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The Calloway Ranch #2
Small Town Smokeshow
From USA Today Bestselling Author, Holly Renee, comes the next installment of The Calloway Ranch Series.
Hunter Calloway has a reputation. He’s a smooth talker, a heartbreaker, and the kind of cowboy who never lets anything get too serious. But the one woman he can’t stay away from is the one he should never touch, Maggie Hayes.
His ex-girlfriend’s little sister.
Hunter Calloway has a reputation. He’s a smooth talker, a heartbreaker, and the kind of cowboy who never lets anything get too serious. But the one woman he can’t stay away from is the one he should never touch, Maggie Hayes.
His ex-girlfriend’s little sister.
360 pages, Paperback
Published May 11, 2026
About the author
Holly Renee
29 books7,983 followers✨USA Today Bestselling Author
🤠 Cowboy Casual out October 7th
Find me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorhollyrenee/
Join my Reader Group, Hollywood: https://www.facebook.com/groups/HollyRenee
🩷🤠COWBOY ROMANCE🤠🩷
Cowboy Casual | Coming October 7th
✨🌙⚔️FANTASY ROMANCE⚔️🌙✨
The Veiled Kingdom Series
The Veiled Kingdom
The Hunted Heir
The Rivaled Crown
The Stars and Shadows Series
A Kingdom of Stars and Shadows
A Kingdom of Blood and Betrayal
A Kingdom of Venom and Vows
A Kingdom of Fire and Fate
🖤🫦CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE🫦🖤
The Boys of Clermont Bay Series
The Touch of a Villain
The Fall of a God
The Taste of an Enemy
The Deceit of a Devil
The Seduction of Pretty Lies
The Temptation of Dirty Secrets
The Good Girls Series
Where Good Girls Go to Die
Where Bad Girls Go to Fall
Where Bad Boys are Ruined
The Rock Bottom Series
Trouble with the Guy Next Door
Trouble with the Hotshot Boss}
[book: Trouble with the Fake Boyfriend
The Wrong Prince Charming
The Wrong Prince Charming
🤠 Cowboy Casual out October 7th
Find me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorhollyrenee/
Join my Reader Group, Hollywood: https://www.facebook.com/groups/HollyRenee
🩷🤠COWBOY ROMANCE🤠🩷
Cowboy Casual | Coming October 7th
✨🌙⚔️FANTASY ROMANCE⚔️🌙✨
The Veiled Kingdom Series
The Veiled Kingdom
The Hunted Heir
The Rivaled Crown
The Stars and Shadows Series
A Kingdom of Stars and Shadows
A Kingdom of Blood and Betrayal
A Kingdom of Venom and Vows
A Kingdom of Fire and Fate
🖤🫦CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE🫦🖤
The Boys of Clermont Bay Series
The Touch of a Villain
The Fall of a God
The Taste of an Enemy
The Deceit of a Devil
The Seduction of Pretty Lies
The Temptation of Dirty Secrets
The Good Girls Series
Where Good Girls Go to Die
Where Bad Girls Go to Fall
Where Bad Boys are Ruined
The Rock Bottom Series
Trouble with the Guy Next Door
Trouble with the Hotshot Boss}
[book: Trouble with the Fake Boyfriend
The Wrong Prince Charming
The Wrong Prince Charming
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,383 reviews
May 25, 2026
╰┈➤ 3.5 stars!
PHEW, talk about such a hot book! second book of calloway ranch did not disappoint, y’all. if anything, this was such a hot ride because of the brewing tension between maggie and hunter 😩 I’M OBSESSED WITH BOTH OF THEM!!
୨ৎ maggie. literally one of the hardest-working fmc ever and i absolutely loved her for that. she’s such a genuinely sweet soul, and the entire time i was reading, i kept wondering how her parents could look at her and still fail to see her the same way they see her sister. it honestly made me so sad for her because she deserved so much more appreciation and love than what she was given. despite everything, though, she still remained kind and caring, which made me admire her even more. and honestly? i’m just so glad she found a home in tennessee because it truly felt like the place where she finally got to become herself without constantly trying to prove her worth to people who refused to see it.
୨ৎ hunter. a man who yearns is a man who WHAT? 🙂↕️🤭 this man was down horrendous and i ate up every single second of it. it was honestly so entertaining seeing him get jealous over all the guys around maggie because it made his feelings so painfully obvious. every little possessive moment, every stare, every ounce of tension between them just made the story even better. there’s just something so satisfying about watching a man slowly realize he’s absolutely gone for someone.
and speaking of tension—OH MY GOODNESS. the tension in this book was genuinely insane from the very beginning. i’m not even exaggerating when i say i could feel it in almost every interaction they had. the secret glances, the lingering feelings, the things left unsaid… it was all so good. there were definitely moments where i felt frustrated with their relationship because there were so many things they needed to actually sit down and talk about, but even with that frustration, i still enjoyed the book so much because the chemistry between them carried everything so well.
if i remember correctly, this is actually the first “sister’s ex” romance i’ve read, and honestly? it did not disappoint at all. if you love books filled with tension, jealousy, yearning, and those not-so-secret secret glances that make you want to scream, then this book is definitely for you.
・。・。・。・。・。・。・。・。・。・。・。・。・
pre-read:
i know i’m late to reading this but i still have time until i can send my review to for the e-arc that i’ve received! 🌟🫶🏼 if you know me, you’d know that i LOVEEEED the first book of this series, so i was like, “why not sign up for the arc of second book?” fortunately, ya girl got it 🤭 but with my busy schedule, i didn’t have the time to pick it up as soon as i received it. nonetheless, it’s better to be late than never right?
PHEW, talk about such a hot book! second book of calloway ranch did not disappoint, y’all. if anything, this was such a hot ride because of the brewing tension between maggie and hunter 😩 I’M OBSESSED WITH BOTH OF THEM!!
୨ৎ maggie. literally one of the hardest-working fmc ever and i absolutely loved her for that. she’s such a genuinely sweet soul, and the entire time i was reading, i kept wondering how her parents could look at her and still fail to see her the same way they see her sister. it honestly made me so sad for her because she deserved so much more appreciation and love than what she was given. despite everything, though, she still remained kind and caring, which made me admire her even more. and honestly? i’m just so glad she found a home in tennessee because it truly felt like the place where she finally got to become herself without constantly trying to prove her worth to people who refused to see it.
୨ৎ hunter. a man who yearns is a man who WHAT? 🙂↕️🤭 this man was down horrendous and i ate up every single second of it. it was honestly so entertaining seeing him get jealous over all the guys around maggie because it made his feelings so painfully obvious. every little possessive moment, every stare, every ounce of tension between them just made the story even better. there’s just something so satisfying about watching a man slowly realize he’s absolutely gone for someone.
and speaking of tension—OH MY GOODNESS. the tension in this book was genuinely insane from the very beginning. i’m not even exaggerating when i say i could feel it in almost every interaction they had. the secret glances, the lingering feelings, the things left unsaid… it was all so good. there were definitely moments where i felt frustrated with their relationship because there were so many things they needed to actually sit down and talk about, but even with that frustration, i still enjoyed the book so much because the chemistry between them carried everything so well.
if i remember correctly, this is actually the first “sister’s ex” romance i’ve read, and honestly? it did not disappoint at all. if you love books filled with tension, jealousy, yearning, and those not-so-secret secret glances that make you want to scream, then this book is definitely for you.
