Vivian Davis swore her heart was off-limits. After losing her husband, she’s left with her five-year-old daughter, Riley, and the quiet life she’s pieced together out of grief and love. She’s not looking for second chances, and she certainly isn’t looking for him.
Miles Sanchez is the town’s golden boy - a bull rider with charm as reckless as his smile and a reputation he can’t quite shake. Women fall at his boots, but the moment he lays eyes on Vivian, the rules of the game change. She isn’t impressed. She isn’t swayed. And that only makes him want her more.
As Miles pushes past her walls with a patience she doesn’t expect, Vivian finds herself caught between guilt over the love she lost and the terrifying possibility of opening her heart again. Miles is everything she shouldn’t want, yet he’s the one person who makes her believe she could still have more - that love can come twice, and be just as fierce.
But when past fears and present scars collide, Vivian and Miles must decide if their hearts are strong enough to hold on… or if some love stories are meant to end before they truly begin.
This story was such an emotional and cozy read from the start. It has that soft small-town vibe that feels really comforting, while also touching on deeper themes like grief, healing, and second chances. It’s the kind of book that feels warm and easy to get into, but still makes you feel something.
Vivian’s journey was really nice to follow, seeing her slowly open up again felt real and natural. Miles is such a sweet and protective love interest, and the way he cares for both Vivian and her daughter makes him even more lovable. Their relationship develops in a simple, heartfelt way with lots of cute moments. Some parts were a bit predictable and could have had more emotional depth, but overall it was a really enjoyable read! ❤️
Ok first off I’d like to say chapter 1 already had me in TEARS! This book is such a beautiful story of loss, love, grief, second chances and healing! Ugh it’s so beautiful
Miles is the towns Golden Boy and a Bull Rider, he is loved by everyone, a reformed playboy with a past. Miles love is patient and protective and was so nice to read, his love for Vivian and Riley had my heart bursting (Especially that fist date with the flowers 🥹)
Vivian is a widow raising her beautiful daughter, her strength and resilience shined through on the pages, she wasn’t looking for a second chance of love but it swooped in and seeing her grow and heal was just everything!
Such a good small town cowboy romance with so much emotional depth to it, the whole town was so sweet and cosy and I’m excited to see where this goes next!
🩷Single Mom x Bull Rider 🩷Emotional Scars 🩷Small Town 🩷Protective Hero 🩷Found Family
Thank you so much Janelle for allowing me to Arc read your baby!!
ARC Review Wrangled In Love by Janelle Pacheco Available March 26th
If you’re looking for a cute cowboy romance where he falls first, this book is definitely for you. It has a cozy small-town feel and really shows how much a strong community can impact the people in it.
Vivian Davis was one of my favorite parts of the story. Her strength is inspiring, and I loved watching her slowly rediscover herself. The story does a great job showing how easy it is to fall into the roles life gives us and forget who we are outside of them. Seeing Vivian grow, find her confidence again, and allow herself the chance to love was really enjoyable to read.
Miles Sanchez, the town’s golden boy and a bull rider with a bit of a playboy reputation, ended up being someone I was rooting for the entire time. He’s patient, compassionate, and incredibly supportive. His protective and caring nature made him a great match for Vivian.
Overall, I would give this book 4 stars. It was a cozy and easy read that left me with a lot of happy feelings, with just the right amount of spice.
The story follows Vivian, a young mom who has recently lost her husband. It follows her heartbreak, growth, motherhood, and journey to finding love again
Miles, who eventually becomes Vivian’s new love interest is a complex character as well. He’s a hot headed bull rider but off work he’s a giant teddy bear!! He’s a huge softie when it comes to Riley, Vivian’s daughter and will do anything to make either of them smile
He’s so understanding of Vivian’s situation and never rushes her. He never tries to replace Trevor either for both Vivian or Riley
What I loved about this book is how realistic it is. It truly shows Vivian’s dark moments going grief and raising her daughter as a single parent. Vivian also often feels guilty for developing feelings for Miles, which is a subject a lot of writers overlook when writing characters with loss.
While I loved Miles and Vivian’s relationship what really got me was the friendships and family in this book! Vivian’s best friend and dad would do anything for her!! Everyone needs a best friend like Mindy!
chapter 1??? EXCUSE ME??? I was already in TEARS 😭
This book is BEAUTIFUL! it’s one of those stories that just wraps around your heart and squeezes full of grief, healing, second chances, and the kind of love that feels safe 🥺
Miles??? don’t even get me STARTED. small town golden boy, bull rider, reformed playboy… but underneath all of that?? the most patient, gentle, protective man 😭 the way he loves vivian and riley??? yeah… my heart didn’t stand a chance (and THAT flower date??? stop it right now 🥹) and Vivian… omg. her strength?? her resilience?? the way she carries her grief but slowly allows herself to live again?? it felt so real and so raw. watching her open her heart again had me emotional the entire time… this isn’t just a romance it’s healing. it’s learning to love again when you thought you couldn’t. it’s finding light in the middle of loss. and the small town??? obsessed. cozy, supportive, found family vibes that just make everything hit even harder! I fell in love with this little family so fast!
