book. It's been a while since I read a cowboy/Western romance, so I figured this would be right up my alley at the time and would've been a fun read, especially since this takes place in the early 2000s, and I was looking for that sort of nostalgia. Unfortunately, I feel like this is a "it's not you, it's me" sort of situation, and I just never felt like there was a point where I ever felt fully invested in Rhett and Kaylee's story. There are a lot of reasons why that is, and they all sort of go hand-in-hand with each other to form one giant mess that ended up being this book.
Rhett Rogers is at the top of his game as a bullrider. He's seen the fame and fortune it brings him, and he's been living the highlife for quite some time. When he suffers an accident, and his family's ranch goes under, he realizes that he could've been saving the money he spent to help them, and now works a dead-end job to support his family. Enter Kaylee Slayton, fashionista, small business owner, and DEFINITELY hates everything that has to do with bullriding. When she and Rhett cross paths due to their best friends, she's determined to keep him at arm's length, while Rhett's determined to bring her walls down.
As usual, I want to point out that this is the second book in a series of interconnected standalones, so you don't have to read the first book if you don't want to! I've heard that the first book's events run parallel to this book's, just with a different couple (AKA Kaylee and Rhett's best friends), so there are some minor references here and there to their story, but nothing that I don't think would be considered a spoiler.
I personally felt like there were a lot of moving parts to the story that never meshed, so let's break it down piece by piece:
.°˖⋆ ℧ The pacing: Everything just felt...disjointed. The story starts in the past, years before the events of the main story take place, and we immediately see that Kaylee and Rhett have a bunch of missed encounters and a "right place, wrong time" sort of situation where they see that the other person exists, but they don't really act on it. The story then jumps to the present-day timeline when the main events unfold, but there were time jumps spanning weeks or even months that made the pacing clunky, in my opinion. Time jumps are hard to pull off, in my opinion, only because you really have to sell the idea that the MCs and their relationships are developing on-page based on the interactions you do include in a story. You just sort of have to assume that a good portion of their interactions, bonding, and relationship develop happen off-page, but I never felt like any of that happened between Kaylee and Rhett. I'll get to that in a little bit.
.°˖⋆ ℧ The 2000s nostalgia: Okay, so I may have been a toddler when the story takes place (2004), but that's not to say that I didn't grow up with all of the stuff that kids grew up with in the late 90s and early 2000s! I loved the little nods and references to the old days—iPods, Kelly Clarkson, inflatable chairs, Blackberry phones with the keyboard, people having to buy minutes on their phone because unlimited data plans weren't a thing yet—but other than those references, I never would've been able to tell that this took place in the 2000s. If those references weren't in there, I would've 100% assumed it took place in the 2010s or 2020s in present-day.
.°˖⋆ ℧ Rhett and Kaylee's relationship: This kind of goes hand-in-hand with the pacing, but I felt like we didn't get enough interactions with them where they actually bonded and spent time together for the first maybe like...50% of the book. The first half of the book consisted of Kaylee taking jabs at Rhett because of her own prejudices towards bullriders (you'll find out why when you read the book) and Rhett still trying to win her over, but even that push and pull wasn't even the main focus of the story, in my opinion. Both of their POVs spent a lot time on them alone doing their own thing—Kaylee at her coffee shop and Rhett at his construction job— on TOP of them hanging out with their friends and not really seeing much of each other. This resulted in great individual character development for each of them, but not so much when it comes to their relationship. Granted, because of the time jumps even in the main storyline, the readers have to assume that a lot of their romantic relationship developed off-page, which I felt hurt the story more than helped. I felt like at times I was more invested in Daisy and Sawyer's relationship and how it was going rather than Kaylee and Rhett's because so much of the story felt like it was focused on them more than....well, the actual main characters of this story.
Overall, this personally wasn't my favorite book, but I'm now curious to read about Daisy and Sawyer's story so I honestly might go back and revisit their book at some point down the line.
.°˖⋆ ℧ 𓃗 .°˖⋆𐚁.°˖⋆ ℧ 𓃗 .°˖⋆𐚁.°˖⋆ ℧ 𓃗 .°˖⋆𐚁.°˖⋆ ℧ 𓃗 .°˖⋆𐚁.°˖⋆ ℧ 𓃗 .°˖⋆𐚁.°˖⋆ ℧ 𓃗 .°˖⋆𐚁
Trigger/content warnings (provided by the author at the beginning of the book): sexual content (I'd personally say it's a 1.5/5 on the spicy scale, but obviously this may vary from person to person), PTSD, abuse, cheating (by a parent of one of the MCs), bad family/parent relationships/dynamic, anxiety, alcohol consumption
March 5, 2026
Thank you to Love Notes PR for giving me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Actual rating 3.5 ⭐️
I had a really good time reading this! Rhett was kind of an asshole at the beginning but I loved him by the end! The book was tender and funny and the slow burn was perfect.
Read this if you love:
• bull rider MMC
• Black cat × golden retriever
• small town
• he falls first
• slow burn
Actual rating 3.5 ⭐️
I had a really good time reading this! Rhett was kind of an asshole at the beginning but I loved him by the end! The book was tender and funny and the slow burn was perfect.
Read this if you love:
• bull rider MMC
• Black cat × golden retriever
• small town
• he falls first
• slow burn
February 27, 2026
This was cute 😍 always love a black cat x golden retriever dynamic 🤭
-
⛈️🤠 ARC Review - Storm Warning by Ella Embers 🤠⛈️
Cowboy romances always have my heart, and this one was no exception 💕 She’s feisty, guarded, and impossible not to love and he adores every bit of it. Watching him slowly break down her walls and fall first was everything 🫶
I loved her softer side with her best friend, and the quiet ways he showed up for her, calling her angel and proving his love through actions, not just words 🪽
Tender, funny, and the perfect slow burn with just the right amount of spice 🌶️
This book is for you if you like:
💚 Early 2000’s
🤣 Rom-com
🤠 Bull rider MMC
🐈⬛ Black Cat x Golden Retriever
🏡 Small town
🔥 Slow burn
👀 He falls first
🤭 Dislike to love
Thank you to @authorellaembers and @lovenotes.pr for the eARC 💚
-
⛈️🤠 ARC Review - Storm Warning by Ella Embers 🤠⛈️
Cowboy romances always have my heart, and this one was no exception 💕 She’s feisty, guarded, and impossible not to love and he adores every bit of it. Watching him slowly break down her walls and fall first was everything 🫶
I loved her softer side with her best friend, and the quiet ways he showed up for her, calling her angel and proving his love through actions, not just words 🪽
Tender, funny, and the perfect slow burn with just the right amount of spice 🌶️
This book is for you if you like:
💚 Early 2000’s
🤣 Rom-com
🤠 Bull rider MMC
🐈⬛ Black Cat x Golden Retriever
🏡 Small town
🔥 Slow burn
👀 He falls first
🤭 Dislike to love
Thank you to @authorellaembers and @lovenotes.pr for the eARC 💚
they-told-me-to-read-it
January 31, 2026
March 28, 2026
I was SO excited to read this book because I already loved Rhett in “She’s My Kind of Rain” and let me just say, he absolutely did not disappoint in his own book!!!!
Kaylee and Rhett are the PERFECT golden retriever x black cat couple. Their dynamic was everything I hoped for and more. I loved their banter so much and the way Kaylee’s sometimes mean behavior never scared Rhett off just made him want to explore the “challenge” even more. He’s the kind of guy who the moment he senses something is wrong or there’s a miscommunication, he actually communicates and tries to fix it right away (we LOVE to see it 😩💖).
Also something really special for me: I usually don’t clearly “see” scenes when I read. My brain just doesn’t work that way (unfortunately 💔). But at the very start of this book.. Ella Embers somehow pulled me completely into the scenery I could picture everything so clearly (the rodeo rink, Rhett and Hellfire EVERYTHING). That has rarely happened to me like this before and I absolutely loved that experience.
If you’re looking for a swoon worthy, 2000s country romance this is definitely the book for you 🤠☕️🤎
Kaylee and Rhett are the PERFECT golden retriever x black cat couple. Their dynamic was everything I hoped for and more. I loved their banter so much and the way Kaylee’s sometimes mean behavior never scared Rhett off just made him want to explore the “challenge” even more. He’s the kind of guy who the moment he senses something is wrong or there’s a miscommunication, he actually communicates and tries to fix it right away (we LOVE to see it 😩💖).
Also something really special for me: I usually don’t clearly “see” scenes when I read. My brain just doesn’t work that way (unfortunately 💔). But at the very start of this book.. Ella Embers somehow pulled me completely into the scenery I could picture everything so clearly (the rodeo rink, Rhett and Hellfire EVERYTHING). That has rarely happened to me like this before and I absolutely loved that experience.
If you’re looking for a swoon worthy, 2000s country romance this is definitely the book for you 🤠☕️🤎
February 15, 2026
thank you love notes pr and ella embers for an earc of this book in exchange for my honest review!
this is the second book in the rawlings ranch series following rhett and kassidy. this takes place at the same time as she's my kind of rain (which we follow daisy and sawyers story), kassidy has her heart locked up and the walls up after her dad who is a very popular bull rider leaves her and her mom when she's a little kid and doesn't trust any sort of cowboy. rhett is a bull ruder who recently takes a nasty fall and is working construction where they run into each other and form a friendship that soon turns into something more.
i really enjoyed this book so much! this was really cute and even though the back and forth between kassidy and rhett did get a bit repetitive at times i thought this was such a cute cowboy romance! listen is it groundbreaking? no but i really did enjoy the emotional depth between the two characters as well as their relationships with some of the side characters in this. this is the perfect pallet cleanser and would be perfect for the summer! also the 2000s nostalgia was incredible, ella knows how to write the 2000s that's for sure!
read if you like:
💖 cowboy romances
💖 black cat x golden retriever
💖 he falls first and harder
💖 small town romances
storm warning by ella embers will be out on february 26, 2026 on KU and anywhere you read your books.
this is the second book in the rawlings ranch series following rhett and kassidy. this takes place at the same time as she's my kind of rain (which we follow daisy and sawyers story), kassidy has her heart locked up and the walls up after her dad who is a very popular bull rider leaves her and her mom when she's a little kid and doesn't trust any sort of cowboy. rhett is a bull ruder who recently takes a nasty fall and is working construction where they run into each other and form a friendship that soon turns into something more.
i really enjoyed this book so much! this was really cute and even though the back and forth between kassidy and rhett did get a bit repetitive at times i thought this was such a cute cowboy romance! listen is it groundbreaking? no but i really did enjoy the emotional depth between the two characters as well as their relationships with some of the side characters in this. this is the perfect pallet cleanser and would be perfect for the summer! also the 2000s nostalgia was incredible, ella knows how to write the 2000s that's for sure!
read if you like:
💖 cowboy romances
💖 black cat x golden retriever
💖 he falls first and harder
💖 small town romances
storm warning by ella embers will be out on february 26, 2026 on KU and anywhere you read your books.
March 8, 2026
Did someone say cowboys? Sign me up!
I loved this country style book with an early 2000’s twist!! I do agree with someone else mentioning that the MMC’s spent a while living their lives in the book till they crossed paths, but once they did the slow burn was everything! I loved Kaylee from the very beginning and her assertiveness to not take shit from anyone. What I loved about Rhett was his hard working attitude and confidence! Thank you to Love Notes PR for an ARC copy of this book!
I loved this country style book with an early 2000’s twist!! I do agree with someone else mentioning that the MMC’s spent a while living their lives in the book till they crossed paths, but once they did the slow burn was everything! I loved Kaylee from the very beginning and her assertiveness to not take shit from anyone. What I loved about Rhett was his hard working attitude and confidence! Thank you to Love Notes PR for an ARC copy of this book!
March 1, 2026
ELLA. You early-2000s sorceress. ✨
The way this book grabbed me by my Love Spell–drenched hoodie and threw me straight back into my teenage delusions??? ICONIC.
Now let’s discuss the real reason I was feral: Rhett Rogers.
Cowboy. Ranch-raised. Champion bull rider dreams. Southern twang so thick I swear I started saying “darlin’” unironically. He’s got that quiet ambition, that steady presence, that “I will burn the world down but respectfully” energy. And the fact that all he really wants is someone to share the dream with??? Sir. Immediately yes.
And then we have Kaylee Slayton — black cat energy ACTIVATED. 🖤
Homegirl has walls taller than her dad’s ego (and that’s saying something). After being abandoned by bull riding legend Roy Slayton, she wants nothing to do with rodeos, cowboys, or anything that smells like dirt and broken promises. And honestly? Fair.
But watching her realize Rhett is nothing like her father? Watching those walls crack? The slow burn tension? The banter that had me smirking like I knew them personally? ELITE ROMANCE BEHAVIOR.
This isn’t just a cowboy romance.
It’s healing.
It’s growth.
It’s “I didn’t believe in love but now I believe in THIS love.”
Trauma who? When the right man shows up steady, soft, and stubbornly devoted, everything changes.
Ella really said, “Here’s your nostalgic fantasy… and also a cowboy who will ruin all other men for you.”
The way this book grabbed me by my Love Spell–drenched hoodie and threw me straight back into my teenage delusions??? ICONIC.
Now let’s discuss the real reason I was feral: Rhett Rogers.
Cowboy. Ranch-raised. Champion bull rider dreams. Southern twang so thick I swear I started saying “darlin’” unironically. He’s got that quiet ambition, that steady presence, that “I will burn the world down but respectfully” energy. And the fact that all he really wants is someone to share the dream with??? Sir. Immediately yes.
And then we have Kaylee Slayton — black cat energy ACTIVATED. 🖤
Homegirl has walls taller than her dad’s ego (and that’s saying something). After being abandoned by bull riding legend Roy Slayton, she wants nothing to do with rodeos, cowboys, or anything that smells like dirt and broken promises. And honestly? Fair.
But watching her realize Rhett is nothing like her father? Watching those walls crack? The slow burn tension? The banter that had me smirking like I knew them personally? ELITE ROMANCE BEHAVIOR.
This isn’t just a cowboy romance.
It’s healing.
It’s growth.
It’s “I didn’t believe in love but now I believe in THIS love.”
Trauma who? When the right man shows up steady, soft, and stubbornly devoted, everything changes.
Ella really said, “Here’s your nostalgic fantasy… and also a cowboy who will ruin all other men for you.”
March 5, 2026
˗ˏˋ 2 stars ⟡ ݁₊ .
honestly i requested this book bc the cover looked really pretty?? i wanted so badly to like this book but i just couldn't care much about either of the main characters.
rhett and kaylee's relationship felt really surface level iykwim. for the most part, it was just each of them doing their own thing in the beginning of the book, like they didn't even spend much time together so it was really hard for me to stay invested in their relationship.
this book took like SO LONG for me to finish too?? i think it's mostly cuz of the choppy pacing and things got a little repetitive that made it hard for me to finish..
however, i really liked the 2000s setting? like i was probably still a toddler then but i liked the ipods, paying for phone time references. that was cute i guess
⤷ thank you to the author, ella embers, and love notes pr for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
honestly i requested this book bc the cover looked really pretty?? i wanted so badly to like this book but i just couldn't care much about either of the main characters.
rhett and kaylee's relationship felt really surface level iykwim. for the most part, it was just each of them doing their own thing in the beginning of the book, like they didn't even spend much time together so it was really hard for me to stay invested in their relationship.
this book took like SO LONG for me to finish too?? i think it's mostly cuz of the choppy pacing and things got a little repetitive that made it hard for me to finish..
however, i really liked the 2000s setting? like i was probably still a toddler then but i liked the ipods, paying for phone time references. that was cute i guess
⤷ thank you to the author, ella embers, and love notes pr for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Read
February 13, 2026Rhett Rogers creció soñando con domar los toros más salvajes y convertirse en leyenda del rodeo. La adrenalina corre por sus venas, pero cuando una caída casi le arrebata todo y la amenaza de perder el rancho familiar se vuelve real, su mundo perfecto empieza a tambalearse. De pronto ya no monta solo por gloria, sino por necesidad, con el peso de su nombre sobre los hombros.
