Burning Love

Sweet Briar #1

by Ashley James

One year. Two ranches. A secret neither of them can outrun.

Chesney Jennings is the last person Jasper Smith ever expected to see back in Sweet Briar, Wyoming. So when Jasper’s grandfather dies and leaves half of Wind River Ranch to him and the other half to Chesney, heir to the family they’ve been feuding with for generations, he’s blindsided.

But the will comes with one non-negotiable condition:

To claim the inheritance, they must run the ranch together for one full year.

Jasper has spent his whole life holding Wind River together with grit, loyalty, and stubborn determination. The ranch is struggling, and his family is running out of options. The last thing he needs is help from a Jennings—especially one who disappeared years ago and left a hole in Jasper’s chest that never quite healed.

Chesney never planned to return to Sweet Briar. Not after spending years trying to outrun the town, the feud, and the devastating memories he left behind. But refusing the inheritance isn’t an option, and neither is avoiding the man who once meant more to him than anyone else.

Forced into long days, sleepless nights, and a partnership neither of them wants, the tension between Jasper and Chesney sparks fast—and burns hotter than either man is prepared for.

Secrets come out, lines blur, and somewhere between shared burdens and stolen moments, resentment turns into something far more tumultuous.

But in a town where everyone remembers everything—and families don’t forgive easily—loving each other might cost them more than the ranch.

It might cost them everything.

Genres: M M Romance, Second Chance, Westerns, Grumpy Sunshine, Forced Proximity, Friends To Lovers, Second Chance Romance

355 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 27, 2026

About the author

Ashley James is a romance author who enjoys writing (and reading) LGBTQIA+ books. She is from Washington State—and no, not Seattle—and currently resides in South Carolina with her two kids and hairless kitties, Goose, Maverick, and Houston. Ashley is introverted and slightly (okay, majorly) awkward. She refuses to make this section sound like a tacky dating app profile, so she won't be telling you how much she enjoys music, how she thoroughly enjoys dancing and singing in her kitchen, despite not being able to carry a tune, and she won't be telling you about her love of toxic and broken fictional men.

Reviews

[Sim-fully Ever After · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25🌟 | 2.5🌶️

I went in expecting a cowboy romance and got something much more emotional.

Chesney and Jasper’s second chance is wrapped in years of grief, guilt, and unresolved feelings, and I really enjoyed watching them slowly find their way back to each other.

Jasper was such a standout for me. His patience and quiet devotion to Chesney were everything, while Chesney’s journey toward letting go of the guilt he’d carried for so long added so much depth. I also loved the family dynamics, flashbacks, and the healing woven through the romance.

The slow burn definitely took its time, but the tension and emotional payoff kept me invested. Their HEA felt well deserved, and I loved seeing them finally choose happiness after so many years of running from it.