💗 single mom x bull rider 💗 soft protective hero 💗 emotional scars & healing 💗 small town cozy vibes 💗 found family
It’s sweet, a little chaotic in the best way, and the kind of romance that just pulls you in without trying too hard. I loved how natural everything felt — the characters, the emotions, all of it. It felt like being right there with them while they figured things out, mistakes and all.
And the chemistry? Yeah… definitely there. It had me rooting for them the entire time.
Such a cute, feel-good read. Janelle Pacheco really did her thing with this debut novel.
Wrangled in Love by Janelle Pacheco is a sweet romance book about love after loss. The main character, Vivian, loses her husband very young and it changes her whole trajectory. You get an inside look at how her thoughts, her feelings and how others view her. It was really nice to read a book from a different perspective than I’m used to reading.
Now let’s talk about THE Miles Sanchez. The man exudes confidence and hotness. From his very first appearance I was interested. Then as we learn more about him it just made him even more irresistible.
But the best part of the book was that Vivian’s best friend was sassy, fun and named Mindy! I love seeing my name in books so I loved her immediately.
First, let me just say thank you so much Janelle Pacheco for this opportunity! I’m super grateful to have been able to read your first ever novel 🩷
Now onto the review!
This story was full of love, grief, hardships and a whole lot of healing.
I will say, after reading the prologue, I had to put the book down for a day as it already had me crying 😭
Vivian is a strong, heartwarming, single mother trying to get by each day after a tragedy. She is loved and supported by all around her and her 5 year old daughter Riley certainly is cute but blunt 😂
Miles is a bull riding playboy gone soft with a deep heart. He has suffered through his own trauma making him easily empathetic to others. And all he wants to do is be the very best he can be for Vivian
Their developing love was sweet to read through and I absolutely loved all of the group scenes; the one at a lake and one at Vivian’s home 😊
The other characters in the story were also beautifully written, so much so that I definitely need a book all about sassy Mindy and grumpy Greg now 🙏
Overall, this was a really enjoyable read!
If you like Cowboys, unexpected love, and a truly heartfelt story, definitely give this novel a shot 🌸
wow!! such a beautiful and easy read🥹 you could feel the tension!! i’ve fallen in love with vivian and miles little family!!
vivians grief is written so beautifully and real & the way she grows throughout the book too by balancing her grief and the guilt of feeling a new connection. overall it’s an emotional rollercoaster but loved it throughout and so worth it!🌟🌟
get ready to fall in love with Janelle Pacheco, because this debut romance is coming in so so hot! I’m honestly not surprised this was a hit, Janelle is the ultimate romance connoisseur and girl has tasteeee. if you love the chestnut springs universe, prepare to become obsessed with bluebell hollows!
this is a perfect cowboy romance with all the charm, emotions, and spice! Vivian is such an amazing fmc… strong and sweet and sassy and more. and Miles is nothing but green flags. I expected them to be hot but was honestly so so surprised to be so emotionally invested in this story. like seriously tearing up at the airport I was unwell in the best way!
I truly need more because all of the side characters were so loveable 💕 Riley will steal your heart, and I need more Greg and Mindy! overall simply a heartfelt and sweet romance that gives you so much more!
read if you like: single mom, bull rider, reformed playboy, emotional romance, he falls first, found family, grief journey, healing, small town, protective hero
thank you to the author for an arc in exchange for an honest review!
Janelle is an excellent story teller. She has weaved a story of grief, healing and love which shows that second chances are possible for everyone. It’s a beautiful story that follows Vivian, a young widower, and her daughter Riley, who have so much love to share, and Miles, the handsome cowboy who loves just as fiercely.
Reading their journey was emotional, tender, and deeply satisfying. It’s a story about opening your heart again, even when it feels impossible.
I honestly don’t even know where to begin, this has easily become one of my favourite books ever. This story made me laugh, cry, and feel so much love all at once. I completely fell in love with it in a way I didn’t expect.
This heartfelt story follows Vivian, a single mum navigating life after loss, and Miles, a charming but deeply caring cowboy who slowly becomes a huge part of her world. What starts as a romance, grows into something so much deeper, a story about healing, second chances, and finding light again.
