Whiskey Skies: A Steamy Single Mom Rodeo Cowboy Redemption Romance

by Nicola Hayes

Book 4 of The Cowboys of Copper Creek Series. Clay's Story is coming in April 2026

Genres: Romance, Westerns

343 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 21, 2026

Reviews

[Gaby · Rating 5 out of 5]

You color my world, Clay Blackwood...

Book 4 in Cowboys of Copper Creek is the story of one and only Clay, single mom Callie and her four years old daughter Maisie (yeap she is included). Callie moves to Copper Creek together with her daughter after divorcing her toxic husband to rebuild her life and somehow give stability to her daughter, not pursuing love. What she did not expected was Clay, bull rider World Champion, with plenty of options in the dating department, to choose her and Maisie. I loved Clay′s patience and understanding, his interactions with Maisie and man his smile 😊. For Callie, she is our strong heroine that loves her daughter the most. Loved also Blackwood family interactions, their silent understanding and acceptance of Clay and Callie′s relationship, of Clay′s identity struggles after retiring from competitions and their love toward Maisie. This girl won my heart, she was funny, as every 5 year old, but also mature. I remember her saying something after a visit at her father′s house (he got a weekend every 2 weeks) about her daddy′s house as it is very big and quiet in contrast with the small cottage that her mom was renting ″This house is small, but it’s not quiet. This house has sounds. …You (as her mom) sounds. Tea sounds. And the birds in the morning and the creaky step and the thing the fridge does when it’s thinking″.

Before I forget, Callie is best friends with Savannah from Entwined Hearts (Cowboys of Wild Creek series) and Clay is best friends with her boyfriend Weston- so it was nice to see these two in the book

I have discovered miss Hayes during the series Cowboys of Wild Creek and I fell in love with her writing and stories, let me tell you that miss Hayes writes so beautifully and makes one to see the story unfolding, the emotions, the nature, at least for me (I have a wild imagination when reading), I don′t know how to explain (maybe cause I am not native English speaker), but for me miss Hayes writes so effortlessly and the story just flows. As for this series in case you haven′t read yet book 3, well my favorite couple of miss Hayes so far is Maggie and Jack (the heroes of this book, The Embers we hold). Have fun reading!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

PS: this is my first review of Nicola Hayes books even though it is my 8th read. I also pre-ordered the copy, before receiving an invite to Bookspouts :)

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whiskey Skies by Nicola Hayes is, hands down, my favorite in the series so far...and that’s saying something. This book had the perfect balance of chemistry, heart, and emotional depth that completely pulled me in and didn’t let go. Read in one day, It annihilated my day and I loved every minute.

Clay and Callie? Absolutely everything. From the very beginning, there’s this unspoken understanding between them that only deepens as the story unfolds. Clay doesn’t just want Callie, he sees her. Truly sees her strength, her fears, why and everything she needs but doesn’t ask for. And the way he loves her? Patient, steady, and so intentional it honestly made me melt. I literally found myself smiling at my Kindle. Watching this confident, larger-than-life man become completely tongue-tied and head-over-boots for her was equal parts adorable and swoon-worthy. Clay Blackwood is the ultimate MMC. I fell hard.

But as much as I adored Clay and Callie, Clay + Maisie completely stole the show. Their bond was so genuine and sweet, and every scene with them just made my heart ache in the best way. Maisie ish such a vital, beautiful part of this love story.

Callie’s journey was just as powerful. Her strength, especially in the face of her past and everything she’s fighting for, felt so real and grounding. You can’t help but root for her and Maisie every step of the way.

And the Blackwood family? They truly shine here. The way they come together, support one another, and show up for Callie, Clay, and Maisie added so much depth and warmth to the story. It made the world feel even richer and more connected. I especially adore the sibling banter and the Owen and Louisa wisdom. They show up and stand together like they always do, and demonstrate that blood doesn't determine family.

This wasn’t just a romance filled with chemistry (though there’s plenty of that). It was layered with emotional intimacy, healing, and a love that feels deeply earned.

I’m already desperate for the next book. Nicola Hayes just keeps getting better.

[SK · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 4 of 6. You do not need to read the others you can jump right in. The family members are mentioned in the book, but each book focuses on a single love story.
This particular love story is about a retired bull rider and a newly single mom who just left her emotionally abusive quite wealthy ex and was able to take her daughter a few hours away to start life in a small town.

As a single mom who's been in a similar situation, I thought this book did a really good job making you feel the turmoil of choosing your child's safety and well-being and the grit that it takes to go off on your own while sacrificing your own wants and needs.