A great pick if you’re looking for an angsty cowboy romance with second chances, hurt/comfort, and plenty of feelings.

~~~~

A huge thank you to Ashley James and The Author Agency for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨

[HappilyEverReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was much heavier than I expected it to be. I love a cowboy romance, but at its core, this story is really about dealing with intense grief and learning how to heal.

Chesney is still overwhelmed by the grief of losing his little brother in an accident he blames himself for. He ran away to escape the constant reminders of his loss, and while he was gone, he also lost his mom. When he gets a call from his other brother telling him that their dad is in his final days, he reluctantly returns home for a visit.

My heart really went out to Chesney. I can't imagine losing that many people you love. And while he lost so many family members, he also pushed away his best friend, Jasper, because of the intense grief and shame he carried. In many ways, he lost everything. As much as he tried to rebuild his life somewhere new, he never truly healed.

Jasper was such a green flag character. His love for his former best friend was still there, along with his own grief over losing his dad and the heartbreak of losing the only person he had ever loved. When he finds out his grandfather left their ranch to both him and Chesney—with the stipulation that they have to run it together for a year—they are forced to reunite and finally face the feelings that never went away.

This is a painful, slow-burn second-chance romance. I was often frustrated with Chesney because, even 20 years later, he was still so stuck in the unresolved feelings of his past. He still had feelings for Jasper but was too stubborn and afraid to let himself have anything good. The journey to them getting back together was enjoyable to read, although it did feel like it dragged at times.

I really loved the healing that took place between Chesney, his brother, and his dad. It was so nice to see him finally start letting go of the unnecessary shame and guilt he had carried over his brother's death. It was heartbreaking to think about him spending 20 years of his life trapped in that grief, but it was lovely to watch him begin to heal, love again, and realize that he deserved to be happy.

And I absolutely loved Jasper. He was so steady and always there for Chesney, even when Chesney was doing everything he could to push him away. He was patient, kind, and willing to wait for Chesney to finally come around. And he did! Their HEA was hard-earned and incredibly satisfying when it finally happened. The tension between them leading up to that point was frustrating at times, but it also kept me turning the pages.

If you like a cowboy romance with lots of angst, hurt/comfort, tension, second chances, and an ultra-slow burn, you should definitely add this one to your TBR!

Tropes:
🤠 Cowboy romance
💔 Second chance romance
🐎 Forced proximity
🏡 Shared inheritance
🤝 Former best friends
❤️‍🩹 Hurt/comfort
😭 Grief and healing
🔥 Unresolved feelings
🐌 Ultra slow burn
💥 Angst
💚 Green flag love interest
✨ Hard-earned HEA

[Kelsey’s Kindle · Rating 5 out of 5]

♾️⭐️
‼️TW
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🪽Today is the 3rd anniversary of my moms death. When I opened this book on Sunday and saw the author's note and the TW it stopped me cold, I wasn’t sure if this was the right time to be picking this up. I mentioned to one of my best friends that I was concerned about a trigger warning in a book I was starting due to what was coming today. She told me she couldn’t help but think that it was like my mom was saying hi and that maybe I was meant to read it this week.I didn’t think of it like that, but at 5% I knew she was right. I had a feeling, I just knew. If you’ve followed my reviews for any length of time you know how rare it is that I call a book that early on. I was spot on. This is the first book in a bit that I haven’t wanted to put down. I was itching to pick back up. This one is plot heavy, grief is a major theme so please check your triggers. This is hands-down, my favorite Ashley James book to date. I love a good prologue that draws you in right from the beginning. I honestly cannot pick a favorite . I loved Jasper and Chesney both for different reasons. I loved the found family. I loved the brotherhood. I loved how much heart was put into the story. I honestly didn’t expect to resonate with both of them as much as I did, with Jasper and him never being able to say goodbye and with Chesney and his father‘s diagnosis. I knew every side to both of their grief, this one hit super close to home. This kind of grief is very hard to talk about and I’m glad to see more representation even if it hurts to read. It’s also cathartic and healing as well for those of us who experienced it in real life. I really have hopes about there being a book two because I definitely want to see that dynamic. I want to thank Ashley for writing such a beautiful story and for allowing me to read it ahead of release.

[Naz.reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25/5 stars 2.5/5 spice

I wasn’t expecting this to be as emotional as it was. I definitely shed some tears, those scenes with the guilt, grief, and heartbreak got to me. My heart broke for Chesney, Jasper, and Truett. Tragedy broke them all in different ways.

Jasper was such a light for Chesney. Even after the devastating heartbreak of Chesney abandoning him, he was still there for him when he came back to town. Even when Chesney made it clear that nothing could come of them together, he stood by his side being the person Chesney could lean on during his grief.

I loved the past chapters that gave insight into their relationship as teenagers. All of their firsts, their feelings, and hidden friendship. I think that Truett was an amazing brother. He was always there for Chesney, even when Chesney wasn’t there for him. He carried so much on his shoulders, it was nice to see Chesney take some of the weight off.

I think this book told a beautiful story where grief can make you push everyone and everything away, but it can also bring you back together and closer than before.

- Small town
- Secret best friends/more to strangers to business partners to lovers
- First loves
- Rival families
- Grief
- Forced proximity

[Eve · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.8 stars ⭐️

This was absolutely beautiful! The grief they all went through in this book was so devastating, but very real and raw to show how grief looks different for everyone and learning how to heal. Jasper was an angel and I was so happy him and Chesney got their hard earned hea.

[Mikaela (risqué.romance) · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨May contain spoilers✨

I love me a good ranch romance with cowboys and the works but I was not expecting this to be a lot more heavier than I expected. I really cherished this book and these two got their hard earned happily ever that they really deserve.

Jasper and Chesney’s family’s are rival and want nothing to do with one another. We don’t find out why until much later. These two built a friendship as kids and slowly became more when they were in their teenagers. Something tragic happens and Chesney cuts Jasper off completely and even leaves town for a hot minute.

Then, he gets a call from his brother to come home due to his father in his last days. He returns home. Then, Jasper shows up with the fact that his grandfather’s will that Chesney and Jasper must run Wind River Ranch together. That was something no one else expected.

Chesney is going through so much and for the longest time, he blamed himself for Lyle. Thank goodness he did go to therapy to talk to someone because that really had to be a rough time. When Chesney cut Jasper off when they were kids was such an emotional scene. I didn’t cry but I was an emotional mess.

I loved these two so much. Jasper is by far my favorite of the two because he’s absolutely there for Chesney. The way he takes care of him when he needs it, especially at the end 🥺 gosh, my heart broke.

The way that they come together by having to work together is everything and I love the moments.

I’m usually not a fan of flashbacks but the way it’s done, it’s so beautifully done. We get to see them as kids and how everything progressed.

And Wade.. he is a freaking hoot. I really hope he gets a book later because he had me giggling when he would tell stories with Chesney.

This book hit all the spots. From the hurt/comfort aspect. You also get to see these two surpass the grief and pain. I absolutely love how Jasper is truly Chesney’s rock. I’m also a huge fan of the found family in this book and I cannot wait to see what is next in this book.

I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.

[Amber (Amber Reads Romance) · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️

Burning Love a surprisingly emotional MM, second chance, cowboy romance that had me shedding a few tears. It deals with grief and how it impacts us throughout our life. It touched me on a deeper level and I think so many of us can relate to the losses the characters suffered through. On top of all that it was a beautiful romance.

Chesney and Jasper formed a close friendship when they were kids that they had to keep secret, due to their rival families. They started to fall for each other in their teen years, but a tragedy ended everything. Chesney left town after the death of his younger brother, leaving his family's ranch and Jasper behind him.

Jasper has dedicated his life to his family's ranch but is shocked to learn his grandfather left it to him instead of his uncle. The only catch, his grandfather also left it to Chesney, and they have to work together on the ranch for a year. Chesney does not ever want to return home to be around all the memories and grief, but his father has cancer and his brother is struggling to keep their ranch going. Now, he is back home and forced to work with Jasper.