・。・。・。・。・。・。・。・。・。・。・。・。・
pre-read:
i know i’m late to reading this but i still have time until i can send my review to for the e-arc that i’ve received! 🌟🫶🏼 if you know me, you’d know that i LOVEEEED the first book of this series, so i was like, “why not sign up for the arc of second book?” fortunately, ya girl got it 🤭 but with my busy schedule, i didn’t have the time to pick it up as soon as i received it. nonetheless, it’s better to be late than never right?
June 15, 2026
4.5 ⭐
Oh the tension, the tension absolutely delivered!! I was so excited for their story and it didn't disappoint, I devoured it in one breath. It was exactly what I needed!!
Maggie was stubborn and she did frustrate me at times, but considering the kind of family she had, I couldn't really blame her for always guarding herself.. She was such an amazing women, so hard-working and caring, she deserved all the happiness and a man who not only chose her, but who also gave her what she needed, always.
Hunter, I adored that man, he was so down bad for her and so obvious about it!! The way he put her first, how he knew which buttons to push, how he was always there and when Maggie put the distance between them, he wasn't afraid to be vulnerable first.
The connection and the feelings that were there since the beginning, they were never simple for them. She was his ex's sister and the way they fought the pull between them because of it, it was simply perfection. You could feel the tension even in the first book and it just got worse here, them wanting each other, but not wanting to cross that line.. All those lingering looks, all the things they couldn't say, but it really paid off when it finally erupted.. The dock, the stares, the bar, the yearning, the lake, the jealousy, the rodeo, the bonfire, the camping, the vulnerability, the house, the spice ahhh.. I loved every single moment!!
Some things were rushed though, even if their progression was slow, and I would've loved if certain moments were longer and if we got more scenes instead of skipping ahead, but I still enjoyed reading about them so much.
Once again, I loved the setting and the Calloway clan, they are the best. Ruby absolutely stole the show for the second time!! The bond Blair and Maggie had was simply unmatched, I loved how she was there for Maggie and her ability to break tension is just *chef's kiss*. I also enjoyed seeing how seamlessly Sutton slipped in with the group and I do hope we'll get a book about her brother, he was such a sweetheart and he deserved better.
The dynamic between the whole friend group is really amazing, the love and the teasing.
McCoy is probably next and I'm so excited for his book. He's so fun and I can't wait to read his story!!
Oh the tension, the tension absolutely delivered!! I was so excited for their story and it didn't disappoint, I devoured it in one breath. It was exactly what I needed!!
Maggie was stubborn and she did frustrate me at times, but considering the kind of family she had, I couldn't really blame her for always guarding herself.. She was such an amazing women, so hard-working and caring, she deserved all the happiness and a man who not only chose her, but who also gave her what she needed, always.
Hunter, I adored that man, he was so down bad for her and so obvious about it!! The way he put her first, how he knew which buttons to push, how he was always there and when Maggie put the distance between them, he wasn't afraid to be vulnerable first.
The connection and the feelings that were there since the beginning, they were never simple for them. She was his ex's sister and the way they fought the pull between them because of it, it was simply perfection. You could feel the tension even in the first book and it just got worse here, them wanting each other, but not wanting to cross that line.. All those lingering looks, all the things they couldn't say, but it really paid off when it finally erupted.. The dock, the stares, the bar, the yearning, the lake, the jealousy, the rodeo, the bonfire, the camping, the vulnerability, the house, the spice ahhh.. I loved every single moment!!
Some things were rushed though, even if their progression was slow, and I would've loved if certain moments were longer and if we got more scenes instead of skipping ahead, but I still enjoyed reading about them so much.
Once again, I loved the setting and the Calloway clan, they are the best. Ruby absolutely stole the show for the second time!! The bond Blair and Maggie had was simply unmatched, I loved how she was there for Maggie and her ability to break tension is just *chef's kiss*. I also enjoyed seeing how seamlessly Sutton slipped in with the group and I do hope we'll get a book about her brother, he was such a sweetheart and he deserved better.
The dynamic between the whole friend group is really amazing, the love and the teasing.
McCoy is probably next and I'm so excited for his book. He's so fun and I can't wait to read his story!!
Currently Reading
January 14, 2026Releasing May 12th!
Pre-order your copy today!
https://bit.ly/47Y8sb3
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Pre-order your copy today!
https://bit.ly/47Y8sb3
Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3LHobnk
June 7, 2026
No one is more annoyed by this review than me. The high hopes I had. Crushed.
3.25 stars
While this still had the Holly-esque that I love, unfortunately, this was just not for me. Between the zero tension and build up, the cringy “dating someone else who actually likes her so she can prove she doesn’t like Hunter”, and the fact that I actually wasn’t a big fan of Hunter, yeah, not for me.
The tension: non-existent. He never even wanted to date her sister, for starters. Then, these 2 hooked up in the prologue once and then both just spent chapters 1 to the end going “he doesn’t like me, I don’t like him, she can’t feel that way about me, he can't feel that way about me” etc., etc. Please, I need AT LEAST some chemistry to believe this.
Dating Brody. I hated this whole thing with a passion. He liked her; she was just using him to deny her feelings for Hunter. FUCKING RED FLAG ARE YOU KIDDING ME
Finally, Hunter. Not much to say other than he just wasn’t for me.
There were also just too many one-liners. I know that pull quotes are a thing, but authors are just too heavy-handed with them now (this isn’t directed only at Holly, obviously). I love a good “I want to ruin you for anyone else,” but please, for the love of all that is holy, calm down trying to include every single one in a book so you can then include it in a trope list. Okay, rant over lmao
While this didn’t affect my rating, since it’s only an ARC, there were a ton of errors. I’ve ARC read 5 of her books now, and I’ve never seen this many errors before. Spelling and grammar. It was off-putting but hopefully fixed by publication.
Holly did send out an "updated version" with more at the end, but honestly? That just annoyed me lmao
I need authors to STOP with these rushed publication dates. You shouldn't be writing the damn book days before it's published. That just means there are errors galore. And there was in this one. I don't want to read the ARC and then have another version sent to me that's "better." The new version did have more information and wrapped up the story better, since it was, originally, a huge, abrupt ending, but that's not gonna affect my rating because I hate this type of writing. If your book is not done and you're writing days or hours before release - push the release, you didn't give yourself enough time. And it shows. It was also kinda gave “I saw some of the negative reviews had valid points about how rushed everything was and how there were too many loose ends, so I should add more,” and no thank you. I was already done the book and annoyed to now have to reread the last like 30% again.
All in all, I'd recommend the first one, and I loved seeing those characters in this one, but I wouldn't recommend this one, and that was disappointing as fuck.
As always, thanks for Holly and Lauren for this ARC!
__________________
Cover Reveal:
HE'S ON HIS KNEES
*chants* HUNTER HUNTER HUNTER
3.25 stars
While this still had the Holly-esque that I love, unfortunately, this was just not for me. Between the zero tension and build up, the cringy “dating someone else who actually likes her so she can prove she doesn’t like Hunter”, and the fact that I actually wasn’t a big fan of Hunter, yeah, not for me.
The tension: non-existent. He never even wanted to date her sister, for starters. Then, these 2 hooked up in the prologue once and then both just spent chapters 1 to the end going “he doesn’t like me, I don’t like him, she can’t feel that way about me, he can't feel that way about me” etc., etc. Please, I need AT LEAST some chemistry to believe this.
Dating Brody. I hated this whole thing with a passion. He liked her; she was just using him to deny her feelings for Hunter. FUCKING RED FLAG ARE YOU KIDDING ME
Finally, Hunter. Not much to say other than he just wasn’t for me.
