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Whittaker Ranch #2
Kicking Up Dust
Not yet published
Expected 8 Sep 26A rowdy bull rider finds his purpose again after a one night stand gone wrong in this spicy small-town, accidental pregnancy cowboy romance.
Colton Whittaker is a bull rider notorious for being the life of the party. The first to arrive and the last to leave, his beer bottle nor his bed are ever empty. But it’s all just a ruse. When the arena empties and everyone’s gone home, Colt finds himself on roofs across the country, and not just for the view. Life is becoming increasingly more meaningless, and though he’d promised his twin sister he’d never go anywhere she couldn’t follow, it’s becoming harder and harder to keep that promise with every night on the circuit.
Blair Marshall is finishing her senior year of college on a foster kid scholarship. Used to passing through place to place like a ghost, she never lets anyone close enough to see past her shy-girl persona. When she runs into a dimpled cowboy at the rodeo she and her friends visit one night, she expects a fun romp in the sheets and to disappear afterward, just like she normally does. Unfortunately, two pink lines on a test from the college pharmacy have her reaching back out to him a few months later.
When she breaks the news to Colt, she expects him to hightail it in the opposite direction as fast as he can, but he seems determined to stay by her side despite the hundreds of opportunities she gives him to leave. For the first time in Blair’s life, she finds a safe place to land and a family she belongs in.
He’s searching for a reason to live and she might’ve just given him the best one yet.
Kicking up Dust is perfect for fans of:
💚 City Girl x Cowboy dynamics
💚 Pierced MMCs
💚 Small town cowboy romance
💚 Accidental pregnancy drama
💚 A fun mix of sweet and spicy moments
💚 “And they were roommates”
💚 Anxiety & Depression rep
💚 “I’m only me when I’m with you” energy
💚 Series of standalones where every sibling has their own book
Colton Whittaker is a bull rider notorious for being the life of the party. The first to arrive and the last to leave, his beer bottle nor his bed are ever empty. But it’s all just a ruse. When the arena empties and everyone’s gone home, Colt finds himself on roofs across the country, and not just for the view. Life is becoming increasingly more meaningless, and though he’d promised his twin sister he’d never go anywhere she couldn’t follow, it’s becoming harder and harder to keep that promise with every night on the circuit.
Blair Marshall is finishing her senior year of college on a foster kid scholarship. Used to passing through place to place like a ghost, she never lets anyone close enough to see past her shy-girl persona. When she runs into a dimpled cowboy at the rodeo she and her friends visit one night, she expects a fun romp in the sheets and to disappear afterward, just like she normally does. Unfortunately, two pink lines on a test from the college pharmacy have her reaching back out to him a few months later.
When she breaks the news to Colt, she expects him to hightail it in the opposite direction as fast as he can, but he seems determined to stay by her side despite the hundreds of opportunities she gives him to leave. For the first time in Blair’s life, she finds a safe place to land and a family she belongs in.
He’s searching for a reason to live and she might’ve just given him the best one yet.
Kicking up Dust is perfect for fans of:
💚 City Girl x Cowboy dynamics
💚 Pierced MMCs
💚 Small town cowboy romance
💚 Accidental pregnancy drama
💚 A fun mix of sweet and spicy moments
💚 “And they were roommates”
💚 Anxiety & Depression rep
💚 “I’m only me when I’m with you” energy
💚 Series of standalones where every sibling has their own book
320 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication September 8, 2026
About the author
Cassie Truett
3 books91 followersWhen Cassie Truett was younger, she had a book with her at all times—sometimes two, usually three. She was constantly getting in trouble for reading instead of finishing chores, paying attention in school, or going to bed on time.
At 13, her love for reading birthed a passion for storytelling—first through fanfiction and now with the debut of Playing with Fire, releasing March 2026.
Outside of writing, Cassie is the proud mom of two cats, enjoys hand-feeding squirrels in the park, and is a chronic book collector. Her favorite tropes include hockey-playing MMCs, age gaps, and (naturally) cowboys.
