Delicate Hope: A Single Dad Cowboy Romance

by Jessica Myel

Chasing love is like running in place — exhausting.

Mae Morgan is tired of being overlooked, and ignored. Her lease on love was bleak.

So when her aunt called asking for help with her flower shop books, Mae couldn’t say no.

But when she gets to Paxton, her aunt surprises her, leaving the struggling shop to Mae, on one she has to run it for a year. Mae isn’t a quitter and convinces herself it’s possible. A dating hiatus and a change of scenery could be a good thing. Plus, it’s a small town, it’s not like she’d find someone. Right?

Wrong.

Cooper Hayes is charming, funny, and a single father.

When his sister dropped his niece in his arms and left, he went from being a cowboy with wild nights, to struggling to raise a little girl.

But he wanted more for Naomi and himself.



When he meets Mae, she hardly gives him the time of day. But Cooper is a persistent man, and when he wears her down he realizes how little time they have.

Mae doesn’t want to put her delicate heart on the line, and Cooper is all but willing to hand her his. Will they both be able to take the leap? Or will it just end up in heartbreak— again?

What you can expect in Delicate Hope:
-Single Dad/Guardian
-Slow Burn
-Cowboy Romance
-Small Town Romance
-Obsessive MMC
-She’s quiet and sassy
-80’s music obsession
-People Pleaser FMC
-He’s younger than her (She’s 31, he’s 29)
-Reverse Grumpy/Sunshine
-She’s on a dating hiatus
-He falls first
-She’s unlucky In love

Welcome to Hayes Ranch, where family is more than blood, and love is a little harder to wrangle.

Delicate Hope is a standalone romance in the interconnected Hayes Ranch Series.

Get your copy today!

Genres: Westerns, Romance

380 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 27, 2026

About the author

Jessica was born and raised in the Midwest. After acquiring a bachelor's in Marketing and a Masters in Biblical Studies many years later, she realized her calling was writing.
Her passion for words and finding her voice creates deep and emotional writing in various romantic subgenres. When she's not writing, she's drinking matcha, coffee, or both with her head buried in a book.

Follow me on Instagram and Tik Tok! @jessicamyelauthor

Reviews

[cat · Rating 3 out of 5]

I knew I was in trouble the second I realized this was a single dad situation… because I will fold every single time. No shame. No resistance. Just immediate emotional investment. 😝😝

And Cooper Hayes?? Yeah… he’s that man.

The kind where “if he wanted to, he would” isn’t just a saying, it’s a lifestyle. Because he showed up, stayed consistent, and just chose her over and over again. 🥹 No games, no confusion, just steady, patient pursuit. And I ate that up. Fully. No crumbs left. 🤌🏼🤌🏼

This book felt like settling into something soft and warm. Not overwhelming, not chaotic, just… sweet. Watching Mae slowly unravel her walls while Cooper just stood there like “I’ll wait”?? That did something to me.

And Naomi 🥹
I loved seeing him as a dad. The way he constantly put her first, even when it cost him something, even when he clearly wanted more for himself… it made everything feel grounded. Real. There’s something about a man choosing responsibility and still having so much love to give that just hits different.

Im ngl getting into it was rough though. Like… I was waiting. And waiting. And checking my progress like “surely we’re further along than this??” 😭 It dragged in the beginning and felt longer than it needed to be. I definitely feel like the book could have been shorter. Once it found its rhythm, it worked, but it definitely took its time getting there.

And the emotional connections… this is where I felt a little off balance.

I wanted more build-up between Mae and Naomi. Because when we finally get that “mother-daughter” kind of feeling toward the end, it was sweet, don’t get me wrong, but it also felt like it came out of nowhere. Like I blinked and suddenly we were there without really earning those steps in between. I needed more of those small bonding moments to believe it fully.

That being said, there were things this book did really well.

The dynamic between Mae and Cooper had a softness to it that made the slow burn worth it. 👏🏼 And I actually loved that he was her first—that aspect was handled in a way that felt gentle, intentional, and not overly dramatic. There was a nice balance between the sweeter moments and the deeper, more vulnerable ones, and the heat never overpowered the heart of the story. 😌

So yeah… this one sits at a solid 3 stars for me. It’s sweet. It’s comforting. It has a man who gets it right and a love story that grows in a quiet, patient way… but it also left me wanting just a little more depth, a little more connection, and a little tighter pacing.

But would I still recommend it to my fellow single dad romance lovers?

…obviously. I’m not gatekeeping a man like Cooper Hayes. 😝😝

things to know about the book ↓

💛 single dad
💛 small town romance
💛 persistent MMC
💛 guarded FMC
💛 slow burn
💛 he falls first
💛 first kiss
💛 she’s inexperienced / he teaches her
💛 dual POV

spice rating:【 🌶️🌶️ 】
swearing: yes

Thank you to Luna Literary & Jessica Myel for allowing me to read this arc. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

⸻⸻⸻

・❥・⁀➷ pre-read

single dad + cowboy 😝😝 sign me UP baby

[AOKayy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you, Luna Literary and Jessica Myel, for the ARC of Delicate Hope!

