This Novella takes us back to Ford and Stormy (Riding the Storm) one year on. A soft, personal glimpse into their next chapter.
Stormy never expected her small-town bookshop to make headlines. But when unexpected attention over her writing event draws old ghosts out of hiding, she finds herself pulling away from the place—and the people—she loves most. Including Ford, the big-hearted, grumpy cowboy who’s been her safe place since the day she found home in the heart of Montana.
Meanwhile Ford’s been keeping something close to his chest, and the weight of it is starting to show. As Stormy withdraws, he fears he’s losing her, and old insecurities creep in—quiet doubts that maybe love isn’t enough, and maybe he isn’t either.
They’re both keeping secrets, trying to protect what matters. But when a sudden storm rolls in, the silence between them finally breaks. What follows isn’t grand or dramatic, but something far more a quiet reckoning, a shared truth, and a love story written not in perfect moments, but in the small often overlooked ones that matter most.
Together they learn that love isn’t about perfection, but presence.
I had the wonderful privilege to beta read After the Storm. I have no words Stormy and Ford have my heart. After the Storm is set a year after Riding the Storm and it was the perfect ending for Stormy and Ford.
It’s an emotional story filled with a reminder that love isn’t always pretty but it’s choosing to show up for your person in any way possible. It was a quick read but it was filled with heart and some spice.
I can’t wait to read more in this series. Thank you to Kirsty for the beta and arc!
I loved this Novella! Thank you Kirsty for letting me be a part of the ARC readers! I think this Novella shows a lovely next step for Stormy and Fords journey, and I think the writing in this Novella is elevated even more so from the ARC I read of Riding The Storm and it makes me excited to go back and reread Riding The Storm with the edits and uplifts Kirsty has done.
This Novella was easy to read and was full of care with the approach to anxiety and how that can feel for someone and how hard it can be. But even with that heavy topic it also mixes in cute and soft aspects and a lot of lovely bookish hints, I would definitely recommend reading Riding The Storm and After The Storm!
One year on from their meet cute romance, we're back with Stormy and Ford, getting a soft, personal glimpse into the next chapter of their story.
Stormy never expected her little bookstore to be the success that it has become, making news headlines. When her writing event gains unexpected attention, someone deep from her past comes out to play. She pulls away and becomes stuck inside her head. No one knows, not even Ford, who has become her home since she arrived in Montana.
Fordd has a big secret of his own, and he wants it to be perfect. The last thing he wants is to lose Stormy. When a sudden storm rolls in, they finally let go of their secrets, working out hers together. love is about being present, not about being perfect.
Part of Stormy really thought her past was coming back to get her for good. But sweet cowboy Ford was always trying to be there for her and not retreat into being his past self. He's so good with the animals. The baby goats were adorable.
Stormy trying to teach her non-reader boyfriend her reader ways was so relatable and funny (just trying to get him to understand the terminology 🤣, he was trying and eventually got there bless him).
And found family is where it's at.
Overall, a perfect installment to Riding the Storm
After the Storm by Kirsty Bryan picks up right where Riding the Storm ends, and it’s a sweet, satisfying novella that feels like coming home.
Stormy has settled into Montana and is finally living her dream with her own bookstore, which is thriving with events and community, while her relationship with Ford continues to deepen. Ford is still the grumpy cowboy book boyfriend we all adore; thoughtful, patient, and completely devoted.
This story gently explores their first real relationship challenges as both are haunted by past relationships and learn how to move forward together. Beautifully written and emotionally warm, this novella works best as a follow-up rather than a standalone, but it’s the perfect next chapter for anyone who wasn’t ready to say goodbye to Stormy and Ford yet.
This was just so sweet! It was a lovely look into what Stormy and Ford have been up to since the previous book. A quick little spicy novella that digs into mental health and communication importance. A good little read to get us in our feels!
**ARC Read** I love Stormy and Ford so much. Delving back into their lives was like watching my fave comfort movie. Beautifully written and kept me smiling, laughing and crying throughout. So lucky to have been part of the ARC readers!