This was such a slow burn romance with so much angst. The flashbacks helped show the beautiful connection between Chesney and Jasper. It was so heartbreaking to see how in love they were and how things fell apart. Chesney dealt with so much guilt and self-loathing over the loss of his brother. Being with Jasper opens up his heart again and helps him forgive himself and his father. I found his complicated relationship with his father to be really moving, especially with their reconciliation while he was dying from cancer.

I know this all may sound like heavy subject matter, but it was handled with care. Chesney and Jasper felt like soul mates, and it was beautiful to see them come together. This is one of my favorite second chance romances I have ever read.

Thank you to The Author Agency for providing the ARC.

CW: Loss of sibling, loss of father, cancer, grief

[Veronica · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️
Well, that hit me right in the feels. I went into this expecting feuding ranchers and a second-chance romance, and somehow ended up getting punched directly in the heart by a story about grief, guilt, forgiveness, family, and finding your way home.

There is so much grief woven throughout this story, and I really appreciated how differently each character carried it. Chesney has spent years weighed down by guilt and everything that happened when he was sixteen, while Jasper has carried the heartbreak of losing the boy he loved without ever fully understanding why. Watching these two slowly work through twenty years of hurt, misunderstandings, and feelings that never really went away made for such an emotional second-chance romance.

And then there was Truett. For a character who wasn’t one of the romantic leads, he may have been the MVP of this book for me. His steadfastness and loyalty to his family absolutely got me. He experienced the same devastating losses, but he was so often the person who simply kept standing because someone had to. I loved the patience and gentleness he showed Chesney, and I sincerely hope we haven’t seen the last of him.

My one real disappointment was the eventual explanation behind the generations-long family feud. There was so much buildup surrounding what could have possibly happened between these families to create decades of hatred that, when the truth was finally revealed, it felt surprisingly anticlimactic compared with everything that feud ultimately set into motion.

That aside, this was beautiful. It was heartbreaking at times, hopeful at others, and filled with second chances that went far beyond just Jasper and Chesney’s relationship. And apparently it also decided I needed to cry my way through several chapters, so thanks for that.

I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book, and this is my voluntary, honest review.

[Tammi A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶️🌶️

Burning Love is not what I would consider a typical love story, even for an MM romance. Most of the plot isn't centered around the progression or the relationship between Jasper and Chesney (Love those names, btw!) This is a second-chance romance with MOUNTAINS of trauma and old heartache to overcome first. Not just between the guys but between Chesney and his father, too. So you have to be really patient with them because there is so much for them to work through before their HEA. Before then, have the Kleenex handy, because some scenes are just gut-wrenching (I'm looking at you, Chapter 28).

Since it takes a while before Jasper and Chesney come to their senses, there aren't a lot of spicy scenes. What scenes there are are pretty hot, though.

What I love about Burning Love is that the story feels genuine. It's not picture perfect and pretty. But it is really good and I hope you give it a read too.

Fav Quotes:

My friendship with Jasper comes so easily. It's simple and genuine, and there are no conditions attached. No expectations.

Jesus Christ. Chesney's shirtless. But that's only the first problem. The second problem is that nearly twenty years of distance did absolutely nothing to prepare me for that reality.

"It's taken me a long time to be able to say this out loud, but that night, with you and me and what we shared...I don't regret it."

"We've spent decades acting like we're enemies. When, really, we're just people who inherited somebody else's heartbreak."

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What an emotional ride this was! A lot deeper than I expected. This one hurt, but also healed me in ways. Let's discuss the book!

Chesney and Jasper grew up on neighboring ranches. They formed a secret friendship since these two families had been rivals for decades. No one could even remember why these two families hated one another and never explained it to either of them. So, they snuck around and formed a close bond, which then turned into something much more. They found love when they didn't even understand what that was yet. When they were sixteen, a tragic accident happened that changed their lives forever. It caused Chesney to leave Sweet Briar and start a whole new life somewhere else, leaving Jasper behind and breaking his heart.

Twenty years later, they are forced to come together again when Jasper’s grandfather dies and leaves the ranch to him and Chesney. With Chesney’s father also dying, he comes home to help his older brother in hopes of saving the ranch and all their family has worked for. Neither men are happy about having to work together for at least a year under the strict rules of what the will states. There is so much hurt and tension between them. As they work together, those old feelings they pretended didn't exist anymore, start coming to light once more. Can they make it work after all this time, or will they end up torn apart once more? Guess you will have to read and find out besties!

[Regina Marie Hatley · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️| 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5

Chesney and Jasper! These boys who became men have been holding on to so much pain and grief for twenty years stole my heart. Can you imagine developing a secret friendship and falling in love with the boy who’s part of a family your family has been in this years long fued with… and then a tragic accident and you blame yourself as well as him… grief and self loathing take over and you hurt the only person who has ever truly seen you… and years later you have to work side by side and no matter how much you fight it… feelings come back. My heart really did hurt for Chesney, but also for Jasper who is just the biggest walking green flag. Chesney definitely had so much to work through, and Jasper was so patient. Sometimes we run from things that hurt so bad they nearly break us, and sometimes they pull us back in to help us face it all and heal…. This was definitely that for me.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was a full on emotional ride for me. Just the dedication alone had the tears flowing! This was such a beautiful story, filled with loss, love, grief, and healing.
Chesney had been carrying so much guilt throughout his life while also dealing with so much loss, and my heart broke for him. Jasper was a walking green flag. He had so much love to give, and even after twenty years, he would have given Chesney the world. These two really were each other’s person, and them finding their way back to each other was beautiful.
Grief sucks, and Ashley did such a wonderful job of portraying it while also giving us a story about love, healing, and learning to let go of the guilt we carry.
I’m really excited to see what’s next in this series, and I’m hopefully there are a few fewer tears next time!

[Dara Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review: Thank you to Ashley James and The Author Agency for sending me an advanced copy of Burning Love to read and review.

Oh my goodness! What a beautiful and emotional read. The flashbacks to when Chesney and Jasper were growing up were everything. It was so special to read about how they met, and how the boys started to realize they felt something for each other even though they really weren’t sure what that was. This book will tear your heart and rip it to shreds, then it will pick it back up and put it back together.

The way this book approached grief and healing was so well done. I fell in love with all the characters. Wade, Chesney’s friend was hilarious and provided the perfect comedic relief. I’m a small-town girl, and I loved learning all the family secrets between the two rival families.

[Hanna Lawrence · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had me going through all the emotions. It dealt with grief, loss, finding yourself, forgiveness, and love so well.

Chesney and Jasper were best friends but due to the feud no one could know. The love between them was palpable from the beginning but tragedy drove them away until it brought Chesney back into town.

I love the push and pull. You never know if this was going to be the moment they realised they were in love again.

Ashley did a fantastic job. The side characters and found family were done so well. It has me excited to read wades book if he gets one.

[Jine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t know what to expect from this book it’s the first for me by this author but I didn’t expect to cry as much as I did! This was a second chance cowboy romance between Chesney and Jasper! Their family had a life long feud so when they were kids they became friends in secret then more in secret but unfortunately as they were kids chesney lost his little brother in a farm accident and he blamed himself and Jasper because he was with Jasper when it happened then he said a lot of hurtful things and left! 20 years later Jaspers grandfather dies and the ranch is supposed to go to his uncle but his grandfather left it to Jasper and Chesney with a clause that they had to work together on the ranch for at least one year then the other could buy out the other