Miles might come across as your typical handsome, cocky cowboy at first, but he is so much more than that. He’s protective, thoughtful, romantic, and carries his own past with him. The way he treats Vivian, with patience, understanding, and genuine care is everything you could want in a character. Watching his relationship with both Vivian and Riley develop through the book melts my heart. He takes the time to really bond with her and protect her as if she was his own, its soo cutee 🥹🥹
Vivian is such a strong and beautifully written character. She’s resilient, selfless, and constantly putting her daughter Riley first, even while silently battling her own grief. Seeing her journey go from a place of denial and guilt to slowly allowing herself to feel and love again was incredibly powerful and emotional. It showed the realities of love in situations like these.
What makes this book so special is that it’s not just a “spicy romance.” It goes far deeper than that. It explores different kinds of love: romantic love, love for family, friendships that become family, and most importantly, self-love. It shows the reality of life after loss, the highs and lows, and the courage it takes to give yourself permission to be happy again. The writing itself is beautiful. The level of description made it so easy to visualise every scene, and at times I actually felt like I was part of the story. Some parts really stuck with me because of their authenticity, I felt like I could really connect with the characters.
I also loved how well-developed every relationship was, not just between Vivian and Miles, but also with other characters like Riley and Mindy. Vivian’s relationship with Mindy is the perfect example of how important a strong support system really is.
If you’re looking for a love story with real depth, emotional impact, meaningful themes, a bit of spice, and (of course) a sexy cowboy, then this book is 100% for you. It honestly gave me the same warm, small-town, cowboy romance vibes as the Chestnut Springs series by Elsie Silver (one of my all time favs), which made me love it even more.
Janelle, I remember when you first shared the early ideas and drafts of this story on your bookstagram, and seeing it come to life like this is honestly so inspiring. You’ve poured so much heart, passion, and love into this, and it truly shows. I’m so proud of you for taking that leap and believing in yourself, and I already can’t wait to see what you write next! ❤️❤️
When I saw that Janelle would be publishing her first book I was so excited to read it. And I’m honestly so proud of you because for your debut this book was amazing to read!! 👏🏻💐
The story follows Vivian who is a single mum trying to heal through her grief of losing her late husband and building a life for herself and her daughter. Her journey to growth was written well and seeing her open and give love another chance was so beautiful.
Miles he’s such a sweetheart, who’s kind, caring and patient and as well protective of Vivian and her daughter. Reading his interactions with her daughter was so cute to read and loved every moment.
This book is a story of love, loss, second chances and healing and if you love small town romance this is the book for you.
Thank you again Janelle for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review. Once again I’m so proud and looking forward to reading more of your works! 💞
Vivianne is that girl - strong, in touch with her emotions, and knows exactly what she wants. Her confidence grew throughout the book, which we love to see!!
This book touched on grief so realistically. The timeline and the thought processes of moving on didn’t feel rushed at all. Viviannes raw moments of guilt from even thinking of moving on felt genuine. I really appreciate how her grief still existed at the end of the book, just not as obviously. It evolved with her throughout the book, and didn’t just disappear.
Miles was more than just a cowboy trope🤠 He had emotions and he wasn’t afraid to show that. He was protective, kind, open, and ready to fight for those he loved. He didn’t let his past define him. I LOVED his attitude towards Vivs grief, ensuring she could honour her late husband in any way she wanted to, whenever she wanted to, without having to worry about what Miles thought. He honoured that previous relationship, and wanted to ensure that both Viv and Riley were able to talk about him freely.
Riley was an absolute joy to read about. Just because she’s a child doesn’t mean she idn’t grieving just as deeply as her mom, and this book demonstrated this perfectly. Her cheekiness was endearing and her relationship with Miles was adorable to read about. Their relationship didn’t feel forced, it felt natural.
The ranch/cowboy setting wasn’t overwhelming or constantly mentioned, which was refreshing. It felt fitting to the plot without overshadowing the story. And the ranch/lake scenes - omg!!
Overall, this book had a heavy emotional weight but it wasn’t overwhelming. It felt uplifting and caused many giddy smiles despite the heavy topic of grief.
If you like: - single mom & cowboy romance - Protector dynamic - Small town/ranch community vibes
This is such a sweet and emotional story about grief, healing, and finding love again. The prologue completely broke my heart, and I was hooked right from the start.
Vivian a single mom to five years old Riley. I loved her so much, she's strong, resilient, and full of love. Miles, a cocky bull rider and reformed playboy 🤭 was the perfect contrast, carrying his own pain beneath that charm.
I adored how their relationship developed slowly and naturally, filled with the loveliest moments. The way Miles understood what Vivian had been through and took things slow was the sweetest thing ever. I'm a sucker for nicknames and him calling her Bambi AHHHHH!!! 🤌🤌🤭 It felt so good to see how they both opened up to each other, especially Miles.