Kaylee aprendió desde niña que no puede confiar en nadie, mucho menos en los vaqueros. El abandono de su padre dejó una marca que no piensa permitir que nadie vuelva a tocar. Fuerte, sarcástica y con carácter suficiente para poner a cualquiera en su lugar, no está interesada en hombres que vivan de aplausos y promesas vacías.
Cuando sus caminos se cruzan, las chispas saltan. Él representa todo lo que ella detesta y ella es el único desafío que él no sabe cómo enfrentar.
______--
Que nefasto el padre de Kaylee.
Gracias Love Notes PR por el ARC.
Kaylee aprendió desde niña que no puede confiar en nadie, mucho menos en los vaqueros. El abandono de su padre dejó una marca que no piensa permitir que nadie vuelva a tocar. Fuerte, sarcástica y con carácter suficiente para poner a cualquiera en su lugar, no está interesada en hombres que vivan de aplausos y promesas vacías.
Cuando sus caminos se cruzan, las chispas saltan. Él representa todo lo que ella detesta y ella es el único desafío que él no sabe cómo enfrentar.
______--
Que nefasto el padre de Kaylee.
Gracias Love Notes PR por el ARC.
March 26, 2026
I really wanted to love Storm Warning by Ella Embers, especially since it’s been a while since I picked up a good cowboy romance. The premise had a lot of promise, and I was excited to get swept up in that rugged, small-town charm. Unfortunately, it just didn’t fully land for me.
While the setting and overall vibe were enjoyable, the story felt a bit uneven. The chemistry between the main characters didn’t quite hit the mark—I kept waiting for that emotional spark, but it never fully developed. Some moments that should have felt intense or heartfelt came across as rushed or lacking depth.
That said, it wasn’t all bad. There were a few sweet scenes and glimpses of what the story could have been, and fans of the genre might still find something to enjoy. For me, though, it ended up being an okay read—one I don’t regret picking up, but probably won’t revisit.
While the setting and overall vibe were enjoyable, the story felt a bit uneven. The chemistry between the main characters didn’t quite hit the mark—I kept waiting for that emotional spark, but it never fully developed. Some moments that should have felt intense or heartfelt came across as rushed or lacking depth.
That said, it wasn’t all bad. There were a few sweet scenes and glimpses of what the story could have been, and fans of the genre might still find something to enjoy. For me, though, it ended up being an okay read—one I don’t regret picking up, but probably won’t revisit.
February 27, 2026
thank you to the author for giving me an arc in exchange for my honest review!
dare i say i loved rhett and kaylees story more then daisy and sawyer?
i would say you don’t need to read the first book to read this one as it pretty much is linear and occurring at the same time as SMKOR, but I still suggest reading SMKOR before reading this one to get the full ✨experience✨
kaylee is very standoffish of cowboys, rightfully so because her dad is a MAJOR douche canoe. but when she meets rhett her walls slowly start coming down. and she can’t help but slowly fall for him.
as for rhett, he’s had his eye on kaylee since he first met her. and his tasteful cocky demeanor really made him such an enjoyable mmc. the banter between him and kaylee was just amazing and i loved their nicknames for each other.
if you’re looking for an early 2000s cowboy romance with some top tier banter as well as some pretty solid character growth this is the book for you!
dare i say i loved rhett and kaylees story more then daisy and sawyer?
i would say you don’t need to read the first book to read this one as it pretty much is linear and occurring at the same time as SMKOR, but I still suggest reading SMKOR before reading this one to get the full ✨experience✨
kaylee is very standoffish of cowboys, rightfully so because her dad is a MAJOR douche canoe. but when she meets rhett her walls slowly start coming down. and she can’t help but slowly fall for him.
as for rhett, he’s had his eye on kaylee since he first met her. and his tasteful cocky demeanor really made him such an enjoyable mmc. the banter between him and kaylee was just amazing and i loved their nicknames for each other.
if you’re looking for an early 2000s cowboy romance with some top tier banter as well as some pretty solid character growth this is the book for you!
March 5, 2026
3.25 ⭐️
Admittedly, I was drawn in to this book due to both the cover and the premise. I love a good cowboy romance. Kaylee and Rhett definitely have chemistry, and I was a fan of it being set in the 2000s.
I did find that at times the story dragged, and I wanted a bit more of showing the evolving relationship between Kaylee and Rhett rather then having it implied- because of this the book feel a bit flat for me unfortunately. I need emotional intimacy to really connect with a book and I wasn't feeling enough of it to really get into this one.
Tropes etc:
✨bull rider mmc
✨early 200s
✨golden retriever mmc
✨slow burn
✨romantic comedy
✨he falls first
✨black cat fmc
✨small town romance
Thanks to Love notes PR for the ARC.
Admittedly, I was drawn in to this book due to both the cover and the premise. I love a good cowboy romance. Kaylee and Rhett definitely have chemistry, and I was a fan of it being set in the 2000s.
I did find that at times the story dragged, and I wanted a bit more of showing the evolving relationship between Kaylee and Rhett rather then having it implied- because of this the book feel a bit flat for me unfortunately. I need emotional intimacy to really connect with a book and I wasn't feeling enough of it to really get into this one.
Tropes etc:
✨bull rider mmc
✨early 200s
✨golden retriever mmc
✨slow burn
✨romantic comedy
✨he falls first
✨black cat fmc
✨small town romance
Thanks to Love notes PR for the ARC.
March 10, 2026
✨ Set in the early 2000’s
✨ Black Cat x Golden Retriever MC’s
✨ Small Town Romance
✨ Slow Burn
✨ Dislike to Lovers
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review… even if it is a tad bit later and it’s already out now!
I really enjoyed this story and the build up of both main and additional characters. The dual point of view helped me build a good picture of both Rhett and Kaylee and how they got to where they are when they meet, again.
I loved the early 2000’s references and gosh do I miss a flip phone dangly accessory… the nostalgia was real with this one!
Deals with childhood neglect and slight trauma as well as healing and growing which I found really beautiful. And of course I love a small town romance with any form of cowboy, so yeehaw!
✨ Black Cat x Golden Retriever MC’s
✨ Small Town Romance
✨ Slow Burn
✨ Dislike to Lovers
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review… even if it is a tad bit later and it’s already out now!
I really enjoyed this story and the build up of both main and additional characters. The dual point of view helped me build a good picture of both Rhett and Kaylee and how they got to where they are when they meet, again.
I loved the early 2000’s references and gosh do I miss a flip phone dangly accessory… the nostalgia was real with this one!
Deals with childhood neglect and slight trauma as well as healing and growing which I found really beautiful. And of course I love a small town romance with any form of cowboy, so yeehaw!
February 28, 2026
Kaylee & Rhett are so cute and I’m so glad to have had their story! I love me a good old cowboy romance, but given the early 2000’s nostalgia of my younger years (90’s babies where you at?!) was like the sweet maraschino cherry on top! Kaylee giving all the black cat energy I love to see and Rhett just being a good ol’ boy was exactly what her stoney heart needed.
Absolutely loved the vibes definitely recommend for my cowboy romance besties out there! Thank you LovenotesPR and Ella Embers for the opportunity to read this ahead of time and be able to squeal about it on pub day <3
Absolutely loved the vibes definitely recommend for my cowboy romance besties out there! Thank you LovenotesPR and Ella Embers for the opportunity to read this ahead of time and be able to squeal about it on pub day <3
March 5, 2026
Thank you to the author and Love Notes PR for the EARC!