I had the best time reading about Mae and Cooper, this was truly such a sweet story. Mae is new to town after her aunt bamboozles her into taking over the flower shop so she can retire. For the past few years, Mae has been the primary caregiver for her mom, who has MS, and hasn’t taken much time for herself. Now in her 30s, she still hasn’t met the right guy and feels unsure about where her life is headed.

That all starts to change when a cowboy spots her across the bar and makes it his mission to get to know the new girl in town. Enter Cooper—part of a well-known local family and a single dad to his niece, who his flighty sister left in his care. He didn’t choose this role, but he fully embraces it, and he’s an incredible dad.

Talk about two souls who have been waiting to find their match. Cooper knows exactly what he wants, while Mae is much more hesitant. She’s been burned too many times and struggles to trust when something good might actually be real.

This book gave me all the giddy early-dating vibes with that anxious excitement over every little thing, and then not being able to get enough of each other when you’re finally together. It makes you want to kick your feet and just soak in the feeling. Mae was extremely relatable to me, and as frustrating as she could be at times, you understand that letting your guard down isn’t easy. Sometimes, it just takes the right person to break down those walls.

Tropes:
Single dad
Cowboy romance
Small-town romance
Trust issues
He falls first
Parent with illness
First kiss
Nicknames
Tattoo for her

[Sammie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arc read ❤️🫦

This book was a slow burn cowboy romance, now any cowboy romance hooks me and I will devour 👏🏻

Mae moves to Hayes ranch to help her aunt run her flower shop for a year or at least that’s what she thinks she is doing… 👀

Cooper see’s Mae and falls instantly.. he HAS to have her.
And with little Naomi flagging behind him will he get what he what when his sister Rebekah is back?

Honestly, I was hooked with this book.. please can we have other books with the other brothers? Plssss

‘You’re someone to be earned’ 🫣❤️‍🔥
Mae being a virgin was a twist I didn’t see coming also, but they say you know when your saving yourself for the right person and that’s exactly what she did

‘“Cooper Hayes, I thought you were a gentleman.” “No, baby, I’m beginning to think I’m just a dirty cowboy.”’
Loooved this quote.❤️‍🔥🫣🫦

The spice was little to nothing but that’s okay when the rest of the story is so good!

‘Break it, you buy it, caveman’ oh hell yeaaaaah

‘I told you I don’t need anymore friends’ say it louder for the people in the back coop.

Such a feel good cowboy romance, and I loved it! It was such a cute story and I loved getting to know the characters

[Elisalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story was a sweet, romantic, quickly written piece that had everything a romance novel is supposed to have. But somehow I found it a bit boring, and it dragged on so much that around 85–90% I kept feeling the urge to stop reading. I stopped at 97%.

I did like that the MMC was obsessed with the FMC and really pursued her—that’s exactly how it should be. So no real owd/omd in my opinion, even when the first scenes where the mmc talked to other women was a little annoying and unnecessary .. but it was okay for me because he was so sure about his feeling for the heroine ..

Something was still missing for me .. so ⭐️⭐️⭐️ for Cooper and Mae

[Kirsty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not okay. This book gently picked up my heart, whispered “trust me,” and then proceeded to absolutely wreck me in the softest, most beautiful way possible.

Delicate Hope by Jessica Myel is the kind of romance that sneaks up on you. No loud fireworks at first, just this quiet, tender unfolding… and then suddenly you’re drowning in feelings and clutching your chest at 2am wondering when these characters became your entire personality.

Mae Morgan??? I wanted to wrap her in a blanket, hand her a cup of tea, and personally fight anyone who ever made her feel like she was too much or not enough. That “always overlooked” ache felt so real it almost hurt to read. Watching her step into Paxton, take over the flower shop, and slowly start rebuilding herself?? It’s not loud or dramatic, it’s delicate (the title is not playing around) and it’s SO beautifully done.

And then there’s Cooper Hayes. SIR. This man is made of patience, quiet strength, and heart-melting devotion. A cowboy turned single dad raising his niece?? I was already gone. Add in the way he just… shows up for Mae, over and over, no grandstanding, just steady, unwavering “I’m here when you’re ready” energy??? I cannot. I will not recover.

The romance is this slow, careful dance. Mae holding back because her heart has been bruised too many times, Cooper standing there like “I’ve got you, no rush, no pressure,” and the tension is less explosive and more like a steady ache that builds and builds until it spills over. It felt so real. No insta-love nonsense, just two people circling each other, learning, healing, hoping.

