Lassoed Love

Silver Saddle Ranch #2

by Ann Einerson

Spicy lessons turn into undeniable chemistry, blurred lines, and broken rules between a reformed cowboy Casanova and the girl he’s secretly pined after for years in this steamy, friends-to-lovers, fake-dating, small-town romance by Ann Einerson.

I wasn’t expecting to bail my little sister’s best friend out of jail.

But what else could I do? I’ve wanted her for far longer than I care to admit. Too bad she thinks I’m a notorious playboy, leaving me firmly in the friend zone. Not that I didn’t earn that reputation once upon a time, but Birdie is the only one I have eyes for now.

Luck is on my side when, after a few too many shots, the girl of my dreams propositions me. Will I be the first one to take her for a roll in the hay and teach her everything I know?

Getting involved with the woman I’ve been yearning for is a bad idea. But it’s one I plan to take for a ride, especially when Birdie becomes my fake girlfriend with benefits.

This might not be my first rodeo, but agreeing to give her spicy lessons blurs the lines between friendship and what lies beyond. If I’m already bending the rules, I’m determined to lasso her heart.

Genres: Romance, Westerns, Friends To Lovers, Fake Dating, Cowboy Romance, Small Town Romance, He Falls First

364 pages, Paperback

Published March 26, 2026

About the author

Ann Einerson is the author of enchanting contemporary romance novels that will keep you hooked until the very last page, complete with heroes who fall hard and the heroines who keep them on their toes. She believes sometimes the best family is the one we find, curiosity is good for the soul, and a good book isn’t complete without banter.

You can find Ann surrounded by her ample supply of sticky notes ready for inspiration and ideas. When she’s not writing, Ann enjoys spoiling her chatty pet chickens, listening to her dysfunctional playlists, and going for late-night treadmill runs. She lives in Michigan with her husband.

Follow Along Online:
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Website → www.anneinerson.com
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Reviews

[Heather Adores Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐
Genre ~ contemporary romance
Series ~ Silver Saddle Ranch #2
Others in the series ~ Wrangled Love
Setting ~ Montana
Publication date ~ March 26, 2026
Est Page Count ~ 366 (32 chapters +e)
POV ~ dual 1st, present tense
Featuring ~ tropes listed below + sisters best friend, some steamage

Birdie (25) & Walker have been friends for a long time, each harboring a secret crush. When he sees her awkwardness towards guys one too many times he proposes they fake date so he can teach her everything she needs to know about dating and sex. Secretly it's just an excuse for him to spend more time with her.

Walker is literally obsessed with her, but it doesn’t come off creepy at all. It’s really sweet how he made changes in his life in order to make himself better for a chance with her. And what he does for her family without her knowing was super sweet. Swoony worthy.

Birdie is 25, but comes off much younger due to her lack of experience. She’s a virgin and very eager for the hot cowboy to teach her the ropes. I really love her animal rescuing efforts and how that all works out in the end. Her relationship with her mom, who has early onset Parkinson's disease, was something really special.

Overall, it had cute and sweet moments, but I didn’t get too much of a fake dating vibe since it was never really fake for either of them. No drama is always a hit with me and here there’s barely any on the relationship front.

Series notes:
I always think it's best to read series in order. Briar and Jensen are involved a bit in this story, but I suppose there isn't really too many spoilers for their relationship.

Pre-reading notes:
We have an adorable cover and tropes! 🤠 🩵 🥳

✨ Cowboy Romance
✨ Fake Dating
✨ Friends to Lovers
✨ Spicy Lessons
✨ He's Obsessed with Her
✨ Rope Play
✨Small Town Charm

Here's my review for book 1, Wrangled Love, in case you wanted to get started on the series before this one comes out on March 26th.