If you know me you know i love a cowboy romance and this was no exception!! This is the second book in an interconnected standalone series and while i didnt read the first book, this definitely made me want to!
What to expect:
💚 Set in early 2000's
🤣 Rom-Com
🤠 Bull Rider
🐈⬛ Black Cat FMC x Golden Retriever MMC
🏡 Small Town
🔥 Slow Burn
👀 He Falls First
🤭 Dislike to Love
🌶️ Spicy
I really enjoyed learning about both characters backstories and i found a lot of depth within them as separate people and when they got together it just made sense. I think the fmc was a little too black cat/standoffish for my taste, it sort of felt repetitive but still love her. And Rhett….. UGH obsessed.
Also side note i am absolutely in LOVE with this cover!!
If you know me you know i love a cowboy romance and this was no exception!! This is the second book in an interconnected standalone series and while i didnt read the first book, this definitely made me want to!
What to expect:
💚 Set in early 2000's
🤣 Rom-Com
🤠 Bull Rider
🐈⬛ Black Cat FMC x Golden Retriever MMC
🏡 Small Town
🔥 Slow Burn
👀 He Falls First
🤭 Dislike to Love
🌶️ Spicy
I really enjoyed learning about both characters backstories and i found a lot of depth within them as separate people and when they got together it just made sense. I think the fmc was a little too black cat/standoffish for my taste, it sort of felt repetitive but still love her. And Rhett….. UGH obsessed.
Also side note i am absolutely in LOVE with this cover!!
March 6, 2026
Thank you Love Notes PR for my ARC, all opinions are my own.
It feels surreal to read a story set in the early 2000's but Ella definitely takes you back in time in an incredible way. I loved everything about this book from the story to the pacing to the characters.
It was a cute small town, cowboy romance and I can't wait to read more books from Ella.
Tropes:
set in early 2000's
small town romance
cowboy romance
bull rider
grumpy/sunshine
It feels surreal to read a story set in the early 2000's but Ella definitely takes you back in time in an incredible way. I loved everything about this book from the story to the pacing to the characters.
It was a cute small town, cowboy romance and I can't wait to read more books from Ella.
Tropes:
set in early 2000's
small town romance
cowboy romance
bull rider
grumpy/sunshine
February 23, 2026
Oh how I love a good cowboy romance!
Rhett and Kaylee had chemistry from the first interaction and I was so here for it. While I thought some parts were a little clunky or dragged a bit, overall I really enjoyed these two (and just squealed with delight over every 2000s reference).
Thank you to Love Notes PR for this eARC!
Rhett and Kaylee had chemistry from the first interaction and I was so here for it. While I thought some parts were a little clunky or dragged a bit, overall I really enjoyed these two (and just squealed with delight over every 2000s reference).
Thank you to Love Notes PR for this eARC!
February 26, 2026
ARC REVIEW
Not only did I really enjoy book 1, and being introduced to the characters for book 2 (Storm Warning), I also thoroughly enjoyed Rhett and Kaylee’s story! I love how fiery Kaylee is and how out-going yet sweet Rhett is. I thought their dynamic was fun and I definitely loved how well they complement each other.
I highly recommend!
Not only did I really enjoy book 1, and being introduced to the characters for book 2 (Storm Warning), I also thoroughly enjoyed Rhett and Kaylee’s story! I love how fiery Kaylee is and how out-going yet sweet Rhett is. I thought their dynamic was fun and I definitely loved how well they complement each other.
I highly recommend!
March 1, 2026
Storm Warning is a cowboy romance featuring a flirtatious MMC and a hesitant FMC who is not exactly a believer in love. The story was okay overall, but I found myself losing interest at times, especially during the second half.
One part of the story that truly stood out to me involved two of the side characters, and it captured more of my attention than the main romance. I felt there was room to further develop the relationship between the two main characters in a way that would have made the story feel less repetitive.
While it may be an enjoyable read for some, it ultimately was not a story I personally connected with.
This ebook was provided by LoveNotesPR in exchange for an honest review.
One part of the story that truly stood out to me involved two of the side characters, and it captured more of my attention than the main romance. I felt there was room to further develop the relationship between the two main characters in a way that would have made the story feel less repetitive.
While it may be an enjoyable read for some, it ultimately was not a story I personally connected with.
This ebook was provided by LoveNotesPR in exchange for an honest review.
March 3, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
GUYSSSS!!! What. A. Book!!!😭💚
I loved this book soooo much that I’m struggling to find the right words to describe it.. WOW🥹
Kaylee and Rhett’s relationship was so precious to me and seeing Kaylee’s arc throughout the story was an honour to read💚
She’s the storm and he’s her calm🥺❤️
I CANNOT wait to read more of this series because I’m convinced this alone will be on my top books of 2026😩💚
What to expect:
💚 Set in early 2000's
🤣 Rom-Com
🤠 Bull Rider
🐈⬛ Black Cat FMC x Golden Retriever MMC
🏡 Small Town
🔥 Slow Burn
👀 He Falls First
🤭 Dislike to Love
🌶️ Spicy
THANK YOU Love Notes Pr I’m so grateful to have come across this masterpiece!!! 🥹
GUYSSSS!!! What. A. Book!!!😭💚
I loved this book soooo much that I’m struggling to find the right words to describe it.. WOW🥹
Kaylee and Rhett’s relationship was so precious to me and seeing Kaylee’s arc throughout the story was an honour to read💚
She’s the storm and he’s her calm🥺❤️
I CANNOT wait to read more of this series because I’m convinced this alone will be on my top books of 2026😩💚
What to expect:
💚 Set in early 2000's
🤣 Rom-Com
🤠 Bull Rider
🐈⬛ Black Cat FMC x Golden Retriever MMC
🏡 Small Town
🔥 Slow Burn
👀 He Falls First
🤭 Dislike to Love
🌶️ Spicy
THANK YOU Love Notes Pr I’m so grateful to have come across this masterpiece!!! 🥹
March 5, 2026
I loved Ella Embers’ debut novel (She’s My Kind of Rain) and the second I saw we were getting another book in that series, I was super excited! Especially with a bull rider!
I’m a sucker for early 2000s nostalgia lately…and cowboys….and small towns. Basically, this had all the right things going to hook me!
I felt the book lived up to my expectations and I cannot wait to get a physical copy on my shelf!
Readers will enjoy this if they want:
🤠 Early 2000s
💞 rom-coms
🐂 bull riders
🔥 slow burn
👩❤️👨 he falls first
🌶️ good spice levels
Thank you to author Ella Embers and Love Notes PR for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I’m a sucker for early 2000s nostalgia lately…and cowboys….and small towns. Basically, this had all the right things going to hook me!
I felt the book lived up to my expectations and I cannot wait to get a physical copy on my shelf!
Readers will enjoy this if they want:
🤠 Early 2000s
💞 rom-coms
🐂 bull riders
🔥 slow burn
👩❤️👨 he falls first
🌶️ good spice levels
Thank you to author Ella Embers and Love Notes PR for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
March 20, 2026
nostalgic romance!!
Loved the vibes. Ella painted the perfect picture of a hallmark type romance (with spice) and all the added nostalgia put me right back in the early 2000s!
Loved the vibes. Ella painted the perfect picture of a hallmark type romance (with spice) and all the added nostalgia put me right back in the early 2000s!
February 28, 2026
When two power houses collide. All that’s left is be seen. 💕 Love the nostalgia of being taken back to the 2000s era where Storm Warning is set in.
But more than that I love getting the back story to fiery full of sass Kaylee and ever the charmer Rhett. Who we got introduced to in She’s My Kind of Rain. Which I strongly encourage to read prior this one. If you haven’t already.
But more than that I love getting the back story to fiery full of sass Kaylee and ever the charmer Rhett. Who we got introduced to in She’s My Kind of Rain. Which I strongly encourage to read prior this one. If you haven’t already.