For updates on the Whittaker Ranch series and beyond, follow Cassie across platforms at @cassietruettwrites
At 13, her love for reading birthed a passion for storytelling—first through fanfiction and now with the debut of Playing with Fire, releasing March 2026.
Outside of writing, Cassie is the proud mom of two cats, enjoys hand-feeding squirrels in the park, and is a chronic book collector. Her favorite tropes include hockey-playing MMCs, age gaps, and (naturally) cowboys.
For updates on the Whittaker Ranch series and beyond, follow Cassie across platforms at @cassietruettwrites
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
August 17, 2026
4 ⭐ ⊹ 3 🌶️ ⊹ 307 📖
⁀➴ An emotional story about two people coming together and supporting each other as they become the best versions of themselves
⋆⟢ Tropes + Vibes:
💚 bull rider MMC
🤍 shy city girl FMC
💚 accidental pregnancy
🤍 small town
💚 big ranching family
🤍 nicknames
💚 mental health rep
⁀➴ Bookish Breakdown:
It feels so good to be back with the Whittaker siblings!! We really got to be up close and personal with so much of the family in this book since our leads, Colt and Blair, spend some time living in the Big House.
Seeing this new side of Colt, this fierce, caring protector was AMAZING! This man was peak girl dad from the moment he knew his little girl was on the way! I loved watching him care for Blair in every way she needed it. His patience with her as she processed her feelings was beautiful.
One writing aspect that I absolutely loved was Cassie’s excellent handling of the interconnected standalone aspect of this series. I feel like I don’t see this a lot in reviews, so I definitely wanted to mention. Since the books are happening across the same timelines in some cases, re-explaining scenes is necessary to get the POV for the characters in the current book. Cassie does this so incredibly well, hitting the moments in a way that if you’ve read the other book(s), you’ll remember exactly what happened in those scenes without feeling like you’re re-reading them. And, if you haven’t read them yet, you get enough of a taste to feel informed. Every time it happened I thought it was perfectly handled!
I’m so excited for more Whittaker sibling shenanigans in book 3!!
Thank you to Cassie Truett for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
⁀➴ An emotional story about two people coming together and supporting each other as they become the best versions of themselves
⋆⟢ Tropes + Vibes:
💚 bull rider MMC
🤍 shy city girl FMC
💚 accidental pregnancy
🤍 small town
💚 big ranching family
🤍 nicknames
💚 mental health rep
⁀➴ Bookish Breakdown:
It feels so good to be back with the Whittaker siblings!! We really got to be up close and personal with so much of the family in this book since our leads, Colt and Blair, spend some time living in the Big House.
Seeing this new side of Colt, this fierce, caring protector was AMAZING! This man was peak girl dad from the moment he knew his little girl was on the way! I loved watching him care for Blair in every way she needed it. His patience with her as she processed her feelings was beautiful.
One writing aspect that I absolutely loved was Cassie’s excellent handling of the interconnected standalone aspect of this series. I feel like I don’t see this a lot in reviews, so I definitely wanted to mention. Since the books are happening across the same timelines in some cases, re-explaining scenes is necessary to get the POV for the characters in the current book. Cassie does this so incredibly well, hitting the moments in a way that if you’ve read the other book(s), you’ll remember exactly what happened in those scenes without feeling like you’re re-reading them. And, if you haven’t read them yet, you get enough of a taste to feel informed. Every time it happened I thought it was perfectly handled!
I’m so excited for more Whittaker sibling shenanigans in book 3!!
Thank you to Cassie Truett for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
Read
July 6, 2026BETA READ - RTC
July 20, 2026
Oh my god
Beta read / full review to come but oh my god
Immediate book hangover. I’m emotionally raw. I’m drained, I’m fulfilled, I need the next 4 books immediately.
I’m so excited for this book to be out in the world 💕💕💕
Beta read / full review to come but oh my god
Immediate book hangover. I’m emotionally raw. I’m drained, I’m fulfilled, I need the next 4 books immediately.
