The fourth book in THE ROAD AND THE RODEO series in which a professional barrel racer moves in with her childhood best friend—and first love—after an accident that leaves her without a place to live. Told in dual timeline, the pair navigates love, loss, and the lengths a person will go to keep the ones most important to them safe.
In fight or flight situations, Sierra Bayley has always chosen to flee. As soon as she was able, she left the one place—and person—she used to call home. However, no matter how hard she tries to put her childhood in the rearview, the ghosts of her past continue to haunt her.
Since the day his first love left without saying goodbye, Hayden Watkins has lived with his head down, chasing the life he always dreamed of. Forgetting should be easy. But no matter how hard he tries to let go, the girl who was once his entire universe is always in his orbit, yet just out of reach.
When a chance encounter throws Sierra back into Hayden’s life, forcing them to live and work together, his world seems to stop on its axis. He’ll do anything to make up for the time they lost. She’ll do anything to protect her heart—and his—even if it means lying to keep him safe.
But secrets never stay buried for long. As the pair reconnects and reignites the relationship that never had the chance to truly spark, truths begin to unravel. When lives are put at risk, Sierra has to make a Continue to run away from her demons or finally put up a fight.
Please note that The Dreams We Chase contains content that may be sensitive to some readers. Reader discretion is advised. For a full list of content warnings, please visit the author’s website.
H.K. Green is a contemporary romance author based out of Montana writing raw, emotional stories that will break your heart then put it back together.
Inspired by real-life, relatable challenges, her books feature found families, a healthy dose of sarcastic banter and emotional angst, strong female leads, and the men who'll do anything to give them the world.
When she's not writing, she can be found curling up with all kinds of books, hanging out with her rescue animals, going to rodeos or her family's farm and ranch, and spending time with her real-life book boyfriend.
You can connect with H.K. Green on social media @authorhkgreen.
Best book in the series yet! I’m a sucker for second chance romance and dual timelines, and this delivered on both plus a slow burn and romantic suspense? Yes, please. The found family element continues to deepen my love for this series with every book. Absolutely chef’s kiss. I finished it in one day I was hooked from the start. And Hayden’s love for her? So incredibly sweet.
I don't know what you authors are putting in these books, but each of you has me teetering on the edge on an emotional breakdown..................AND I LOVE IT!!! You know me...I like to be given just enough emotional damage to be concerning, and then fix me back up with all the love...hurt so good! haha
This is book 4 in the Road and Rodeo series...they are interconnected standalones, NO...you do not have to read the others to understand this one...YES....you will miss out on side stories of your favorite characters if you don't...Plus the series is amazing so just do it.
Now...when I say I want a second chance romance, this is what I mean. Hayden and Sierra...my babies....Sierra has BEEN THROUGH IT...not just in childhood, but the hits don't stop coming even as an adult. Hayden on the other hand lived the opposite of Sierra...loving home...childhood...but even things that look perfect hide secrets...and they both have some that tear them apart.
They found love and solace in each other, but life pulled them apart....only to throw them back together as adults. Both on circuit, they try to keep their distance and space from each other, but when Sierra finds herself in a bind, Hayden is there to help her out...and as much as they try to avoid the feelings they thought were long lost, they can't help the pull that has always been there...
Now...LET ME TELL YOU SOMETHING....the TENSION in this whole book....phew....we are talking 70% of the book is tension and both of them fighting each other and their demons, and it was EVERYTHING...it made them FINALLY coming together so much better...because you are screaming in the middle of the night, YES!!!! as you fist punch the air....its the only way to celebrate that victory at 3AM...neighbors be damned!!!
The book is HEAVY...and I mean that emotionally, so please take care with the trigger warnings and always remember, your mental health comes first so read with caution.
Thank you SO SO Much to H.K. Green for the amazing opportunity to ARC read this incredible book!
*Cowboy Romace *Second Chance Romance *TENSION *Childhood Friends to Lovers to Strangers to Lovers *Romantic Suspense *Barrell Racer FMC *Team Ropper MMC *It Was Always You *Found Family *Slow Burn *Trauma and Healing *Black Cat x Golden Retriever *Dual Timeline *Forced Proximity *Dual POV *Interconnected Standalone *HEA
Hayden Watkins = Cowboy Conrad Fisher. And I love me some Conrad Fisher. This book dealt with trauma, abuse, and self sabotage so very well. I wanted to hug Sierra so much, sweet girl went through so much and wouldn’t let anyone in. Hayden is the ultimate pure book boyfriend and I wanted to protect him at all cost. Keenan was my favorite and I enjoyed his humor and vulnerability, best of the best friends. I had a great time reading this and can’t wait to finish the series!
Hi! Just dropping by to post the tropes and content tags for The Dreams We Chase!
This is book four in The Road and The Rodeo series and can be read as a standalone. However, for the best emotional experience, I recommend starting with The Pieces We’ve Lost and The Chances We Take, followed by The Hearts We’ve Broken.
Additionally, please note that The Road and The Rodeo is a five-book interconnected series that progresses in a chronological timeline. While the main couple gets their HEA/HFN at the end of this book, there may be side stories and plot points that are not immediately resolved and will run through the series.