Read
February 24, 2026ELLA!! My nostalgic Queen! I knew without a doubt that I was going to LOVE this book. All of the early 2000’s references made me adore this even more-from my girl Britney, NSYNC, love spell, inflatable chairs, the music choices, & the cutest love story wrapped up in it all. You brought me back to my teenage years growing up in this era where all we hoped and wanted was to find our true love and believe that love does conquer all.
Rhett Rogers is by far my favorite cowboy! He was your typical cowboy- raised on a ranch, dreams of being a champion bull rider, and that southern twang!!!!! Gah!! YES, Ella almost made me have a little accent by the end of this book because of how well she wrote his character. Rhett has big ambitions, but the biggest prize isn’t just becoming a champion, it’s having someone by his side that makes these dreams all worth it.
Kaylee Slayton, our black cat FMC, sure was a little firecracker that had BIG walls up. She wanted nothing to do with rodeos and cowboys after being completely disappointed and abandoned by the bull riding legend, Roy Slayton. They remained up even more knowing Rhett was just like her dad. Except, you see that Rhett is NOTHING like her father, and someone that would never abandon or hurt her. He is a guy you can’t help but fall head over heels for, or in this case… boots! 😉
This book was perfect. The banter between Rhett and Kaylee was so good and entertaining, and their love story is even better. No matter the traumas or set backs in life, if you have love, you have EVERYTHING.
Rhett Rogers is by far my favorite cowboy! He was your typical cowboy- raised on a ranch, dreams of being a champion bull rider, and that southern twang!!!!! Gah!! YES, Ella almost made me have a little accent by the end of this book because of how well she wrote his character. Rhett has big ambitions, but the biggest prize isn’t just becoming a champion, it’s having someone by his side that makes these dreams all worth it.
Kaylee Slayton, our black cat FMC, sure was a little firecracker that had BIG walls up. She wanted nothing to do with rodeos and cowboys after being completely disappointed and abandoned by the bull riding legend, Roy Slayton. They remained up even more knowing Rhett was just like her dad. Except, you see that Rhett is NOTHING like her father, and someone that would never abandon or hurt her. He is a guy you can’t help but fall head over heels for, or in this case… boots! 😉
This book was perfect. The banter between Rhett and Kaylee was so good and entertaining, and their love story is even better. No matter the traumas or set backs in life, if you have love, you have EVERYTHING.
February 25, 2026
Ella Embers knows how to write a swoon, nostalgic and wholesome romance story! I had the honour of arc reading ‘She’s My Kind of Rain’ and I loved it so much! This book takes place alongside the first one and it gives all the vibes you could want. Sexy cowboys, flirty banter and a badass woman who likes to bite. This book had me laughing, crying and giggling so much!!!
Kaylee, my ball busting and hard working boss babe, is the embodiment of a black cat FMC. She was full of rage - rightfully so because her father is a piece of crap! And a lot of men she meets are just entitled ‘alpha males’ who won’t take no for an answer. She avoids anything to do with the rodeo and especially hates cowboys. And there is on blonde, handsome and sultry cowboy she is avoiding a lot more than most, Rhett Rogers. She was happy to avoid him at all costs, but when her best friend Daisy keeps hanging around Sawyer, his trusty sidekick always tags along. Forming a bond no one saw coming.
Rhett, the rodeo champion who was bucked a little too hard on a night of distraction that cost him a win and his mental health. Now working in construction, he’s too scared to go back to the rodeo… so he helps the ones he loves. His family’s ranch, which is in jeopardy of being sold and helping his friend Sawyer land an agent for his singing talents. Although, he never planned to meet the blonde bombshell from a night in a dive bar that he helped from a sleazy guy who couldn’t take the hint, and boy does she bite, and Rhett isn’t backing down.
Kaylee’s high built walls and guarded heart is so understandable and relatable. Love and trust was never a strong trait in her childhood. Her father left without even a proper goodbye and her mother became a shell of a human. Kaylee had learnt from a young age that the only one who would take care of you is yourself, so she doesn’t let men stay after a one night stand or some fun, That is… until Rhett, who os determined to figure out his life, keeps ending up in the same places as her. She’s a bit cold and direct but that’s just her exterior, when in reality, that girl wanted to know what true love felt like. Being seen and heard and thought of. What she didn’t expect was that Rhett would be the person to do that for her.
Rhett’s need to find himself after the rodeo isn’t easy, he misses the thrill of the show. After his accident, he slowly learnt that when you have something people want, they’ll be there for you but when you need them to guide you through a tough time, they’ll leave you behind. Rhett began to feel abandoned by his friends from the rodeo, but with Sayer, Daisy and even his spitfire Kaylee, they showed him what the meaning of true friends are.
Together, their chemistry was off the charts. As much as Kaylee teased him or bared her teeth, Rhett couldn’t help but feel a sense of ease with her. Knowing she had no problem being herself, working hard and not caring that he was a rodeo star. Thier friendship is a slow burner, he calls her his ‘Fallen Angel’ and she calls him her ‘Prince Charming’, always trying to save the day and be chivalrous. Rhett can;t help but be drawn her ‘fuck you’ attitude and fiery spirit, he likes it. As much as Kaylee tries to hide it, she loves when he flirts with her - even blushes when he checks her out. He makes her feel wanted after feeling neglected and forgotten most of her life.
Rhett is gentle ands tender and caring. He really wants to show Kaylee that he’s worth her time and that he can be everything for her. He was patient, kind and understanding of her holding her guard up, even though he wanted to break them down and help her. Kaylee’s willingness to finally open up and share parts of herself to Rhett was so important for her growth. Rhetts arc from being a playboy to a down bad simp was so enjoyable to witness. Realising he wants to share a life with someone like his parents and he is totally whipped for Kaylee.
I adore their relationship so much, not just the physical sense but their emotional connection. The way Rhett would remember things about Kaylee because he paid attention to what she would say, the way she likes her coffee and what she likes to do to wind down. That she likes to dress up when going out or sitting under the stars. He is happy to be there beside her through everything. Kaylee was a the same, supporting him when he wanted to get back into the rodeo despite her dislike for them.
The way Rhett had stood up for Kaylee against her father - who Rhett idolised as a young boy because he was a rodeo legend, as made Kaylee feel protected and loved had me swooning so hard. Rhett has the biggest soft spot for her and she needed that in her life. I also love that Kaylee is such a free spirit, who loves to go to antiques stores or bookshops ands give life to things that left behind. She loves old romance stories and finding beauty in the small things. She loves to bedazzle and party and dress up and her friendship with Daisy is so earnest and pure. I adore those girls.
The part I sobbed at the most, was when Rhett surprised Kaylee with a beautiful greenhouse full of different ‘Angel’ flowers… my fucking god. I had the tissues out because Rhett had such a great growth in this novel. He became devoted to Kaylee and wanted to prove he will love her through the good, the bad, the ugly and the good times. He wouldn’t run when she became prickly or tried to push him away. This man CHASED HER CAR when she tried to leave a party because she thought he was flirting with someone else. He reassured her and showed her he was only in it for her. UGH my sweet babies!
I thoroughly enjoyed their story so much. It was raw, passionate, banterful and heartfelt. Emma is truely a nostalgic romance queen. This made me miss the simplicity of having a flip phone and no social media, being in the moment and having a good time, not to say we don’t do that now but I miss the simple times.
Thank you to Emma Embers and Love Notes PR for a e-ARC in exchange for an honest review! I love Emma’s novels so much and can’t wait for what is next to come!
Kaylee, my ball busting and hard working boss babe, is the embodiment of a black cat FMC. She was full of rage - rightfully so because her father is a piece of crap! And a lot of men she meets are just entitled ‘alpha males’ who won’t take no for an answer. She avoids anything to do with the rodeo and especially hates cowboys. And there is on blonde, handsome and sultry cowboy she is avoiding a lot more than most, Rhett Rogers. She was happy to avoid him at all costs, but when her best friend Daisy keeps hanging around Sawyer, his trusty sidekick always tags along. Forming a bond no one saw coming.
