The Way She Rides

by Jill Vaughn

She went to Montana to inspire her next book. Instead, she found the woman to rewrite her whole story.

Alicia Hidalgo seems to have it all. A Puerto Rican New Yorker with a bestselling series and celebrity fans, she’s built a glittering life of book deals, brunches, and bustle—but when her creativity stalls, so does her carefully curated world. Fueled by a few too many glasses of wine and a mounting sense of desperation, Alicia books herself a stay at a
working ranch in Montana, hoping that wide skies and silence might finally break her writer’s block.

What she doesn’t expect is Georgia Hartley, the ranch’s lead wrangler. Strong, capable, and devastatingly grounded, Georgia can fix a fence post, calm a horse, or take Alicia’s breath away without saying a word. She’s everything Alicia isn’ patient, unhurried, and at peace in a world far removed from New York’s chaos.

But life in small-town Montana isn’t always easy, and the gulf between their worlds is wider than the plains that stretch between them. As Alicia’s deadline looms and Georgia’s past resurfaces, both women must decide if love can bridge the distance, or if some stories are meant to end where they began.

A slow-burn, opposites-attract romance about finding love where you least expect it, and daring to stay once you do.

160 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 5, 2025

Reviews

[Montes · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s a really cute short story. It definitely has some insta lust, insta love in there.

My only slight complaint is that from about 75% to the end felt a bit unfinished. I wanted to see what would happen with Alicia’s meeting, how she would manage her work, Georgia having someone permanently in her life. I think I would have enjoyed an epilogue.

Thanks to Jill Vaughn and BookSirens for providing me with an eARC.

[Fran Sappharc · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really liked the start, the voice the story is told in. The descriptions are great and I really get a sense of the setting. I have never been to Montana , the same way I have not been to a lot of the places the books I read are set. Some writers can make the location a secondary character, and its foibles can become part of the plot. Reading this book I realise I like that. Not so much detail the location is distracting but enough that I am not squinting past the main trying to make anything out. I love the balance in this book.
Great plot twist just as things are heating up! Although a shortish book I don't feel anything was rushed but still would have liked a bit more at the end... Not a complaint and I'm just being greedy.

[~lil maso~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reviewed by Natalie for Saucy Reviews on Kinky Korner

3.5 – 4 stars!!

Leaving behind the hustle and bustle of the big apple to the wide open plains of a Montana ranch, Alicia thinks the peace and quiet will unlock the block she has when it comes to her latest novel. What she didn’t count on was the calm, experienced ranch handler Georgia.

Alicia’s publishing deadline is looming, with the added complication of an ex-girlfriend resurfacing for Georgia, will these two opposites find love or will their differences pull them apart. Definitely worth a read, my first from this author.


*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
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[Natalie Miernicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 - 4 stars!!

Leaving behind the hustle and bustle of the big apple to the wide open plains of a Montana ranch, Alicia thinks the peace and quiet will unlock the block she has when it comes to her latest novel. What she didn’t count on was the calm, experienced ranch handler Georgia. Alicia’s publishing deadline is looming, with the added complication of an ex-girlfriend resurfacing for Georgia, will these two opposites find love or will their differences pull them apart. Definitely worth a read, my first from this author.

[Looby Lou · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the story and found the MC’s to be real and raw. Alicia did what she went to the ranch to do which was get over her writers block. Georgia works on the ranch as head rancher.

There were a couple of instances when I thought that AI was used in the writing process. I dislike the use of AI immensely so this was disappointing.

The ending was also somewhat of a let down, same ole same ole (no spoilers) and I felt it desperately needed an epilogue.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Betsy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my first time reading a book by this author, and it was okay overall. I really enjoyed the beginning, but the second half felt rushed, and I wasn't fond of how it concluded. It seems the author may have either run out of time and hurried the ending or perhaps plans to write a sequel, as some parts felt unfinished. Despite this, I would recommend the book. For me, the ending ultimately lowered my rating from four stars to three.

I received an arc

[Dulaine Roode · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the story.

I felt bad for Alicia and her writers block situation, she did find her muse in Montana. It all went great, but then when Darla showed up in the picture, that was kind of stressful. I don't know how to feel about Georgia and Darla, Georgia and Alicia.

Alicia gave up a lot professionally to be with Georgia, I hope she appreciates that.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first time l have read a book by this author.

I did feel that more could have been put in the book, but altogether it was ok.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily