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Expected 18 Aug 26She isn’t supposed to care about a ranch.
She definitely isn't supposed to fall for the foreman.
And his six-year-old son is absolutely, definitely not supposed to capture her heart.
Lainey Brown is not ranch material. She's a city girl who landed on the legendary Wallace Ranch to give the place a fresh coat of branding—and get her career back on track. She's got no interest in cowboys, cattle, or the infuriatingly gorgeous foreman who clearly wants her gone.
Colton Wallace has spent every day since losing his wife building something worth leaving his son: a spotless reputation, a thriving operation, and a life with no room for complications. The last thing he needs is a firecracker from Austin with a sketchbook full of big ideas and a smile that makes him forget every reason he swore off wanting things he can't keep.
But somewhere between their very first fight and a Texas night sky that stretches on forever, something shifts. Lainey stops counting the days until she can leave. And Colt stops pretending he wants her to.
The ranch has always been the Wallace legacy. But Colt is starting to wonder if the best thing that's ever happened to it—and to him—just walked in wearing city shoes.
COLT is the first cowboy romance book in the all-new DOUBLE U RANCH series, releasing summer 2026!
She definitely isn't supposed to fall for the foreman.
And his six-year-old son is absolutely, definitely not supposed to capture her heart.
Lainey Brown is not ranch material. She's a city girl who landed on the legendary Wallace Ranch to give the place a fresh coat of branding—and get her career back on track. She's got no interest in cowboys, cattle, or the infuriatingly gorgeous foreman who clearly wants her gone.
Colton Wallace has spent every day since losing his wife building something worth leaving his son: a spotless reputation, a thriving operation, and a life with no room for complications. The last thing he needs is a firecracker from Austin with a sketchbook full of big ideas and a smile that makes him forget every reason he swore off wanting things he can't keep.
But somewhere between their very first fight and a Texas night sky that stretches on forever, something shifts. Lainey stops counting the days until she can leave. And Colt stops pretending he wants her to.
The ranch has always been the Wallace legacy. But Colt is starting to wonder if the best thing that's ever happened to it—and to him—just walked in wearing city shoes.
COLT is the first cowboy romance book in the all-new DOUBLE U RANCH series, releasing summer 2026!
432 pages, Paperback
Expected publication August 18, 2026
About the author
Jessica Peterson
40 books6,604 followersJessica Peterson writes romance with heat, humor, and heart. Heroes with hot accents are her specialty. When she’s not writing, she can be found bellying up to a bar in the south’s best restaurants with her husband Ben, reading books with her adorable daughters Gracie and Madeline, or snuggling up with her 70-pound lap dog, Martha.
A Carolina girl at heart, she fantasizes about splitting her time between Charleston and Asheville, but currently lives in Charlotte, NC.
A Carolina girl at heart, she fantasizes about splitting her time between Charleston and Asheville, but currently lives in Charlotte, NC.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 199 reviews
Want to Read
July 28, 2026Whoever said never judge a book by its cover has clearly never seen THIS 🥵
June 6, 2026
If you’re looking for the perfect amount of tension but thrown with an addictive push-and-pull dynamic, all wrapped in a ranch setting, small-town charm, and the found family Jessica Peterson does so well, this book delivers.
Colt was such a consuming read. I loved both characters, but especially the heroine and the journey she goes through as she begins questioning the life she has settled for and realizes she deserves more. I also loved how she slowly brought the hero out of his shell and challenged him in ways no one else could.
the romance was hot, the family dynamics were entertaining, and the tension kept me turning the pages.
overall, this was a fun and heartfelt read, another reminder of why I love this author’s books. I can’t wait for the next installment.
many thanks to the publisher for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
Colt was such a consuming read. I loved both characters, but especially the heroine and the journey she goes through as she begins questioning the life she has settled for and realizes she deserves more. I also loved how she slowly brought the hero out of his shell and challenged him in ways no one else could.
the romance was hot, the family dynamics were entertaining, and the tension kept me turning the pages.
overall, this was a fun and heartfelt read, another reminder of why I love this author’s books. I can’t wait for the next installment.
many thanks to the publisher for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
.ೃ࿐ Thank you to Edelweiss & Bloom Books for the opportunity to read and review the ARC before release! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
2.5 ★
ੈ✩‧₊˚ my thoughts
I wanted to love this, but sadly it just didn’t work for me.
I really wanted to enjoy Colt, but it ultimately fell flat for me. The premise had potential and there were a few sweet moments between the main characters, but I struggled to stay invested in the story. The pacing felt slow, and much of the conflict seemed repetitive or lacked enough depth to keep my interest.
I also had a hard time connecting with the characters. Their relationship didn't feel convincing, and they really went from 0 to 100 in like 2 hours which felt kind of unbelievable. As a result, the emotional moments didn't have the impact they were clearly intended to have.
One of my biggest issues was that several conflicts introduced throughout the story never felt fully resolved. Certain tensions and plot points seemed to fade into the background without a satisfying payoff, which left the ending feeling incomplete. I kept waiting for some of these issues (like Lainey’s problems with her parents) to be addressed but they just didn’t.
I also found Dean's character difficult to believe. For a six-year-old, he often sounded and behaved much older, with dialogue and reactions that didn't feel age-appropriate. Instead of reading like a young child, he frequently came across as a miniature adult, which pulled me out of the story and made many of his scenes less convincing.
Jessica Peterson's writing is easy to read, but this particular book just didn't work for me. Overall, Colt wasn't a terrible read, but it wasn't memorable, and I found myself disappointed by the end.
-`♡´- Happy reading! Belle
─ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─── ୨୧ ──── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ──── ୨୧ ──── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─
.ೃ࿐ pre-read .ೃ࿐
so excited for this. and lucky me, i got the arc 🤠
2.5 ★
ੈ✩‧₊˚ my thoughts
I wanted to love this, but sadly it just didn’t work for me.