A lovely novella to end a wonderful story! Throughly enjoyed reading this book. It was everything and fab to read the happening of Stormy and her dreamy cowboy man Ford. She’s great vibes and he is dreamy! ✨
After the Storm takes us back to Mountain View Ranch and gives us a glimpse of what Stormy and Ford are up to after their explosive love story in book one, Riding the Storm. And what a sweet and easy read it was! Kirsty Bryan’s writing is beautiful, honestly you would think she has published multiple books. It was so easy to get lost in the pages of this one, and I was reminded of exactly why I adored book one.
After the Storm is structured to be read as a standalone, as well as a continuation from book one. Meaning you don’t have to read Riding the Storm to enjoy the novella — although I HIGHLY recommend it for better understanding and to get the most out of it.
Ford and Stormy’s relationship is raw and real, and it was so heartwarming reading about those pure and tender moments between them. Add in just the right touch of spice, this one is the perfect valentines read. Short, sweet and full of LOVE.
Sooooo happy to be back in this cute little town! It felt like slipping into a familiar, comforting place the moment I started reading.
I loved Stormy and Ford's story — their chemistry is undeniable, and getting to dig deeper into their relationship was such a treat. This novella is packed with real, raw emotion, their love and commitment feels honest and earned.
I especially loved how the story handles trauma, healing and trust: dealing with the past, confiding in each other, knowing when to give space and when to simply be there. Ford's quiet support, the way he comforts Stormy without rushing her, was beautiful and heartwarming.
And that proposal - absolutely perfect. Private, intimate and so them 🥹
What really stayed with me was Stormy finding her family: a sister in Missy, a community she built for herself, and a safe space where she truly belongs. Stormy's love for books is something that resonates with me as books have always been a safe haven for me as well, reading about this is simply amazing.
A romantic, emotional, and deeply satisfying story. This definitely got me in my feels and big thank you to the author for this ARC! A lovely return to a world I absolutely adore and can't wait to come back to! 🩷
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
What a cute, beautiful and emotional novella to follow up Riding the Storm. I already loved Ford and Stormy from book one but After the Storm just made me love them even more, their relationship and romance is just so beautiful and it makes for such an amazing read. If you’re looking for a cowboy romance, filled with emotion, romance, spice, a few heart-breaking moment, and a happily ever after then I highly recommend grabbing Riding the Storm and After the Storm today!
This was a cute, fun, short read that also had emotion! was great to head back to Mountain View Ranch and catch up with Ford and Stormy! I enjoyed the suspense element but I want more or maybe expected more to happen! It was still good though and I enjoyed it!
If you’ve ever read a beautiful love story and the epilogue wasn’t enough then this is the sequel for you!
Riding the Storm tells the story of Stormy, an English bookstagrammer who’s relocation to Montana brings her to Ford, the grumpy cowboy next door who secretly has a heart of gold underneath his hardened, cautious exterior. After the Storm picks up one year after Riding the Storm and shows us what this sweet couple are up to now. Stormy is building her brand at her bookshop and Ford is planning something very special and secret.
One of the things I loved about this story is that it didn’t try to wrap up Stormy’s healing journey from her traumatic past too quickly, we were able to see that for Stormy there are good days and bad and Ford is there so support her through both.
This is a sweet and spicy novella which focuses on what comes next after the whirlwind of falling in love - living together, good communication and having a true partner who helps you to shoulder the hard stuff and how to handle the times you don’t quite get it right.
✨Just finished reading After the Storm by Kirsty Bryan. Her new novella releasing 12/2/26. Gosh what a beautiful continuation of Stormy and Ford’s Story. This book had me bawling my eyes out in the best and worst way. 🥹 It’s a beautiful experience of the reality of their relationship a year on, and how they navigate their deepest feelings and how to embrace your insecurities and know you are always enough 💖.
Thankyou Kirsty for sending me this Arc, I cannot wait to read what you write next!!!
Would like to Thank Kirsty Bryan for allowing me to ARC read her novella.
If you love all things cowboy, small town and spice then this series is for you, first book is riding the storm.