Rhett, the rodeo champion who was bucked a little too hard on a night of distraction that cost him a win and his mental health. Now working in construction, he’s too scared to go back to the rodeo… so he helps the ones he loves. His family’s ranch, which is in jeopardy of being sold and helping his friend Sawyer land an agent for his singing talents. Although, he never planned to meet the blonde bombshell from a night in a dive bar that he helped from a sleazy guy who couldn’t take the hint, and boy does she bite, and Rhett isn’t backing down.
Kaylee’s high built walls and guarded heart is so understandable and relatable. Love and trust was never a strong trait in her childhood. Her father left without even a proper goodbye and her mother became a shell of a human. Kaylee had learnt from a young age that the only one who would take care of you is yourself, so she doesn’t let men stay after a one night stand or some fun, That is… until Rhett, who os determined to figure out his life, keeps ending up in the same places as her. She’s a bit cold and direct but that’s just her exterior, when in reality, that girl wanted to know what true love felt like. Being seen and heard and thought of. What she didn’t expect was that Rhett would be the person to do that for her.
Rhett’s need to find himself after the rodeo isn’t easy, he misses the thrill of the show. After his accident, he slowly learnt that when you have something people want, they’ll be there for you but when you need them to guide you through a tough time, they’ll leave you behind. Rhett began to feel abandoned by his friends from the rodeo, but with Sayer, Daisy and even his spitfire Kaylee, they showed him what the meaning of true friends are.
Together, their chemistry was off the charts. As much as Kaylee teased him or bared her teeth, Rhett couldn’t help but feel a sense of ease with her. Knowing she had no problem being herself, working hard and not caring that he was a rodeo star. Thier friendship is a slow burner, he calls her his ‘Fallen Angel’ and she calls him her ‘Prince Charming’, always trying to save the day and be chivalrous. Rhett can;t help but be drawn her ‘fuck you’ attitude and fiery spirit, he likes it. As much as Kaylee tries to hide it, she loves when he flirts with her - even blushes when he checks her out. He makes her feel wanted after feeling neglected and forgotten most of her life.
Rhett is gentle ands tender and caring. He really wants to show Kaylee that he’s worth her time and that he can be everything for her. He was patient, kind and understanding of her holding her guard up, even though he wanted to break them down and help her. Kaylee’s willingness to finally open up and share parts of herself to Rhett was so important for her growth. Rhetts arc from being a playboy to a down bad simp was so enjoyable to witness. Realising he wants to share a life with someone like his parents and he is totally whipped for Kaylee.
I adore their relationship so much, not just the physical sense but their emotional connection. The way Rhett would remember things about Kaylee because he paid attention to what she would say, the way she likes her coffee and what she likes to do to wind down. That she likes to dress up when going out or sitting under the stars. He is happy to be there beside her through everything. Kaylee was a the same, supporting him when he wanted to get back into the rodeo despite her dislike for them.
The way Rhett had stood up for Kaylee against her father - who Rhett idolised as a young boy because he was a rodeo legend, as made Kaylee feel protected and loved had me swooning so hard. Rhett has the biggest soft spot for her and she needed that in her life. I also love that Kaylee is such a free spirit, who loves to go to antiques stores or bookshops ands give life to things that left behind. She loves old romance stories and finding beauty in the small things. She loves to bedazzle and party and dress up and her friendship with Daisy is so earnest and pure. I adore those girls.
The part I sobbed at the most, was when Rhett surprised Kaylee with a beautiful greenhouse full of different ‘Angel’ flowers… my fucking god. I had the tissues out because Rhett had such a great growth in this novel. He became devoted to Kaylee and wanted to prove he will love her through the good, the bad, the ugly and the good times. He wouldn’t run when she became prickly or tried to push him away. This man CHASED HER CAR when she tried to leave a party because she thought he was flirting with someone else. He reassured her and showed her he was only in it for her. UGH my sweet babies!
I thoroughly enjoyed their story so much. It was raw, passionate, banterful and heartfelt. Emma is truely a nostalgic romance queen. This made me miss the simplicity of having a flip phone and no social media, being in the moment and having a good time, not to say we don’t do that now but I miss the simple times.
Thank you to Emma Embers and Love Notes PR for a e-ARC in exchange for an honest review! I love Emma’s novels so much and can’t wait for what is next to come!
Review of advance copy received from Author
[ARC REVIEW]
- 3.75 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
“I guess that’s why we read, deary. If we never find our secret garden, at least we’ve dreamt of it.”
This was such a cute read !! Super nostalgic with the early 2000’s vibes, so many things from that time that truly aren’t appreciated these days, who else loved the inflatable chair mention? Honestly after reading this one I’m gonna go add sparkles to all of my clothes, so obsessed with this Y2K setting.
Kaylee is the ultimate black cat, like miss girl has alottt of rage. This is especially reserved for men, specifically men of the cowboy variety! Which is so valid because if my hotshot dad left me for that lifestyle as a child with not so much as a goodbye, I’d be untrusting and bitter about it too. Loved that she got to experience what true love feels like in this one, Rhett really does worship the ground she walks on. After being let down again and again she’s finally found the one, it takes them a hot minute but they get there eventually. You can feel how special their bond is flowing off the pages and how much they really mean to each other, it’s expressed in the little things and the big moments too.
Rhett has a great character development arc in this, he’s always been a family man but he goes from only thinking about winning and getting money for the ranch, to stepping back and appreciating the smaller things in life. His back and forth banter with Kaylee is legendary, it was like watching a tennis match and he took it like a champ. Every barb and insult she threw his way he welcomed them with open arms, this added nothing but fuel to his fire. I loved how supportive he was of Sawyer and used the connections he had to get his career kick-started, that’s true friend right there. Rhett is the kind of guy you want in your corner, he’s always ready to take on everyone else’s problems and faces them head on. Once he deems that you’re important to him? that’s you got his commitment for life. He’s such a star character in this book.
Kaylee and Rhett really do go through it in this one, talk about a tumultuous relationship. In the beginning, they absolutely hate each other i.e Kaylee hates Rhett based on assumptions about him. They slowly go back and forth with their flirtatious banter, again, this consists of Rhett trying to get Kaylees attention and Kaylee telling him to get lost. Throughout the book they do develop feelings for each other, it’s a beautiful story and I loved all their little moments together. He’s so obsessed with her and she secretly loves it, I loved it !! The moment with her dad and Rhett meeting was so important and probably one of the most significant moments of the book, the message was clearly delivered and this changes Kaylees perspective about everything. It made my heart so full that she was finally the one being put first, chosen before everyone else, it really was well deserved.
The only times I didn’t quite fully connect with the story is when Rhett uses the nickname Angel in every second page, it pulled me out of the story a little bit. Another point being, with how angry and full of pain Kaylee was in the beginning of the book I do feel like she came around to falling for Rhett pretty quickly. He was saying all the right things but I just didn’t feel that deep connection between them until further towards the end. I still loved this one but it wouldn’t be considered a stand-out book in my opinion. Hope to see more works from Ella though as the premise of this book was great, the 2000’s vibes really put a nice spin on it.
Highly recommend for lovers of all things cowboys, the black cat x golden retriever trope and sparkles.
Thank you so much to Ella Embers and Love Notes PR for the eARC, always grateful.
- 3.75 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
“I guess that’s why we read, deary. If we never find our secret garden, at least we’ve dreamt of it.”
This was such a cute read !! Super nostalgic with the early 2000’s vibes, so many things from that time that truly aren’t appreciated these days, who else loved the inflatable chair mention? Honestly after reading this one I’m gonna go add sparkles to all of my clothes, so obsessed with this Y2K setting.