There were also just too many one-liners. I know that pull quotes are a thing, but authors are just too heavy-handed with them now (this isn’t directed only at Holly, obviously). I love a good “I want to ruin you for anyone else,” but please, for the love of all that is holy, calm down trying to include every single one in a book so you can then include it in a trope list. Okay, rant over lmao
While this didn’t affect my rating, since it’s only an ARC, there were a ton of errors. I’ve ARC read 5 of her books now, and I’ve never seen this many errors before. Spelling and grammar. It was off-putting but hopefully fixed by publication.
Holly did send out an "updated version" with more at the end, but honestly? That just annoyed me lmao
I need authors to STOP with these rushed publication dates. You shouldn't be writing the damn book days before it's published. That just means there are errors galore. And there was in this one. I don't want to read the ARC and then have another version sent to me that's "better." The new version did have more information and wrapped up the story better, since it was, originally, a huge, abrupt ending, but that's not gonna affect my rating because I hate this type of writing. If your book is not done and you're writing days or hours before release - push the release, you didn't give yourself enough time. And it shows. It was also kinda gave “I saw some of the negative reviews had valid points about how rushed everything was and how there were too many loose ends, so I should add more,” and no thank you. I was already done the book and annoyed to now have to reread the last like 30% again.
All in all, I'd recommend the first one, and I loved seeing those characters in this one, but I wouldn't recommend this one, and that was disappointing as fuck.
As always, thanks for Holly and Lauren for this ARC!
__________________
Cover Reveal:
HE'S ON HIS KNEES
*chants* HUNTER HUNTER HUNTER
May 15, 2026
*3.5 - A cowboy a day keeps the mental health crisis away 🤠
May 12, 2026
i honestly don’t know which sort of spell Holly Renee poors into her books because every single time i start one, i end up inhaling it in one sitting. there’s something so consuming about her prose, the way the story just flows effortlessly and keeps you completely immersed from start to finish.
Maggie and Hunter’s relationship was tumultuous and messy. Hunter used to date her older sister before everything fell apart and she left town, leaving years of unresolved tension between him and Maggie. & what made it even better is that Hunter had been pining for Maggie for so long. everyone around them seemed to notice it except maggie herself, even though she was just as drawn to him.
the tension throughout the book was genuinely exquisite. palpable in every interaction, every glance, every moment where they were trying so hard not to give in to what was already there between them. they were constantly waltzing around each other, both aware that there were concrete reasons why they shouldn’t cross that line, yet completely incapable of staying away either. and that push and pull made the entire story so addictive to read, an impossible not to savor.
what i appreciated the most is that the conflict never felt forced. the history with her sister was always there lingering between them, which made their hesitation feel understandable instead of frustrating. it gave the romance more weight and made the moments where they finally let themselves want each other even more satisfying.
overall, i absolutely loved this book. this series is genuinely becoming one of my favorites and i already can’t wait for the next installment.
many thanks to the author & her PA for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
Maggie and Hunter’s relationship was tumultuous and messy. Hunter used to date her older sister before everything fell apart and she left town, leaving years of unresolved tension between him and Maggie. & what made it even better is that Hunter had been pining for Maggie for so long. everyone around them seemed to notice it except maggie herself, even though she was just as drawn to him.
the tension throughout the book was genuinely exquisite. palpable in every interaction, every glance, every moment where they were trying so hard not to give in to what was already there between them. they were constantly waltzing around each other, both aware that there were concrete reasons why they shouldn’t cross that line, yet completely incapable of staying away either. and that push and pull made the entire story so addictive to read, an impossible not to savor.
what i appreciated the most is that the conflict never felt forced. the history with her sister was always there lingering between them, which made their hesitation feel understandable instead of frustrating. it gave the romance more weight and made the moments where they finally let themselves want each other even more satisfying.
overall, i absolutely loved this book. this series is genuinely becoming one of my favorites and i already can’t wait for the next installment.
many thanks to the author & her PA for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
May 26, 2026
4.5⭐️ Coming back to this universe literally feels like coming home. I devoured this book like it was nobody’s business. Colt Callaway is still my number one, but let me tell you, Hunter is right underneath him. Honestly, just put me right in the middle of the two of them.
This book has a forbidden aspect that works so well. Holly really put care into this dynamic because I was genuinely wondering how she was going to make the sister’s ex-boyfriend thing work, but of course she pulled it off flawlessly. If anything, it added such a strong emotional layer to the story because Hunter spent so much time reassuring Maggie that she was never second to anyone. He only had eyes for her. It’s always been her. She deserves so much better than what the people around her have given her, and I love an MMC who makes it his mission to show the FMC her worth. That always hits for me.
And then we have the angst. The yearning. And Holly decided to sprinkle a little jealousy on top? Oh my God. This man was fucking sickkkkkk with jealousy, and it was such a nice little surprise. Watching him completely trip over himself was EVERYTHING, and honestly it was the kick in the ass he needed to realize, “Yeah, this girl is it for me.” And when he finally takes his claim? Oh my God. It was everything to me. He’s basically like, “I don’t give a fuck who hears me. I don’t give a fuck that all our friends are right here. You are mine. You’re sleeping in my tent, and that’s it.” 🤣 TELL HER. And it was perfect because I feel like Maggie really needed that reassurance and that confidence.
And then we have the spiceeeee. Every single moment between them was hot as hell. Even in the beginning, when things weren’t exactly going their way, the chemistry was absolutely on fire. The truck scene??? The mirror scene??? I will genuinely never forget the mirror scene. Apparently there are rumors that Hunter Callaway will talk you through it, and let me tell you right now… those rumors are TRUE.
Overall, this was such a fantastic book, and it really did feel like coming back to my happy place. Holly is creating a series that I already know is going to become a Roman Empire/comfort series for me.
I love a cowboy romance that packs an emotional punch and delivers top-tier spice, and this absolutely did both. I love this world. I love the found family. Blair and Maggie’s friendship could literally make me cry because being loved and supported like that by your friends is every woman’s dream. I love seeing healthy, happy platonic relationships where people genuinely show up for each other.
This book had so many elements that came together to make such an amazing read, and I already have a feeling I know who the next couple is going to be. If I’m right, I think their book is going to be an absolutely wild fucking ride.🥵🤭❤️🔥
This book has a forbidden aspect that works so well. Holly really put care into this dynamic because I was genuinely wondering how she was going to make the sister’s ex-boyfriend thing work, but of course she pulled it off flawlessly. If anything, it added such a strong emotional layer to the story because Hunter spent so much time reassuring Maggie that she was never second to anyone. He only had eyes for her. It’s always been her. She deserves so much better than what the people around her have given her, and I love an MMC who makes it his mission to show the FMC her worth. That always hits for me.
And then we have the angst. The yearning. And Holly decided to sprinkle a little jealousy on top? Oh my God. This man was fucking sickkkkkk with jealousy, and it was such a nice little surprise. Watching him completely trip over himself was EVERYTHING, and honestly it was the kick in the ass he needed to realize, “Yeah, this girl is it for me.” And when he finally takes his claim? Oh my God. It was everything to me. He’s basically like, “I don’t give a fuck who hears me. I don’t give a fuck that all our friends are right here. You are mine. You’re sleeping in my tent, and that’s it.” 🤣 TELL HER. And it was perfect because I feel like Maggie really needed that reassurance and that confidence.
And then we have the spiceeeee. Every single moment between them was hot as hell. Even in the beginning, when things weren’t exactly going their way, the chemistry was absolutely on fire. The truck scene??? The mirror scene??? I will genuinely never forget the mirror scene. Apparently there are rumors that Hunter Callaway will talk you through it, and let me tell you right now… those rumors are TRUE.