[joni ౨ৎ - hiatus · Rating 4 out of 5]

𐙚⋆°｡⋆♡ ── pre read

i loved book 1 in this series and a book where he's been in love with the animal saviour of the town for years?! and sister's best friend / sister's older brother trope + friends to lovers!! YES yes please


↪ started apr 7
↪ finished apr 9

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG, I didn't expect to love it so much!! All the characters are so sweet and the relationship between Birdie and Walker is so pure, with so much kindness and patience between them. I loved seeing Jensen and Briar again. This story reminded me why I love small-town romances so much. For that friendly atmosphere where you feel right at home.

Thank you to the author because I think this is the book where the vegetarian rep is portrayed best. I felt seen and understood. I saw so much of myself in Birdie and her love for animals and that means so much to me. She's an eccentric, original (and a little crazy) woman but so extraordinary in the values ​​she stands for. She's both shy and awkward, yet strong and sure of her convictions (even if it means breaking the law). She's a true ray of sunshine who brings smiles to faces wherever she goes. I think Birdie is the kind of woman I aspire to be.

Walker has to be one of the sweetest cowboys I've ever read about. Genuinely kind, generous and so gentle with Birdie, he holds my heart in his hands. This man's love language is definitely acts of service. He juggles his job as a deputy and the ranch while thinking about his future. I loved the respect he has for everyone he meets and how he treats Birdie like she's the most precious thing in the world. He's so obsessed with her, always looking for an excuse to get her attention. THE YEARNING PLEASE.

They're so perfect for each other an obvious match that everyone else saw except them (well, Birdie, because Walker was just waiting for that). And I can’t forget Nugget, the funniest side character.

"You're my endgame, Birdie Mae Matterson. Like I said at the lake I'm in this for the long haul. I'll wait as long as it takes for you to see that I'm all in-today, tomorrow, and always."

[Twins Reading Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m almost always gonna eat up a cowboy romance and here was no exception!!! All the characters are well developed, we know their present and intriguing past history, their relation to each other, their feelings, their quirks, everything! The life on the ranch presentedby Ann's details is marvelous, it's beauty, it's hardships, it's details, are so well written we can feel the sweat, the hot sun, the hard work, the good vibes between this big happy family, joint together in Saddle Ranch!
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Lassoed Love by Ann Einerson delivers such a well-structured plot with a rehabilitated cowboy with an infamous history and the one woman who has always thrown off his internal compass! The small town atmosphere is one of impersonal pressure, where reputations hold significance and thoughts mean everything, at the very heart is Walker a thirty-one years old cowboy who once lived like a rodeo legend but now walks with the careful proprioceptive awareness of someone trying not to damage the one relationship that counts!
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Birdie, the sister's best friend, whom he has secretly desired for years, ruptures that level when situations force them into a dangerous arrangement, the fake dating arrangement runs as gasoline on a smoldering spark, which turns ordinary friendship into something addicting and contagious, the electricity between Walker and Birdie was mind-blowing, I just couldn't handle it, my heart couldn't handle it, Ann has really written two flawless characters that entered in my brain and heart from the very first chapters, her lyrical prose is just chef's kiss, Ann has an original and unique style of writing that along with the plot makes you devour the whole book in one sittin ... a magnificent page-turner!
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Lassoed Love is a terrific romance book and it really delivers an intriguing plot and that can only happens when character chemistry takes the lead, and in this book this happens from the very first chapters, the plot feeds on the differences between what the characters say and what their instincts suggest! That gap inspires an emotional story that is addictive, entertaining, yet occasionally unpredictable in the most remarkable way! The author Ann Einerson keeps the dangers high, paying special attention to trust, vulnerability, and whether two longtime friends can survive crossing a line they once promised not to cross, moments of humor cut through the heat, establishing the connection in something believable and it's the literary comparable of a late-night rodeo ride, adrenaline-rushing, little risky, and spectacular, another masterpiece from Ann Einerson in her new series, I just can't wait to read more books from her, hands down she is one of the best cowboy romance in the romance literature!!!

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

What to Expect:
Small Town
Sister's Best Friend
Friends to Lovers
Fake Dating
Spicy Lessons

Ann is back with the next installment of her Silver Saddle Ranch series, and this time it is Birdie's turn for a happily ever after!