I really wanted to enjoy Colt, but it ultimately fell flat for me. The premise had potential and there were a few sweet moments between the main characters, but I struggled to stay invested in the story. The pacing felt slow, and much of the conflict seemed repetitive or lacked enough depth to keep my interest.
I also had a hard time connecting with the characters. Their relationship didn't feel convincing, and they really went from 0 to 100 in like 2 hours which felt kind of unbelievable. As a result, the emotional moments didn't have the impact they were clearly intended to have.
One of my biggest issues was that several conflicts introduced throughout the story never felt fully resolved. Certain tensions and plot points seemed to fade into the background without a satisfying payoff, which left the ending feeling incomplete. I kept waiting for some of these issues (like Lainey’s problems with her parents) to be addressed but they just didn’t.
I also found Dean's character difficult to believe. For a six-year-old, he often sounded and behaved much older, with dialogue and reactions that didn't feel age-appropriate. Instead of reading like a young child, he frequently came across as a miniature adult, which pulled me out of the story and made many of his scenes less convincing.
Jessica Peterson's writing is easy to read, but this particular book just didn't work for me. Overall, Colt wasn't a terrible read, but it wasn't memorable, and I found myself disappointed by the end.
-`♡´- Happy reading! Belle
─ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─── ୨୧ ──── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ──── ୨୧ ──── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─
.ೃ࿐ pre-read .ೃ࿐
so excited for this. and lucky me, i got the arc 🤠
Want to Read
April 4, 2026Obsessed with this cover
Just finished Ryder and ooh boy I love this grumpy sonofoabitch
Just finished Ryder and ooh boy I love this grumpy sonofoabitch
Want to Read
March 11, 2026OMG! I just saw the cover. It’s stunning! 😍😍
August 7, 2026
Cash was my favorite Rivers cowboy.
And I have a hunch Colt is going to be my favorite Wallace cowboy.
Because grumpy cowboys are my brand of crack.
Except Colt is daddy. 🔥
Single dad.
Sworn of relationships.
Ranch foreman.
Oldest brother.
Cute little 5 year old boy
Enter Lainey
Our city girl
Younger
Branding/marketing girl come to shake the ranch up
Comes from a different family vibe
And she’s fiery.
Little enemies to lovers vibes.
Barn escapades.
Oh and he is a pretty self aware guy.
And obsessed!
And dirty. 😏
I had an absolute fun time.
And am super excited for this new series.
Arc review ✨
And I have a hunch Colt is going to be my favorite Wallace cowboy.
Because grumpy cowboys are my brand of crack.
Except Colt is daddy. 🔥
Single dad.
Sworn of relationships.
Ranch foreman.
Oldest brother.
Cute little 5 year old boy
Enter Lainey
Our city girl
Younger
Branding/marketing girl come to shake the ranch up
Comes from a different family vibe
And she’s fiery.
Little enemies to lovers vibes.
Barn escapades.
Oh and he is a pretty self aware guy.
And obsessed!
And dirty. 😏
I had an absolute fun time.
And am super excited for this new series.
Arc review ✨
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Jessica Peterson's “Colt,” the first novel in the “Double U Ranch” series, is a contemporary western romance featuring a brand and marketing entrepreneur and a ranch foreman.
Twenty-four-year-old Lainey Brown has just earned her MBA from the University of Texas. After interviewing with several private equity firms, she finds herself temporarily back home with her parents while deciding on her next career move. Although she has the credentials for the corporate world, Lainey's true passion has always been her side hustle, Creative Cactus, a brand and marketing business. When her father mentions that Wallace Ranch, a leading producer of pedigreed horses and Hereford cattle in Hartsville, may be looking for a rebrand, Lainey jumps at the opportunity.
Thirty-one-year-old Colton "Colt" Wallace is raising his six-year-old son, Dean, after losing his wife, Abby, to terminal cancer three years earlier. Haunted by the discovery of his wife's infidelity before her diagnosis, Colt struggles with trust and clings to stability, resisting change whenever possible. When he learns that his father has hired Lainey to rebrand the ranch, he is blindsided and immediately puts up walls. As the ranch foreman, Colt is determined to keep his distance, but working alongside Lainey, and watching Dean grow increasingly attached to her, forces him to question his first impressions.
“Colt” features a cast of characters from Peterson's previous novels. While it works as a standalone, readers looking for additional context may want to read “Ryder” first for more backstory on several recurring characters.
Although the novel is marketed as an enemies-to-lovers romance, it reads more like an opposites-attract story. There is very little genuine animosity between Colt and Lainey. Colt's hostility feels misplaced and, at times, superficial, while Lainey's supposed dislike of Colt comes across less as resentment and more as the teasing of someone who is already attracted to him. The novel also relies on noticeable repetition, with several phrases and ideas repeated almost word for word throughout.
Overall, “Colt” is an enjoyable introduction to the “Double U Ranch” series, and I plan to continue reading the books that follow. However, for readers specifically seeking a compelling single-dad cowboy romance, there are stronger options in the genre.
I received an ARC through Edelweiss via Bloom Books and Sourcebooks in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own
RatingL 3.5/5
Twenty-four-year-old Lainey Brown has just earned her MBA from the University of Texas. After interviewing with several private equity firms, she finds herself temporarily back home with her parents while deciding on her next career move. Although she has the credentials for the corporate world, Lainey's true passion has always been her side hustle, Creative Cactus, a brand and marketing business. When her father mentions that Wallace Ranch, a leading producer of pedigreed horses and Hereford cattle in Hartsville, may be looking for a rebrand, Lainey jumps at the opportunity.
Thirty-one-year-old Colton "Colt" Wallace is raising his six-year-old son, Dean, after losing his wife, Abby, to terminal cancer three years earlier. Haunted by the discovery of his wife's infidelity before her diagnosis, Colt struggles with trust and clings to stability, resisting change whenever possible. When he learns that his father has hired Lainey to rebrand the ranch, he is blindsided and immediately puts up walls. As the ranch foreman, Colt is determined to keep his distance, but working alongside Lainey, and watching Dean grow increasingly attached to her, forces him to question his first impressions.
“Colt” features a cast of characters from Peterson's previous novels. While it works as a standalone, readers looking for additional context may want to read “Ryder” first for more backstory on several recurring characters.
Although the novel is marketed as an enemies-to-lovers romance, it reads more like an opposites-attract story. There is very little genuine animosity between Colt and Lainey. Colt's hostility feels misplaced and, at times, superficial, while Lainey's supposed dislike of Colt comes across less as resentment and more as the teasing of someone who is already attracted to him. The novel also relies on noticeable repetition, with several phrases and ideas repeated almost word for word throughout.
Overall, “Colt” is an enjoyable introduction to the “Double U Ranch” series, and I plan to continue reading the books that follow. However, for readers specifically seeking a compelling single-dad cowboy romance, there are stronger options in the genre.
I received an ARC through Edelweiss via Bloom Books and Sourcebooks in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own
RatingL 3.5/5
August 8, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️
I was so excited to dive into Colt because it has so many of my favorite tropes, especially a grumpy single dad. Unfortunately, this one just didn’t quite hit for me.
Honestly, there were moments where it didn’t even feel like I was reading a Jessica Peterson book. The spice, in particular, felt so different from what I’m used to from her writing, and the book felt like it was about 80% spice and 20% story. I don’t mind a spicy book, but that just wasn’t what I was looking for with this particular story. I wanted more of the characters and their relationship outside of the bedroom.
That being said, there were definitely parts I really enjoyed. I loved seeing how much Colt’s family loved him and Dean, and sweet little Dean was easily my favorite part of the book. 🥹 I also really appreciated her journey of learning to be proud of herself and her accomplishments without needing that validation or support from her parents.
I really love Jessica Peterson as an author, which is probably why this one was a bit of a disappointment for me. I’ll definitely give the next book a chance, but unfortunately, Colt just didn’t work for me the way I had hoped it would.
I was so excited to dive into Colt because it has so many of my favorite tropes, especially a grumpy single dad. Unfortunately, this one just didn’t quite hit for me.
Honestly, there were moments where it didn’t even feel like I was reading a Jessica Peterson book. The spice, in particular, felt so different from what I’m used to from her writing, and the book felt like it was about 80% spice and 20% story. I don’t mind a spicy book, but that just wasn’t what I was looking for with this particular story. I wanted more of the characters and their relationship outside of the bedroom.
That being said, there were definitely parts I really enjoyed. I loved seeing how much Colt’s family loved him and Dean, and sweet little Dean was easily my favorite part of the book. 🥹 I also really appreciated her journey of learning to be proud of herself and her accomplishments without needing that validation or support from her parents.
I really love Jessica Peterson as an author, which is probably why this one was a bit of a disappointment for me. I’ll definitely give the next book a chance, but unfortunately, Colt just didn’t work for me the way I had hoped it would.
August 6, 2026
what a great start to a new series!! i absolutely love the banter that enemies to lovers brings out and loved their chemistry! seeing some of our lucky river ranch friends had me BEAMING!! i love how interconnected this felt! can’t wait to keep reading this series!!
August 5, 2026
Colt by Jessica Peterson eARC and ALC Review 🧡
Well I straight up devoured this one and left absolutely no crumbs. Jessica is the queen of cowboy romance and I 100% stand by that. Colt and Lainey stole my heart. The banter and tension in this one, chefs kiss.
I did not intend to straight up binge this book, but that is exactly what I did. The chemistry between Colt and Lainey is electric, their back and forth is so damn fun and banter as foreplay… definitely a new favorite of mine 🤭
Watching the two of them fall for eachother and Lainey find herself while working at the ranch, I loved every second of it.
What to expect:
Cowboy romance
Enemies to lovers
Single dad
Age gap
Banter and hate s3x
Cowboy x city girl
The audio is absolutely fantastic. The narration is spot on and these two brought so much to this story. Aiden Snow as Colt…. 😮💨😮💨😮💨 his dirty talk had me blushing. Vanessa is wonderful as Lainey, her voice pulled me directly into the story and I definitely didn’t want to leave Double U Ranch.
Narrated by: Vanessa Edwin & Aiden Snow
Thank you so much Jessica and VPR for the arc and alc!
Well I straight up devoured this one and left absolutely no crumbs. Jessica is the queen of cowboy romance and I 100% stand by that. Colt and Lainey stole my heart. The banter and tension in this one, chefs kiss.
I did not intend to straight up binge this book, but that is exactly what I did. The chemistry between Colt and Lainey is electric, their back and forth is so damn fun and banter as foreplay… definitely a new favorite of mine 🤭
Watching the two of them fall for eachother and Lainey find herself while working at the ranch, I loved every second of it.
What to expect:
Cowboy romance
Enemies to lovers
Single dad
Age gap
Banter and hate s3x
Cowboy x city girl
The audio is absolutely fantastic. The narration is spot on and these two brought so much to this story. Aiden Snow as Colt…. 😮💨😮💨😮💨 his dirty talk had me blushing. Vanessa is wonderful as Lainey, her voice pulled me directly into the story and I definitely didn’t want to leave Double U Ranch.
Narrated by: Vanessa Edwin & Aiden Snow
Thank you so much Jessica and VPR for the arc and alc!
August 2, 2026
OMG my first ARC and it did not disappoint.
I haven’t read the other Jessica Peterson series so I was worried, but you absolutely don’t need to have read the others for this spin off series.
✅ single daddy
✅ grumpy x sunshine
✅ forced proximity
✅ dislike to lovers
I honestly ate this up and will absolutely be continuing this series! I am sooooo excited for Beck’s story that they’ve lined up 😍
4 ⭐️
I haven’t read the other Jessica Peterson series so I was worried, but you absolutely don’t need to have read the others for this spin off series.
✅ single daddy
✅ grumpy x sunshine
✅ forced proximity
✅ dislike to lovers
I honestly ate this up and will absolutely be continuing this series! I am sooooo excited for Beck’s story that they’ve lined up 😍
4 ⭐️
August 6, 2026
Absolutely loved this book! Also love how it incorporates the characters from her prior series !! Such good banter and several “dayum” moments lol Loved it all. And narrators were amazing !
July 30, 2026
Review of advanced copy received from NetGalley
All thoughts and opinions are my own.
4.5 ⭐️
GRUMPY SINGLE DAD COWBOY ROMANCE!!! YEEHAW BABY LET’S GO!!! 🤠💛
Let me tell you I ate this up. I actually couldn’t put this down. I was so engrossed in this story and I just never wanted it to end.
This book follows Colt, a single dad who is the foreman on his family’s ranch and Lainey, the marketing expert coming in to help the ranch out. Colt and Lainey get off on the wrong foot and immediately dislike each other which leads to the best banter and the chemistry is instantaneous 🧪
I fell in love with this book so quickly. THE YEARNING!!?? 😩 Yeah I’m a sucker for a man who yearns. Let me tell you… Colt fell so hard for Lainey and could barely acknowledge it himself even when all he wanted was to kiss her. My man was down bad for Miss Lainey.
Also don’t get me started on how adorable little six year old Dean is. He is absolutely adorable and felt important to the story and not just a plot device. He’s such a sweet kid with an attitude and I loved the inclusion.
The only things I wanted more from this was maybe a little more Dean. I felt like we could’ve ramped up the emotional scenes with Dean even though that kid says some pretty heartbreaking things. I also felt the ending was a little rushed and definitely could’ve given me more. But overall, I had such a good fun time with this and let me tell you the spice is spicy 🌶️🥵
This is my first Jessica Peterson book so I’m definitely going to go read her Lucky River Ranch series cause this was so good!!
“You’ve been the best surprise, Lainey Brown. In ways I never anticipated.” 🥹
All thoughts and opinions are my own.
4.5 ⭐️
GRUMPY SINGLE DAD COWBOY ROMANCE!!! YEEHAW BABY LET’S GO!!! 🤠💛
Let me tell you I ate this up. I actually couldn’t put this down. I was so engrossed in this story and I just never wanted it to end.
This book follows Colt, a single dad who is the foreman on his family’s ranch and Lainey, the marketing expert coming in to help the ranch out. Colt and Lainey get off on the wrong foot and immediately dislike each other which leads to the best banter and the chemistry is instantaneous 🧪
I fell in love with this book so quickly. THE YEARNING!!?? 😩 Yeah I’m a sucker for a man who yearns. Let me tell you… Colt fell so hard for Lainey and could barely acknowledge it himself even when all he wanted was to kiss her. My man was down bad for Miss Lainey.
Also don’t get me started on how adorable little six year old Dean is. He is absolutely adorable and felt important to the story and not just a plot device. He’s such a sweet kid with an attitude and I loved the inclusion.
The only things I wanted more from this was maybe a little more Dean. I felt like we could’ve ramped up the emotional scenes with Dean even though that kid says some pretty heartbreaking things. I also felt the ending was a little rushed and definitely could’ve given me more. But overall, I had such a good fun time with this and let me tell you the spice is spicy 🌶️🥵
This is my first Jessica Peterson book so I’m definitely going to go read her Lucky River Ranch series cause this was so good!!
“You’ve been the best surprise, Lainey Brown. In ways I never anticipated.” 🥹
August 4, 2026
First of all a round of applause for this audio!! Vanessa Edwin & Aiden Snow brought it with this narration! I loved their performance and hearing them bring these two to life! The country twang was perfect!
Do I officially have a new fave Jessica Peterson Cowboy? I do believe so!!’ Colt Wallace!! 🙌🏻 nothing beats a grumpy/ cowboy single dad romance & this one was perfection!! I devoured this in one sitting!!
I absolutely loved everything about this book. Lainey is our spitfire FMC, quick witted & giving Colt a run for his money! Colt is the grumpy man with a big heart for those around him. Together these two were the best kind of enemies to lovers. This was full of banter, chemistry, and absolutely tension! I loved the push and pull between these two & boy did the tension pay off with the spice this brought!!
I absolutely love the Wallace crew and cannot wait for more from this series!! Dean is the sweetest little boy & brought so much to this story! I swooned, I cackled, and I felt so deeply for both of these characters and things they dealt with in their own personal lives. Truly such a well done story & one I will absolutely be recommending over & over!!
Thank you Jessica Peterson team & Valentine PR for this early arc & alc opportunity!!
Do I officially have a new fave Jessica Peterson Cowboy? I do believe so!!’ Colt Wallace!! 🙌🏻 nothing beats a grumpy/ cowboy single dad romance & this one was perfection!! I devoured this in one sitting!!
I absolutely loved everything about this book. Lainey is our spitfire FMC, quick witted & giving Colt a run for his money! Colt is the grumpy man with a big heart for those around him. Together these two were the best kind of enemies to lovers. This was full of banter, chemistry, and absolutely tension! I loved the push and pull between these two & boy did the tension pay off with the spice this brought!!
I absolutely love the Wallace crew and cannot wait for more from this series!! Dean is the sweetest little boy & brought so much to this story! I swooned, I cackled, and I felt so deeply for both of these characters and things they dealt with in their own personal lives. Truly such a well done story & one I will absolutely be recommending over & over!!
Thank you Jessica Peterson team & Valentine PR for this early arc & alc opportunity!!
August 5, 2026
Already in love with this series! If you loved Lucky River Ranch, this is the perfect next step for that universe and I love that we still see so many of our favorite characters. This book felt like the passing of the torch and I’m so excited to see what other antics the Wallace family gets up to!
I love the dynamic between Lainey and Colt. You know those people that whatever they do, they just know how to push your buttons? That is both of these characters for each other. Which makes for some hilarious yet oftentimes very steamy situations.
Seeing an eldest daughter be taken care of by an eldest son just really touched something in me and I thought so much of the reality of being the eldest child was so spot on and I think that’s going to resonate with a lot of eldest daughters out there.
It was so good to be back in this world and I love this universe Jessica Peterson has created. So grateful to be able to read this early!
I love the dynamic between Lainey and Colt. You know those people that whatever they do, they just know how to push your buttons? That is both of these characters for each other. Which makes for some hilarious yet oftentimes very steamy situations.
Seeing an eldest daughter be taken care of by an eldest son just really touched something in me and I thought so much of the reality of being the eldest child was so spot on and I think that’s going to resonate with a lot of eldest daughters out there.
It was so good to be back in this world and I love this universe Jessica Peterson has created. So grateful to be able to read this early!
August 9, 2026
This book hit at the perfect time - a rivals-to-lovers grumpy/sunshine romance was exactly what the doctor ordered!
This book was spicyyyyy, sweet, and full of all the goodness, but it also had plenty of heart and personal growth woven in. I absolutely adored Dean more and more as the story went on. He completely stole the show for me! 🥹
And the branding opportunity?! Literally genius. I loved that little detail so much!
I’m officially invested and so excited to see what JP does with the rest of this series!
This book was spicyyyyy, sweet, and full of all the goodness, but it also had plenty of heart and personal growth woven in. I absolutely adored Dean more and more as the story went on. He completely stole the show for me! 🥹
And the branding opportunity?! Literally genius. I loved that little detail so much!
I’m officially invested and so excited to see what JP does with the rest of this series!
Want to Read
April 12, 2026I CANT WAIT
vivement 18 aout, Colt et la double U ranch series, i'm comingggg
vivement 18 aout, Colt et la double U ranch series, i'm comingggg
July 13, 2026
*Thank you to Edelweiss and the publisher for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*
Review: The first installment in the Double U Ranch series will make your heart gallop!
“Colt” follows Colton Wallace, the foreman of Wallace Ranch, and Lainey Brown, the city girl hired to give the place a fresh coat of branding, as they toe the line between hate and love.
Peterson’s opposites attract cowboy romance is a true delight! Both characters have a stubborn streak with Colt being resistant to the ranch’s rebrand and Lainey unwilling to leave the premises until she has done her job. The chemistry between them, however, is undeniable. Their mutual dislike of each other slowly transforms into searing attraction as the tension builds each day they are forced to work side by side. What starts out as a purely physical arrangement to get each other out of their systems shifts to something more permanent when they begin to realize that their preconceived notions about one other couldn't be further from the truth. The tender, vulnerable admissions and intimate bedroom scenes help both characters open up and work through their respective inner conflicts. Colt learns to let down his walls and Lainey finds her passion as well as a home with Colt, Dean, and the Wallace clan. The epilogue acts as a prelude to the next installment and I’m itching to get my hands on it!
➤ 4.25 stars
Review cross-posted to: Book Blog | Bookstagram | Amazon
Review: The first installment in the Double U Ranch series will make your heart gallop!
“Colt” follows Colton Wallace, the foreman of Wallace Ranch, and Lainey Brown, the city girl hired to give the place a fresh coat of branding, as they toe the line between hate and love.
Peterson’s opposites attract cowboy romance is a true delight! Both characters have a stubborn streak with Colt being resistant to the ranch’s rebrand and Lainey unwilling to leave the premises until she has done her job. The chemistry between them, however, is undeniable. Their mutual dislike of each other slowly transforms into searing attraction as the tension builds each day they are forced to work side by side. What starts out as a purely physical arrangement to get each other out of their systems shifts to something more permanent when they begin to realize that their preconceived notions about one other couldn't be further from the truth. The tender, vulnerable admissions and intimate bedroom scenes help both characters open up and work through their respective inner conflicts. Colt learns to let down his walls and Lainey finds her passion as well as a home with Colt, Dean, and the Wallace clan. The epilogue acts as a prelude to the next installment and I’m itching to get my hands on it!
➤ 4.25 stars
Review cross-posted to: Book Blog | Bookstagram | Amazon
August 8, 2026
I loved this one probably more than any other Jessica Peterson book so far.
100 percent a 5 star ⭐️
I absolutely loved everything about it. The glimpses of Mollie and Cash, Ryder, Sawyer, all of them.
Meeting the new characters Lainey is now a favorite FMC.
She’s sweet, sassy and brought out the absolute best in Colt.
The relationship Lainey built with Dean was so sweet and gentle.
Jessica can damn sure create the best mmc. They keep getting better and better each dang time.
Colt with his rough exterior and literal mush of a heart.
A single dad to Dean, a rambunctious 6 year old.
For gods sake Colt literally bakes his own sourdough bread. 😍
When he finally lets his guard down and actually opens up to Lainey. I was eating it up!
The chemistry was absolutely on point between Lainey and Colton.
Sexy and so damn intimate. 70% in and I couldn’t finish it faster.
I loveeee Dean. He was a wild boy with no filter. A huge heart and loved his Legos and Lainey. ❤️
Needless to say this one will forever have a special spot in my heart. I’m such a huge fan of Jessica Peterson and I love the introduction to Double U Ranch. 🫶🏻
Vanessa Edwin and Aiden Snow did a marvelous job with the audio. I’ll listen to anything Aiden narrates. This was such a hot audiobook. Seriously, one of the best.
I can’t wait for Becks book. I know I’m going to fall head over heels for him. 🥰🥵
Thank you so much Jessica Peterson and VPR for this arc and alc. ❤️
Ps the spicy epilogue was everything and I mean everything. 😍😍😍
100 percent a 5 star ⭐️
I absolutely loved everything about it. The glimpses of Mollie and Cash, Ryder, Sawyer, all of them.
Meeting the new characters Lainey is now a favorite FMC.
She’s sweet, sassy and brought out the absolute best in Colt.
The relationship Lainey built with Dean was so sweet and gentle.
Jessica can damn sure create the best mmc. They keep getting better and better each dang time.
Colt with his rough exterior and literal mush of a heart.
A single dad to Dean, a rambunctious 6 year old.
For gods sake Colt literally bakes his own sourdough bread. 😍
When he finally lets his guard down and actually opens up to Lainey. I was eating it up!
The chemistry was absolutely on point between Lainey and Colton.
Sexy and so damn intimate. 70% in and I couldn’t finish it faster.
I loveeee Dean. He was a wild boy with no filter. A huge heart and loved his Legos and Lainey. ❤️
Needless to say this one will forever have a special spot in my heart. I’m such a huge fan of Jessica Peterson and I love the introduction to Double U Ranch. 🫶🏻
Vanessa Edwin and Aiden Snow did a marvelous job with the audio. I’ll listen to anything Aiden narrates. This was such a hot audiobook. Seriously, one of the best.
I can’t wait for Becks book. I know I’m going to fall head over heels for him. 🥰🥵
Thank you so much Jessica Peterson and VPR for this arc and alc. ❤️
Ps the spicy epilogue was everything and I mean everything. 😍😍😍
August 7, 2026
If I could give this grumpy cowboy 6 stars I would!!! You mix a single dad, hard working cowboy from a small town, eldest child, with a grumpy attitude….I am a puddle on the floor! 😩
I loved every second of this book! The chemistry between Lainey and Colt was fantastic and led to the very best banter that I ate right up. These two characters truly brought out the best in each other and it was evident as you watched their relationship grow, they were exactly what the other needed to inspire them to be the best versions of themselves. I adored Lainey’s sass and spunk, she truly was the perfect match for Colt. 👏
Dean, Colt’s son, may be one of my new favorite child characters in a book. He is your typical 6 year old but has a heart of pure gold and the relationship he creates with Lainey is the absolute sweetest!
The audiobook was performed in duet by Aiden Snow & Vanessa Edwin and dang did they KILL IT!!! They fully embodied the characters and don’t even get me started on the accents, 10/10!!!
I am SO happy to be back in Hartsville, TX and I have fallen hard for the Wallace family already! Please give me all of these cowboys, I just know they are going to be some of my new favorites! 😍🔥
*Thank you Jessica Peterson and Valentine PR for the ARC & ALC *
I loved every second of this book! The chemistry between Lainey and Colt was fantastic and led to the very best banter that I ate right up. These two characters truly brought out the best in each other and it was evident as you watched their relationship grow, they were exactly what the other needed to inspire them to be the best versions of themselves. I adored Lainey’s sass and spunk, she truly was the perfect match for Colt. 👏
Dean, Colt’s son, may be one of my new favorite child characters in a book. He is your typical 6 year old but has a heart of pure gold and the relationship he creates with Lainey is the absolute sweetest!
The audiobook was performed in duet by Aiden Snow & Vanessa Edwin and dang did they KILL IT!!! They fully embodied the characters and don’t even get me started on the accents, 10/10!!!
I am SO happy to be back in Hartsville, TX and I have fallen hard for the Wallace family already! Please give me all of these cowboys, I just know they are going to be some of my new favorites! 😍🔥
*Thank you Jessica Peterson and Valentine PR for the ARC & ALC *
August 5, 2026
5/5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
3/5🌶️🌶️🌶️
Ya'll...have I really started August with a five star read? 🥹 As soon as I got this in the mail I obviously stopped everything I was doing to read it and did I finish it in under 36 hours? Absolutely I did. 🙂↕️
Jessica Peterson just knows how to write the cowboys of our dreams and Colt is no exception 😭 This man is hot, grumpy, single dad who's caring, a secret softie, AND goes to therapy...immediate book boyfriend. Without a doubt.
I also don't think I've ever resonated with a FMC as much as I did with Lainey. As another eldest daughter, I could truly understand the weight on her shoulders and the expectations that were had of her to be independent, get a good job, and to put everyone else's needs before their own...I see you Lainey, I see you 🥺
The Double U Ranch series is off to an insane start and I cannot wait for the next one 🤍
Colt releases August 18th and needs to be on your tbr if you love:
🤠single dad
🤠hate to love
🤠found family
🤠forced proximity
🤠banter as foreplay
🤠age gap
🤠city girl + country boy
🤠small town romance
Thank you so much Bloom for the gifted early copy 🫶
3/5🌶️🌶️🌶️
Ya'll...have I really started August with a five star read? 🥹 As soon as I got this in the mail I obviously stopped everything I was doing to read it and did I finish it in under 36 hours? Absolutely I did. 🙂↕️
Jessica Peterson just knows how to write the cowboys of our dreams and Colt is no exception 😭 This man is hot, grumpy, single dad who's caring, a secret softie, AND goes to therapy...immediate book boyfriend. Without a doubt.
I also don't think I've ever resonated with a FMC as much as I did with Lainey. As another eldest daughter, I could truly understand the weight on her shoulders and the expectations that were had of her to be independent, get a good job, and to put everyone else's needs before their own...I see you Lainey, I see you 🥺
The Double U Ranch series is off to an insane start and I cannot wait for the next one 🤍
Colt releases August 18th and needs to be on your tbr if you love:
🤠single dad
🤠hate to love
🤠found family
🤠forced proximity
🤠banter as foreplay
🤠age gap
🤠city girl + country boy
🤠small town romance
Thank you so much Bloom for the gifted early copy 🫶
August 6, 2026
ᴀʟᴄ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ
𝐂𝐎𝐋𝐓
𝘋𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘐 𝘴𝘢𝘺… 𝘊𝘰𝘭𝘵 𝘞𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘺 𝘧𝘢𝘷𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘑𝘗 𝘤𝘰𝘸𝘣𝘰𝘺 𝘺𝘦𝘵!
𝐂𝐎𝐋𝐓.
Single Dad.
Ranch Foreman.
Cooks & goes to therapy.
[& Ryder Rivers Best Friend]
𝙇𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙮.
Eldest Daughter.
Career driven.
Sassy.
Colt is the grumpy cowboy drowning in fatherhood and work. Lainey is the eldest daughter that never quite measures up for her family. The banter immediately pulled me in, but the tenderness and vulnerability stole my heart.
This is a slow burn that burns so freaking good! JP knows how to write spice and this was an absolute TREAT! It’s not the main focus nor is it every other page but man did she make those spicy moments count.
Venessa Edwin and Aiden Snow gave one hell of a performance, I LOVED this audiobook. As someone from the south, I often cringe at narrators southern accents but these two were spot on! Venessa’s little twang was so cute, she nailed Lainey’s sass perfectly. Aiden was so dreamy, gosh I could listen to that man talk all day! 10/10, this one is so good on audio!
𝘚𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘦 𝘋𝘢𝘥
𝘈𝘨𝘦 𝘎𝘢𝘱
𝘊𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘎𝘪𝘳𝘭 𝘹 𝘊𝘰𝘸𝘣𝘰𝘺
𝘌𝘯𝘦𝘮𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴
HUGE THANKS to JP and Valentine PR for the gifted ALC!!
𝐂𝐎𝐋𝐓
𝘋𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘐 𝘴𝘢𝘺… 𝘊𝘰𝘭𝘵 𝘞𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘺 𝘧𝘢𝘷𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘑𝘗 𝘤𝘰𝘸𝘣𝘰𝘺 𝘺𝘦𝘵!
𝐂𝐎𝐋𝐓.
Single Dad.
Ranch Foreman.
Cooks & goes to therapy.
[& Ryder Rivers Best Friend]
𝙇𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙮.
Eldest Daughter.
Career driven.
Sassy.
Colt is the grumpy cowboy drowning in fatherhood and work. Lainey is the eldest daughter that never quite measures up for her family. The banter immediately pulled me in, but the tenderness and vulnerability stole my heart.
This is a slow burn that burns so freaking good! JP knows how to write spice and this was an absolute TREAT! It’s not the main focus nor is it every other page but man did she make those spicy moments count.
Venessa Edwin and Aiden Snow gave one hell of a performance, I LOVED this audiobook. As someone from the south, I often cringe at narrators southern accents but these two were spot on! Venessa’s little twang was so cute, she nailed Lainey’s sass perfectly. Aiden was so dreamy, gosh I could listen to that man talk all day! 10/10, this one is so good on audio!
𝘚𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘦 𝘋𝘢𝘥
𝘈𝘨𝘦 𝘎𝘢𝘱
𝘊𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘎𝘪𝘳𝘭 𝘹 𝘊𝘰𝘸𝘣𝘰𝘺
𝘌𝘯𝘦𝘮𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴
HUGE THANKS to JP and Valentine PR for the gifted ALC!!
July 23, 2026
Firstly, a huge thank you to Jessica Peterson and the ARC team for the opportunity to read Colt. As a huge fan of the Lucky River Ranch series, this was one of my most anticipated reads, and I may have actually squealed when I got the ARC approval! Meeting Colt and Lainey briefly at the end of Lucky River Ranch was the perfect introduction and had me counting down to their story.
Colt is everything I want in a cowboy hero—gruff, dependable, fiercely protective, and a devoted single dad. As the ranch foreman and eldest son, he’s used to putting everyone else first. Lainey couldn’t be more different on paper. A city girl who has worked tirelessly to build her career, she’s also the eldest daughter carrying the weight of expectations and trying not to let her family down.
I found myself relating to Lainey so much. That feeling of wanting to make your family proud while wondering if the path you’ve worked so hard for is actually the one that makes you happy really resonated with me. Watching her take a leap of faith towards a life that brought her genuine joy was such a satisfying journey.
Jessica Peterson has such an infectious writing style. Her dialogue is packed with witty one-liners, laugh-out-loud banter, and enough innuendo to keep a smile on your face throughout. The enemies-to-lovers tension is delicious, the dual POV lets you fall for both characters, and honestly… cowboying might just be the hottest form of foreplay.
The romance is a gorgeous slow burn that absolutely smoulders before it catches fire. Add in the flirting, the emotional maturity, strong family bonds, and plenty of swoony cowboy moments, and this was everything I wanted from the start of a new series.
I already can’t wait to return to Double U Ranch and see whose story comes next!
Colt is everything I want in a cowboy hero—gruff, dependable, fiercely protective, and a devoted single dad. As the ranch foreman and eldest son, he’s used to putting everyone else first. Lainey couldn’t be more different on paper. A city girl who has worked tirelessly to build her career, she’s also the eldest daughter carrying the weight of expectations and trying not to let her family down.
I found myself relating to Lainey so much. That feeling of wanting to make your family proud while wondering if the path you’ve worked so hard for is actually the one that makes you happy really resonated with me. Watching her take a leap of faith towards a life that brought her genuine joy was such a satisfying journey.
Jessica Peterson has such an infectious writing style. Her dialogue is packed with witty one-liners, laugh-out-loud banter, and enough innuendo to keep a smile on your face throughout. The enemies-to-lovers tension is delicious, the dual POV lets you fall for both characters, and honestly… cowboying might just be the hottest form of foreplay.
The romance is a gorgeous slow burn that absolutely smoulders before it catches fire. Add in the flirting, the emotional maturity, strong family bonds, and plenty of swoony cowboy moments, and this was everything I wanted from the start of a new series.
I already can’t wait to return to Double U Ranch and see whose story comes next!
August 7, 2026
save a horse and ride COLT MF WALLACE 😩
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thank you so much to the author and Valentine PR for the ALC of Colt! 🫶🏼
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dare i say jessica’s best book? 🙈 I have been reading along since the lucky river ranch series and have been obsessed with every single story thus far!! but this one?! oh Jessica you have outdone yourself babes i think you’ve struck GOLD! the single dad hate to love trope is lethal and needs to be studied because i was have HEART PALPITATIONS! like actually this was so so so good i was hooked from chapter one.
the characters in this book felt so raw and real, and i could see myself relating to Lainey and Colt alike. Jessica knows how to write her characters with that “lived in” feel where you relate to them like a lifelong friend from the first chapter and it’s what i love best about her writing! her characters will never feel fiction to me these are my lifelong friends now 🥲❤️
and the mouth on this man????? PHEW LORD HELP ME
-
thank you so much to the author and Valentine PR for the ALC of Colt! 🫶🏼
-
dare i say jessica’s best book? 🙈 I have been reading along since the lucky river ranch series and have been obsessed with every single story thus far!! but this one?! oh Jessica you have outdone yourself babes i think you’ve struck GOLD! the single dad hate to love trope is lethal and needs to be studied because i was have HEART PALPITATIONS! like actually this was so so so good i was hooked from chapter one.
the characters in this book felt so raw and real, and i could see myself relating to Lainey and Colt alike. Jessica knows how to write her characters with that “lived in” feel where you relate to them like a lifelong friend from the first chapter and it’s what i love best about her writing! her characters will never feel fiction to me these are my lifelong friends now 🥲❤️
and the mouth on this man????? PHEW LORD HELP ME
August 5, 2026
Arc review
Colt
By Jessica Peterson
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥🔥🔥/5
Read from 8/4-8/5
Colt was an absolute blast to read! This enemies to lovers cowboy romance was perfection. The way Colt and Lainey started as enemies that turned to understanding and respect was so heartfelt. I loved meeting the rest of the Wallace crew and seeing the Lucky River Ranch characters in between was so fun as well. This book will have you cracking up with all the banter and cuteness of Colts son and also tearing up from all the love from the Wallace family as well as the love between Colt and Lainey!
🐴 Enemies to Lovers
🐴Small Town Romance
🐴Single Dad
🐴Forced Proximity
🐴Cowboy / City Girl
🐴Found Family
Colt releases on August 18th and is absolute must read!
Colt
By Jessica Peterson
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥🔥🔥/5
Read from 8/4-8/5
Colt was an absolute blast to read! This enemies to lovers cowboy romance was perfection. The way Colt and Lainey started as enemies that turned to understanding and respect was so heartfelt. I loved meeting the rest of the Wallace crew and seeing the Lucky River Ranch characters in between was so fun as well. This book will have you cracking up with all the banter and cuteness of Colts son and also tearing up from all the love from the Wallace family as well as the love between Colt and Lainey!
🐴 Enemies to Lovers
🐴Small Town Romance
🐴Single Dad
🐴Forced Proximity
🐴Cowboy / City Girl
🐴Found Family
Colt releases on August 18th and is absolute must read!
July 6, 2026
Our taste of Colt and Lainey in Ryder was just the appetizer—Colt is the MEAL.
We love a single-dad romance featuring the girl he never saw coming. Lainey is a driven, witty, and resilient eldest daughter, making her the perfect match for Colt: a responsible, caring, and wounded eldest son. They're two people carrying the weight of the world on their shoulders who only seem to find peace when they're together. I’m so ready for more Double U ranch! 🐎🤠
I loved getting to read this ARC, courtesy of Jessica Peterson and Trope Bookshop (Charlotte, NC). 💚
We love a single-dad romance featuring the girl he never saw coming. Lainey is a driven, witty, and resilient eldest daughter, making her the perfect match for Colt: a responsible, caring, and wounded eldest son. They're two people carrying the weight of the world on their shoulders who only seem to find peace when they're together. I’m so ready for more Double U ranch! 🐎🤠
I loved getting to read this ARC, courtesy of Jessica Peterson and Trope Bookshop (Charlotte, NC). 💚
July 27, 2026
I was apprehensive starting the book as I felt a little burnt out of the Lucky Rivers series but Double U Ranch definitely has bought the magic back.
I loved the family dynamic of the Wallace’s. Especially the overlap of Colt and Billie’s disagreement from the previous series. The family don’t always see eye to eye but it’s clear they care for each other.
Colt and Lainey have so much chemistry together even when they ‘hate’ each other. I loved how Lainey fit into Colt’s family especially her friendship with his son.
I would have liked more development around Lainey’s family as it felt like they were going to be a big conflict but it never really went anywhere.
Thank you Net Galley and Quercus Books for this ARC!
I loved the family dynamic of the Wallace’s. Especially the overlap of Colt and Billie’s disagreement from the previous series. The family don’t always see eye to eye but it’s clear they care for each other.
Colt and Lainey have so much chemistry together even when they ‘hate’ each other. I loved how Lainey fit into Colt’s family especially her friendship with his son.
I would have liked more development around Lainey’s family as it felt like they were going to be a big conflict but it never really went anywhere.
Thank you Net Galley and Quercus Books for this ARC!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2026
This was my favorite Jessica Peterson book and I can’t wait to read more from the Double U Ranch. The back and forth between Colt and Lainey was entertaining. The relationship Lainey has with parents is frustrating and emotional and it impacts her a lot. The first book in this series reminded me of the Rebel Blue Ranch series. If you are a fan of that series, or a fan of Jessica Peterson, I highly recommend picking up Colt.
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Thank you Edelweiss and Sourcebooks for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
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Thank you Edelweiss and Sourcebooks for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
July 22, 2026
3.75 stars
Listen, if she writes it, I’m reading it.
I found the characters to be enjoyable and I loved the enemies to lovers vibes that went down. It did go slow at some points but overall I would recommend it for my fellow Cowboy romance lovers.
Listen, if she writes it, I’m reading it.
I found the characters to be enjoyable and I loved the enemies to lovers vibes that went down. It did go slow at some points but overall I would recommend it for my fellow Cowboy romance lovers.
July 17, 2026
Thank you for the ARC - I’m so glad to be back in Hartsville! Grumpy x Sunshine is one of my all time favourite tropes, add cowboys into the mix and yeehaaaaaw! As a big fan of LRR, Double U did not disappoint. Colt coming into himself and Lainey being a force to be reckoned with - loved it. I absolutely love the romance (and the spice - Jessica, I LIVE for your spice!) and a solid HEA. Easy 4 stars for me, loved it and would happily read it again!
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