Overall, this was such a fantastic book, and it really did feel like coming back to my happy place. Holly is creating a series that I already know is going to become a Roman Empire/comfort series for me.
I love a cowboy romance that packs an emotional punch and delivers top-tier spice, and this absolutely did both. I love this world. I love the found family. Blair and Maggie’s friendship could literally make me cry because being loved and supported like that by your friends is every woman’s dream. I love seeing healthy, happy platonic relationships where people genuinely show up for each other.
This book had so many elements that came together to make such an amazing read, and I already have a feeling I know who the next couple is going to be. If I’m right, I think their book is going to be an absolutely wild fucking ride.🥵🤭❤️🔥
Read
June 22, 2026It’s tiiiiiiimeeeeeee I’m reading it!!!!
Pre read: CAN’T WAIT GUYS
Pre read: CAN’T WAIT GUYS
May 23, 2026
The first guy in the series fucked her enemy and had a kid w her
… this guy thought she didn’t like him so he fucked her sister even tho her whole family treated her like shit .. whats the next guy gonna do fuck her mother bc he couldn’t have her?
These are men I would get a restraining order from
… this guy thought she didn’t like him so he fucked her sister even tho her whole family treated her like shit .. whats the next guy gonna do fuck her mother bc he couldn’t have her?
These are men I would get a restraining order from
May 17, 2026
Cowboy Casual had me hooked! It was honestly so addictive, heartfelt, and spicy, and Small Town Smokeshow is no different! I loved it! I binged this as fast as I possibly could, and if you love fast-paced, addictive, small-town romances with cowboys and cozy found family, you are going to love this.
We officially have a new obsession, and its name is Calloway Ranch! 🤠✨ If you thought Cowboy Casual was a ride, Small Town Smokeshow by Holly Renee is the high-octane, heart-pounding follow-up that proves this series is basically the "Windy City" of the cowboy romance world. I am fully, 100% down for this vibe!
This time we’re following Hunter Calloway and Maggie, the town’s resident baker and literal lone wolf. Here’s the tea: Hunter used to date Maggie’s sister, Ella. Now, I’ll be honest—I wasn’t sure if I’d be into the sister’s ex trope, but I thought it was handled in such an unexpected way. Maggie’s family is honestly vile and so toxic toward her, so the storytelling shifts beautifully to focus on her and Hunter’s love for each other. It’s a powerful narrative about choosing yourself and finally letting go of the people who repeatedly cut you down. 🚫❤️
The chemistry? It’s not even a slow burn—it’s an instant wildfire! 🔥 What really sold me was the reverence. Hunter doesn’t just like Maggie, he is completely down-bad. He treats her with this beautiful sense of devotion, noticing every tiny detail and creating a safe space for her. Watching Maggie finally find the found family she deserves with the Calloways was everything. Also, seeing Blaire, Colt, and little Ruby again was top-tier—Blaire was such an instigator in this book, and I was actually laughing out loud at her antics! And don’t even get me started on June. Every scene had me laughing, she is absolutely the hilarious, straight-shooter we all need in our corner. 😂
The yearning is palpable, the spice is absolutely spicing (Hunter worshipping Maggie is a core memory now 🌶️), and that rodeo scene? That whole scene was so electric, I couldn't stop reading! 🐎⚡ I am seriously manifesting a book for the third Calloway brother, McCoy, because the tension between him and the new girl to Calloway Ranch, Sutton, is already giving me life.
Fun Fact: I totally misread the trope menu and thought there was a secret pregnancy plot because of the cover art. I spent the whole book waiting for the mic-drop moment! 😂 I love the cover art from Brittany Keller Art, it's so stunning and the colors are gorgeous! Even without the surprise pregnancy, I was hooked from page one. If you love a "he-falls-first" MMC, second-chance energy, and a heroine who finally chooses herself, you need to binge this now.
Perfect if you love:
🔥 Cowboy romances with spice
❤️ Forbidden Romance Vibes with a deep emotional payoff
🐎 Small Town Charm with a sharp, witty edge 👢
😍 "It’s Always Been You" Tropes ❤️
🥰 Found Family that actually has your back 🫂
😂 Banter for Days (shoutout to June, Ruby, and Blaire for the laughs!) 😂
I can’t wait for the next book in this series! McCoy's story!? So ready! 🩷✨️🐎
We officially have a new obsession, and its name is Calloway Ranch! 🤠✨ If you thought Cowboy Casual was a ride, Small Town Smokeshow by Holly Renee is the high-octane, heart-pounding follow-up that proves this series is basically the "Windy City" of the cowboy romance world. I am fully, 100% down for this vibe!
This time we’re following Hunter Calloway and Maggie, the town’s resident baker and literal lone wolf. Here’s the tea: Hunter used to date Maggie’s sister, Ella. Now, I’ll be honest—I wasn’t sure if I’d be into the sister’s ex trope, but I thought it was handled in such an unexpected way. Maggie’s family is honestly vile and so toxic toward her, so the storytelling shifts beautifully to focus on her and Hunter’s love for each other. It’s a powerful narrative about choosing yourself and finally letting go of the people who repeatedly cut you down. 🚫❤️
The chemistry? It’s not even a slow burn—it’s an instant wildfire! 🔥 What really sold me was the reverence. Hunter doesn’t just like Maggie, he is completely down-bad. He treats her with this beautiful sense of devotion, noticing every tiny detail and creating a safe space for her. Watching Maggie finally find the found family she deserves with the Calloways was everything. Also, seeing Blaire, Colt, and little Ruby again was top-tier—Blaire was such an instigator in this book, and I was actually laughing out loud at her antics! And don’t even get me started on June. Every scene had me laughing, she is absolutely the hilarious, straight-shooter we all need in our corner. 😂
The yearning is palpable, the spice is absolutely spicing (Hunter worshipping Maggie is a core memory now 🌶️), and that rodeo scene? That whole scene was so electric, I couldn't stop reading! 🐎⚡ I am seriously manifesting a book for the third Calloway brother, McCoy, because the tension between him and the new girl to Calloway Ranch, Sutton, is already giving me life.
Fun Fact: I totally misread the trope menu and thought there was a secret pregnancy plot because of the cover art. I spent the whole book waiting for the mic-drop moment! 😂 I love the cover art from Brittany Keller Art, it's so stunning and the colors are gorgeous! Even without the surprise pregnancy, I was hooked from page one. If you love a "he-falls-first" MMC, second-chance energy, and a heroine who finally chooses herself, you need to binge this now.
Perfect if you love:
🔥 Cowboy romances with spice
❤️ Forbidden Romance Vibes with a deep emotional payoff
🐎 Small Town Charm with a sharp, witty edge 👢
😍 "It’s Always Been You" Tropes ❤️
🥰 Found Family that actually has your back 🫂
😂 Banter for Days (shoutout to June, Ruby, and Blaire for the laughs!) 😂
I can’t wait for the next book in this series! McCoy's story!? So ready! 🩷✨️🐎
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to Holly and her team for giving me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is my favorite cowboy romance! I can't even say more than this because this book just left me speechless. It's my second Holly book and I honestly feel like there is perfection in her writing and her characters.
Watching Hunter and Maggie's story after all the tension and yearning in Cowboy Casual was honestly the best! The yearning in this book, the tension, the love, the spice! I loved everything about Small Town Smokeshow.
I am honestly so so sad that this story is over, but I'm also so extremely excited for the next book! I think I know who the third book will be about and it's going to be amazing!