I hope you enjoy Sierra and Hayden's story!
Tropes:
🪐 Doomed Soulmates with a Second Chance 💜 Childhood Friends to Lovers to Strangers to Lovers 🪐 Forced Proximity/Roommates 💜 Romantic Suspense 🪐Dual Timeline (12 years of history) 💜 Barrel Racer FMC x Team Roper MMC 🪐 Slow Burn 💜 Found Family 🪐 Black Cat FMC x Soft Boy MMC
I just finished the ARC of HK Green’s upcoming release (out April 30!) and I have to say… this is absolutely my favorite in the series so far. Even though it can be read as a standalone, having the other books under my belt made this story even better. This is my second ARC from HK Green (not paid and the review is of my own accord and honest feedback), and I feel genuinely honored to get early access to these stories. If she writes it, I’ll read it.
The character development was layered, meaningful, believable, and so easy to get invested in. The storytelling completely pulled me in; I genuinely couldn’t put it down and ended up finishing it so quickly.
A few standout things I loved: 🤠 cowboy hat moment (IYKYK) and what the MMC states right after… 🔥 the second chance slow burn—done RIGHT… 75% in, and the tension is absolutely worth it 🕰️ the flashbacks were well-timed, meaningful, and added depth instead of slowing things down a bit of a mystery who dun it! not what I was expecting out of a romance but it added another layer to the story that I enjoyed 🍪 It made me really want peanut butter cookies! Lol
Just finished reading an advanced copy of a book that was just released on April 30th called, The Dreams We Chase. This is about Sierra, she is a barrel racer who got her start back in highschool because of her best friend and first love, Hayden. But life wasn't easy for Sierra growing up and as soon as she could she left town, leaving a heartbroken Hayden behind. Now years later they come face to face again as they're both chasing their rodeo dreams. But once again life isn't easy for Sierra and she finds herself suddenly without a place to live or a trailer for her horse, so Hayden offers to help, and now they're living and traveling together. They're trying to be friends, but they both have secrets from the past that haunt them, and the feelings they had for each other years ago never went away. Can these two finally get a second chance at love or will the ghosts of the past come back and pull them apart again? I absolutely loved this cowboy romance! This is book 4 in The Road and The Rodeo series. I loved that this story had a dual timeline, giving us Sierra and Hayden as teenagers and now as adults. I loved that the author brought in some heavier topics, the care and consideration put into this story with those topics was just done so incredibly well. It added some suspense to this romance and kept me turning the pages for more! I loved Sierra and Hayden, this was the slooowest burn, but it was so worth it! These two have my heart! I love this series so much and I can't wait for the next book! 💜📚
Thank you to the author and her team for this ARC of The Dreams We Chase, in exchange for an honest review.
This is book 4 in The Road and The Rodeo series and it was a heartbreaker with a happy ending for sure!
Sierra Bayley is a professional barrel racer and moves in with her childhood best friend Hayden Watkins after she ends up with no place to live. Sierra has grown up surviving domestic violence and has secrets. Hayden grew up the son of a police officer and in a loving home. Their experiences are polar opposite and shaped who they became as adults and why they've struggled to stay in touch since.
Sierra is fiercely independent, determined to succeed and has walls a mile high. Hayden is the complete opposite and such a sweetheart. He loves her deeply but he's also not the same happy person he was when he last saw Sierra five years ago before being heartbroken.
I loved the rodeo background, the found family aspect, the banter between friends and I don't love the miscommunication trope, but it made sense in this story and I think it was done well!
This was such a beautiful friends-to-lovers romance. The emotional growth, the history between the characters, and the overall execution completely hooked me from the very beginning. The writing is phenomenal.
Sierra is incredible, her story is deeply touching (and cruel at times),giving her character so much depth. And Hayden's a fantastic fictional man. You can’t help but develop a special soft spot for both of them, as individuals and as a couple.
The way the past and present timelines are woven together is brilliant. I loved how something mentioned in a present-day chapter would later unfold in a full flashback, letting us experience that exact moment. Seeing the evolution of their bond across different phases of their lives was amazing.
The friend group is such a great addition. They all have different dynamics, but there's always that unwavering "we've got your back" energy that feels incredibly genuine.
A super nice and helpful feature is that for readers who prefer a closed-door romance, the author included a note listing the chapters containing explicit scenes (there aren't many, though). The heavier themes are handled with so much care and respect, but as always, be sure to check the trigger warnings before diving in..
Overall, this is a heartfelt, emotional, and deeply satisfying story about growth, healing, friendship and chasing dreams together. I highly recommend it.
I received an ARC of The Dreams We Chase by H.K. Green in exchange for an honest review.
The Dreams We Chase is book four in The Road and Rodeo series and follows Hayden and Sierra in a second-chance romance that genuinely made me feel all the feelings.
Hayden and Sierra were best friends in high school until Sierra left town without a word after graduation, taking a piece of Hayden’s heart with her. Years later, fate brings them back together at a rodeo, and when an accident leaves Sierra without her horse trailer, she has no choice but to stay with Hayden for the remainder of the rodeo season. The tension, the history, and all the unspoken emotions are present from page one, making their reunion impossible to ignore.