This was a cute and easy romance through and through. Birdie is the local animal lover who is willing and able to rescue any stray who needs care. Walker is a deputy sheriff who works with Birdie's dad, the sheriff. Walker has had a crush on Birdie for years, even with his playboy reputation. Birdie has never been kissed before, let alone spent any significant time in bed with a man. When Birdie propositions Walker into being her first, he suggests that they fake date so he can show her all the ways she deserves to be treated.

This book was sweet to its core. The friend group and Walker's family chat were hilarious additions to the story and had me giggling with glee. I loved how much Walker took care of Birdie and how much he did for her family without any recognition or praise. He did it because he wanted to help them out as they were dealing with Birdie's mom's illness in private.

If you are looking for a sweet romance that is low on conflict but full of character and charm, this book is for you! Thank you so much to Ann for the early copy of Lassoed Love!

[Lauren (lololovesthings) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars.

"Lassoed Love" by Ann Einerson is an excellent small-town fake dating "teach-me-lessons" romance! I am not a huge friends-to-lovers fan, but Ann makes the trope her own, AND convincingly! I adored the main characters, Birdie and Walker, both together and individually. I loved their friendship, I loved their "lessons," I loved their connection with one another, I loved their small town, and I loved their chemistry! They really have terrific banter with one another. Walker is such a terrific book boyfriend. He is full of, as the youths say, green flags. He loved Birdie as a friend so much that he stayed in the friend zone because of it, despite harboring intense feelings for her. He is smouldering, protective, and has other secrets up his sleeve (in and out of the bedroom!). And Birdie? What a gem! She's never met an animal she doesn't love. Fiercely loyal to both human and furry friends, she's guided by a moral compass and a little help from her sheriff father. She's never been in a relationship and wants Walker to teach her how to do everything: how to kiss properly, how to flirt, how to, well, you know... the only complication is that Walker has been in love with Birdie forever, so their "lessons" are very, very real to him! Eventually, they start to become real to Birdie, too. I found this book easy to read. It's not overly complicated, it's easy to get invested in, and it isn't too terribly long. It's well-paced and funny, too! I recommend this one!

Thank you to Ann Einerson and The Smuthood for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.

[Marrissa Horton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ann always writes the swooniest romances with the most endearing characters! Birdie and Walker were just perfect. I can relate to Birdie with her softness for animals and collecting them. She is the sweetest, and the way Walker completely adored her was too. And on top of giving you a tooth ache, whew! They are spicy too 😅 This book checks all the boxes! I laughed, had my heartstrings pulled on, and adored the small town feels, and all of the Gilmore Girls love!

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁 ⇣
Cowboy romance
Small town
Friends to lovers
Fake dating
He’s obsessed with her
Spicy lessons
Dual POV
Spice

[Anca A · Rating 4 out of 5]

#Review: *Lassoed Love* - Ann Einerson - ARC [18+]
4.3/5✨
3.5/5🌶️

As deputy sheriff, Walker Halstead had the surprise of finding the girl he likes behind bars. Why? Well, that was a funny event which came with some troubles for Birdie Matterson. Besides saving her from this situation, Walker also steps in to help Birdie with some love lessons, because he was well-known for being a playboy. Of course that things would not go the way they planned and because they were living in a small town meant that gossip was easy to start. One thing lead to another and they somehow ended up in a fake relationship. But was anything from what they shared really that fake in the end?

This story was suuuper funny!! Birdie was such a clumsy girl and was always getting in trouble because of her love for animals. On the other side, we had serious and calculated Walker, who was festering a deep secret crush for Birdie. Her proposal was exactly what he needed to get closer to her and I truly liked that banter and all those lessons for Birdie. Along the way, things heated up between the two, transforming into a desire impossible to ignore. And all that spice was fireee!! Because deputy Walker really knew how to treat a woman. 🤭

I had a great time reading this story, laughing so much and getting swooned by our deputy sheriff. I feel like this book would be perfect for readers who love Lucy Score, Meghan Quinn or Tessa Bailey's books, giving me some similar vibes, with funny characters and situations, mixed up with pretty much spice 🤭.