Kaylee is the ultimate black cat, like miss girl has alottt of rage. This is especially reserved for men, specifically men of the cowboy variety! Which is so valid because if my hotshot dad left me for that lifestyle as a child with not so much as a goodbye, I’d be untrusting and bitter about it too. Loved that she got to experience what true love feels like in this one, Rhett really does worship the ground she walks on. After being let down again and again she’s finally found the one, it takes them a hot minute but they get there eventually. You can feel how special their bond is flowing off the pages and how much they really mean to each other, it’s expressed in the little things and the big moments too.
Rhett has a great character development arc in this, he’s always been a family man but he goes from only thinking about winning and getting money for the ranch, to stepping back and appreciating the smaller things in life. His back and forth banter with Kaylee is legendary, it was like watching a tennis match and he took it like a champ. Every barb and insult she threw his way he welcomed them with open arms, this added nothing but fuel to his fire. I loved how supportive he was of Sawyer and used the connections he had to get his career kick-started, that’s true friend right there. Rhett is the kind of guy you want in your corner, he’s always ready to take on everyone else’s problems and faces them head on. Once he deems that you’re important to him? that’s you got his commitment for life. He’s such a star character in this book.
Kaylee and Rhett really do go through it in this one, talk about a tumultuous relationship. In the beginning, they absolutely hate each other i.e Kaylee hates Rhett based on assumptions about him. They slowly go back and forth with their flirtatious banter, again, this consists of Rhett trying to get Kaylees attention and Kaylee telling him to get lost. Throughout the book they do develop feelings for each other, it’s a beautiful story and I loved all their little moments together. He’s so obsessed with her and she secretly loves it, I loved it !! The moment with her dad and Rhett meeting was so important and probably one of the most significant moments of the book, the message was clearly delivered and this changes Kaylees perspective about everything. It made my heart so full that she was finally the one being put first, chosen before everyone else, it really was well deserved.
The only times I didn’t quite fully connect with the story is when Rhett uses the nickname Angel in every second page, it pulled me out of the story a little bit. Another point being, with how angry and full of pain Kaylee was in the beginning of the book I do feel like she came around to falling for Rhett pretty quickly. He was saying all the right things but I just didn’t feel that deep connection between them until further towards the end. I still loved this one but it wouldn’t be considered a stand-out book in my opinion. Hope to see more works from Ella though as the premise of this book was great, the 2000’s vibes really put a nice spin on it.
Highly recommend for lovers of all things cowboys, the black cat x golden retriever trope and sparkles.
Thank you so much to Ella Embers and Love Notes PR for the eARC, always grateful.
March 4, 2026
Where do I even start (short of writing Ella Embers a 200-page-love note to not only congratulate her on a stunning novel, but to also explain how privileged I felt as a reader to be introduced to Kaylie and Rhett)? This romance novel was unlike any other in small details that helped set the story apart. To start, the first 150 pages takes its time to introduce us to Rhett and Kaylie as individuals before igniting their romance.
Kaylie is the epitome of the punk pop princess of 2004 - black and pink highlighted platinum hair, short rhinestone-covered mini skirts, and the sharpest tongue east of the Mississippi. Her story is hard-hitting: abandoned by her professional bull riding father, with context clues indicating he was physically abusive, and left in the care of her mother, whose spark was extinguished by the same man who abandoned her. Then, on her 18th birthday, she sets out on her own. Throw in multi-generational trauma, severe relationship anxiety, and a cowboy who wants to prove how worthy she is of deep, unconditional love, and you’ve locked me crying by the end of the book. I know Kaylie is a character, but she’s the type of character who you want to look in the eyes and say: “I am so proud of you. You did it”. She is living proof that diamonds are made under pressure. I wanted to wrap her in a blanket and give her a forehead kiss, knowing she would probably be swinging before I could turn around.
Rhett is a perfect contrast to Kaylie. He comes from a warm, close-knit family that supports each other no matter what, but Rhett himself is “locked out” from his abilities as a professional bull rider. Following a ride gone wrong, Rhett feels like part of his life is missing - he has the fame, he has his family, but he doesn’t have his other half. While battling his own anxieties regarding returning to the circuit and working construction in attempts to save the family ranch, he meets Kaylie. In the way his spurs urge the bull to buck, her scowls convince him that angels do live among us. His patience with Kaylie is unparalleled - both taking the time to soothe her worries without minimizing them and to help her accept that he will always worship the ground she walks on. Not to mention his monologue about heart animals? My veterinary student self practically melted.
Their romance is so warm and light… and yes, I did cry. For me, this read like two people truly overcoming their differences, falling in love, and making the choices that would lead them to stay together long-term. There was a palpable sense of commitment, romance, attraction, and trust that was slowly built throughout the novel, outside of the initial physical attraction. I really feel lost for words beyond the “MUST ADD TO TBR IF YOU HAVE EVER GLANCED AT A COWBOY (fictional or not)”
🐂 Sports Romance (PBR)
🐂 “Angel”...“Casanova”
🐂 Y2K vibes
🐂 Found family
🐂 Grumpy x sunshine
🐂 Interconnected standalones
Thank you to LoveNotes PR and the author for providing me with the ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts. To the author, Ella Embers, congratulations on a wonderful second installment! I cannot wait to see where the Rawlings Ranch series takes me!
Kaylie is the epitome of the punk pop princess of 2004 - black and pink highlighted platinum hair, short rhinestone-covered mini skirts, and the sharpest tongue east of the Mississippi. Her story is hard-hitting: abandoned by her professional bull riding father, with context clues indicating he was physically abusive, and left in the care of her mother, whose spark was extinguished by the same man who abandoned her. Then, on her 18th birthday, she sets out on her own. Throw in multi-generational trauma, severe relationship anxiety, and a cowboy who wants to prove how worthy she is of deep, unconditional love, and you’ve locked me crying by the end of the book. I know Kaylie is a character, but she’s the type of character who you want to look in the eyes and say: “I am so proud of you. You did it”. She is living proof that diamonds are made under pressure. I wanted to wrap her in a blanket and give her a forehead kiss, knowing she would probably be swinging before I could turn around.
Rhett is a perfect contrast to Kaylie. He comes from a warm, close-knit family that supports each other no matter what, but Rhett himself is “locked out” from his abilities as a professional bull rider. Following a ride gone wrong, Rhett feels like part of his life is missing - he has the fame, he has his family, but he doesn’t have his other half. While battling his own anxieties regarding returning to the circuit and working construction in attempts to save the family ranch, he meets Kaylie. In the way his spurs urge the bull to buck, her scowls convince him that angels do live among us. His patience with Kaylie is unparalleled - both taking the time to soothe her worries without minimizing them and to help her accept that he will always worship the ground she walks on. Not to mention his monologue about heart animals? My veterinary student self practically melted.
Their romance is so warm and light… and yes, I did cry. For me, this read like two people truly overcoming their differences, falling in love, and making the choices that would lead them to stay together long-term. There was a palpable sense of commitment, romance, attraction, and trust that was slowly built throughout the novel, outside of the initial physical attraction. I really feel lost for words beyond the “MUST ADD TO TBR IF YOU HAVE EVER GLANCED AT A COWBOY (fictional or not)”
🐂 Sports Romance (PBR)
🐂 “Angel”...“Casanova”
🐂 Y2K vibes
🐂 Found family
🐂 Grumpy x sunshine
🐂 Interconnected standalones
Thank you to LoveNotes PR and the author for providing me with the ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts. To the author, Ella Embers, congratulations on a wonderful second installment! I cannot wait to see where the Rawlings Ranch series takes me!
March 5, 2026
“..he’s the sunshine to [her] hurricane…”
💖📚 Story: 4 ⭐️s
Kaylee Slayton lives her life in the shadow of parental abandonment, but she’s working hard to find what will bring her joy. Rhett Rogers knows only the warmth of familial love, but a professional setback has him avoiding the rodeo he’s aspired to be part of since childhood. They meet because their BFs hit it off, but soon they are creating their own sparks. From the jump, Rhett’s pretty much all in, but Kaylee is hesitant. After all, he’s a bull rider, just like her dead beat dad and they’re all the same, right? But Rhett is just so darn charming, and sincere, and funny, and caring; and the more layers he reveals, the harder time Kaylee has resisting. Can a charming cowboy Casanova convince his outlaw Angel to take a chance on love?