And Naomi?? That sweet little girl added so much warmth and depth. The found family vibes at Hayes Ranch are immaculate. It’s the kind of place you wish you could pack your bags and move to immediately, where love isn’t perfect but it’s chosen every single day.

But don’t be fooled by the softness… this book still packs an emotional punch. The fear, the hesitation, the “what if it all falls apart again” tension had me STRESSED in the best way. I was rooting for them so hard it felt personal.

This isn’t just a love story, it’s about learning you’re worthy of love in the first place. About taking a risk even when your heart feels fragile. About choosing hope anyway.

Five stars, no question. My heart is tender, bruised, and very much in love. 🌸🤍

[Britt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m honestly blown away by how much I enjoyed this book. I loved the characters, both the MCs and side characters.

I really connected with Cooper and his family issues. I think he was an amazing MMC; very patient and down to earth. I loved his family dynamic and his relationship with his niece, Naomi. Just an all around amazing character.

Mae was great too, although a little insecure for good reason, she grew a lot through the book. I loved watching her learn to trust others. The way Cooper’s family welcomed her into their lives was so heartwarming.

As a couple, Mae and Cooper made sense. They had amazing chemistry and balanced each other really well. I loved the “teach me” trope so this was right up my alley, with enough spice to balance out the heavier topics in the book well.

I will say, I think the pacing was off. There were parts where I was glued to the page and then in between were parts that really felt slow. I also didn’t feel that Mae’s story was properly wrapped up, it felt a little rushed. I think we could have explored her career decision a little more at the end.

The pacing of Mae's relationship with Naomi was also a little odd. She went from interacting with her only 3-4 times, once with a card, to being like a mother figure to her ¾ of the way in. It felt rushed and like that relationship wasn’t fully developed on page.

I also found some of the wording awkward. Some words seemed arbitrarily chosen and didn’t fit in the sentences at all, especially in the court scene in the end. The language in that scene felt very awkward.

Overall I really enjoyed this book. Even in the middle of a months-long slump I found myself wanting to pick this up frequently.

[Sienasummerrreads]

DNF at 38%. Unfortunately, I hit a wall with this one.

I struggled trying to understand why Naomi was calling the MMC uncle and it took quite a few chapters before that was clarified. Also, with the FMC being 31 and a virgin, the first scene where things start to escalate felt very brief it was a bit open-door but then quickly shut. I found myself wishing it had been explored a little more, especially since it’s something she hadn’t experienced before.

Overall, it just wasn’t gripping me the way I’d hoped, even though I gave it a fair go. I may come back to it in the future.

Genre/Type: Adult Romance 18+
APK: Kindle ARC
Rating: DNF
Spice: DNF Unknown
Series or Standalone: Part Of The Hayes Ranch Series
Tropes or Themes: Small Town, Cowboy, Single Dad / Guardian, Reverse Grumpy Sunshine, Slow Burn, FMC Carer, MS Rep, (NOT COMPLETE AS DNF)
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[Sam | Sambooka23 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book ARC l Delicate Hope - Jessica Myel

☆☆☆☆/5

Single dad romances are definitely a weakness for me.

Cooper Hayes… 🫠 Need I actually say more?

Mae is new in town and is taking over her aunts flower shop. She has been her Mums primary caregiver for years after she was diagnosed with MS. So taking in her aunts flower shop is daunting and worrying for Mae but, her parents tell her to go for it… so she does. Knowing nothing really about the shop she dives in. Knowing no one, she opens the shop and does her best to make her aunt proud and keep her legacy going.

Mae, is a strong independent woman who feels she stuck in life. She knows what she wants but is struggling to find it. She’s in her 30’s and hasn’t met the right guy and now wondering where her life is heading.

Then we meet sexy, single dad (and cowboy 🤠) Cooper Hayes. Not all is as it seems with Hayes. His family is well known but he’s taken on the role of single dad for his niece. Not the path he’d have chosen but he takes it as a very important role and smashes single dad life.

It was emotional at times and I felt for both characters. Mae was hesitant about pursuing a relationship with Cooper. She’d been hurt in the past and didn’t want to go through it again. Cooper knew exactly what he wanted the first time he clocked eyes on Mae.

I just loved the vibes throughout the book. Small town romances always make me feel so warm and cosy. They’re always something I’d hope for in real life. This was no different - it was an entertaining, spicy and cosy romance. It had everything I love in a book! ♥️

A massive thanks to Luna Literacy and Jessica Myel for allowing me a copy of this ARC.

[Gabby Schneider · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delicate Hope by Jessica Myel is a single dad, reverse grumpy x sunshine, with a slight age gap. Mae, the FFC is obsessed with 80's music. When I saw these tropes and the 80's vibes I was hooked!

This book is different from A Curse on Black Lake, which was my first glimpse into Myel's writing. Between reading Delicate Escape and A Curse on Black Lake, I can see how versatile Myel is in her writing. I'm here for it! This book reads like a movie. Songs were sprinkled throughout the book and they helped elevate the scene.

 The secondary characters were a great addition to the book. They were funny, quirky, and overall supportive of both Mae and Cooper. His cousins stole the scene every time they were around. I need books on all the cousins/friends. Please and thank you!

Cooper is a walking green flag. This man knows what he wants and he just goes for it. He's a hopeless romantic and men better take notes because this man is it. He's the ultimate book boyfriend. I said what I said.

I enjoyed the reverse grumpy x sunshine. I related to this trope the most because this is defiantly my husband and I. Overall, this book was great and I would read it again and again. I feel like this will definitely be a comfort read for me because these characters were just so likeable and a treat to read.

Add Delicate Hope to your TBR now! As always, check for trigger warnings before reading.

[Bri Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 stars

[Vanesa Sandoval-Monrroy · Rating 4 out of 5]

the plot was simple and effective. i feel like the fmc was very relatable. the mmc was absolutely smitten from the jump and it's probably my favorite thing ever. cannot wait to read more from jessica myel!

[Frommailenesbookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much for this ARC!

Mae and Cooper's story was so cute. Cooper truly has a heart of gold, and he was determined to be not only the best for Mae, but to bring the best woman into his niece's life, and that alone has him on my book boyfriends list. He is a walking green flag, and one of the best ones 💚

"Yeah, I thought so."
"Thought what?"
"You'd look good with my hat on."
"Um, why?"
"Because that means you're mine."

MELTING 🫠 I'm telling y'all, Cooper is THE guy.

💚 Single Dad
🖤 Cowboy Romance
💚 Slowburn
🖤 Small Town
💚 Obsessed MMC
🖤 Grumpy x Sunshine
💚 He Falls First
🖤 Dual POV

[Katie Gullo · Rating 4 out of 5]

*ARC REVIEW*

Very cute!! I love a good rancher/cowboy MMC. Cooper and Naomi’s relationship was super cute and sweet. Mae was feisty and Cooper was so down bad.

Naomi and Rebekah’s storyline was heartbreaking but well written and represented, I think.

We all know I love a good epilogue AND a bonus epilogue 🤣

[Emily Knaus · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story gave me everything I crave in a small‑town, healing‑heavy romance. Cooper is the kind of MMC who sneaks up on you, not because he’s broody or mysterious, but because he’s good. SO good. He’s a single guardian raising his niece Naomi with so much heart, patience, and quiet devotion that you can’t help but fall for him right alongside the FMC. He’s pure golden‑retriever energy in the best way: steady, soft, loyal, and absolutely certain when it comes to the woman he wants.

One of the sweetest threads in this book is Naomi’s bond with Mae. Naomi calls Cooper “Dad,” and the love between them is already so solid and tender that watching her open her heart to Mae feels like witnessing a family quietly forming itself. Naomi adores Mae from the start: her flowers, her gentleness, the way she listens and those small moments of trust become the emotional glue of the story. It’s not just Cooper falling; it’s a little girl choosing Mae too, and that makes every step of the romance feel even more meaningful.

Mae, who inherits the flower shop, is the emotional core of this book. She’s been burned by love more times than she’ll admit, and you feel every layer of her hesitation. But she’s also indecisive in ways that can be genuinely frustrating, pulling back when things get real, shutting down instead of communicating, and letting fear speak louder than her heart. Those moments of miscommunication sting, especially when Cooper is so steady and open, but they also make her growth feel earned. She’s a virgin FMC not because she’s untouched, but because she’s been hurt, and watching her slowly choose courage over fear is one of the most rewarding parts of the story.

Their chemistry is sweet, aching, and beautifully paced. Cooper never pushes, he nurtures. He listens. He shows up. He knows Mae is the one long before she believes she deserves a love like his. And Mae, in turn, brings color and softness back into his life, grounding him in a way that feels intimate and real.

I had a really hard time connecting with the characters. I felt like Mae could’ve been more receptive to Cooper at first. He was being thoughtful and kind, but she couldn’t get past thinking he was a player. And, Cooper was not pushy, but persistent at times when Mae was saying she wasn’t interested in him. He put so much effort into someone who didn’t until the end realize her feelings. Overall the plot and storyline were good, but there were parts that seemed redundant.

A huge thank you to Jessica Myel & Luna Literary for the early copy!

[SheReadThatSis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc Review

Thank you to Jessica Myel and Luna Literary for this wonderful arc .

I had been in the mood for a cow boy romance for a while and when l came across the authors page - I knew l would definitely want to read this new release.

I enjoyed this small town called Paxton and there was never a dull moment . I definitely recommend you visit !

Delicate Hope is now available to buy paperback / ebook on Amazon .

The cover is stunning and l feel like it also deserves a space somewhere on my book trolley/ cart at some point .


Daddy Cooper Hayes is the greenest flag !💚😍
Daddy Coop’ knows a thing or two about thing or two - he can also talk you through it ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

Mae Morgan , our FMC deserves to finally live out the love that she deserved with a man who loves her for who she is and is willing to do whatever to keep and make her happy.

A man who saw a future with her , very early on in their relationship before and after they were official .

Let’s not forget that he is also a single daddy to a sassy 7 year old by the name of Naomi Hayes - she is a princess for sure and was so blessed to have some one like Cooper step in when he did to look after her .

Cooper was handed Naomi when she was only two years old by his sister , who due to her challenges in life , didn’t have the ability nor headspace to commit to being a mum.

Cooper has done everything and more for Naomi and has treated her like his daughter .


When Mae moved to Paxton , granted it was only supposed to be for a year - run the flower shop and go back to looking after her mum and carry on with her job in accounting .

Life , however had other plans , despite challenges she faced with the business , she ended up having friends who valued her and treated her correctly…. and finding love and second family .

Mae has had many challenges in the dating world that left her with some deep seated fears / insecurities, that kinda seeped into her relationship with Cooper .

However she had people that she could off load to & give the advice and wake up call she needed. June is a good friend to Mae , with words of wisdom - she doesn’t sugar coat her advice .


All in all I enjoyed this book and wanted to see more of Mae and Coopers life .


This book was a definite 10/10 would definitely recommend✨✨

[Hailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had me soft, smiling, and completely invested, between the sweet flirting (hello, song-sharing??) and the way he shows up as the most devoted, heart-melting dad, I was gone. It’s the kind of quiet, steady romance that just hits without trying too hard.

🌼 “To all the girls like Mae. May we never settle out of loneliness, missing out, or simply because that clock is ticking. There is a plan, trust it, but be brave too.”

I really enjoyed this story… it had such an easy, comforting flow with no unnecessary drama, just a beautifully paced romance that pulled me in from the start. It read so quickly and never once felt dragged out, which made it perfect for getting completely lost in.

🌼 “I’m not something to be conquered,” I say tightly.

“No, Mae, you’re someone to be earned.”

Mae and Cooper’s connection felt natural and balanced, with that soft, slow-burn energy that builds without needing big, flashy moments. I loved how much heart the story had, especially with the focus on healing and found family; it gave everything a deeper emotional weight.

🌼 “I don’t know when or how, but she’s going to be my wife one day.”

The ending did feel a bit rushed and leaned heavily into her past trauma and primarily focuses on their relationship, but honestly, it made sense for her journey and didn’t take away from how meaningful it all felt.

🌼 “That I absolutely, without a doubt, have feelings for you, Mae Morgan, and it took one kiss to confirm it.”

Overall, it’s one of those tender, feel-good romances that leans into connection and character growth, leaving your heart a little fuller (and maybe a little fragile too).

💫 Delicate Hope (Hayes Ranch, 1) by Jessica Myel (@jessicamyelauthor)
Cowboy Romance | Small-Town | Cowboy Single Dad x Accountant & Florist Owner | Found Family | Reverse Grumpy x Sunshine | 380 pp | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)

💫 Favorite Quote:
“I see you, stubborn, and I have a feeling until now, you simply haven’t met the right man worthy of a woman like you.”

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Single Dad/Guardian
*Smal Town
*She’s Older
*Slow Burn
I really enjoyed this small-town romance!
Mae moves to Paxton to take over her aunt’s flower shop with the condition that she has to stay for an entire year before she decides what to do with it. Cooper is a local cowboy who had his niece dropped in his lap and has been a single parent for the last 5 years.

I enjoyed the plot overall but the way her aunt asked her to come to Paxton felt odd, but maybe that was the point. By the end we find out there is more to it, but the scenes with her aunt and the flower shop were just weird to me.

Mae was relatable. Her friends in Denver were garbage and amplified her insecurities: always being the one guys use to get to her friends, being a people pleaser and just not feeling worthy in general. I also loved that she had to turn down the music to see better in the storm 🤣

I loved how persistent and sure Cooper was. He knew immediately Mae was it for him and I loved his tenacity to get his girl. The first time he went to the flower shop was adorable. ❤️ They both went through a rollercoaster of emotion, and it was sweet to see both of their interest.

Cooper’s relationship with Naomi was adorable as well! I have said this before and I’ll keep saying it, I love to see kids in these small-town books. It adds something extra and shows a sweeter side to everyone. I did want to see Mae and Naomi interact more, but it make sense that they didn’t because he didn’t want to parade women around her.

I didn’t really have any expectations for this but signed up for it loving small town/single dad romances 💜

[Ashley Dang · Rating 5 out of 5]

She's the florist who's looking to not date after being constantly burned and looked over and he's the single parent cowboy, parenting his niece, whos vowed to only go out with the woman he plans to make his wife... and yet once their paths cross he knows she's the one... the only problem is she's only in town for a year and she doesn't really believe that he could fall for her... and he's determined to prove her wrong. Mae is tired of being looked over and used, she's looking for a fresh start and when her family ask her to look over their flower shop for a year she agrees. Mae moves and leaves behind her old life for a fresh change ,even if its only for a year... and then she meets Cooper. Cooper is a single parent, he's essentially parenting his niece after his sister left her in his hands and never came back. Cooper has vowed that he's not looking to date and if he is, that woman would have to be the one he's going to marry... and when he sees Mae, he just knows in his bones, she's the one. Mae is afraid to get attached but Cooper is going to do everything to prove to her that he's serious and that she's meant to be. This story was so heartwarming and sweet. The romance between the two characters was just perfection. I was smiling through every single chapter and I absolutely can't wait to read the next book in this series. Jessica is such a fantastic writer and really builds up a tender romance!

Release Date: March 27, 2026

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Luna Literary for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review – Delicate Hope by Jessica Myel

Thank you to Luna Literary and Jessica Myel for the ARC of Delicate Hope — and wow… what can I say? I absolutely loved Mae and Cooper’s story

You all know I’m a sucker for a slow burn… add in a cowboy and I’m already sold But this one? It hit deeper.

Cooper Hayes… where do I even begin? A single dad stepping up to raise his sister’s daughter after she leaves him with that responsibility — and he does it with so much heart, patience, and quiet strength. He isn’t loud or over-the-top… he’s steady. Safe. The kind of man who shows up every single time.
Honestly, if “if he wanted to, he would” was a person… it would be Cooper Hayes

And Mae… oh Mae. She really got to me. She’s guarded, hesitant, and carrying the weight of being hurt one too many times. I saw so much of myself in her — that fear of letting someone in, of trusting that this time might be different. Her journey felt real, raw, and so beautifully written.

What I also really appreciated was the inclusion of more difficult topics, particularly the representation of MS. As someone living with a neurological condition, it meant a lot to see that reflected on the page. It adds another layer of depth and understanding that you don’t always get in romance, and it was handled with care 💛

This is more than just a love story — it’s small town romance at its finest. It’s about healing, trust, second chances, and believing that something good can still find you… even when you’re not sure you deserve it.

A truly beautiful, emotional read that will stay with me for a long time.

⸻

Tropes you’ll love 🤠✨
• Slow burn
• Small town romance
• Single dad
• Guarded FMC
• Found family vibes
• Healing & second chances

⸻

If you love your cowboys soft, your romance slow and meaningful, and stories that actually make you feel something… add this to your TBR immediately

[kbn1031 · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Delicate Hope by Jessica Myel

If you are in your small town cowboy romance era like me, you need to read this one now!

Mae is in her early 30s and is pretty much done with men. She's tired of never being the one and being used to get closer to her so-called friends. Who, by the way, suck! She works from home as a forensic accountant and is a caretaker for her mom, who has MS. When her aunt calls from Paxton with an emergency with her flower shop books, Mae packs up and heads there with the intention of only being gone a day or two. There's a little trickery involved, and now she has a house to stay in and a flower shop to run for a year, along with her regular job. She never dreamed this would be her life, but with encouragement from her mom, she agrees to stay. Soon, she meets June and Gracie and thinks she finally understands what real friendship is. Who is she not prepared for? Cooper. A real-life cowboy, who is a dad by choice to his precious niece, Naomi. As soon as he sees her, he knows that she's the one for him. Now he just has to convince Mae!

This is a fast-moving relationship and a super slow burn all in one somehow. 🤣 The whole cast of characters is wonderful, and the found family vibes are strong! There is a minimal 3rd act break-up, but you can tell it won't last long. I can't wait to return to Paxton and see what happens in future stories!

I received an ARC of this book, but these opinions are my own. I would like to thank the author, Jessica Myel, and Luna Literary Management for allowing me the privilege of reading her work. ❤️

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m always on the hunt for a new book involving golden retriever MMCs, cowboys and single dads and Delicate Hope definitely gave me those small town cowboy vibes.

I did find it a bit difficult to connect with Mae and Cooper at the beginning of the story. At times, it felt like their words contradicted their actions and made it difficult for me to determine where things were heading. There relationship was an interesting mix of insta-love attraction and slow burn vibes but once things started to pick up in the middle I was rooting for them all the way.

What I really enjoyed most about this book was the relationship between Cooper and his niece Naomi. Every interaction between them showcased how much love he had for her and how he saw her as his own daughter. Those tender, heartfelt moments really melted my heart.

The biggest thing that felt unresolved to me was June and Mae’s relationship. They form a very quick friendship at the beginning of the book but one scene towards the end was a bit off-putting. That moment felt pivotal to either make or break their friendship and rather than getting a resolution, we’re left to assume everything went back to normal in the aftermath.

While this wasn’t a complete hit for me, there were definitely several aspects that I really enjoyed. This was a quick and sweet read filled with some very meaningful moments. Thank you to Luna Literary for the early ARC.

[Lo · Rating 4 out of 5]

When it says "single dad" romance I'm so locked in, it's not even funny. As a married woman with kids and hubs that probably says something about my personality but shh, I'll unpack that later!

Jessica Myel has gifted the contemporary/cowboy girlies the most tender and soft slow burn. DELICATE HOPE hit me with a comfort that was summer night spent around the bonfire, bundled up and warm and waiting for nothing - just immersing in the quiet subtleties of a slice in time. I could not devour this fast enough, from the very first page I was hooked. The family, the dedication, the quiet desperation to simply be CARED FOR while devoting every piece of yourself to others was simply so well done. And the meet-cute? PLEASE, I was fist pumping in excitement.

Stories like DELICATE HOPE are usually everyting I expect - a love story, some chaos or misunderstandings, so family members holding their potential as a couple together -- but this was so much more. It was fidelity in a happy ever after, it was reverence of care to creating a story that lasts and builds and holds your heart forever. It was unyielding in its' own heart, but brave in its prose.

Truly, I cannot say how thankful I am I got to early read this because it was SO WORTH IT! Thank you to Luna Literary Management for this one!

[Reece Andriese · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delicate hope
I just loved Mae and coppers love story. It was a slow burn 🔥 that was heartfelt.

Mae is a gal no longer in early 20 somethings and wanting that missing love, finding a place where she can call her own maybe even share a future with someone. She has come up short and never could find what she was looking for. She gets an opportunity to move to small town under certain circumstances and lo and behold she finds that missing piece she was longing for.

Cooper is cowboy in a small town who happens to be a single dad unfortunately because of sad circumstances. He’s looking for someone to share life with and make a future with. He himself has not found anyone who can fit perfectly into his life.

One Honkey tonk(local bar) sighting turns into a meeting at a flower shop and as it goes they find one another little by little. they share their likes and loves of life along with trauma and past hardships. They experience one another’s firsts of many and they find their way together in such a beautiful trusting way.
There is found family and the family is so beautiful it’s so beautiful to read.
And yes for all those wondering there is some spice, steamy goodness that well let’s just say will make you blush.
4/⭐️ loved there story
2.5/🌶️ they were steamy
3/💜 heartfelt moments (my own personal rating)

[Ash M. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m grateful for the chance to read this early, but this one didn’t quite land for me, ending at about 2.5 stars.

As someone who loves a good cowboy romance, I went into Delicate Hope really excited. There are definitely aspects I can appreciate, but the pacing made it difficult to stay fully engaged. It often felt uneven, either rushing through moments or lingering too long, which made it harder for me to connect with the story.

That disconnect especially affected how I viewed Mae. Her insecurity and self sabotaging tendencies felt more repetitive than relatable, and at times she came across as immature, which made it tough to stay invested in her character.

There were still parts I enjoyed. I liked that the romance took time to develop rather than feeling instant, and the caregiver representation added an emotional layer, even if some decisions didn’t fully resonate with me. Cooper’s relationship with his niece was also a highlight and brought a lot of heart to the story.

Overall, it’s a quick and easy read with some sweet elements, but the uneven pacing and lack of connection to the characters made it fall flat for me. That said, readers who enjoy small town settings, single parent dynamics, and slower building romances may find a lot more to love in this story than I did.

[Polina · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review :

So I think the book's plot is simple and effective. Regarding the main female character, we see that throughout the book she have doubts we can read that she has questions that I think are legitimate and that many women today can relate to: never being the one we choose, having doubts about ourselves on the age of 30, thinking we won't find someone for a serious relationship. I think this is well handled by the author and gives originality and personality to her character. I could criticize this book for using the trope of women taking a break from dating, but I don't think this trope is explored much in the book. Despite all that, it remains a good, cute, and entertaining read that read quickly. However, I think some of the intimate scenes in the book weren't necessarily well-written or necessary, against their relationship during the story and the doubts they have . Compared to that, it's well done and doesn't have that problem to lead to a working relationship in the book. As for the MC's relationship with his niece, I find it touching; after that, I think it's a good read, it's a book that isn't too long and that I generally recommend,if your looking for a short and cute romance story.

[Kelly Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

(3.5 stars rounded up)

If there’s one thing I’ll always show up for, it’s a small-town western romance 🤠🌾 and Delicate Hope definitely delivers on that cosy, heartfelt vibe.

Right from the beginning, I connected with Mae. Her struggles with love, feeling overlooked, and trying to figure things out in your early thirties felt incredibly real and relatable. I think so many women will see a piece of themselves in her, which made her journey easy to invest in at first.

And Cooper… honestly, he is the definition of a walking green flag. A devoted single dad, patient, caring, and completely all in? Yes please. The way he shows up, not just for Mae but for his niece, was such a strong and loveable part of the story... (THE FASHION SHOW SCENE, IYKYK).

For me, the pacing was a little up and down. While I understood Mae’s fears and hesitation, there were moments where her resistance to the connection felt a bit drawn out, and I found myself wanting her to meet Cooper halfway sooner. It did create tension, but at times it pulled me slightly out of the story, was frustrating and made it harder to stay fully connected to her character.

That said, I’m really glad I stuck with it. The small-town setting, the found family elements, and the overall heart of the story made it an enjoyable read. It’s one of those romances that still leaves you with that warm, hopeful feeling by the end 💛

If you love:
✨ Small-town romance
✨ Single dad tropes
✨ Cowboy energy
✨ Slow-burn with emotional stakes

This book is for you.

Thank you to the author and Luna Literary for an eARC. All opinions are my own.

[Lillian Oden · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75/5 (rounding up 🥰)
Oh my goodness! This one was so much my cup of tea I can’t even believe it. I loved it soooo much. Give me a single parent, cowboy, small town, and I am literally SET!! And that is EXACTLY what Jessica did. I am so thankful I got the opportunity to arc read!!

Mae is such a relatable character. I felt for her immediately and her dating experiences. While I definitely don’t have as much experience in that area, the little that I do was very similar.

And Cooper? He is just the cutest and the sweetest dad to Naomi, who I absolutely fell in love with right from the start. While Cooper is still learning all the ins and outs to being a parent, you can tell that he will do anything and everything for that little girl – and he does. The fact that she came first no matter what is everything.

These two were so cute together and had me swooning, crying happy tears, laughing, and in my feels. They will be added to my list of characters I think about way to often and I am completely okay with that!

Their story is one that will keep you turning the page for all the cute country moments and heartwarming words that are shared.

[Leanne J · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a small town romance with very mild spice this book is a sweet little read. Mae bless her soul as a 31 year old is highly inexperienced in the relationship department. The fear of rejection had crippled her from years of being friend zoned or picked over for one of her other friends. She was so done with dating at this point. So she doesn’t know how to handle herself when Cooper sets his sights on her. He is a charming, smooth talking, single daddy cowboy and she doesn’t believe he’d be interested in her. And since she isn’t planning to stay in the small town of Paxton after a year she doesn’t see the point in starting something. Cooper really has to put in some work to get her to realize she is what he wants. He knew pretty early on that Mae was it for him and he wanted to show her how a woman should be treated. She just couldn’t get out of her own way and let go of her insecurities to start with. They both had obstacles to overcome and she had to get on the same page as him but their relationship was just precious. This is definitely a slow burn small town romance with sweet dates and funny banter so if you’re wanting a cute romance read this one’s for you!

[Katelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes all you need is a sweet small town romance to get yourself in the feels. And this was exactly that.
I really enjoyed reading this book. I took my time just reading at leisure, and I had a great time.

I’ve been reading some heavier books lately, I feel like I’ve hardly touched a romance book this year.
Delicate Hope was the perfect one to get back into. It was such a breath of fresh air, and honestly so wholesome. And I don’t think I’ve ever used that word to describe a book before.

Mae was so relatable. And I love that she was 31, it was nice having a FMC that isn’t 22. Cooper was really admirable. I know he’s the love interest, but it was so hard not to fall for him. This book is very different from A Curse On Black Lake (also by this author) but I was immersed in this book the same exact way. When you start reading, you truly feel like you’re in the book alongside the characters. After reading, I feel like this book was my happy place. It was so comforting and just, real. I can see myself going back for a re-read, and I’m looking forward to the next book!

[Daniela Nunes · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC Review – Delicate Hope by Jessica Myel 🤍

First of all, thank you so much to the author and the PR team for the opportunity to read this ARC - I’m always grateful to discover new stories and voices.

I’m a big fan of cowboy romances, so I was really excited going into Delicate Hope. While this one didn’t fully hit the mark for me, I can definitely see the appeal and there were elements I truly appreciated.

The story has an interesting dynamic - it somehow blends a touch of insta-lust with a slow-burn feel. A large portion of the book focuses on the characters navigating their differences and learning to open up to each other, which I enjoyed. However, once everything finally clicked between them, it all moved quite quickly, and I found myself wishing that pacing had been a bit more balanced.

One of the highlights for me was the caregiver representation. That aspect felt meaningful and important, even though I struggled a bit with how it played out - particularly the decision to leave her mother for a year, which didn’t fully align for me emotionally.

I also really loved his relationship with his daughter/niece - those moments added warmth and depth to the story and were some of my favorites.

Overall, this is a short, sweet read with a lot of heart. For me, I just needed a bit more character development and emotional buildup to feel fully connected to the romance. Still, it’s an easy read that many readers - especially cowboy romance lovers - might enjoy 😊