One thing H.K. Green does exceptionally well is make you feel the love between her characters. The dual timeline and dual POV were the perfect choice here; seeing who Hayden and Sierra were to each other before everything fell apart made the yearning and unresolved tension in the present timeline hit even harder. The banter is swoony, the slow burn is well-earned, and the rodeo setting feels lived-in and authentic, something this series consistently delivers.
This is a beautifully written addition to the series, and Hayden and Sierra’s love story stays with you. If you’re already invested in The Road and Rodeo series, you absolutely need this book.
Perfect for fans of slow-burn romances, second chances, and swoony cowboys. 🤍🐎
I really enjoyed this - possibly my favorite in the series so far. I loved the tension & the build up over the dual Timeline. Hayden has been a firm favorite side character since his first appearance & it was so nice learning more about his character & background. Sierras story is heartbreaking & sad but I loved how Hayden supported her & loved her throughout everything. A nice little slow burn with a good amount of spice afterwards. The suspense towards the end had me barely able to put the book down! I NEEDED to know what was going to happen next!
The ending has lend me to think there is another book coming - I would eat that up! Really like this series!
What an absolute heartbreaking, whirlwind of emotions this book was!! I was wholly unprepared and shocked by it—in the best way.
I really sympathized with what Sierra experienced and continued to go through during her teenage years and her adult life. I loved seeing their perspective from high school events compared to the current time, which only heightened the level of their yearning.
Hayden is just the biggest sweetheart too!! He can’t help but be there for her no matter what, even going so far as to offer her a place to stay when she really needs it. Such a big softie cowboy 🤠 and she’s a true barrel racing cowgirl queen!! A perfect match made in Montana lol
[ENG] The Dreams We Chase is the fourth book in a romance series, though it can be read as a stand-alone. This novel is aboiut Sierra, a girl with a very complex and traumatic past (pay attention to the TWs before reading the book), and Hayden, who captivated me from the start.
With a narrative that shifts between past and present and double POV, the author navigates complex themes such as abuse, self-sabotage and abandonment with great sensitivity. Throughout the book, all I wanted to do was hug Sierra. She's been through so much…
The romance is a slow burn, like, very slow. And every brief moment of contact between them is built with so much tension. After all, they are two people navigating complex and confusing waters, unsure whether they deserve a second chance. I assure you, I was every single one of their friends gently but lovingly urging them to admit how they truly felt. And they are so sweet. And it's all so pure and beautiful. The book has a couple of steamy scenes, but the author has them marked so you can skip them; they don't affect the main plot.
If you like horses, the love for them shines through on every page. For me, that was definitely another big plus. Both Sierra and Hayden (and everyone else) feel very connected to these animals, and it's something I personally identify with a lot (in fact, I've often taken the book with me while also spending time with horses).
It's a book I highly recommend to those who like romance.
[ESP] The Dreams we Chase es el cuarto libro de una serie de libros de romance, aunque se puede leer de forma independiente. En esta novela nos encontramos la historia de Sierra, una chica con un pasado muy complejo y traumático (atentas a los TW antes de leer el libro), y Hayden, quien me ha enamorado desde el principio.
Con una narración que viaja entre el pasado y el presento y ambos puntos de vista, la autora navega por temas tan complejos como el abuso, la falta de autoestima o la sensación de abandono, y lo hace de una forma muy delicada. A lo largo del libro solo quería darle un abrazo a Sierra. Ha pasado por tanto…
El romance es slow burn, pero muy slow. Y cada breve contacto que tienen está creado con tantísima tensión. Al fin y al cabo son dos personas que están navegando en terrenos complejos y confusos, y que no tienen claro si merecen o no una segunda oportunidad. Os aseguro que yo era todos y cada uno de sus amigos presionándoles (ligeramente y con mucho amor) para que admitieran cómo se sentían realmente. Y son tan tiernos. Y es todo tan puro y bonito. El libro tiene un par de escenas de spice, pero la autora las tiene señaladas para poder esquivarlas y no afectan en el grueso de la trama.
Si os gustan los caballos, el amor por ellos se refleja en cada página. Para mí ha sido sin duda otro gran punto positivo. Tanto Sierra como Hayden (y todos los demás) se sienten muy conectado a estos animales y es algo con lo que yo, personalmente, me identifico muchísimo (de hecho, me he llevado muchas veces el libro al campo, mientras pasaba tiempo también entre caballos).
Es un libro que recomiendo mucho a las que os gusta el romance. Lo tenéis sólo disponible en inglés pero no es excesivamente complejo (más allá de los conceptos propios del rodeo, del cual tenéis un glosario en el propio libro), así que si domináis ligeramente el idioma no creo que se os haga muy complicado.
There is something uniquely devastating about a story you have been waiting on… and then it finally arrives and somehow exceeds every expectation you built in your head.
That is exactly what this felt like.
Because Hayden was never just a side character. He was always there. In the background, in the moments, in the spaces where you knew there was more to him than what we were being given. And getting his story? Getting to finally understand the weight he carries, the choices he made, the things he lost… it does not just hit. It lands.
And Sierra? She is not just part of his past. She is woven into it.
This is not a simple second chance. This is years of history, of love that started young and burned bright, then broke in a way that never really healed. The dual timeline works so beautifully here because you feel every stage of them. The innocence, the intensity, the loss, and then the quiet, painful distance that comes after everything falls apart.
Watching them come back into each other’s orbit is not easy. It is tense, emotional, and layered with everything they never got to say. The forced proximity strips away their ability to avoid it, to pretend they have moved on, to act like what they had was not real.
Because it was. And it still is.
Hayden is not loud in his love. He is steady, soft in a way that sneaks up on you, and so deeply loyal that it almost hurts to watch. He carries so much, and the way he loves Sierra is not about grand gestures, it is about presence. About showing up, even when it would be easier not to.
And Sierra… she is strength wrapped in sharp edges. A true black cat heroine who feels everything deeply but does not give it away easily. Watching her navigate her own grief, her own growth, and the reality of what it means to face someone who once held her whole heart… it is messy and real in the best way.
The romantic suspense adds this underlying tension that keeps everything moving, but it never overshadows the emotional core. Because at the heart of this story, it is about two people who were never supposed to lose each other… and did anyway.
And now they have to decide if love is enough to try again.
The slow burn here is earned. Every moment, every conversation, every step forward feels intentional. Nothing is rushed. Nothing is easy. And when they finally start to find their way back?
It does not feel like a new love. It feels like coming home… after years of being lost.
This is the kind of story that reminds you that some connections are not temporary. They do not fade. They do not disappear. They wait. Quietly. Patiently.
Until you are brave enough to go back.
Tropes
• 🪐 Doomed soulmates with a second chance • 💜 Childhood friends to lovers to strangers to lovers • 🏠 Forced proximity / roommates • 🔥 Romantic suspense • ⏳ Dual timeline (12 years of history) • 🤠 Barrel racer FMC x team roper MMC • 💫 Slow burn • 🤝 Found family • 🐾 Black cat FMC x soft boy MMC
Slow burn or emotional torture? Because 77% Is a LONG time to wait
4 ⭐️ | 2.25 🌶️
Okay but listen… The Dreams We Chase by H.K. Green absolutely had me in a chokehold, and also testing my patience in ways I wasn’t emotionally prepared for.
This was my first H.K. Green book, and I went in expecting romance, maybe some angst… I did not expect to be put through a slow burn marathon that only really ignites at the 77% mark. SEVENTY. SEVEN. PERCENT. I almost screamed.
That being said? Was I invested? Completely.
Sierra Bayley is the kind of FMC who runs; not just physically, but emotionally. Her past clings to her like dust she can’t quite shake off, and watching her navigate returning to the one place (and person) she’s been avoiding for years felt raw and painfully real. Then there’s Hayden Watkins… sweet, steady, hopelessly in love Hayden. The man really said “I’ll take crumbs if it means I get to keep you in my life,” and honestly? That hurt.
Their dynamic is built on years of history, silence, and what-ifs. Childhood friends to… something more? Something almost? Something never fully realized? The tension is THERE. The longing? Palpable. The emotional repression? Off the charts.
And when they’re forced into close proximity again; living together, working together, breathing the same air like nothing ever happened, it’s a ticking time bomb of feelings.
The dual timeline works beautifully here, giving depth to their past while slowly unraveling why everything fell apart. You feel the weight of their history, which makes the present-day tension even sharper. Add in the found family vibes and romantic suspense elements, and there’s a lot to love.
BUT. Let’s talk pacing.
This book is long (399 pages), and while the character development is incredibly rich and detailed (a huge plus), the actual romantic payoff takes its sweet time. Like… glacial pace. When things finally do start happening, it’s satisfying, but getting there? Whew.
Still, the emotional payoff hits. This story is about more than romance: it’s about confronting your past, choosing to stay instead of run, and learning that love isn’t something you have to fear or earn… it’s something you can fight for.
Loved the journey, even if I was internally yelling “JUST KISS ALREADY” for a solid chunk of it.
Thank you to H.K. Green for the ARC, and congrats on the upcoming release (April 30th)! This one’s for the readers who crave angst, yearning, and a love story that earns its happy ending… eventually.
I went into this one riding the high from The Hearts We’ve Broken, which has been one of my favourites in the series so far. I was so excited to dive in, and while I did enjoy this one, it didn’t quite reach the same level for me. Hayden was definitely a standout. I absolutely adored his character—he reminded me a lot of Colter, just a more reserved version. He’s naturally protective and deeply caring toward the people he loves, but the heartbreak he’s experienced has softened him into a more subdued version of his younger, happier self. That added an emotional layer to his character. Sierra’s independence was something I appreciated, but I’ll admit she tested my patience at times. Her walls made her a bit hard to connect with, and there were moments where I just wanted to shake some sense into her. The present-day storyline was my favourite part. I’m not usually a fan of dual timelines unless they’re done in a very specific way, and while this one flowed fairly well—with past moments adding context to the present—I did feel like there was a bit too much back and forth. I found myself wanting to stay in the present longer to build a deeper connection with the characters. I really enjoyed the touch of suspense woven into the story—it added an extra layer of intrigue—but I did feel like the buildup resolved a little too quickly once everything came to a head. As always, the side characters were phenomenal. I’ll never get tired of reading about Colter, Ellison, Juniper, and Mikey. And a special shoutout to Keenan—if he doesn’t get his own book, I’ll be genuinely surprised. He completely stole the show for me. That perfect “third wheel” energy, endlessly supportive of both Sierra and Hayden—truly top-tier friend material. This one leaned more into slow burn than I expected, especially considering the shared history between the characters, but it worked for their story. If you’re looking for something super spicy, this might not be the book for you—it focuses more on emotional connection and the lasting bonds between people. And that ending… I did not see that coming. I’ve never read an interconnected standalone series that ends on a cliffhanger, but honestly, I’m here for it. This is still one of my favourite cowboy romance series, and I can’t wait for the next instalment.
If there’s one author who knows how to write a spicy cowboy romance where the men are so down bad for their women, it’s H.K.! Her latest in “The Road and Rodeo” series is no exception. This one does contain some intense content (cw: DV & substance abuse), so please make sure to check out the triggers!
The story follows Sierra, a professional barrel racer, who has always been in flight mode due to her traumatic childhood. When she runs into her childhood best friend / first love, Hayden Watkins, he does everything to make up for all the lost time after she left him years ago without saying goodbye.
After reading the previous novel, “The Hearts We’ve Broken,” I was eager to read more from this series! There are so many great tropes, including black cat x golden retriever, forced proximity, small town, and, most importantly, childhood friends to lovers. I loved the switches between Hayden & Sierra’s POV from the past to present. It was done so seamlessly & really added to the emotional connection these two had.
The story does a great job of emphasizing that our MCs weren’t just childhood crushes, but they had a deep relationship that was abruptly halted due to Sierra’s departure. Hayden’s devotion to protecting her, even after being apart for so long, was so sweet. He would burn the world down for her if he had to. On the flip side, Sierra was also protective for the ones she loved, including Hayden, due to her troubled past.
Their love was so pure, and I loved how much they truly cared for one another. The romantic / sweet moments, the spice & the intense feelings will be very appreciated by romance book lovers!
There’s also a bit of suspense / mystery that slowly unfolds throughout. It created another interesting layer to the story that really kept my eyes glued to the page.
Another fantastic book by H.K. that I definitely recommend if you love a small town cowboy romance! Plus, all the rodeo scenes & competitions were so incredibly fun to read. A huge thanks to H.K. for having me on her ARC team & giving me the opportunity to read this!
The Dreams We Chase is book four in The Road & The Rodeo series written by H.K. Green. Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this ARC. I was so excited to be invited back to Silver Creek. I love this group of friends. My love keeps expanding with each addition to the series. This is a found family with unconditional love and support. You need to read the series from the start. The books are standalone reads, but you would be missing out if you didn’t read them all. The Dreams We Chase does have heavier topics, so check the trigger warnings.
I have been waiting for Hayden’s story. When we were briefly introduced to Sierra in the previous book, I just knew their story was going to be worth the wait. Childhood best friends to strangers to lovers with a touch of “it’s always been you”. It was the perfect combination of all the elements I love. The past and present are woven seamlessly by the author. Sierra’s secrets were unexpected for me and added a unique spin on the storyline. It increased the tension and suspense that readers could already feel between these two.
Sierra and Hayden’s love story is not a straightforward second chance romance. The way they came back into each other’s lives was beautiful. The whole story is emotional. I think that is because they have so much history. Sierra felt like she needed to protect Hayden and in doing so she denied herself love. Hayden was in the dark a little bit, but he never wavered in his feelings for Sierra. The tension and longing in this story gave me all the feels. I could feel what they were going through rolling off of the pages.
H.K. Green has done this series the justice it deserves. She has exceeded my expectations with every book in the series. I love the care and consideration that is put into the writing. I can’t wait to see where the Silver Creek boys go next. I am already impatiently waiting for the series finale. If it is anything like the previous books, then I anticipate it is going to be amazing. Whatever H.K. decides to write I will read!
If I thought that “The Road & The Rodeo” series couldn’t get any better… Boy did I think wrong 🥵🤭 Hayden and Sierra are the perfect cozy couple to make you feel good. The way that Team Roper loves his girl is so amazing; from the fact that he remembers exactly how she likes her coffee, to the way he remembers what shampoo, conditioner, and body wash she loved. And my goodness the way that man absolutely CRAVES her presence is incredible 😍 The way Hayden talks about her is just pure perfection!! They have their share of ups and downs just like every other couple but The Road and The Rodeo brought her back to him!! She dreamed of traveling and seeing the world with the rodeo and He just dreamed of her 🥰 And her dog just absolutely falls in love with him the first time they run into each other again. Plus the Silver Creek Cowboys friend group just keeps getting better!!
The Dreams We Chase will leave you thinking about it long after you finish it whether it be because of how artfully written it is or because you want a love like Hayden and Sierra’s.
*Quotes from The Dreams We Chase* ~ S: “He was no longer the boy I had fallen in love with, despite knowing I could never have him; would never subject him to the kind of pain I had endured. My first Love. My first Loss” ~ H: “She wasn’t just any girl. No, she was special. The type of girl people wanted to go to bat for and defend in rooms and conversations she wasn’t in. I’d defend her to the grave.” ~ S: “You are a good person Sierra. You did what you had to do to keep everyone safe.” ~ H: “You are the farthest thing from an inconvenience to me.” ~ S: “My heart screamed at me to take his hand and make up for all the time we had lost, but the darkest part of my brain reminded me that it was my fault and that he deserved better.” ~ H: “You think I don’t remember every single thing about you? Forgetting someone like you isn’t that easy. ‘It’s nearly impossible actually. Everything about her left a permanent imprint on my heart. Knowing her -Loving her- had altered my brain chemistry.’”
This was my first book by H.K. Green, and it definitely won’t be my last.
This story delivers a beautifully done friends-to-lovers, second-chance romance that feels both heartfelt and authentic. Hayden and Sierra meet as freshmen in high school and grow up side by side, their bond strengthened by shared dreams, especially when Hayden’s family gives Sierra the opportunity to train as a barrel racer using their horses. Even as life begins to pull them in different directions after graduation, they hold onto each other… until everything changes, and Sierra makes the choice to leave in order to protect him.
Sierra Bayley is the kind of character who runs—not just physically, but emotionally. Her past lingers in a way she can’t quite escape, and watching her return to the place (and person) she’s avoided for years feels raw and deeply real. Hayden Watkins, on the other hand, is steady, patient, and still undeniably in love with her. His willingness to accept even the smallest piece of her just to keep her in his life is both tender and quietly heartbreaking.
Their relationship is layered with years of history, unspoken feelings, and unanswered questions. The tension between them is constant, built on everything they never said and everything they almost were. When they’re forced back into each other’s lives, living and working side by side, it becomes impossible to ignore what’s still there beneath the surface.
The dual timeline adds so much depth, gradually revealing the past while intensifying the present-day emotions. You truly feel the weight of their shared history, which makes every interaction in the present hit that much harder. With elements of found family and a touch of romantic suspense woven in, the story keeps you invested from start to finish.
It’s a slow burn in the best way, building from past to present with a steady, emotional intensity that never lets up.
Review: I was lucky enough to get approved for a arc copy of this book and ooh it was a good one. If you read this review and feel you want to read this one - today is the publication day! I'd personally recommended reading the whole series as each book is a different couple and obviously you can find out their stories and learn about their romances!
Oh I loved this one, and oh what great characters Hayden and Sierra were. This book also had my recently favourite trope which is Dual Timeline, I'm loving it in this book as the past is also set over all the high school years so it's like many timelines😂
I loved this one as obviously Hayden was competing in the rodeos but so was Sierra. And if that didn’t sell it to you, there's also a part where she grabs his cowboy hat 😉
This also had a slight suspense/thriller as Sierra has been getting lots of mini targeted attacks at her throughout the rodeo season. I guessed straight away who it was going to be, off to detective school I go😂
I also loved Keegan who is Hayden's partner in all the competitions, and he's also Hayden & Sierra's partner in crime when they was younger as they all went to the same high school. Breaking into a college/uni field in the middle of the night was one of them😂
There is so many things I'd like to say about this book, but don’t want to give any spoilers away!
I can’t wait for book five as the characters mentioned brewing the next story have some great tropes - best friends sister x she's now a single mum! Roll on October😂
Tropes: high school friends to lovers, always only been you, dual timeline, slight suspense, found family
🤠 Barrel Racer x Team Roper ✨️ Black Cat FMC 🐎 Forced Proximity ✨️ Childhood Best Friends To Lovers 🏇 Found Family ✨️ It's Always Been You 🤠 Angry Second Chances 💕 Dual Time Line 🏇 Romantic Suspense 💕 Cowboy Romance
✨️ 📚 ARC 📖 REVIEW ✨️
Hayden and Sierra are Childhood friends to lovers who have a past that isn't the easiest to visit. But Sierra goes to theone place that she knows will be so hard to be in and be around those she left behind. Seeing the progression of Hayden and Sierra's friendship to lovers was such a journey!
Hayden was always down and ready for anything Sierra threw at him. She wasn;t called a black cat for no reason! She was a little prickly pear but for good reason, she had a hard upbringing and once you are able to see the whole picture it explains itself.
Hayden and Sierra had some serious tension that was built throughout the book and you can't help but have feelings about these two and their story! Along with tension there was yearning that was so strong you could feel it roll right off the page.
The romantic suspense in this book was OFF THE CHARTS! I loved every part of it and couldn't help but feel so much as everything unfolded. I loved that Hayden was sooo supportive in the past and the present.
I loved these two together and can't wait to see what happens in the next book!
🔥 Let's Talk About Sex Baby 🥵: 🌶️🌶.25 /5
Lemme warn you that the SPICE doesn't hit till 77%!! I felt like Christmas would be here before th spice would hit in this book! But there was so much heartfelt emotions between the MC's!
Thank you 🫶🏻 to ✨️ S.L. Scott & Valentine PR ✨️ for the complimentary 📚 ARC 📚 . ✨️ All opinions are my own, honest, and voluntary✨️.