Read this if you love:
• independent FMC
• so much banter and tension
• yearning
• found family
This is my favorite cowboy romance! I can't even say more than this because this book just left me speechless. It's my second Holly book and I honestly feel like there is perfection in her writing and her characters.
Watching Hunter and Maggie's story after all the tension and yearning in Cowboy Casual was honestly the best! The yearning in this book, the tension, the love, the spice! I loved everything about Small Town Smokeshow.
I am honestly so so sad that this story is over, but I'm also so extremely excited for the next book! I think I know who the third book will be about and it's going to be amazing!
Read this if you love:
• independent FMC
• so much banter and tension
• yearning
• found family
May 19, 2026
5 FREAKING STARS !!!!! Holly Renee has done it again 👏👏 The tension, the yearning, the SPICE. My gawdddd. The perfect length for this type of book and I cannot WAIT for Calloway Ranch #3!
May 21, 2026
“For you, I would do anything, I would give up anything, if only you let me love you.” 4.5 stars.
So this one is SISTER'S EX, "it's always been you", small town cowboy (who was indeed on his knees).
So far Holly Renee isn't missing with The Calloway Ranch series. They're steamy, emotional and so much fun, and it is peak found family which always elevates a book for me. I'm guessing McCoy's book is next and i'm already giggling and kicking my feet.
*****
Cowboy's already on his knees on the cover 👏👏👏
So this one is SISTER'S EX, "it's always been you", small town cowboy (who was indeed on his knees).
So far Holly Renee isn't missing with The Calloway Ranch series. They're steamy, emotional and so much fun, and it is peak found family which always elevates a book for me. I'm guessing McCoy's book is next and i'm already giggling and kicking my feet.
*****
Cowboy's already on his knees on the cover 👏👏👏
May 6, 2026
OKAY ARE WE JOKING????? 🍒🤠💗 *ARC COPY*
I was almost positive nobody would touch Colt but boyyy Hunter is right there with him 😮💨
I started today, finished today. And that’s how you know a book is 🤌🏼🤌🏼
The YEARNNINNGG… speechless. I have so much love for this series. Full review to be on my tik tok this week cause ya girl has ALOT to say 😜
McCoy & Sutton next? 👀
I was almost positive nobody would touch Colt but boyyy Hunter is right there with him 😮💨
I started today, finished today. And that’s how you know a book is 🤌🏼🤌🏼
The YEARNNINNGG… speechless. I have so much love for this series. Full review to be on my tik tok this week cause ya girl has ALOT to say 😜
McCoy & Sutton next? 👀
June 1, 2026
⋆˙⟡ — 3 stars
⤷⊹ started: may 31st, finished: may 31st
i'm kinda disappointed 😔 rtc!
— ⋆˙⟡ pre-read 𓂃˖ ࣪⊹
immediately starting the next book because i loved maggie and hunter 😩 i’m already loving it so far, so hopefully that continues 🤭
⤷⊹ started: may 31st, finished: may 31st
i'm kinda disappointed 😔 rtc!
— ⋆˙⟡ pre-read 𓂃˖ ࣪⊹
immediately starting the next book because i loved maggie and hunter 😩 i’m already loving it so far, so hopefully that continues 🤭
Read
October 8, 2025he dated her sister and continues to date other people in front of fmc, meanwhile we know nothing about her past, alexa play exile by taylor swift about how this book is going to go,
“He’s not looking at you like you’re friends.” “Well, he should. Considering he’s my sister’s ex.” “Oh, shit.” The way he was looking at her was like he wanted to eat her alive. Not like a man who used to date her sister.
I waited a beat, letting the silence stretch before I leveled my gaze at him. “At least I’m staring at my ex and not her little sister.” “Oh, shit,” McCoy laughed, leaning forward until he was sitting up beside me. “We’re going there, huh?” “I don’t know what the fuck you’re talking about,” Hunter growled, but he was so full of shit. Hunter and Ella, Maggie’s older sister, broke up a little over two years ago, and he’s spent that exact amount of time staring at Maggie like she wasn’t five years younger than him or related to his ex. “Right.” I nodded before I met his eyes. “So you can see the way I’m looking at Blaire, but you’re blind to your own shit?” “I have no interest in Maggie. She’s Ella’s sister, for fuck’s sake.”
His gaze lingered on Maggie for a long moment before he finally turned, and we all watched him go. He stalked toward the truck, shoulders wound tight, and then I caught sight of his date, Alicia, making her way back down to the water. She beamed at him, completely oblivious to his mood.
“Baby, Hunter,” I crooned, leaning over to ruffle his hair with my free hand. His dark strands were still a bit damp from swimming, and my fingers moved through his hair like they had a hundred times before, a habit from when we were kids. While Colt had been my world, Hunter had been like a little brother. “With that face? Who would dare cheat on your handsome ass?” He grinned, a flash of teeth, and pretended to be mortally wounded by the memory. “It’s my tragic origin story, Blaire. Women sense the trauma, makes me irresistible.” He put the back of his hand to his forehead in a grand, swooning gesture. “I bet that really works for you, doesn’t it?” I smiled down at him. “Kind of, yeah.” He nodded, and I barely caught Alicia rolling her eyes. “So who was the heartbreaker?” I asked playfully. “I’ll have to kick her ass for you.” His eyes slid past me to Maggie then back again. “Maggie’s sister,” he said, and even though he said it like a punchline, I heard the old ache in the way he let the words out slow and flat.
“He’s not looking at you like you’re friends.” “Well, he should. Considering he’s my sister’s ex.” “Oh, shit.” The way he was looking at her was like he wanted to eat her alive. Not like a man who used to date her sister.
I waited a beat, letting the silence stretch before I leveled my gaze at him. “At least I’m staring at my ex and not her little sister.” “Oh, shit,” McCoy laughed, leaning forward until he was sitting up beside me. “We’re going there, huh?” “I don’t know what the fuck you’re talking about,” Hunter growled, but he was so full of shit. Hunter and Ella, Maggie’s older sister, broke up a little over two years ago, and he’s spent that exact amount of time staring at Maggie like she wasn’t five years younger than him or related to his ex. “Right.” I nodded before I met his eyes. “So you can see the way I’m looking at Blaire, but you’re blind to your own shit?” “I have no interest in Maggie. She’s Ella’s sister, for fuck’s sake.”
His gaze lingered on Maggie for a long moment before he finally turned, and we all watched him go. He stalked toward the truck, shoulders wound tight, and then I caught sight of his date, Alicia, making her way back down to the water. She beamed at him, completely oblivious to his mood.
“Baby, Hunter,” I crooned, leaning over to ruffle his hair with my free hand. His dark strands were still a bit damp from swimming, and my fingers moved through his hair like they had a hundred times before, a habit from when we were kids. While Colt had been my world, Hunter had been like a little brother. “With that face? Who would dare cheat on your handsome ass?” He grinned, a flash of teeth, and pretended to be mortally wounded by the memory. “It’s my tragic origin story, Blaire. Women sense the trauma, makes me irresistible.” He put the back of his hand to his forehead in a grand, swooning gesture. “I bet that really works for you, doesn’t it?” I smiled down at him. “Kind of, yeah.” He nodded, and I barely caught Alicia rolling her eyes. “So who was the heartbreaker?” I asked playfully. “I’ll have to kick her ass for you.” His eyes slid past me to Maggie then back again. “Maggie’s sister,” he said, and even though he said it like a punchline, I heard the old ache in the way he let the words out slow and flat.