Thank you so much Ann for this e-ARC💖. Happy to be part of your Content Team 🥰.

✨Tropes
▫️Fake Dating
▫️Friends To Lovers
▫️Spicy Lessons
▫️He's Obsessed With Her
▫️Rope Play
▫️Cowboy Romance
▫️Small Town
▫️Swoony Hero

[Katie Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think Birdie and Walker have just become my new favourite Ann Einerson couple😩. I am a sucker for the fake dating trope, but one person suggesting fake dating because they are completely head over heels for the other and it’s the only way they can stay in their proximity? Well I mean that is just so much better🤭.

We caught glimpses of Birdie throughout Briars book (Wrangled Love). She is sweet FMC who loves to rescue animals from bad situations and even wants to start a nonprofit some day. Our MMC Walker is Briars brother and while he may work on the ranch part time he is also the volunteer deputy and works along side Birdie’s father.

Birdie has had her fair share of awkward flirting scenarios and after one evening while she is out in the local bar, where Walker also happens to be she plucks up the courage (or most likely it’s the booze giving that courage to her) to ask Walker to become her teacher about all things regarding intimacy, flirting and honestly just men in general

Of course Walker being the gentleman brings Birdie back to her house and stays the night on the floor to ensure she is ok. The next morning he suggests fake dating, if he’s going to be around teaching her they may as well come up as a cover as to why they’ll be spending time with one another. Walker definitely used this to his advantage as he is absolutely head over heels for Birdie and he wants to spend all his time in her vicinity so he will do it in any way he can.

I absolutely loved these two, while Birdie may have thought it was a fake relationship that certainly wasn’t the case for Walker. I loved seeing Walker go above and beyond for Birdie. Whether this was bringing her veggie, meals or ensuring he was always available to support her, nothing was too little when it came to Birdie.

Birdie definitely holds a lot of weight on her shoulders. Her mother was diagnosed with early onset Parkinson’s disease. Her father wanted to keep the diagnosis a secret and as such she had to carry this for years without the support of friends. When Birdie was finally able to open up about this she had the support of Walker and her friends.

From the glimpse that we see of our next couple it will most certainly be interesting and I cannot wait for them.

Thank you to the author who provided this e-arc for my honest thoughts 💭

[Sarah | Sarahs.BookCorner · Rating 5 out of 5]

✩5

✦What to Expect✦
•Fake dating
•Friends to lovers
•Spicy lessons
•He’s obsessed with her
•Rope play
•Cowboy romance

✦Characters✦
•Walker Halstead
•Birdie Matterson

✦Fav Quotes✦
“I think I’m falling in love with you, Birdie, baby,”

One thing is for sure: I won’t make that mistake again. I’m done sitting on the sidelines of my own story.

Birdie Matterson is my endgame. ----- I’ve lived a life without her in it, where she was just a friend, and now that I’ve experienced what it’s like to call her mine, there’s no going back.

“It was all for you, Birdie,”

✦Thoughts✦
Oh my goodness, I loved this one!!!
I couldn’t put it down and was hooked right away.

Such a sweet & easy read that just pulls at the heartstrings. It had my smiling the whole dam time 🥹

These two together were just so sweet and had me GIDDDYYY. I loved them!!

Their friendship was so sweet and they just made me so happy. Also Walker SIRRRRRR..HOTT!

Her relationship with her mom and the all the Gilmore Girls love… I loved it!

I love this friendship group and families!

Heath & Charlie!!! I AM SO EXCITED FOR!!

✦Micro-Tropes✦
•"Good girl
•“Use me”
•Fun with toys
•"Eyes on me me”
•Edging

•ARC Read•

✦ Bookish links to follow ✦
Bookstagram • Goodreads • BookBub • Storygraph • Fable

[daphne · Rating 4 out of 5]

“𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐈’𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝—𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬, 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐥𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐦𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞. 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐬, 𝐈 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈’𝐥𝐥 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐬𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐨𝐧, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐞𝐫 𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐢𝐭.”