Jasper goes to bring the papers to Chesneys house not knowing he was home because his father was dying! Their relationship is very very strained like can’t be in the same room strained and Chesney says no he won’t do it but his brother convinces him because they need the money for their ranch and also their dad is dying but he has a strained relationship with his dad because he thought his dad blamed him for what happened to his brother
Chesney agrees to the ranch but the tension is tensioning! It’s a slow burn awhile before they talk at all Chesney is in charge of the office work and they come up with a plan to get more revenue by continuing Jaspers dads plans of making it a dude ranch with cabins and all the bells and whistles
I think what changed between them happened when they both had to clean out the offices it took days shared space alcohol and finding out the real reason behind the feud! Their grandparents were having an affair! When they settled after the news of that they went to jaspers to eat and finally they reconnected! Of course this freaks out Chesney and he runs to his former home
They need to talk and Chesney wants no more mess so they agree not to do it anymore but he’s losing the battle because he realizes that Jasper has always been there when it got rough even when Chesney told him to go after Lyle died his brother told him Jasper stayed out in the yard for a hour Jasper has always been there for Chesney and always loved him!
I do love that we get to go back and see how their friendship developed into a relationship before everything went to hell!
Chesney and his father finally got to talk and his dad apologized to him for what he’s said and done and when his dad turned up at the grand opening I bawled!!
It took them awhile but I feel like they earned their hea it was hard fought for when they are supposed to hate each other! I like that the 3 of them are going to make one big giant ranch! Their little found family and they deserved all the happiness

Fav quotes

Chesney’s shirtless. But that’s only the first problem. The second problem is that nearly twenty years of distance did absolutely nothing to prepare me for that reality. I practically swallow my own tongue trying not to drool all over myself

Because apparently nearly twenty years, a family feud, and all the reasons I walked away aren’t enough to make me forget the boy I once loved.

“If I wasn’t so distracted watching you watch”—he tips his head in my direction—“him, then the paint brush would’ve successfully made it back into the tray.” My gaze snaps toward Chesney. He’s glaring at his friend with cinched eyebrows and a tight jaw. “I was not watching him.” Wade snorts. “Oh, yes, you were, my friend.” I look between the two men, my cheeks growing hotter by the second. It suddenly feels like I shouldn’t be here, or like I should look away. But I can’t. “If anything, I was making sure he was doing it properly,” Chesney mutters, the annoyance clear in his voice.
Chesney was watching me?

“Awfully defensive for someone who wasn’t checking out the cowboy.” This is so awkward. “I wasn’t—” Heaving a sigh, Chesney shakes his head. “You know what? Fuck off.”

“The raccoon didn’t have rabies, damnit,” Chesney mutters. “He was alone and misunderstood.”

Because even though nothing has changed with our families, and probably never will, this is too special of a moment to let reality get in the way.

It’s taken me a long time to be able to say this out loud, but that night, with you and me and what we shared… I don’t regret it.” “I don’t regret it either.” My voice comes out strong, even though I feel anything but.

“My dad’s going to lose his fucking mind,” I say, rubbing a hand over the back of my neck. “Your grandmother literally caused a generational blood feud.” “Hey.” I point accusingly. “So did your grandfather.” Jasper snorts. “Fair.”

“I chose you over being home. And n-now Lyle’s gone. He’s gone forever because I. Chose. You.”

“Don’t ‘good morning’ me, Jasper Theordore Smith.” My brows pinch, and I breathe out a laugh. “That’s not even my middle name.”

“Jasper came because he loved you.” “What?” “I saw him,” he says softly. “Standing outside after you went back inside and slammed the door. He stayed out there for almost an hour.” I don’t move. Don’t breathe. My vision blurs. “He just stood in the middle of the yard where anybody could’ve seen him.” Truett swallows, then delivers a blow to my chest. “Jasper loved you, Chesney. And I think you loved him too.”

Sobbed!
IN LOVING MEMORY OF ROBERT & ELAINE SMITH Their dream was to create a place where people could come together, make memories, and experience the beauty of this land. Today, that dream lives on.

Sobbed again
“You brought him.” My father is the last person I expected to be here tonight. I don’t think I’ve ever even seen him step foot on this side of the property line. Not only that, but he has been bedbound for weeks. “He asked to come,” my brother says, his voice cracking. “Said he wanted to see it.”

“I’m here, Dad,” Truett murmurs. I lean closer. “So am I.” His eyes linger on both of us. “My boys.”
Dad looks toward Truett, who’s barely holding it together. “I love you both,” he rasps. “You’ve both…make me…so proud.” “We’re okay, Dad. It’s okay. Go be with Mom and Lyle.” “Tell them…” I clear my throat. “Tell them we love them.” “We’ve got it from here, Dad,” Truett says. “You don’t have to worry about us.”

“You.” The single word is my undoing. “I’ve spent months trying to convince myself that I didn’t still have feelings for you. I’ve spent so many nights telling myself the night we spent together was a mistake. I told myself it was grief or loneliness. That it was history.” His shoulders rise and fall with a shaky breath. “But it wasn’t.” “Jasper, I’ve spent nearly twenty years pretending I didn’t love you. I don’t want to pretend tonight.”

“I don’t want you making this decision because you’re hurting,” I murmur. “I’m making this decision because I am hurting.” “And because every time my life has fallen apart…” His voice cracks again. “It’s always you that’s been there for me. I pushed you away once. I won’t do it again.”

“This,” Chesney breathes out, “is what I need. You are what I need. Do you hear me?”
“It’s you.” His mouth crashes into mine, and he kisses me like he never wants to stop. “It’s always been you.”

“I love you, Dad. Thank you for never giving up on me, even when we forgot how to find each other. I’ll spend the rest of my life trying to make you proud.”

“I love you.” Chesney’s watching me with wide eyes and parted lips. I can’t read the expression he’s wearing, but it doesn’t stop me from saying what’s in my heart. “I know we’ve only technically been together for a little while, but we’ve also known each other basically our whole lives. And if we’re being honest here, I’ve kind of been in love with you since I was sixteen. Maybe even earlier than that. You don’t have to say it back. I’m not expecting you to. I just wanted you to know because⁠—”

“I love you.” The world stops moving. The music, the laughter, the festival going on around us… None of it matters. None of it exists in this moment. Chesney smiles, and my heart skips a beat. “And I know I’ve loved you for just as long.”

“I think he knew that if anyone could finally make it right, it would have to be the people who understood both the cost of that love and the value of it.”

“This land doesn’t belong to one family anymore. It belongs to the people willing to fight for it. I don’t want just a business partner.” Looking at Jasper, then at Truett, I say,” I want family. The way it should’ve been all along.”

My brother lifts his gaze to Jasper. “You sure you want to tie yourself to this family?” He doesn’t hesitate. “I’ve wanted to since I was fifteen.”

“I’m asking…” My voice cracks. “Chesney Jennings, I’m asking if you’ll move in with me. You don’t have to answer tonight, but it’s something I would love if you’re ready.” “I’d love to move in.” My heart gallops, and my smile is beaming. “Yeah?” “Absolutely.” Chesney glances through the kitchen window. I follow his gaze, finding everyone gathered around the table playing cards. Truett. Wade. Magnolia. Matty, who somehow managed to fit right in without even trying. Family. Old and new.

[judith vaughan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chesney and Jasper have grown up next to each other on their family's ranches. They were secretly friends because of a feud with their families this friendship began to grow into love. It was that first love a love that makes your heart flutter and butterflies in your stomach however something tragic happens to Chesney baby brother Lyle and he passes away. Chesney takes all his anger out on Jasper calling him horrible names and telling him he wished that had never met. Years pass Chesney has left his home town in the rearview however when his father is sick he returns to the one place hever wanted to come back to. Jasper is also dealing with loss in his family. His grandfather passes away and in his will makes it that Chesney and Jasper have to work the ranch together.
At first this isn't gonna work there is too much that has happened to them too much loss. Jasper and Chesney begin to get closer after a night together Chesney flees back to his home and Jasper is left with the weight over what happened.
Both of them love each other and they want to be together yet the past is crushing them and that happiness. Jasper remembers the hurtful words Chesney said that last night. While Chesney is carrying the weight of his brothers death and the fact that he was so cruel to Jasper. Can they deal with the past and move forward toward a future that saves not only their ranches but themselves.