I need these books to become a TV show! These books also make me want to go to rodeos more. In all reality I need a COWBOY in my LIFE! All of these boys so far, Reid, Colter, Mikey, and Hayden (Jake is next) are legit what every woman wants in their lives. Whether that be as friends or dating. Hayden is so freaking adorable and LOYAL!!!! (Take notes men!) To become friends with the young girl, new to town, and shy. Getting to know her at her own pace, making sure she is okay and welcomed is sooooooo SWEET. Always checking in on her and helping her open up and see what it is like to be loved....unlike her family. Showing her the life she can have. Believing in her when she didn't believe in herself.
Poor Sierra. She grew tremendously throughout her life and during this book. I hope people realize that this is the true reality of living with an abuse parent/lover. The thoughts that go through the young children, what they see and hear. The amount of times I was screaming at Hayden to jump in and say something to his parents up front was crazy. But he just wanted to support Sierra and be whatever she needed at the time. Sierra never deserved anything that happened to her and for her to be alone for so long to protect the ones she loved was unfair. She is the definition of a STRONG WOMAN. I will say I love that she never backed down from her father and said what she wanted to her father.
This is true Friends to Lovers! One true love. GOALLLLSSSSSS. I really don't want this series to end after Jake's story but I will forever love this rodeo series because it is never done this well. After reading this book, I would love to hear Hayden's parents story......what do you think H.K. Green? Spin off? Or even about Keenan?
Guys she freaking did it again! H.K Green writes these stories and characters that grab you and suck you into the middle of their chaos. Never once did I ever feel like an outsider looking in, I was a part of the Silver Creek Cowboy’s group. Their dynamic is welcoming and lighthearted even when hit with heavy discussions, you are a part of all of that. Not to mention the author makes you feel like you are competing right alongside everyone with how descriptive she is. As Sierra was running her pattern, I could feel what she was describing; as someone who has competed in barrels, H.K Green was spot on with her words. Coming into Sierra and Hayden’s story I knew it was going to be a heavy one, she was very up front and honest about it, but I don’t think I was completely ready to have my heart hurt like that. Their story is one filled with past hurt/regrets but you watch in real time as they both choose each other time and time again. I know it killed Hayden when Sierra left, but I honestly think that was the best move she could have ever made for herself. The strength she had to have to survive through her past is unimaginable and I was rooting for her the whole time, never once did I doubt her strength or perseverance. Then there is Hayden, the one who wears his heart on his sleeve, the silent protector, was consistently a beacon of hope that even when their life felt too dark shined bright and strong to keep Sierra going. Rounding out my review I just want to say that while Mikey and Juniper are my favorite couple, The Dreams We Chase is my favorite story and I know the series isn’t finished but after this book I have high expectations for Jake’s story.
The Dreams We Chase was my first book by H.K. Green, and now I’m definitely going back to start this series from the beginning.
This is a second-chance, dual-timeline, childhood friends-to-lovers (with a little strangers-to-lovers energy) romance that really hit the mark for me.
The story follows Sierra and Hayden through their teenage years and then in the present day, five years after they’ve been apart, as they try to figure out what they are to each other now. Watching their relationship unfold in both timelines worked so well. Seeing their high school years gave such great insight into the foundation of their friendship and connection. And then in the present, it’s clear that no matter how much time has passed, that bond is still deeply rooted in both of them.
This was such a sweet, emotional romance. Sierra and Hayden are the kind of couple where you know they belong together. You’re just waiting for them to finally catch up to that.
I really loved both characters. Sierra has her own baggage and hesitations, which felt understandable and added depth to her. And Hayden? All green flags. He’s been down bad for her from the start, and I loved the way he never pressured her but still made it clear he was there whenever she was ready.
There’s also a light suspense element running through the story. It’s not overwhelming, more of an undercurrent, but it adds a nice layer to the overall plot.
Overall, this is a well-written, easy read with emotional depth, a strong second-chance storyline, and a nice bit of spice. I really enjoyed this one.
🌟Thank you to H.K. Green for this ARC and for the opportunity to read and provide my honest review
H.K. Green just wrote a MASTERPIECE!! This book will take you on one heck of an emotional rollercoaster ride but it's worth all the ups and downs we have to take to get to the beautiful ending! I think this is my favorite book in this series and I have LOVED every book so far but there was something special about Sierra & Hayden! Even though we get a lot of trauma in this book there are a lot of LOL moments and you will be smiling throughout as well.
Sierra had a traumatic childhood and after high school she left her life and her friends behind. She chased her dreams in the rodeo as a barrel racer and just wanted to forget everything. But life never let her forget the one person that meant the world to her and that was Hayden.
Hayden has never gotten over Sierra and when he finally runs into after years away from her he will do anything to keep her by his side. Hayden will have you swooning so HARD! This man loves with his whole heart. I also love the way his family loves Sierra and takes her under their wings as well.
This book was well written and I didn't want to put it down. I was on the edge of my seat wanting to know what happened in the past and how things were going to end up. It was such a beautiful story. We also get to have the other couples from the series back in this book as well. I love this group of friends so much. They have such a great bond and are always there for each other.