I’m so excited for this book to be out in the world 💕💕💕
Read
July 18, 2026Beta read; will review later 🫶🤠
Review of advance copy received from Author
Colton Whittaker, YOU HAVE MY ENTIRE HEART!!!! I absolutely loved the first book of this cowboy romance series and yet somehow Cassie still blew me out of the water having me fall even more in love this time around. (no one tell Maddox & Austin ok!!??)
Colt and Blair's story was somehow both calmer AND more emotional than the one we got in "Playing with Fire". Colt is the wild child of the family; in the first book we really only see him as the "fuck up" and as if he doesn't have any care in the world about anything serious. But the moment we get inside his head in "Kicking Up Dust", it becomes blatantly obvious how that's all just a front. His mental health is beating him down and what others may think of his carefree attitude is nothing compared to how much he resents himself, thinking he's not worth something more than just a hot-headed bull rider and that he's let everyone down.
As someone who has dealt with severe mental health problems for 20+ years, I truly say with my whole heart that Cassie's writing of Colt's depression was some of the most relatable mental health representation I've ever read within a romance book. His numbness was incredibly well-written, and it made reading his journey to feeling like he was worthy of happiness, genuine devotion, and love that much sweeter.
& as for his other half -- Blair was such a breath of fresh air. I loved how realistic she came across, with her hesitations and anxieties but also her outlook of "well ok this is where life has taken me so might as well pivot with it and carry on". It just balanced really well against the accidental pregnancy plot that brings so much upheaval to her and Colt's life. She was the calm center and the way she came to help Colt feel safe standing still was so perfect.
I also adored how much Colt worshiped her; right from the beginning he was head over heels for Blair, and he didn't let up once. He made sure to respect her need for a slower pace as she adjusted to so many changes, but he was always right there to grab her before she even realized she was stumbling. They just had this magnetic pull between them that makes you melt. While Colt's mental health may have had more depth in the story, her anxiety and fear of people always leaving came through so naturally and I really related to how she always tried to hold it all together so others wouldn't see. I loved the pieces we got of her letting her walls down with each of the Whittaker siblings and finding her place among the family.
Overall, truly I cannot recommend this book enough. I know it may come across bias as being the author's friend and all, but I don't know how to be clearer that this is honestly one of my favorite cowboy romance books I've ever read, and Colt is easily in my top 10 book boyfriends of all time. Please please please pick this one up so I can gush with more people over the absolute preciousness that is Colt and Blair <3
Tropes:
- forced proximity
- shy city girl
- former bull rider
- hotheaded cowboy
- accidental pregnancy
- mental health rep
- family of ranchers
CW/TW
- your mental health is always most important. please read the author's content warnings at the beginning especially if talks of depression, suicidal ideations, past assault, and pregnancy are triggering topics for you.
*this is book 2 of an interconnected series but can be read as standalone (recommend reading in order so you can truly see the juxtaposition of how others see Colt vs his true self)
Colt and Blair's story was somehow both calmer AND more emotional than the one we got in "Playing with Fire". Colt is the wild child of the family; in the first book we really only see him as the "fuck up" and as if he doesn't have any care in the world about anything serious. But the moment we get inside his head in "Kicking Up Dust", it becomes blatantly obvious how that's all just a front. His mental health is beating him down and what others may think of his carefree attitude is nothing compared to how much he resents himself, thinking he's not worth something more than just a hot-headed bull rider and that he's let everyone down.
As someone who has dealt with severe mental health problems for 20+ years, I truly say with my whole heart that Cassie's writing of Colt's depression was some of the most relatable mental health representation I've ever read within a romance book. His numbness was incredibly well-written, and it made reading his journey to feeling like he was worthy of happiness, genuine devotion, and love that much sweeter.