I throughly enjoyed reading Ford and Stormy’s continued story. This book had me feeling every emotion. I was so sad when Stormy felt she had to handle her ex on her own, in a small town with no family around her although she has found family within Ford. I could feel how alone she felt. I can’t tell you the amount of happy tears I shed in chapter 22 💕.
I absolutely love Ford and Stormy, their love is just so pure.
Very excited for the next book in the series!!!
Tropes 🩷 Cowboy romance 🤍 Bookish FMC 🩷 Soft-but-grumpy MMC 🤍 Small town vibes 🩷 Sweet & spicy 🤍 Navigating resurfacing trauma together
I am so in love with this series. This novella was so heart wrenching but so beautiful.
I loved to see Stormy and Ford take the next step in their relationship. It was nice to see them work things out in a healthy manner, especially after Stormy’s past.
The book is a quick read and it’s so good. I do recommend reading Riding the Storm first, as it’s the beginning of their story, but I suppose it’s not fully necessary. Let’s face it, though.. you’ll be just as obsessed with this story when you read it!!
Congrats on another winner Kirsty! Cannot wait for book number 2!! 5/5.
A cute, spicy and heartwarming novella. I love Ford and Stormy and getting to see more of them in this story was the best. Both Ford and Stormy are so relatable, and they go through more in this book and they are just the sweetest. The way Ford is always trying to help Stormy is so nice. Thank you to Kirsty for the ARC!
I had not only the privilege of ARC reading this but I also BETA read it for Kirsty. I adored Riding The Storm and this novella was the absolute perfect way to wrap up Ford and Stormy's love story 😍 It is a beautiful book and I loved everything about it! I highly recommend it but please make sure you read Riding The Storm first!
Falling back into Ford and Stormy world felt like a big warm cozy hug after a long day. This novella is packed with raw emotion, that tugs at your heart. It is a sweet and a bit spicy story of love, healing and growth.
Ford is perfect. He so gentle and patient with Stormy. What he did was so perfect. The goat was adorable. I loved seeing Missy again she brings so much joy to the story. I can’t for Missy story later this year.
Thank you Kristy Bryan for sharing this beautiful arc
This entire novella felt like soft morning sunlight streaming through gauzy curtains while you lie snuggled and warm in bed ☀️🤍✨️
It was the cosiest, most gentle little tale 🥹
I don’t think I've ever read any authors writing that feels quite as heartfelt and tender as this. The feeling that's been captured in these words is unbelievably beautiful.
My eyes were constantly tearing up and my heart was just melting 🫠
My heart felt so full after reading this. It was such an emotional read 🥺
This story is so special to me. I adore the characters so much and their relationship is everything!
They fit so perfectly. I can FEEL their love radiating off of the pages. The adoration they share for each other, and the way Ford ✨️𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑𝒔✨️ Stormy... that man is something else 🤭
Their strength during hardship and the wonderful team they make is beautiful to witness.
They are both the most supportive partners. I loved the representation in this novella of the aftermath of trauma and how it can linger and affect your relationships.
The direction the author chose to go with the plot was perfect and everything I didn't know I needed. It felt like such a natural progression of Stormy and Ford's story.
I adored every second of being back in their world 🩷
♥︎ 𝒎𝒚 𝒇𝒂𝒗𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒆 𝒒𝒖𝒐𝒕𝒆𝒔 ♥︎
"You trying to ruin me, darlin'?"
"God, Stormy. You feel like home and sin all wrapped up in one."
"Such a good little cowgirl. Riding me like you were made for it."
'Every damn thing about her knocks me sideways.'
"You've made me ravenous, Stormy. You've created a hunger in me I didn't know existed."
"You're not broken. You're not a burden. You're the woman I love."
"Ford… how are you so perfect right now?"
"You've built something real here. A place where people feel seen."
"My love for books changed my life. And I will never be the same because of them."