May 26, 2026
ABSOLUTE BUZZTOPIA!!
im a basic girl when i see a mmc who worships the ground she walks on and obsessed with her from the start i give 5 stars, wished it was soo much longer honestly if it’d been thousand pages i’d read it and epilogue’d be perfect tho😭 i can’t wait for other books in the series
im a basic girl when i see a mmc who worships the ground she walks on and obsessed with her from the start i give 5 stars, wished it was soo much longer honestly if it’d been thousand pages i’d read it and epilogue’d be perfect tho😭 i can’t wait for other books in the series
May 7, 2026
I was so excited for Hunter and maggies story from all the little bits we saw of them in cowboy causal this had so much potential but sadly it didn't hit for me. I loved Hunter! He was so hot! And I love this world but the story felt so rushed. There were so many unresolved issues at the end of the book. We were told how much Hunter was in love with Maggie and it was always her but we didn't see why that was. Why was he with Ella for so long? When clearly it was Maggie he wanted. And what happened to make Ella go for him when he knew Maggie liked him first? I just would of loved a bit more backstory in the past to really build on that tension as it would of given their story so much more depth. It just seemed very surface level and we were being told a lot of their story rather than being shown. I just wanted more from the story and it being 300 pages felt more like a filler novella. Having said that I did enjoy what I read and I do love hollys writing I just wanted more from their story. I'm interested to see where she takes Mcoys story and hoping it's him and Sutton as I loved what we saw of them!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Want to Read
May 14, 2026THIS COVER
May 20, 2026
this book is on the short side and I still dnf’d at 65% because that’s how unbearable it felt. I LOVED Maggie and Hunter’s chemistry in book 1 (more than I liked colt & blaire’s tbh) and honestly was really really looking forward to their story, but I often found myself bored and kinda icked out by them.
if you want 100% the truth, I got to the line “I want you to fuck me like you never did with her.” and immediately called it quits. when the “her” in question is Maggie’s fucking sister who is the mmc’s ex ….. can’t believe she brought up HER SISTER during sex?!?!? neither can I!!!! I was so repulsed I immediately closed the book and moved on. all in all, really sad this didn’t live up to the hype ://
if you want 100% the truth, I got to the line “I want you to fuck me like you never did with her.” and immediately called it quits. when the “her” in question is Maggie’s fucking sister who is the mmc’s ex ….. can’t believe she brought up HER SISTER during sex?!?!? neither can I!!!! I was so repulsed I immediately closed the book and moved on. all in all, really sad this didn’t live up to the hype ://
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 12, 2026
6 ⭐️
HUNTER MAGGIE MY BELOVEDS!!! there is truly nothing like being at calloway ranch for me, i am so damn obsessed with these characters and willow grove in general 😭
i have been so excited for this book since the second holly started teasing it in cowboy casual — though i knew it was going to be insanely good it didnt stop me from thinking once or twice that colt was going to be an impossible act to follow but GOD DAMN COLT CALLOWAY WHOOO? (me 🤝 blaire, basically making this same exact joke).
but seriously, i am just in love with how vivid hollys writing is and the way i feel transported straight to willow grove every time i pick up one of these books. the tension and yearning through out this book is SO palpable, there were times i actually felt like i couldnt breathe because it felt like such a high stakes moment (this is a running theme when i read hollys books fr, she takes my breath away in the literal sense lol).
there is a specific chapter thats told through hunters perspective where in a room full of thousands its like him and maggie are the only two people there in his eyes and it was one of those moments where i was just so in awe of the writing and how holly is able to make me feel like im visually watching this play out and not reading words on my kindle lol.
hunter and maggie’s story to put it simply is addicting, from prologue till the very end. this book is extremely unputdownable, this is one of those books where i dont want to write every little thing under the sun that i loved about them because i simply think you are better off going in blind or based off of what you already learned from cowboy casual than my yapping because we’d be here all day. all you need to know is their chemistry is off the charts. they are HOT. and you are going to be OBSESSED.
i also loved seeing my favs again, the cameos sprinkled through out this book are everything and more to me. honestly it made me want to pick up cowboy casual AGAIN and then immediately just restart small town smokeshow 😂. i said it at the beginning but i just truly couldnt be more in love with this little world holly created and i am in dire need of more from willow grove!!!
HUNTER MAGGIE MY BELOVEDS!!! there is truly nothing like being at calloway ranch for me, i am so damn obsessed with these characters and willow grove in general 😭
i have been so excited for this book since the second holly started teasing it in cowboy casual — though i knew it was going to be insanely good it didnt stop me from thinking once or twice that colt was going to be an impossible act to follow but GOD DAMN COLT CALLOWAY WHOOO? (me 🤝 blaire, basically making this same exact joke).
but seriously, i am just in love with how vivid hollys writing is and the way i feel transported straight to willow grove every time i pick up one of these books. the tension and yearning through out this book is SO palpable, there were times i actually felt like i couldnt breathe because it felt like such a high stakes moment (this is a running theme when i read hollys books fr, she takes my breath away in the literal sense lol).
there is a specific chapter thats told through hunters perspective where in a room full of thousands its like him and maggie are the only two people there in his eyes and it was one of those moments where i was just so in awe of the writing and how holly is able to make me feel like im visually watching this play out and not reading words on my kindle lol.
hunter and maggie’s story to put it simply is addicting, from prologue till the very end. this book is extremely unputdownable, this is one of those books where i dont want to write every little thing under the sun that i loved about them because i simply think you are better off going in blind or based off of what you already learned from cowboy casual than my yapping because we’d be here all day. all you need to know is their chemistry is off the charts. they are HOT. and you are going to be OBSESSED.
i also loved seeing my favs again, the cameos sprinkled through out this book are everything and more to me. honestly it made me want to pick up cowboy casual AGAIN and then immediately just restart small town smokeshow 😂. i said it at the beginning but i just truly couldnt be more in love with this little world holly created and i am in dire need of more from willow grove!!!
June 1, 2026
this one was so cute and sweet 😭💗
hunter and maggie stole my heart with how perfect their relationship was and also them as individual characters. the inner turmoil they had of wanting someone who you shouldn’t so badly was chef’s kiss, I felt the torment and yearning through my screen!!
I also love the entire cast of characters and how prevalent they are in each other’s books! it creates such a wonderful atmosphere and builds up this fictional town into a more realistic place (that I wouldn’t mind living in, I’ll take brody for myself 😌✋🏼)
my only criticism is that I felt like the book stalled a bit in the middle with the constant back and forth without much real change in their dynamic, but it’s such a minor complaint compared to how much I loved the rest of the book!
this was the perfect addition to the calloway ranch series and I can’t wait to see what’s next!
thank you to the author for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
hunter and maggie stole my heart with how perfect their relationship was and also them as individual characters. the inner turmoil they had of wanting someone who you shouldn’t so badly was chef’s kiss, I felt the torment and yearning through my screen!!
I also love the entire cast of characters and how prevalent they are in each other’s books! it creates such a wonderful atmosphere and builds up this fictional town into a more realistic place (that I wouldn’t mind living in, I’ll take brody for myself 😌✋🏼)
my only criticism is that I felt like the book stalled a bit in the middle with the constant back and forth without much real change in their dynamic, but it’s such a minor complaint compared to how much I loved the rest of the book!
this was the perfect addition to the calloway ranch series and I can’t wait to see what’s next!
thank you to the author for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 14, 2026
the men in this series are just sooooooo … i’ll put it this way: we made it basically 90% through and we finally learn why he dated ella .. all because ella said maggie didn’t like him but that ella was interested .. so they fucked the same night and started dating ARE YOU KIDDING ME this dude is pathetic wdym oh might as well be with her sister then
the pacing of this book just wasn’t right I feel like there was no resolution to anything and when we got there it was rushed and needed to start way soon
When they said ily I said wait NOW ?