[Julie 🕊️ books.and.chocolat3 · Rating 3 out of 5]

2,5 ⭐️ rounded up

This one makes me genuinely sad to review because I love Ashley James. I’ve read and loved so many of her books, and I really, really wanted to love this one too.

But I think, at the end of the day, this story just wasn’t for me.

Yes, there is a romance here. But to me, the romance never felt like the heart of the book.

The heart of this story is Chesney. His grief. His guilt. His father. His brother. His family. His past. His journey toward forgiving himself and finally allowing himself to move forward.

And there is SO. MUCH. GRIEF.

Grief is everywhere in this book. Loss is everywhere. Pain is everywhere. It honestly felt like everyone was dead, dying, grieving, or carrying the weight of someone they had lost. There was barely a ray of sunshine until the very, very end.

And I want to be very clear about something: the grief was really well written.

If you love books that explore grief deeply, books that hurt and crush your heart and make you feel like you’re grieving right alongside the characters, I genuinely think this will work beautifully for you. It’s emotional. It’s painful. You FEEL Chesney’s guilt and everything he’s carrying. Some of those scenes genuinely hurt.

I completely understand why so many readers are loving that part of this story.

But I wasn’t here for the grief.

I was here for the romance.

And that’s ultimately where this book lost me.

I felt like I was reading a deeply emotional story about grief, guilt, family, forgiveness and healing with a romance, rather than reading a romance about two broken cowboys finding their way back to each other.

And for me, there’s a huge difference.

Jasper was ready. I could feel Jasper’s love. I could feel that after twenty years, a part of him still belonged to Chesney. His yearning was there.

But Chesney? Chesney wasn’t here for a romance.

For most of this book, he didn’t want Jasper back. He didn’t want a relationship. He wasn’t ready to open that door again, and he had very good reasons for it. I understood him. It made complete sense for his character and for everything he was going through.

And yes, I know that resistance is part of the yearning. I know we’re supposed to wait for those walls to finally come down.

But they stayed up for so long.

Until very, very late in the book, Chesney simply wasn’t ready for the romance I was waiting for.

And eventually I found myself thinking: if Chesney doesn’t want the romance… who’s going to give it to me?

Because I was here for that romance.

I was waiting for it. Jasper was waiting for it. But Chesney was drowning in everything else for so long that the love story couldn’t become the emotional center of the book.

The romance didn’t get room to breathe.

I didn’t get room to breathe.

The moments that hit me the hardest emotionally weren’t even between Jasper and Chesney. They were Chesney and his father. Chesney and his brother. His guilt. His grief. His family.

The family storyline carried more emotional weight for me than the love story, and I desperately wanted the reverse.

I wanted to ache over THEM.

Give me two cowboys who fell in love as teenagers, were torn apart and spent twenty years unable to truly move on, and I want to be absolutely destroyed by the yearning. I wanted the longing. The tension. The I’ve loved you all this time and I don’t know what to do with it.

Instead, most of the time, I was just sad.

By 80%, the heaviness had become so relentless for me that I genuinely thought this book was going to put me into a reading slump. It was grief after grief after grief, and I kept waiting for the romance to finally become the emotional center of the story.

The payoff DOES come. And I really liked it.

I’m a payoff girl—I need it in my books. ❤️

Those final moments gave me some of what I had been waiting for, and I was happy with where Jasper and Chesney ended up.

But after spending so much of the book drowning in everything else, the payoff couldn’t completely change how the journey had made me feel.

And I think that’s why this is ultimately so much more about personal taste than the book doing something wrong.

If you want a deeply emotional story about grief, family, guilt, forgiveness and healing, with a second-chance romance woven through it, I absolutely understand loving this.

But I’m a romance girl.

I wanted the romance to crush my heart. I wanted Jasper and Chesney to be the reason I was hurting. I wanted their love story to be the emotional core.

Instead, I felt like I read Chesney’s healing journey, with Jasper and their second chance as one part of it.

The book made me feel exactly what it wanted me to feel.

It just wasn’t what I wanted to feel.

[Shanice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, so I think reading this book while also dealing with a death in the family and the passing of my father-in-law probably wasn’t the best idea, but reading is therapeutic, right? Because I cannot tell you how much I loved this book.

We follow Chesney and Jasper, whose love story begins when they meet as adolescents for the first time. Their story moves back and forth through different periods of their lives, including a long period of no communication between them. We don’t fully see the impact of that separation until later, but once everything starts coming to the surface, you realize just how many layers there are to their story. There is a family feud between their families, their relationship is a secret, they’re both dealing with grief within their families, and then there is SO MUCH GUILT, seriously. So much guilt. There are so many hurdles these two have to get through before they can finally reach a place where they aren’t allowing the past to dictate their future or harboring resentment toward one another.

And Jasper? Jasper was amazing from beginning to end. The patience he showed Chesney throughout his journey of grief was one of my favorite parts of this book. Honestly, I think this is some of Ashley’s best work. I love all of Ashley’s books, but this one really stayed with me. I don't know if it's because of my own current grief, but this was amazing. I loved the way the story explored the inability to process emotions and communicate with each other between parent and child, and just how damaging that can be. We see how the choices people make and the ways they respond to pain can have consequences that eventually become impossible to change. Sometimes you reach a point where you can’t go back and fix what happened. You can only accept what is, figure out how to live with it, and find a way forward. That's what happened in this book. It's not always about forgiveness.

And then there’s Chesney and Jasper together. Once these two finally get together, it is a LOVE EXPLOSION. But even then, there are more layers because they start discovering all of the things they missed about each other and all the time they lost. I wanted to go back to their teenage selves and shake them both. Not literally, obviously, but just grab them by the shoulders and say, “GUYS. COME ON. YOU DESERVE EACH OTHER.” But Chesney made it hard!!

There is also one particular moment when Chesney’s brother tells him something Jasper did, and I cannot say anything else because I refuse to spoil it. Just know that I stopped what I was doing. I then got up and walked outside to touch grass to stop crying.

What I appreciated most about this book was how respectfully it handled grief. It shows that grief doesn’t always look the way we expect it to and that losing someone can bring up complicated emotions, memories, guilt, anger, love, and everything in between. I especially appreciated the acknowledgment that grief can stay with you for a long time. Even when you have therapy, even when you learn coping skills, and even when you think you’ve worked through something, there can still be things that linger and things that trigger you. But there are also ways to work through those things. Sometimes that way is to just face it head-on, but to admit that you need support.

I had the honor of reading this as an ARC, and I genuinely loved every bit of it. This book was emotional, layered, beautifully complicated, and exceptionally written(as always). It gave me everything I wanted from Chesney and Jasper’s story and then somehow still managed to break my heart along the way, but made sure to build it right back up.

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every Ashely James book packs a punch. Sure, there’s always heat, humor and romance, but there’s also conflict and complications and past hurt; things to be worked out or overcome. In Burning Love, however, she knocks you out before you’ve even finished the prologue. And then she piles on in the first chapter. Before you’ve even finished two chapters, you’re hooked and bracing yourself for what’s to come. And it’s going to be good.

When Jasper and Uncle Pete sit down for the reading of the will, the tension is the room is thick. Jasper is the one who’s worked the ranch for the past fifteen years, but now that Clyde Smith is dead his son Pete has waltzed back in to claim what he thinks is rightfully is. Doesn’t work out that way though. Clyde has left the ranch equally to his grandson Jasper and Chesney Jennings, with a startling and suffocating provision. We don’t know anything yet, but we will. And we know it’s not going to be easy.

Chesney feels overwhelming, inescapable guilt. After the accident, after his little brother died, no one acted like they blamed him. But of course, everything changed; how could it not? He couldn’t live with the guilt, with the family all around him, so he escaped one town over to live with his grandparents in Honey Creek, and he’s been there ever since. Rarely goes home, rarely even communicates. But his mother has passed away, his father has cancer and his older brother Truett has been holding things together on his own far too long. He comes back to help - even though he’s never liked ranching – intending to leave as soon as he can. And that’s when the bombshell of Clyde Smith’s will is dropped on him.