The Blackwood family is amazing in every way shape and form. The little town that they live in is super cute and involved in everyone's business.

Clay is a dream himself. What I wouldn't give for a cowboy like that in my life 😉 Sweet and sexy and committed and patient and kind. Swoon.

While it's not a revolutionary love story, it was done really well and I didn't want to put it down and we'll be looking into the other books of this series as well as more from this author.

I did receive this as an arc from booksprout in exchange for an honest review.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 - 5 stars.

This story has made me smile, sigh, laugh and yes, ugly cry, it reached inside me and held on tight as I read. My heart hurt at times for the pain, doubts, the making yourself small and the pushing people away to protect yourself, but it also sang for the laughter, banter, the showing up, the friends, family and for the love that shines in this. I loved seeing Clay fall in love twice, the support and guidance he had navigating his feelings, the uncertainty, unknown and the tough times. I also loved the protection in this, the way Clay's family wrapped their arms around Callie and Maisie and never let go, and the belief that together they could face anything, and survive.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cathy Moir-Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book four of "Cowboys of Copper Creek". I've been waiting for this book ever since I read the "hint and hook" at the end of book three. It was well worth the wait! Clay Blackwood had been a champion bull-rider all his adult life and here he was at thirty-one, his body beaten and bruised and suddenly, he didn't know who he was anymore. Callie Monroe is a recently divorced single mom starting over in Copper Creek. Working as a paralegal, but still clinging to the dream of becoming a lawyer, but her number one priority is her daughter, Maisie. Maisie is a whirlwind in pink cowboy boots and the catalyst that brings Clay and Callie together. A really, really good book !!!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book and am leaving a review voluntarily.

Clay + Callie

Callie is in the mist of sorting out custody with her ex-husband. & honestly, starting a new life. I really enjoyed the faster pacing of this book because there wasn't any lagging where the MCs met.. and the development of the relationship was quicker than normal but it didn't take away from the story. We had a little conflict near the end which was resolved & it was such a cute small town romance.

Clay's family helps out so much with Callie's daughter. And Clay's mom opens her home to them both. I loved the family vibes and look forward to the next book in this series.

[Virginia Danyow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of all the Copper Creek books I have read, the story of Callie and Clay is my favorite. The love and power of family, especially in the face of a threat, reads strong and true. Maisie, Callie's daughter, adds humor that only a small child with a strong sense of curiosity and honesty can add. The way that Clay and his entire family fight for Callie, even when she withdraws into herself, is heartwarming.

My favorite part...Clay teaching Callie to fight bears. I haven't laughed that hard while reading in a while. If you have kids, reading that scene will have you laughing until you cry!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debdutch · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Whiskey Skies” by Nicola Hayes

-A compelling addition to Cowboys of Copper Creek. I received a free copy and am sharing my honest feedback.
Clay and Callie’s story delivers an emotional, heartfelt journey of healing and second chances. The single mom and worn-down bull rider dynamic brings strong chemistry, sharp banter, and real stakes. The result is a story that really draws the readers attention. It is a hard to put down story.

[Hannah M Burrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an eARC copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

This one hit me. An emotional read. A great story for Clay and Callie.
At one point I wanted to scream at Callie to not throw good things away; she got there in the end.
The banter was fantastic, and I loved the characters and all their interactions and chemistry.
This series has me hooked!

[The Book Ssirren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Callie and Clay were so great in this story. Their push and pull had me giggling. These two made me mad, had me giggling. And then I was swooning for them. This was such a sweet and fun story. I loved their connection. And seeing them grow together and finally admitting that they’re in love, attracted to each other, and everything in between. Two wonderful people and such a wonderful story.

[Justins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clay and Callie are sweet, fun, infuriating and the best way to spend the afternoon! Great book you won't want to put down.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best book yet in this 5-star series. The way Nicola writes this book shows her talent at writing engaging, as well as entertaining cowboy romance stories. I LOVED this book and OMG it has really intriguing characters (Clay and Callie) and the best romance.

[Kathy Cogar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book

This is one of my favorite books to date. The wit the Nicola Hayes brought to the characters makes it impossible not to fall in love with their story and root for their happily ever after. Every women should have a Clay in their life. Callie was one lucky lady.

[NicoleReadsRomance · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is single mom, small town, cowboy, with a crappy ex-husband. Honestly, I couldn't have asked for a book more tailored to my taste.

I enjoyed the journey this took me on. I flew through the book. Now I have to decide how to find the time to read the rest of the books in the series.

[Briley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Allthe feels

This book made me cry, and that is not am easy thing to do. This whole series is beyond good, and gets better with every book.

Also, Maisie is the bestest kid ever.