& as for his other half -- Blair was such a breath of fresh air. I loved how realistic she came across, with her hesitations and anxieties but also her outlook of "well ok this is where life has taken me so might as well pivot with it and carry on". It just balanced really well against the accidental pregnancy plot that brings so much upheaval to her and Colt's life. She was the calm center and the way she came to help Colt feel safe standing still was so perfect.
I also adored how much Colt worshiped her; right from the beginning he was head over heels for Blair, and he didn't let up once. He made sure to respect her need for a slower pace as she adjusted to so many changes, but he was always right there to grab her before she even realized she was stumbling. They just had this magnetic pull between them that makes you melt. While Colt's mental health may have had more depth in the story, her anxiety and fear of people always leaving came through so naturally and I really related to how she always tried to hold it all together so others wouldn't see. I loved the pieces we got of her letting her walls down with each of the Whittaker siblings and finding her place among the family.
Overall, truly I cannot recommend this book enough. I know it may come across bias as being the author's friend and all, but I don't know how to be clearer that this is honestly one of my favorite cowboy romance books I've ever read, and Colt is easily in my top 10 book boyfriends of all time. Please please please pick this one up so I can gush with more people over the absolute preciousness that is Colt and Blair <3
Tropes:
- forced proximity
- shy city girl
- former bull rider
- hotheaded cowboy
- accidental pregnancy
- mental health rep
- family of ranchers
CW/TW
- your mental health is always most important. please read the author's content warnings at the beginning especially if talks of depression, suicidal ideations, past assault, and pregnancy are triggering topics for you.
*this is book 2 of an interconnected series but can be read as standalone (recommend reading in order so you can truly see the juxtaposition of how others see Colt vs his true self)
Review of advance copy received from Author
Going into this, I expected a fun, spicy accidental pregnancy with a reformed playboy that is down bad. Yes, Cassie absolutely delivered on that but Colt and Blair's story had so much heart and emotion I was not ready for that had me not able to put my kindle down.
Colt is the definition of life of the party! Bull rider, big time flirt and always down for a good time, however, underneath all of that, he is struggling. More than anyone knows. His story broke my heart because behind everything he was putting out, he was so desperately searching for a reason to keep going.
Blair is finishing up her senior year of college. She has spent her entire life not needing anyone. Growing up in foster care has taught her that people leave, and has never been chosen.
These two were exactly what each other needed! Watching Colt give his all and find his peace and Blair realizing she does not have to do and be alone was perfection.
Throughout the story, we also got more of the other Whittakers. I am especially curious about Bailey and Chase. I think there is something we need to unpack there and I am excited!
Cassie, keep these coming! I have enjoyed every minute of this book and of course Playing with Fire and so ready and excited for more from Whittaker Ranch.
If you like:
Bull Rider MMC
City Girl FMC
Accidental Pregnancy
Reformed Playboy
Roommates
Large Family Ranch -Found Familyl
Small Town Romance
Mental Health Rep
Golden Retriever MMC
BI MMC
Colt Whittaker
Blair Marshall
Colt is the definition of life of the party! Bull rider, big time flirt and always down for a good time, however, underneath all of that, he is struggling. More than anyone knows. His story broke my heart because behind everything he was putting out, he was so desperately searching for a reason to keep going.
Blair is finishing up her senior year of college. She has spent her entire life not needing anyone. Growing up in foster care has taught her that people leave, and has never been chosen.
These two were exactly what each other needed! Watching Colt give his all and find his peace and Blair realizing she does not have to do and be alone was perfection.
Throughout the story, we also got more of the other Whittakers. I am especially curious about Bailey and Chase. I think there is something we need to unpack there and I am excited!
Cassie, keep these coming! I have enjoyed every minute of this book and of course Playing with Fire and so ready and excited for more from Whittaker Ranch.