Chesney and Jasper have history and every time he thinks of it, he feels guilt and anger and . . . he doesn’t even know what he feels. Two young boys who formed a friendship despite a long-standing bitter feud between their families. A friendship built on fishing and talking and just hanging out. A friendship that had maybe become something a little deeper by their teenage years. But then the accident happened and all Chesney wanted to do was run, run, run and forget. He didn’t run far enough and he couldn’t forget. He wants to walk away from the terms of the will and give up his share, but Truett asks him to reconsider; their family ranch needs funds, and he can’t go on alone much longer.

So, Chesney stays. And staying puts him in close proximity to Jasper. Jasper’s working the ranch, Chesney is working the financial side but there is still day-to-day, frequent, often uncomfortable contact. They’ve never talked about why Chesney left. One day Jasper’s best friend – and more – was there and the next day not. And now he acts like he hates Jasper.

Burning Love is the first book in the new Sweet Briar, Wyoming series by author James. It’s complex but oh, so satisfying. An endless feud that no one seems to know the origins of or will discuss, but which has ruled their lives for decades. A man who began to loathe himself as a teenager and has held on to that self-hatred for twenty years. An attraction that was just starting to bloom but has now possibly matured into something adult and undeniable. Family relationships are hard and both the Smiths and the Jennings have been through a lot. Author James expertly highlights the differences and the arguments, the misunderstandings and the stubbornness and as always adds the perfect amount of heat and romance. I received an advance copy of Burning Love from The Author Agency. I have loved all of James’ previous series and know I am going to be pulled just as deeply into this one. I thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend it without hesitation. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.

[Vanessa V · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

Wow. This book was beautiful, but it was definitely not a lighthearted romance.

Chesney and Jasper grow up on neighboring farms, with families who hate each other. Two small boys, only twelve years old, meet and become secret friends because the adults in their lives have allowed a feud, one that nobody even seems to know the origin of, to dictate their lives.

Something more than friendship begins to blossom between them, but at sixteen, the tragic death of Chesney’s brother, Lyle, changes everything. Chesney bans Jasper from his life and flees town, consumed by guilt. He connects Lyle’s death to his forbidden love for Jasper and can no longer even look at him.

The adults in their lives really let them down. They spent years trying to fill these boys’ hearts with hatred for the other family, and I still can’t comprehend why Chesney’s father was so incredibly hard on him when he was a child, even before Lyle’s death.

Twenty years later, Jasper’s grandfather tries to make things right with his will by leaving the ranch to both Chesney and Jasper, with the condition that they work together for a year.

Chesney has no choice but to return. His brother is drowning in medical bills because of their dying father, and the farm is struggling. So he has to face the place and the person he has spent twenty years running from.

This book is grief after grief… 😢

Chesney loses Lyle and then spends twenty years being eaten alive by guilt away from his family. Jasper loses his grandfather after already losing his father and mother. Chesney is also struggling to pick up the pieces of his life while dealing with his father’s illness and everything that happened in the past.

And underneath all that darkness, there is a second-chance love story trying desperately to shine through.

Jasper is honestly one of the most patient men ever, and I really appreciated that. I also understood Chesney as a character, even when his choices were painful to watch, and I ended up really liking him.

Their reunion and the process of finding each other again were beautiful. ❤️

For me, though, the grief in this book slightly outshone the romance. I enjoyed the book and read it in a day, but I have to admit that I like to smile when I read, and this book had my heart aching through so much of it. 🥺

That being said, the writing was beautiful, and I loved the themes of finding happiness, healing, and building a found family. So despite the emotional devastation, this was still a solid 4 stars for me.

I do think the promotion of this book could be a little clearer about the premise and emotional weight, though. The sunny cover and the listed tropes really didn’t prepare me for just how much grief and pain were packed into this story.

But despite all the tears and heartache, I definitely want to read book 2 and will be checking out more from this author.

Read this if you like :

✨ First love getting a second chance
✨ Small-town romance
✨ Building a new family
✨ Forgiveness & understanding each other
✨ Childhood friends to lovers
✨ Emotional second-chance romance

[Cigi cini · Rating 5 out of 5]

🤠 Cowboy Romance
💙 MM Romance
🔥 Second Chance Romance
⚡ Forced Proximity
🏡 Small Town Romance
🐎 Ranch Romance
💔 Childhood History
👨‍👨‍👦 Family Feud
🏠 Forced Partnership
🤫 Secrets
🥹 Emotional Romance
🔥 Slow Burn Tension
🛡️ Protective Hero
💞 He Never Got Over Him
❤️ Found Family
🌶️ Spicy Romance
✨ Happily Ever After

Star: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.25
Burning Love is an emotional, heartfelt, and beautifully tense second chance MM romance filled with family history, old wounds, forced proximity, and two men who have spent years trying to forget something that never really disappeared.

As the first book in Ashley James’ Sweet Briar series, Jasper and Chesney’s story immediately pulled me into the small town of Sweet Briar and the long-standing feud between their families. There is so much history between these two, and from the moment Chesney returns, you can feel every bit of hurt, resentment, longing, and unfinished business sitting between them.

Jasper Smith has spent his life fighting to keep Wind River Ranch alive. He is loyal, hardworking, stubborn, and determined to protect the place that means everything to his family. So when his grandfather leaves half the ranch to Chesney Jennings, the last person Jasper ever expected to share it with, he is understandably furious.

Chesney never wanted to return to Sweet Briar. He left years ago carrying memories and secrets he has spent a long time trying to escape, but the inheritance forces him straight back into Jasper’s life. And with the terms of the will requiring them to run the ranch together for an entire year, avoiding each other is no longer an option.

I really enjoyed watching the walls between them slowly begin to come down. There is so much unresolved emotion between Jasper and Chesney, and their chemistry feels tangled up in years of hurt and feelings neither of them ever truly let go of. The tension between them builds beautifully, and when things finally start to shift, the connection between them is impossible to ignore.

What I loved most was that their relationship was not just about attraction. There is genuine history here, along with grief, misunderstandings, family expectations, and the weight of a feud that has shaped both of their lives. Jasper and Chesney have to decide whether they are willing to keep carrying everyone else’s anger or finally choose something for themselves.

The ranch setting added so much to the story, and I loved the small town atmosphere, the family dynamics, and the foundation Ashley James has created for the Sweet Briar series.

Burning Love is emotional, spicy, tender, and full of longing. Jasper and Chesney frustrated me at times, made me ache for them at others, and ultimately gave me exactly the kind of second chance romance I love, where the feelings never really went away and all it takes is being forced back together for everything to come burning to the surface.

[Lou Loves A Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

This should have been titled ‘Slow Burning Love’ because hot damn these two boys took their time! But good lord it was worth every drawn out moment!

This was beautiful. This wasn’t your typical cowboy love story about two repressed men refusing to acknowledge their feelings. This is a story about two men who have both been through loss and trauma, spending years trying to run away from it and getting a second chance to fix things thanks to circumstances neither of them had a choice over.

My heart broke for Chesney from the prologue! The years of grief and guilt he held for Lyle because of a horrible accident and Truett having to cope largely by himself all those years because Chesney couldn’t bring himself to come home. I liked the fact that Chesney didn’t just automatically forgive his father. That he acknowledged to himself that he may never be able to but still chose to speak kindly to him in his final moments. Grief is hard enough on its own but mixed up with a tumultuous relationship can make it even more complicated and I appreciate that fact that this was acknowledged rather than it just being wrapped up in a happy bow of forgiveness.

I cried at their final moments with their father. Honestly I probably shouldn’t have read it 2 days after my own father’s death anniversary, but it was a beautifully written scene. Telling him that he could go now and that they had everything covered… I’m tearing up now just reliving it!