If you love cowboy romance, dual timeline, slow burn romance and love happy endings then this is the book for you! I HIGHLY recommend this book and this series!
Thank you H.K. Green for allowing me to read this ARC for my honest opinion.
100% Pure perfection and the best so far!!! Sierra and Hayden absolutely stole my heart. Hayden is now my ultimate favorite of the Rodeo boys in this series. The Dreams We Chase is book 4 of this series. They can be read as standalones, but I HIGHLY recommend reading the series. You will not regret it.
After a long time, Dylan finally sees Sierra again and it is like no time has passed. Sierra ends up having some stuff happen and reluctantly must rely on Dylan to help her. The suspense of what is happening with Sierra will keep you on your toes and guessing what is happening. Now having to live with Dylan and travel with him for the rodeo circuit there is no way around addressing the past or what feelings might be lingering. Forced proximity, second chances, slow burn, give them ALL to me!!!
You get introduced to Keenan in this book. The three of them, I called them the three musketeers. They have known each other since high school. And now they are back together again. They are hilarious together.
I love how this story is written. You have dual POV and dual timeline. The prologue is one of the best prologues I’ve ever read in a very long time and it will grab you in so fast! Be prepared with tissues. I couldn’t tell you how many times I cried while I read this book. I lost count. I don’t know how this book can be topped, but I also can’t wait for book 5!
Thank you for giving me the honor to beta read this book, I loved every moment of it!!
I knew this would be an emotional read, since it’s a doomed soulmates edition of second chance lovers, but I was not ready for the gut punch this book would be. Mind the content warnings in the front, this is truly a romantic suspense that left me hoping things would work out for them but also that they’d figure out who is threatening Sierra.
The chapters taking us back in time made me so sad every time. They’re important, but every time they came up I had to emotionally steel myself for what they would reveal. Sierra’s life is, unfortunately, a common experience for many, and as someone who grew up in a similar household, teen Sierra’s thoughts felt much like my own at the time.
It’s a beautiful thing to watch Hayden and Sierra come back together. It very much feels like a once in a lifetime moment for them, but also that it’s coming at the perfect time. While they’ve grown, there are still things they need to work through together to move forward, but they’re now in a better spot emotionally to have those important conversations. They’ve had time apart to grow as individuals, and now they can grow together.
The romantic suspense was exactly what I wanted it to be. Little things that continued to add up, and there was a point where I was like, “Welp, is it who I don’t want it to be,” and it was. The POV switch as the climax took place was perfect, keeping it rooted in the connection between Hayden and Sierra.
First of all, thank you to HK for giving me the opportunity to read this book. It was such an emotional ride… for real 😭
In this book, we follow Sierra and Hayden. They go from strangers to childhood best friends, to lovers, to strangers again, and then back to lovers. On one hand, this is a really wholesome story, but on the other, it’s also quite heavy. Sierra had a very difficult childhood, so please check the trigger warnings if you’re sensitive to certain topics. Hayden has always been there for her - back then and, of course, now. And you can really feel every emotion from him 🫶🏻 You also feel all the anxiety and mixed emotions from Sierra. It’s just so well written 💜
The story begins in the “second strangers” phase, where they meet again at a rodeo, both competing. After Sierra’s trailer burns down, Hayden offers to take her along with him to the next rodeos. As the story unfolds, you also get these amazing flashbacks to their childhood best friend days.
Because of that, you gradually understand why they behave the way they do. Hayden is definitely a green-flag book boyfriend - just such a sweetheart. I loved all the background information, the current storyline, and the rodeo setting itself. It just goes really deep! And we’re here for it! 🥹
You really feel like part of this found-family dynamic - it’s like you belong with them. I also loved the small-town setting; I’m such a sucker for that trope! There’s also a touch of romantic suspense. So if you’re looking for a lot of spice, this might not be the book for you.
But if you’re looking for healing, cute romantic gestures, and a green-flag man trying to take care of his crush, then definitely go for it! 🫶🏻🤠💖
Where do I start? Hayden, you beautiful, soft soul. He was smitten the moment Sierra stepped on that bus. I loved visiting Silver Creek again. I absolutely fell in love with these two.
This book made me cry so much, sad tears, happy tears. Sierra is a warrior, a survivor, and so bloody strong. She just went through so much to finally realise that Hayden is her home. Hayden is so sweet, he is protective, and just the best friend and best person you could ask for. He is there for Sierra and patient with her from the beginning. He doesn’t understand why she does what she does, but he understands there is a reason.
Sierra has my heart. I felt so sad and so angry for her. I just wanted to hug her when reading her past, and I just wanted to protect her. She is so brave and strong to go through hell and still come back on top, and still be on guard.
I loved her and Hayden’s high school moments, showing us how his home was her safe space and how she tried to keep Hayden out of the mess that was going on in her home.
High school them are so cute, sweet and heartwarming. Just seeing how their friendship and love bloom and how it shows up in the present. I just loved every moment of this, and yes, I was crying in public trying to hold back my tears. This slow burn was worth the wait. This is one of the most heartbreaking, beautiful stories I have ever read, and the playlist just fit so well.