If you like:
Bull Rider MMC
City Girl FMC
Accidental Pregnancy
Reformed Playboy
Roommates
Large Family Ranch -Found Familyl
Small Town Romance
Mental Health Rep
Golden Retriever MMC
BI MMC
Colt Whittaker
Blair Marshall
August 14, 2026
A great welcome back to Whittakers Ranch, and oh how I absolutely adored this book! 🥰
Colt and Blair were incredibly adorable together. I loved these two so much! Their story starts with a one-night stand, insane chemistry and great banter that continues throughout the entire book.
When Blair discovers she’s pregnant and reconnects with Colt to tell him, this man is ALL IN! 😍 And yes, we have the accidental pregnancy trope, which I know gets some hate, but when it’s done right and written as beautifully as it is here, it absolutely melts my heart. 🥹
This book also addresses mental health, with both MCs having their own battles. Colt struggles with depression while Blair struggles with anxiety, and there were definitely parts of their story that brought tears to my eyes. These two so easily become each other’s person. They’re caring, non-judgemental and always there to offer a shoulder to cry on. I loved how they gave each other a safe space to open up and express their feelings, fears and struggles.
And let’s mention their insane chemistry again because DAMN! 🔥 The spice and kinkiness were definitely on point! 🥵
It was also so great being back with the Whittaker family. I love these siblings and cannot wait to get more of their stories.
Bring on book three! 🥰
✨ What to expect:
🤠 Bull Rider MMC
🏙️ City Girl FMC
🌾 Small-Town Romance
🤰 Accidental Pregnancy
😏 Reformed Playboy
🏠 Roommates
👨👩👧👦 Large Ranching Family
Spice Rating: 5/5 🌶️
Colt and Blair were incredibly adorable together. I loved these two so much! Their story starts with a one-night stand, insane chemistry and great banter that continues throughout the entire book.
When Blair discovers she’s pregnant and reconnects with Colt to tell him, this man is ALL IN! 😍 And yes, we have the accidental pregnancy trope, which I know gets some hate, but when it’s done right and written as beautifully as it is here, it absolutely melts my heart. 🥹
This book also addresses mental health, with both MCs having their own battles. Colt struggles with depression while Blair struggles with anxiety, and there were definitely parts of their story that brought tears to my eyes. These two so easily become each other’s person. They’re caring, non-judgemental and always there to offer a shoulder to cry on. I loved how they gave each other a safe space to open up and express their feelings, fears and struggles.
And let’s mention their insane chemistry again because DAMN! 🔥 The spice and kinkiness were definitely on point! 🥵
It was also so great being back with the Whittaker family. I love these siblings and cannot wait to get more of their stories.
Bring on book three! 🥰
✨ What to expect:
🤠 Bull Rider MMC
🏙️ City Girl FMC
🌾 Small-Town Romance
🤰 Accidental Pregnancy
😏 Reformed Playboy
🏠 Roommates
👨👩👧👦 Large Ranching Family
Spice Rating: 5/5 🌶️
Review of advance copy received from Author
✨ARC Review✨
Kicking Up Dust
(Book 2 of Whittaker Ranch)
By Cassie Truett
Colton Whittaker is a certified munch.
“I just want to be a good man for my kid and her mama. I’ll do whatever you need me to do if it means I’ve got a job, we’ve got a roof over our heads, and my little girl has a safe place to run around.”
His arms feel more like home than any home I’ve ever lived in, and that scares me a little bit.
Cassie has done it again!! I am so absolutely in love with Colt and Blair! We meet Colt when he is in a pretty low place in his life. One night with Blaire though and both of their lives are changed forever. Not knowing it, bringing Colt back to life. Bringing him back to his family and showing him what happiness is. Seeing Colt gush and pamper over Blaire while she is pregnant was so freaking cute! And I just love Mama June, and how she took Blaire in as her own right away. I so want to go to Whittaker Ranch and meet this beautiful crazy family! Another absolute banger of a read!
Thank you so much Cassie and Team Cassie for the chance to ARC read!