I think I was always not going to love that he dated her sister cuz there was never going to be reason good enough because genuinely WHAT
I liked that it was Blaire that helped her with the bakery tho rather than it being Hunter or something
I would’ve liked to see Maggie at the bakery more and being in her element we BARELY get that
There’s also no backstory what so ever and this kind of required it
the pacing of this book just wasn’t right I feel like there was no resolution to anything and when we got there it was rushed and needed to start way soon
When they said ily I said wait NOW ?
I think I was always not going to love that he dated her sister cuz there was never going to be reason good enough because genuinely WHAT
I liked that it was Blaire that helped her with the bakery tho rather than it being Hunter or something
I would’ve liked to see Maggie at the bakery more and being in her element we BARELY get that
There’s also no backstory what so ever and this kind of required it
May 18, 2026
need a pastry immediately
this is a prime example of contemporary romances being perfect at 300-350 pages. felt like I was watching a movie
Things to know:
- cowboy x bakery owner romance
- forbidden romance (her sister’s ex)
- longing looks & an MMC down bad
this is a prime example of contemporary romances being perfect at 300-350 pages. felt like I was watching a movie
Things to know:
- cowboy x bakery owner romance
- forbidden romance (her sister’s ex)
- longing looks & an MMC down bad
Want to Read
May 11, 2026CAN’T WAIT FOR THIS because he said
“You may have my brother walking around like some pussy-induced zombie, but I don’t fall so easily.”
and I want to see Hunter crawl for Maggie 🤠
May 9, 2026
Five ⭐️ and honestly? This review is completely based on vibes because anytime I get to go back to Calloway Ranch and see some of my favorite people, I am all in.
three reasons why I am obsessed with Small Town Smokeshow:
First, the YEARNING. Hunter’s long-time love for Maggie was absolutely off the charts. The way he wanted her, fought for her, and never really let go of what he felt for her had me kicking my feet the entire time. Holly Renee knows how to write a man down bad and Hunter was DOWN BAD.
Second, that “fuck it” moment??? Absolutely sizzling. Like genuinely one of those scenes you immediately want to reread because the chemistry, tension, and emotion were all jumping off the page. It was hot in the best way possible.
And finally, the found family in this series continues to be everything to me. Specifically Maggie and Blaire’s friendship. You move to a new town and immediately find a bestie like that?? I want in. The Calloway Ranch crew just feels like home every single time.
I will say there was a tiny something missing for me when it came to Maggie’s relationship with her sister and family, but it honestly didn’t stop me from loving this book overall.
Calloway Ranch is a world I will happily keep revisiting anytime Holly Renee lets me back in.
three reasons why I am obsessed with Small Town Smokeshow:
First, the YEARNING. Hunter’s long-time love for Maggie was absolutely off the charts. The way he wanted her, fought for her, and never really let go of what he felt for her had me kicking my feet the entire time. Holly Renee knows how to write a man down bad and Hunter was DOWN BAD.
Second, that “fuck it” moment??? Absolutely sizzling. Like genuinely one of those scenes you immediately want to reread because the chemistry, tension, and emotion were all jumping off the page. It was hot in the best way possible.
And finally, the found family in this series continues to be everything to me. Specifically Maggie and Blaire’s friendship. You move to a new town and immediately find a bestie like that?? I want in. The Calloway Ranch crew just feels like home every single time.
I will say there was a tiny something missing for me when it came to Maggie’s relationship with her sister and family, but it honestly didn’t stop me from loving this book overall.
Calloway Ranch is a world I will happily keep revisiting anytime Holly Renee lets me back in.
May 21, 2026
Ohh I liked this one yall. I am thinking I am going with 4.25 stars here. I was SO excited to get Hunter and Maggie's books from the crumbs we got in book 1, and it delivered! Hunter and Maggie were so stupidly in love with each other. They had been for YEARS, but neither of them were willing to make a move because of their tangled history. And man was their history tangled. But the way that Holly wove them together was PERFECT. These two were like magnets- once Maggie's sister (Hunter's ex) moved back home, they found themselves circling each other. Waiting for the other shoe to drop. Waiting to see if the other felt the same way. The angst and tension was wonderful. I liked how we picked up at the point where Hunter couldn't take it anymore. He wanted Maggie, and he wanted her to know it. I had a LITTLE bit of a hard time with Maggie- she was playing REAL hard to get. At the same time, I understood that she didn't want to put herself out there only to get shutdown. She had loved Hunter from afar, watched him date her sister, watched her sister break up with him, and she didn't know what to do with that. But once they got out of their own way, the connection these two had was unmatched. I loved the found family that Maggie found staying in this small town. I loved how Hunter supported her through her sister's wedding knowing that would be hard for her because of how horrible her family was. I loved how much he kept showing up for her- which was exactly what she needed.
Maggie has been in love with Hunter since she saw him all those years ago. But instead of having a chance, her sister stepped in and swept him away. Even though she tries to stay away from him. She tries to not want him anymore, she can't help herself. But everytime a sliver of a possibilty happens, she is reminded of his past with her sister. So she decides maybe she should try to move on. Maybe there is someone else out there who will make her heart go pitter patter. But Hunter shuts that down real fast. He makes it clear he is done playing games. He wants her however she will take him. But Maggie is scared. Her life is kind of hanging by a thread with the threat from her parents and the lack of support from her sister. Hunter can't really mean what he is saying right? He can't really want her. That would be too much for her to be able to have the man she was wanted for so long. So she decides she will have fun and keep it casual. But her and Hunter can't do casual. And the man keeps showing up for her. He gives her space when she needs it. He makes it clear that her priorites are his. And then he tells her the truth about the past. And Maggie is gutted by the chance they missed all those years ago. So she decides no more. She is PROUD to call him hers. Which his what he is- HERS.
Hunter has wanted Maggie for as long as he can remember. But her sister got in the middle of things and now he is here. Longing for her from afar. Wanting a woman who doesn't want him. But sometimes he wonders. Because the way the she looks at him doesn't look like she doesn't want him. The way that she smiles and saunters and lowers her walls around him kind of tells him more. But there is their past. He doesn't know how to move past it. But he doesn't have long to ponder because Maggie has prospects now. Someone who could sweep her off of her feet before he makes a move. And he can't let that happen. So he finally makes a real move. He doesn't back away when he thinks he should. He lays it out there for her to do with what she will. And then she takes him up on it. He has never felt this connected to someone. He wants EVERYTHING with her but recognizes that she isn't there yet. She wants to have her fun with him but keep her walls up. He can work with that. But only because he is going to make it his job to be there for her. To show her he is serious about them. Which is what he does. And when her past and current troubles try to push him aside, he tells her to let him carry them with her. He isn't going anywhere.
Hunter was SUCH a wonderful man!! He was so patient and SO down bad. I love a man down bad (who doesn't). The way that he navigated Maggie acting nonchalant about them was hilarious and perfect. He felt like his whole world had been rocked while she acted like nothing had happened. These two were just perfect for each other. I hated how Maggie's family treated her but loved how she was healed by finding a new family of sorts in Hunter and in her friends. I would definitely recommend this for a slow burn, kind of second chance, with a ton of angst and wondering who will FINALLY cross the line. Looking forward to more in this world!