🐑🎀
Thank you so much to the author for giving me the opportunity to be an arc reader for your books. Your stories mean so much to me and I'm forever grateful for them 🫶
Riding the Storm was one of my favourite reads of 2025, so when I found out we were getting a novella to truly finish Ford and Stormy’s story, I was ready to combust with excitement. I thought book one was perfect, but this? This was the icing on the very hot cowboy cake (yes, that makes sense and I stand by it).
This novella takes us back to Ford and Stormy one year on, offering a soft, intimate glimpse into the next chapter of their love story.
Instead of big drama, the story leans into something far more powerful: quiet honesty, shared vulnerability, and the everyday moments that define real love. It’s a beautiful reminder that love isn’t about perfection, but presence.
This novella is emotional, real, and incredibly relatable. It explores love, devotion, and the idea that home isn’t a place—it’s a person. Relationships aren’t always smooth, and this story honours that with so much heart. And of course… the spice is spectacular. Because honestly, who doesn’t love a spicy little cowboy romance? 🤠🔥
I was so lucky to receive an early copy—thank you to Kirsty. All opinions are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Dive back into the world of Stormy and Ford in this epic novella.
From the very beginning, you can feel the continued love and support between these two. It is clear that Stormy and Ford were absolutely meant to find each other.
This book made me laugh, cry, and want to through my kindle across the room. Especially when Sam makes a reappearance through socials. I was absolutely heartbroken for Stormy. She already suffered so much at the hands of that man, she did not need anymore. But Ford made sure to put Sam in his place.
And the ending? Absolutely perfect. Ford proved that paying attention to even the smallest things can mean the absolute world to the one you love. And he did just that - he paid attention and made something that is already so special, even that more heartfelt and special for Stormy.
I cannot wait to see what happens next in Montana with all of the characters in this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This was the continuation of Ford and Stormy’s story I didn’t even know I needed! Riding the Storm ended perfectly, but this little glimpse into their life after the first book was EVERYTHING. I loved how Ford stayed by Stormy’s side even when she tried to push him away, their love feels so real and genuine. And can we talk about the spice?? This novella may be short, but it is PACKED with epic spice. You have to read Riding the Storm first and then dive straight into this one!
What a gorgeous little novella for Valentines Day.
I thoroughly enjoyed Riding the Storm so it was great to get a sneak peek into what happens in Stormy and Ford's lives a year after they get together. Kirsty's writing just seems to be getting better, and I really enjoyed the tension that came with it.
Needless to say I can't wait for Missy's story. She's an absolute firecracker and I am excited to see her get her own book.
After the storm by @kpbryanauthor ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶️🌶️ And the story continues. This was heartbreaking but so real. A little novella with our favorite couple to keep us company until the next book on the series comes out. These two are completely perfect for each other. Always there when the other needs them. There is so much love between them that you can feel it through the pages. Cannot wait to see what comes next 💥
I had the privilege of being an ARC reader for After the Storm, and let me tell you — it did not disappoint. What a beautiful ending to Ford and Stormy’s story. 💌 Set a year after Riding the Storm, this book is full of emotion and heartfelt moments. It’s a reminder that showing up for your people is a form of quiet love, and that love doesn’t always need grand gestures.
Aw I loved this little trip back into Ford and Stormy’s world 🩷 it was such a sweet, yet spicy, story with so much love! I adored the little goat, the relationships, the most romantic gesture ever (imo) and the healing and growth of the characters.
It was so nice and realistic to see that even though they had already got their happily ever after in book 1, there was still work to do to heal from the past traumas faced.
I loved seeing Missy again too - she brings so much fun to the story and I’m really excited for her book coming later this year! I also really wish Stormy’s bookstore was real - I want to visit it now 😍
A great novella, perfect for anyone looking for a short pick me up in a cowboy romance form!
Thanks to the author for the opportunity to read this ARC 🥰
This was the perfect continuation to Fords and Stormy's love story. This was everything I wanted and more. It was so cute, spicy and yet so touching with sensible topics that hit home. Can't wait to continue with this series and see what else unfolds.
This was such a cute Novella to read to continue Stormy and Fords story. I enjoyed it and was very happy to see them engaged at the end, they truly did deserve to find each other and the love they now have is so sweet.