I really liked all the side characters, Riley, Vivian's dad, and her best friend Mindy. They were all so supportive, and Mindy totally reminded me of Willa from Heartless 🤭. But hands down, Riley, the wild child is my favorite. She's such a sweet and mature kid.
This book had so many cozy moments.. arcade date nights, time spent with horses 🐴, and warm family dinners 🥹. The first half of the book had such great pacing, and I was completely hooked. The second half felt a little flat for me, but I still loved all the sweet moments throughout.
Also… I spy two more books in the series 👀 Mindy & Greg, and Dahlia & Cam? I'm so ready 🤭
If you're looking for a sweet and cozy cowboy romance, you should definitely add this to your TBR.
Tropes: Single Mom x Bull Rider Protective MMC Reformed Playboy Cowboy Romance Small Town Found Family
This was such a sweet, cozy cowboy read with so much emotion behind it. Miles the reformed playboy who lives for the adrenaline of the arena and the roar of the crowd never planned on wanting forever. But then he meets Vivian. He calls her Bambi, and the second someone crosses the line with her? He’s ready to throw hands. Protective cowboy energy at its finest.
Vivian is a young widow raising her daughter Riley, building a quiet life filled with movie nights and dancing to ABBA in the kitchen like no one’s watching. She calls him Sanchez, keeps her heart guarded, and carries more emotional scars than she lets anyone see.
What made this story so beautiful was the way it handled grief, healing, and second chances. Watching Miles slowly become part of Vivian and Riley’s little world was so heartwarming. His love is patient, steady, and protective in all the best ways.
This isn’t just a cowboy romance it’s a story about finding love again after loss and realizing your heart is still capable of more. Soft. Emotional. Healing.
A truly beautiful small-town cowboy love story. 🤠📚
✨ Small town ✨ Cowboy romance ✨ Single mom x bull rider ✨ Reformed playboy ✨ Found family ✨ Emotional scars ✨ Sworn off relationship
I knew this book was going to be good as soon as I read the dedication 🩷
Vivian is a widow and single mom to a daughter, Riley. I fell in love with her character instantly. Her resilience and determination shined on page and I really enjoyed her journey.
Miles is a reformed playboy with a dark past. I enjoyed reading about the found family between him and Greg. His relationship with Riley was so sweet (when he gave her flowers on his first date with Vivian...my heart 🥹).
This story felt like a second chance for both Vivian and Miles to get the life they want and deserve. Their love teaches us that everyone is deserving of happiness and to not get scared when confronted with it.
The small town of Bluebell Hollows was so cute and I loved meeting the cast of characters. This whole book felt so immersive and cozy.
I'm so impressed this is the author's first book! What a great debut novel! I can't wait to read what she writes next.
Thank you to the author for the ARC! All opinions are my own.
If you’re craving a cozy, single mom x Bull rider, a feel good cowboy romance where he falls first, Wrangled In Love by Janelle Pacheco absolutely delivers it.
Set in a warm small town, this story captures that comforting energy the kind where people show up for each other in ways that truly matter. That sense of community adds so much heart, making every emotional beat land even deeper.
But beyond the swoon and chemistry, what really stands out is the emotional journey. Watching these characters learn to open their hearts again even when it feels impossible is tender, raw, and deeply satisfying. This is the kind of romance that leaves you smiling long after you turn the last page.
Reading their journey was emotional, tender, and deeply satisfying. It’s a story about opening your heart again, even when it feels impossible.
I absolutely loved this book!! it took me on such an emotional rollercoaster — I was crying at the start, laughing, then crying again, and completely falling in love with Vivian and Miles along the way.
If you’re into romance (especially cowboy romance), this is 100% for you. Vivian is such a strong, inspiring character, balancing loss, single motherhood, and work without ever feeling unrealistic. Miles is perfect book boyfriend, a confident famous bull rider with a soft side — I couldn’t get enough of him.
Their connection felt so genuine, and the slow burn just made everything hit harder. Honestly, I’m still not over them🥹
I can’t wait for the next book! I need Mindy and Greg ASAPPPP!! ✨✨✨
I was so lucky to have gotten an ARC of this book and since it isn’t out I won’t share details! But this book was so good! I loved seeing the connection between the love interests grow, and I fell in love with Riley she is the cutest kid! I loved this book and definitely recommend it!! I appreciate the opportunity again that Janelle chose me and one of her early readers!!🥰💕
i liked the storyline overall, but the writing felt very juvenile. again, i liked the characters in general, but their dialogue felt so forced and awkward. i think chemistry was pretty good, but it was overshadowed by the writing. and riley was very cute, but no child is that well-behaved.
Honestly, I am not one to read romance books or books with any spice in them. But I can say that this book has gotten me into them!! I laughed, cried, felt sympathy and so many other emotions while reading it! I fell in love with Miles and Vivians story!!