Tropes:
Bull Rider MMC
City Girl FMC
Small Town
Accidental Pregnancy
Reformed Playboy
Roommates
Large Family Ranch
Spice starts at: 3%
Spice: 4/4
Stars: 5/5
Available on September 8, 2026
Kicking Up Dust
(Book 2 of Whittaker Ranch)
By Cassie Truett
Colton Whittaker is a certified munch.
“I just want to be a good man for my kid and her mama. I’ll do whatever you need me to do if it means I’ve got a job, we’ve got a roof over our heads, and my little girl has a safe place to run around.”
His arms feel more like home than any home I’ve ever lived in, and that scares me a little bit.
Cassie has done it again!! I am so absolutely in love with Colt and Blair! We meet Colt when he is in a pretty low place in his life. One night with Blaire though and both of their lives are changed forever. Not knowing it, bringing Colt back to life. Bringing him back to his family and showing him what happiness is. Seeing Colt gush and pamper over Blaire while she is pregnant was so freaking cute! And I just love Mama June, and how she took Blaire in as her own right away. I so want to go to Whittaker Ranch and meet this beautiful crazy family! Another absolute banger of a read!
Thank you so much Cassie and Team Cassie for the chance to ARC read!
Tropes:
Bull Rider MMC
City Girl FMC
Small Town
Accidental Pregnancy
Reformed Playboy
Roommates
Large Family Ranch
Spice starts at: 3%
Spice: 4/4
Stars: 5/5
Available on September 8, 2026
Review of advance copy received from Author
5⭐️ 3🌶️
Y’all… I. ATE. THIS. BOOK. UP! You ever read a book, and just want to start it over immediately after finishing it? That is what this book did to me, it was so freaking good!! I knew this book was going to be on the heavy side, I did not anticipate bawling my eyes out, TWICE, and I spent the last 10% of this book in a perpetual state of watery eyes. There’s just something about rough and gruff cowboys crying that will get me every dang time!
Colt is an angel baby, and I adore him to pieces, he everything good in a partner and future girl dad. All the green flag golden retriever energy! Blair is so dang relatable; she has anxiety and it represents very similar to mine. I loved how Cassie wrote her ramblings and run on sentences. It was done so well, it felt “normal” to me, lol.
Thank you, Cassie Truitt, for an advanced copy of this eBook. I love this family so much and can't wait for book 3! This ranch and its family have my whole dang heart!
Y’all… I. ATE. THIS. BOOK. UP! You ever read a book, and just want to start it over immediately after finishing it? That is what this book did to me, it was so freaking good!! I knew this book was going to be on the heavy side, I did not anticipate bawling my eyes out, TWICE, and I spent the last 10% of this book in a perpetual state of watery eyes. There’s just something about rough and gruff cowboys crying that will get me every dang time!
Colt is an angel baby, and I adore him to pieces, he everything good in a partner and future girl dad. All the green flag golden retriever energy! Blair is so dang relatable; she has anxiety and it represents very similar to mine. I loved how Cassie wrote her ramblings and run on sentences. It was done so well, it felt “normal” to me, lol.
Thank you, Cassie Truitt, for an advanced copy of this eBook. I love this family so much and can't wait for book 3! This ranch and its family have my whole dang heart!
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
RTC
Review of advance copy received from Author
OH MY GOD
Beta read, full review to come, but let me tell you I don’t know if any other book will ever live up to this
Beta read, full review to come, but let me tell you I don’t know if any other book will ever live up to this
Review of advance copy received from Author
RTC - Beta read!
My new fave Cassie Truett book 💚💚💚
My new fave Cassie Truett book 💚💚💚
Review of advance copy received from Author
beta read, full RTC but this one 🥹😭 Colt and Blair are OUT OF THIS WORLD, the yearning, he falls first 👌👌👌👌👌
Obsessed with this series
Obsessed with this series
Review of advance copy received from Author
It asked me for the source on this shit. My best friend the fuck!!! Anyway.
Yall go read this real quick !!! Great job bestie ily!!!
Yall go read this real quick !!! Great job bestie ily!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
RTC 🫶🏼
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 early read - RTC
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