This was truly a slow burn and a well earned one. I liked that after they first slept together (well, technically it was the second time) there weren’t feelings of regret. Yes, Chesney ran away for a few days for space but there wasn’t any major regret or self-hatred for either of them and that they both acknowledged (to themselves) that it was amazing. And I’m glad they didn’t start anything then and took time to deal with the dude ranch opening and Chesney’s father impending passing.

Being part of the team to roll out teasers of the book I knew the “..waited 20 years..” quote was coming but god damn I wasn’t expecting it to hit as hard as it did.

I had a feeling that the feud reveal would involve an affair, although I did think that one of their grandfathers stole the love interest of the other when they were younger, but I was half right. I half expected Chesney to talk to his dad about it but honestly I’m glad he didn’t.

Oh and the merging of the ranches as a somewhat homage to their grandfathers? Perfect!

This is a story about young love, tragedy, second chances and learning to release yourself from the shackles of grief. Beautiful, heartbreaking and heartwarming, it’s another gorgeous story from Ashley that I started reading within minutes of being sent the ARC and have stayed up all night reading because I could not put it down!

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
The Jennings and the Smiths have been feuding farm families for a long time, even if the younger generation doesn’t know what it is about.

After a tragic event, Chesney Jennings left his hometown of Brier Creek because he just couldn't be there anymore. Almost twenty years later, obligations at home are pulling him back, even if it is against his will. He’s never really faced his past and still carries guilt and grief.

Jasper Smith was his childhood/teenage secret best friend and first secret crush. Jasper stayed and worked on his family‘s farm. And now, after his grandfather‘s death and the will reading, an unexpected situation arises that also demands Chesney’s attention. It would involve them working in close proximity on a shared goal. At first, Chesney’s trying to avoid it, fight it, but then realizes he has to at least be home for his own family as well.

But as Jasper and Chesney are in each other's proximity again, those tentacles of friendship, past bond, secret attraction and crushes start to come back. Jasper‘s always been the steadfast, hard-working, loyal guy who is patient and takes care of everything, but Chesney broke his heart when he left. And Chesney felt like he had no choice because he was literally broken at the time and is not sure where home is anymore.

There is a definite hurt/comfort aspect to this story, as they have both been through so much pain in the past and currently. I loved seeing these guys start to find their way back to friendship and feelings. They both have a lot going on in their lives, so there are challenges and small victories. But I loved seeing them begin to find companionship, passion, support, and partnership. And especially seeing Chesney begin to heal and find self-forgiveness, and learn to live and love again. These two were just so good together, and they had such history, both good and bad.

I liked the ranch and small-town feel and the side characters in this one. I am hoping that we will see books for Jensen's brother, Truett and some of their friends.

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[paris · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

*𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰*

⊹ | 𝘽𝙪𝙧𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙇𝙤𝙫𝙚 by Ashley James is an M/M cowboy romance. It is the first book in the 𝘚𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘵 𝘉𝘳𝘪𝘢𝘳 series and follows Chesney Jennings and Jasper Smith. This story explores themes that some readers may find sensitive.

They say time heals old wounds, but when Chesney is forced to return to the one place that he did everything to escape he realizes that's not true. Medical bills for his father are piling up, the family farm is failing, and now it seems working with the man he loved and lost is his last resort. A lifetime of guilt, grief, and a lot of unresolved tension leaves Chesney struggling to move on from the past.

This book was so freaking good!! It was written about two men finding their way back to each other after experiencing unimaginable pain and loss. I'm truly grateful to have had the opportunity to ARC read for Ashley because these two men are truly special. Chesney and Jasper definitely had a long, rocky road before they got their HEA, but in the end everything turned out the way it was meant to.

The story was so emotional, and while I didn't cry, it did pull on my heartstrings several times. What Chesney went through as a teen is something that no one should ever have to experience. This book shows us that grief is a challenging and complex thing to navigate and if you let it, it can consume you until you don't recognize yourself. Additionally, as someone who also has a rocky relationship with their father, I resonated deeply with Chesney's struggle over whether he should forgive his father or not. In the end, he did what was right for himself, and there's nothing wrong with that.

Jasper is seriously my beloved. After getting his heart broken, he spends two decades wondering what could have been and grieving the loss of a relationship that nobody knew about. While I was understanding what led Chesney to his actions, my heart still broke for Jasper. When we got Truett's perspective on that night later in the book, it made my heart ache even more for him. I'm really happy that eventually they got to talk about what went wrong and then slowly fix what broke between them.

Overall, I'm so excited for this release. This book is an emotional one for sure, but it's also so amazing. It wasn't just a love story but a declaration that grief looks different for everyone. I would 100% recommend this book if you love second chances, small towns, and obviously cowboys!


— 𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝒃𝒚 𝑷.𝑹.

[Dalegendaryreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Every few minutes, like clockwork, our eyes find each other again like it’s something neither of us can stop."

Chesney and Jasper came from feuding families so they had to keep their friendship and desires under wrap. One unfortunate night made Chesney left town and Jasper's heart got broken. After two decades, Chesney came back to work together with Jasper in saving both of their ranch.

Anything Ashley James write from here on, I'll read.

I am not a very huge fan of second chance romance so I went into this keeping an open mind, but dang it's really not what I expected. I was thinking of a fun, silly little romance from rival families but I got so much more.

I love our characters. Jasper really had my heart the first time I read him. He's grieving, he's managing the ranch all by himself and barely surviving. He's a good person in all ways. Chesney discovered trauma at such a young age. He ran to survive because he's hurting. He's been aloof and keeping everyone at arm's length because of it. Both of our characters are carrying so much on their shoulders, that it was very handled very well. They both have depth to them which I love to read.

Plot-wise, we have an interesting one considering we have a dual timeline going on, dating back when they were kids becoming fast friends and more yet being each others' secrets. And, the present one where they had to work together.

"This generations-old feud sits between all of us like another family member—old, ugly, and untouchable."

What really caught me by surprise and why this book was raised to being a 4-star read for me was the grief. It's a very prominent discussion and theme in this book. It was handled with care and caution. I personally haven't experienced grief but it was so palpable in this book, that made me cry. The book showed how healing is not linear, how everyone dealt with grief in different ways and it's not one size fits all.

Their relationship was slow burn, in a way that I love. It made sense considering they have history together. They were each other's firsts in every way, and it was right person, wrong time at first. But they were both each other's invisible string.

I have some theories about who's gonna be on the next book, wish I'm right. Regardless of who is it, I'm still gonna read it.

[Rachel Nahabedian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Obsessed.

🤠 Cowboy Romance
💔 2nd Chance / It’s Always Been You
🐎 Forced Proximity
🤝 Childhood BFFs → Strangers → Lovers
❤️‍🩹 Hurt x Comfort
😭 Grief x Healing
🐌 Slow Burn
💥 Angst
✨ Hard-Earned HEA

**PLEASE CHECK THE TRIGGER WARNINGS.** This is probably the heaviest Ashley James book I’ve read.

I started this Monday night, and then Tuesday afternoon Dolly died. Wednesday morning, Tim Curry died. I have a funeral Thursday morning. All three of these people were incredibly foundational to me, so considering how much loss Chesney and Jasper were carrying, I almost put this book down.

But I kept going. And honestly, I think I needed it.

Did I cry through basically the entire second half? Absolutely. Was I inconsolable? Also absolutely. I connected with Chesney and Jasper on a level I don’t think I ever could have without everything I was personally going through, and because of that, this will forever be my favorite Ashley James book. I highlighted SO many passages, and I already know I’ll reread it just to find the ones I missed.

Even without all of that, though, this would still be a five-star read for me.

Chesney and Jasper’s journey (both together and separately) is beautiful. From childhood best friends sneaking away from their feuding families to fish and skip rocks, to first kisses and first loves, they were always it for each other.