SW was my first Ella Embers’s book and I had a good time with it overall. I thought that the connection between Kaylee and Rhett was well-crafted and I loved the black cat versus golden retriever energy of their dynamic. A he-falls-first dynamic is hard for me to resist, and Rhett is pretty irresistible! Plus, he’s just a genuinely good guy. Kaylee held off falling for him a lot longer than I would have, that’s for sure! I enjoyed her self confidence. Even though she’s still trying to figure out a future path that will make her happy, she’s not ignoring her present. She has a hard outer shell, and finds it difficult to open up, even to her friends, but that reticence never keeps her from being incredibly loyal and supportive. And while history and her motivations were a bit by the numbers and some parts where her internal monologuing was redundant, I admire how Ember’s approached to the resolution of Kaylee’s fractured father/daughter relationship in a grounded way. Sometimes, people don’t change and we realize they don’t deserve our time or emotional real estate, so I’m glad Kaylee got her closure. Plus Rhett! 💕
SW is the second in Ember’s Rawlings Ranch series and while it can be read on its own, there are pasts that happen in tandem with book one (Sawyer and Daisy). Even though not strictly necessary, part of me kinda wishes I had started with book one, but I definitely intend to go back and read it. Along with Sawyer and Daisy, there are hints that suggest other characters may lead future stories and the setting Ember has created does make me want to continue on, especially to find out what’s happening with Ginny and Judd!
If you enjoy an irresistible golden retriever cowboy and the contained black cat heroine who brings him to heel, you’ll enjoy SW.
Thanks to Ella Embers and LoveNotes PR. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
💖📚 Story: 4 ⭐️s
Kaylee Slayton lives her life in the shadow of parental abandonment, but she’s working hard to find what will bring her joy. Rhett Rogers knows only the warmth of familial love, but a professional setback has him avoiding the rodeo he’s aspired to be part of since childhood. They meet because their BFs hit it off, but soon they are creating their own sparks. From the jump, Rhett’s pretty much all in, but Kaylee is hesitant. After all, he’s a bull rider, just like her dead beat dad and they’re all the same, right? But Rhett is just so darn charming, and sincere, and funny, and caring; and the more layers he reveals, the harder time Kaylee has resisting. Can a charming cowboy Casanova convince his outlaw Angel to take a chance on love?
SW was my first Ella Embers’s book and I had a good time with it overall. I thought that the connection between Kaylee and Rhett was well-crafted and I loved the black cat versus golden retriever energy of their dynamic. A he-falls-first dynamic is hard for me to resist, and Rhett is pretty irresistible! Plus, he’s just a genuinely good guy. Kaylee held off falling for him a lot longer than I would have, that’s for sure! I enjoyed her self confidence. Even though she’s still trying to figure out a future path that will make her happy, she’s not ignoring her present. She has a hard outer shell, and finds it difficult to open up, even to her friends, but that reticence never keeps her from being incredibly loyal and supportive. And while history and her motivations were a bit by the numbers and some parts where her internal monologuing was redundant, I admire how Ember’s approached to the resolution of Kaylee’s fractured father/daughter relationship in a grounded way. Sometimes, people don’t change and we realize they don’t deserve our time or emotional real estate, so I’m glad Kaylee got her closure. Plus Rhett! 💕
SW is the second in Ember’s Rawlings Ranch series and while it can be read on its own, there are pasts that happen in tandem with book one (Sawyer and Daisy). Even though not strictly necessary, part of me kinda wishes I had started with book one, but I definitely intend to go back and read it. Along with Sawyer and Daisy, there are hints that suggest other characters may lead future stories and the setting Ember has created does make me want to continue on, especially to find out what’s happening with Ginny and Judd!
If you enjoy an irresistible golden retriever cowboy and the contained black cat heroine who brings him to heel, you’ll enjoy SW.
Thanks to Ella Embers and LoveNotes PR. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 5, 2026
Storm Warning is the second book in the Rawling Ranch series, but I haven’t read the first one and I can confirm that you can absolutely enjoy this one as a standalone. This book is perfect for anyone who loves cute love stories with a nostalgic 2000s twist. (Proud 90s kid here!)
This book adds to my long list of beautiful cowboy romances. I hope you’ll fall in love with the characters just as much as I did. I really enjoyed the 2000s references, the humor and the slow burn. But most of all, I loved seeing Rhett and Kaylee’s growth from the first page to the last.
Set in early 2000's | Rom-Com |Bull rider | Black Cat / Golden Retriever
Small Town Country Romance | Cowboy Romance | Slow burn | He Falls First
[ Being a champion bull rider is all Rhett Rogers has ever dreamed of and lucky for him he has the talent to become a star. But fate is a fickle thing, and every ride is an eight second gamble against being the best, or landing among those who wish they were. As fate would have it, Rhett finds himself grappling with the decision to face his fears or save those he loves while succumbing to a life that fails to set his soul on fire. But making that decision isn’t as easy as he’d thought it’d be.
Kaylee Slayton has dealt with her fair share of disappointments her whole life. But none compare to the sadness triggered by the one man she should have been able to depend on— her dad. Alone in this world and hoping to make something of herself, she leaves the only life she's ever known behind. Swearing off anything to do with rodeos in the process. Love and trust are hard to come by, forcing her to not only guard her heart, but let it harden all together. ]
Storm Warning est le deuxième tome de la série Rawlings Ranch, mais je n'ai pas lu le premier et je confirme qu'il peut être lu de façon indépendante. Ce roman est parfait pour ceux qui aiment les histoires d'amour avec une touche nostalgique des années 2000. (Fière 90's kid ici!)
Ce livre se rajoute à ma longue liste de belles histoires de cowboy! J'espère que vous tomberez autant en amour que moi avec les personnages. J'ai adoré les références aux années 2000, le petit côté humoristique et le slow burn. Mais j'ai surtout apprécié voir l'évolution de Rhett et de Kaylee entre la première et la dernière page.
This book adds to my long list of beautiful cowboy romances. I hope you’ll fall in love with the characters just as much as I did. I really enjoyed the 2000s references, the humor and the slow burn. But most of all, I loved seeing Rhett and Kaylee’s growth from the first page to the last.
Set in early 2000's | Rom-Com |Bull rider | Black Cat / Golden Retriever
Small Town Country Romance | Cowboy Romance | Slow burn | He Falls First
[ Being a champion bull rider is all Rhett Rogers has ever dreamed of and lucky for him he has the talent to become a star. But fate is a fickle thing, and every ride is an eight second gamble against being the best, or landing among those who wish they were. As fate would have it, Rhett finds himself grappling with the decision to face his fears or save those he loves while succumbing to a life that fails to set his soul on fire. But making that decision isn’t as easy as he’d thought it’d be.
Kaylee Slayton has dealt with her fair share of disappointments her whole life. But none compare to the sadness triggered by the one man she should have been able to depend on— her dad. Alone in this world and hoping to make something of herself, she leaves the only life she's ever known behind. Swearing off anything to do with rodeos in the process. Love and trust are hard to come by, forcing her to not only guard her heart, but let it harden all together. ]
Storm Warning est le deuxième tome de la série Rawlings Ranch, mais je n'ai pas lu le premier et je confirme qu'il peut être lu de façon indépendante. Ce roman est parfait pour ceux qui aiment les histoires d'amour avec une touche nostalgique des années 2000. (Fière 90's kid ici!)
Ce livre se rajoute à ma longue liste de belles histoires de cowboy! J'espère que vous tomberez autant en amour que moi avec les personnages. J'ai adoré les références aux années 2000, le petit côté humoristique et le slow burn. Mais j'ai surtout apprécié voir l'évolution de Rhett et de Kaylee entre la première et la dernière page.
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