Thank you to Holly for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Maggie has been in love with Hunter since she saw him all those years ago. But instead of having a chance, her sister stepped in and swept him away. Even though she tries to stay away from him. She tries to not want him anymore, she can't help herself. But everytime a sliver of a possibilty happens, she is reminded of his past with her sister. So she decides maybe she should try to move on. Maybe there is someone else out there who will make her heart go pitter patter. But Hunter shuts that down real fast. He makes it clear he is done playing games. He wants her however she will take him. But Maggie is scared. Her life is kind of hanging by a thread with the threat from her parents and the lack of support from her sister. Hunter can't really mean what he is saying right? He can't really want her. That would be too much for her to be able to have the man she was wanted for so long. So she decides she will have fun and keep it casual. But her and Hunter can't do casual. And the man keeps showing up for her. He gives her space when she needs it. He makes it clear that her priorites are his. And then he tells her the truth about the past. And Maggie is gutted by the chance they missed all those years ago. So she decides no more. She is PROUD to call him hers. Which his what he is- HERS.
Hunter has wanted Maggie for as long as he can remember. But her sister got in the middle of things and now he is here. Longing for her from afar. Wanting a woman who doesn't want him. But sometimes he wonders. Because the way the she looks at him doesn't look like she doesn't want him. The way that she smiles and saunters and lowers her walls around him kind of tells him more. But there is their past. He doesn't know how to move past it. But he doesn't have long to ponder because Maggie has prospects now. Someone who could sweep her off of her feet before he makes a move. And he can't let that happen. So he finally makes a real move. He doesn't back away when he thinks he should. He lays it out there for her to do with what she will. And then she takes him up on it. He has never felt this connected to someone. He wants EVERYTHING with her but recognizes that she isn't there yet. She wants to have her fun with him but keep her walls up. He can work with that. But only because he is going to make it his job to be there for her. To show her he is serious about them. Which is what he does. And when her past and current troubles try to push him aside, he tells her to let him carry them with her. He isn't going anywhere.
Hunter was SUCH a wonderful man!! He was so patient and SO down bad. I love a man down bad (who doesn't). The way that he navigated Maggie acting nonchalant about them was hilarious and perfect. He felt like his whole world had been rocked while she acted like nothing had happened. These two were just perfect for each other. I hated how Maggie's family treated her but loved how she was healed by finding a new family of sorts in Hunter and in her friends. I would definitely recommend this for a slow burn, kind of second chance, with a ton of angst and wondering who will FINALLY cross the line. Looking forward to more in this world!
Thank you to Holly for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Review of advance copy received from Author
“𝒊 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝒂 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆. 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒄𝒂𝒎𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒖𝒏 𝒅𝒐𝒆𝒔— 𝒔���𝒐𝒘𝒍𝒚 𝒂𝒕 𝒇𝒊𝒓𝒔𝒕, 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆, 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒂𝒕 𝒐𝒏𝒄𝒆, 𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒍 𝒊 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅𝒏’𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒓 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒊𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒔𝒐𝒂𝒌𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖.”
well folks, around here if a book is read under 24 hours it automatically gets a 5 star rating (but honestly outside of that it is so deserving of 5 stars). 🙂↕️
after dating maggies sister, hunter calloway has found himself drawn to maggie in ways that he shouldn't be. his eyes linger on her a bit too long, he finds excuses to touch her and just be in her presence. maggie dawson has wanted hunter since moving to willow grove but after her sister dated then subsequently cheated on him she's made a point not to cross the friendship line. if she crossed that line there would be no going back, betraying her sister and family. as the tension continues to build and become too much maggie has to ask herself who really wants what's best for her and if she's willing to continue giving up what she really wants for the sake of her family.
the build up and slow burn of hunter and maggies relationship in this book is absolutely excruciating. seriously, at one point i wanted to yell into the book for them to kiss already because the tension was PALPABLE. not to mention i honestly didnt think anyone else could top colt but hunter really showed up and said "hold my beer." i mean come on, those mirror scenes? 👀 they actually made me flushed.
something i really enjoyed about this book was that despite the length, holly made a point of exploring the complicated relationship between maggie and family, especially her sister. seeing how she was always expected to be the one to shrink herself and put her dreams on the backburner really highlighted how much willow grove allowed her to grow into the person she always wanted to be.
this book isn't even officially released yet and i'm already dying for the next book. i said it before and ill say it again - holly renee was meant to write cowboy romance. 😌
𝐩𝐫𝐞-𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 ⋆˚࿔
if anyone needs me ill be spending my weekend at calloway ranch.
𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘦-𝘢𝘳𝘤 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸. 🤠💖
well folks, around here if a book is read under 24 hours it automatically gets a 5 star rating (but honestly outside of that it is so deserving of 5 stars). 🙂↕️
after dating maggies sister, hunter calloway has found himself drawn to maggie in ways that he shouldn't be. his eyes linger on her a bit too long, he finds excuses to touch her and just be in her presence. maggie dawson has wanted hunter since moving to willow grove but after her sister dated then subsequently cheated on him she's made a point not to cross the friendship line. if she crossed that line there would be no going back, betraying her sister and family. as the tension continues to build and become too much maggie has to ask herself who really wants what's best for her and if she's willing to continue giving up what she really wants for the sake of her family.
the build up and slow burn of hunter and maggies relationship in this book is absolutely excruciating. seriously, at one point i wanted to yell into the book for them to kiss already because the tension was PALPABLE. not to mention i honestly didnt think anyone else could top colt but hunter really showed up and said "hold my beer." i mean come on, those mirror scenes? 👀 they actually made me flushed.
something i really enjoyed about this book was that despite the length, holly made a point of exploring the complicated relationship between maggie and family, especially her sister. seeing how she was always expected to be the one to shrink herself and put her dreams on the backburner really highlighted how much willow grove allowed her to grow into the person she always wanted to be.
this book isn't even officially released yet and i'm already dying for the next book. i said it before and ill say it again - holly renee was meant to write cowboy romance. 😌
𝐩𝐫𝐞-𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 ⋆˚࿔
if anyone needs me ill be spending my weekend at calloway ranch.
𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘦-𝘢𝘳𝘤 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸. 🤠💖
May 6, 2026
it is 5 am and i did in fact accidentally just read my arc in one sitting as soon as i received it … the yearning is just absolute chefs kiss
May 20, 2026
Finally pushed through, and safe to say it was not for me. That felt like the most performative yearning I’ve ever read in my life. Sorry but how do you have feelings for this girl and then end up dating her sister for a while because she said she’d never reciprocate, when you allegedly didn’t even feel anything for said sister??? That’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard.
Also fuck her family, but why in gods name was there not a bigger confrontation or at least let her get some of her anger out???? Less than fucking 2 pages dedicated to it & didn’t even get much depth on the way her family dynamics affected her 😭
Lastly, Hunter was SO bland I nearly cried. He did absolutely nothing for me & them staying away from eachother for so long when no one actually gave a fuck was so embarrassing I’m sorry.
The one bright light in this whole book, and I’m PRAYING they’re next, was the possible McCoy & Sutton crumbs…? Ate up their dynamic. Reformed playboy here I come 😝
Also fuck her family, but why in gods name was there not a bigger confrontation or at least let her get some of her anger out???? Less than fucking 2 pages dedicated to it & didn’t even get much depth on the way her family dynamics affected her 😭
Lastly, Hunter was SO bland I nearly cried. He did absolutely nothing for me & them staying away from eachother for so long when no one actually gave a fuck was so embarrassing I’m sorry.
The one bright light in this whole book, and I’m PRAYING they’re next, was the possible McCoy & Sutton crumbs…? Ate up their dynamic. Reformed playboy here I come 😝
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