Then the best day of Chesney’s life becomes the worst in the blink of an eye. He blames himself, pushes everyone away (including his bff Jasper), and spends years punishing himself.

20 years later, Chesney is forced to return home and run the ranch with the same boy who stole his heart and never really gave it back.

Jasper is everything. Steadfast, patient, and basically a walking green flag. He knows when to speak, when to listen, and (most importantly) he refuses to let Chesney run away without finally having the hard conversations.

This is a story about coming home, grief, healing, growing, planting roots, weathering storms, and (as Dolly says) learning that storms make trees take deeper roots.

I’m already completely invested in the rest of this series and cannot wait to see where it goes.

I firmly believe books find us when we need them most, and I am incredibly thankful this one found me when I needed it.

Thank you, Ashley and The Author Agency, for the ARC.

[Gabriel Castaneda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you love a cowboy MM romance? I know I do. “Burning Love” by Ashley James is out now! Grab your copy today. This book literally had me on an emotional rollercoaster. So, I suggest reading the TRIGGER WARNINGS. This book discusses some deep emotional topics such as bereavement, grief, and illness. So, protect your mental health before proceeding. Other than that, I absolutely recommend reading this book!

I cannot stop thinking about Chesney and Jasper. Especially the flashback scenes; They definitely need to provide more context for the narrative. The way they met was adorable. They instantly started a secret relationship, since their families had been feuding for years. Unfortunately, tragedy struck with the death of Chesney’s younger brother, Lyle, causing a rift in their relationship. Chesney left Sweet Briar, which left Jasper broken-hearted. The hurt was real, and I felt it.

Years later, Jasper’s Grandfather passed away, leaving the ranch to Jasper and Chesney. This caused so much tension between the families. Chesney was forced to come back to Sweet Briar because the terms of the Will required him to work on the ranch for a year. Immediately, it was fireworks. The chemistry between Jasper and Chesney was explosive. They both had to overcome the grief and trauma of the past. This was a great second-chance romance that I love and was worth rooting for because the emotions stemmed from something pure. Do they get a HEA? Read and find out for yourself!

Ashley James addressed grief and bereavement thoughtfully and with great attention to detail. It was done so delicately. The book also addresses Chesney's experience with a parent's illness, especially cancer. Phenomenal job. Ashley James wrote amazing side characters, such as Wade, Chesney’s friend. Wade was absolutely funny and a great source of comedic relief. Will he be featured in a future book? I will definitely be reading more of Ashley James’s novels in the future.

Here are some tropes: Cowboy romance, second chance romance, forced proximity, hurt/comfort, grief and healing, and slow burn. Trust me, this book will not disappoint; thus, I will definitely recommend it.

Thank you to The Author Agency for providing me with an ARC. I truly enjoyed this emotional rollercoaster of a novel. It was well worth it. Thank you!

[Kirsty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED JASPER AND CHESNEY SO DAMN MUCH 😭🔥 Like seriously, these two had me in a chokehold from the beginning. Give me a family feud, a ranch, forced proximity, second chances and two men who absolutely cannot stay away from each other and I AM THERE.

The whole setup was SO GOOD. Jasper and Chesney being forced to run the ranch together for an entire year because of a grandfather’s will?? YES PLEASE. The fact that their families have been feuding for generations just made everything between them so much more intense. They already had all this history and unresolved feelings between them, and then they’re suddenly thrown together and expected to work side by side every damn day. The tension was EVERYTHING.

Jasper 😭 I loved this stubborn, loyal, grumpy rancher so much. He’s spent his whole life carrying the weight of his family and the ranch, and then Chesney walks back into his life and basically shakes everything up. You could feel how much he still cared even when he was trying so hard to fight it.

And CHESNEY!!! My heart hurt for him. He’d spent years trying to escape Sweet Briar and everything that happened, only to come back and be forced straight into Jasper’s orbit again. Watching all those old feelings come rushing back was just SO GOOD.

The stolen moments, the longing, the tension, the secrets coming out, the resentment slowly turning into something so much deeper… I was eating it ALL up. These two had so much to overcome, and I loved watching them finally stop running from what was between them.

And the ranch setting was perfect. I loved being thrown into Sweet Briar and the whole family feud because it made the romance feel even bigger. Everyone knows everyone’s business, old grudges run deep, and Jasper and Chesney falling for each other was basically guaranteed to set the entire town on fire 😂🔥

I just wanted to grab these two and yell JUST KISS AND TALK TO EACH OTHER!!! 😂

Burning Love gave me all the angst, yearning, forced proximity and forbidden-ish romance I could possibly want, but underneath all of it was such a beautiful story about two people who never really stopped loving each other.

I LOVED JASPER. I LOVED CHESNEY. I LOVED THEM TOGETHER. ❤️

[Sneha R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Burning Love is a powerful and heartfelt story about loss, forgiveness, and finding your way back to the person who has always been home. It's not a light romance, but for readers who enjoy emotional, character driven stories with meaningful healing arcs and a hard earned HEA, it delivers an incredibly rewarding experience.

It is a deeply emotional MM second chance cowboy romance that focuses as much on grief, healing, and family trauma as it does on romance. While the love story between Chesney Jennings and Jasper Smith is central, the book is ultimately about confronting decades of pain, loss, guilt, and unresolved heartbreak.

Twenty years ago, tragedy changed everything. After the death of his younger brother, Chesney left his hometown carrying immense guilt and grief, leaving behind not only his family but also Jasper, his best friend, first love, and soulmate. When circumstances force Chesney to return home and work alongside Jasper to save their families' ranches, they're finally confronted with the feelings neither of them ever truly left behind.

The emotional core of the story lies in Chesney's healing journey. His grief over losing his brother and the fractured relationship with his father shape much of the narrative. The book explores how differently people process loss and how carrying guilt can prevent someone from truly living.

Jasper is consistently praised as the heart of the story. Patient, loyal, kind, and endlessly supportive, he remains a source of stability even after years of heartbreak. His willingness to stand by Chesney while giving him space to heal makes him an incredibly lovable hero.

The dual timeline structure allows us to experience both their teenage friendship and first love, as well as their difficult reunion years later. This adds depth to their relationship and makes their eventual reconciliation feel well earned.

While the romance contains some steamy moments, the story prioritizes emotional growth, forgiveness, and personal healing over spice. please be prepared for a heavy, sometimes heartbreaking journey filled with family conflict, grief, trauma, and emotional recovery.

Thankyou Ashley and TAA for this ARC!!

[MNHockeymomreads (Heather) · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this is a love story and two people do find their way back to one another, it is really about healing, grief, so much grief but also love. There is so much love in this book, too. Make sure you have your kleenex handy because this is an emotional book. Chensey Jennings fled his hometown after a family tragedy and honestly never wanted to come back. There were too many memories- very few of them good. But he needs to come back- his father is dying and he needs to help his brother but also ...help run a ranch that isn’t his family ranch. My heart really hurt for Chesney. He experienced so much loss and grief in a short period of time, pushed those that he loved away from him and within that are so many unresolved feelings, things left unsaid and a lot of hurt.
Jasper Smith is reliable, hard working, and has been working his tail off to keep his family ranch running. Jasper is just steady. He sees people, what they need, and does it. This man loves so big and really isn’t afraid to show it and just show up.
One of my favorite parts of this book were the flashbacks to when Chensey and Jasper were young, best of friends, and then more. It was easy to see the growth not only in their friendship but their blossoming feelings for one another- a family feud kept their friendship and feelings secret. While I am usually a fast burn kind of girl, this was not that. This was about two people finding themselves back to one another after a lifetime of loss and hurt. Chensey really needed to heal, mend his relationship with his brother, and try to mend the relationship with his father before his death. Jasper was ready for love, and waited for Chensey all the while loving him in the way that he needed by showing up. In the end Jasper and Chensey did build something beautiful. If you are in need of an emotional book that will make you cry, feel, and enjoy a small town, cowboys, rival families, second chances, close proximity, amazing side characters with banter this book is for you. Please note; the author does provide trigger warnings- incase it isn’t clear there is a lot of grief in this book.