Ann Einerson pulls through every single time. Lassoed Love was so wholesome and I especially loved all the animals (I mean come on - a chicken named Nugget?). I’m a big fan of the chronic illness rep in this one and the emotional vulnerability overall. Walker & Birdie’s romance was everything, starting off with spicy lessons as “friends” to then evolve into the most trusting and caring relationship was weirdly touching to read. I cannot wait for the next book as I ate up all the Charlie and Heath crumbs in this one.

the vibes ™:
- animal rescuer with the cutest animals
- cowboy (& sheriff on the side: talking about best of both worlds)
- found family
- funny banter
- parkinson rep
- spicy lessons

💌 special thanks to the author for allowing me to read this as an arc

[Kimberley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lassoed Love might be my favourite reads by Ann. This one features Walker and Birdie and honestly Walker is everything. He is the local deputy sheriff and works on the family farm and his sister is Birdie’s best friend. Birdie’s whole life is rescuing neglected animals and supporting her family as they deal with a family member’s illness. This fake dating, friends to lovers small town romance with the most entertaining friendship group was a joy to read. I really enjoyed this one and can’t wait for the next book in the series.
Between 4 1/2 & 5 🌟
I received a complementary copy from the author.

[Jen Altman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lassoed Love is the perfect blend of sweet small-town charm, spicy lessons, and a hero so full of green flags he’ll have you swooning from page one. Walker is a reformed playboy who’s been silently pining for Birdie, his sister’s best friend, for years. When Birdie, the town’s sweet animal-rescuing good girl, asks him to teach her the ropes of dating and intimacy, Walker uses fake dating as the perfect excuse to finally claim the woman who he’s been smitten with. The chemistry during their "love lessons" is mind-blowing and the heat is sizzling, but it’s the way Walker silently supports Birdie through her mother’s secret battle with Parkinson’s that truly broke me. He doesn’t just want her body. He wants to be the one person she can finally lean on and seeing him better himself to be worthy of her was everything.

Birdie is such a gem of a character! She’s fiercely loyal, incredibly hard-working, and so relatable in her vulnerability. While she thinks they’re just checking off a bucket list of firsts, Walker is busy proving that he’s been hers since the very beginning. The world of Silver Saddle Ranch is so immersive. With hilarious group chats, zero unnecessary drama, and a found family dynamic that feels like a warm hug, it’s impossible not to fall in love with this community. If you love a protective, obsessed cowboy who treats his lady like a queen and a "fake" relationship that is 100% real from the first kiss, this book belongs on your TBR! 🤠✨

[iara ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,25/5 ⭐️

STOP THIS WAS SO CUTE??? i had such a good time diving into Birdie and Walker’s love story!
i absolutely loved seeing Walker in his lover boy era, this man is utterly obsessed with Birdie and is ready to do EVERYTHING to have her by his side
Birdie is the cutest girl ever, she has the most beautiful soul 🤧 so happy she finally found someone who’s ready to put her and her happiness above anything else!

can’t wait to go back to this universe for the next book! so so ready for Charlie and Heat’s banter

[Elisalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yeah, I’m honestly not that easy to please. The book was really good overall, with some genuinely sweet moments. I also liked that the hero was all-in for her right from the start. He used to be, let’s say, a bit of a player, but he’s been celibate for six years and is now trying to win over his great love.

Unfortunately, it was just a bit too sweet. There was basically no real conflict, and it ended up getting kind of boring. Around the 85% mark, I didn’t really feel the urge to keep reading, which is a shame because it started off really strong.

No OW/OM drama
Heroine a virgin..
Hero reformed manwhore
Celibate when he started developing feelings for the FMC (6years)

[Gina Blades · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute & spicy friends-to-lovers cowboy romance 💝

4⭐️ 2-2.5🌶️ ARC REVIEW: 📖 LASSOED LOVE 📖 by Ann Einerson ✨ This is book 2 in the Silver Saddle Ranch series set in Bluebell, Montana but can be read as a standalone. Birdie is inexperienced and awkward around men, so when she asks Walker to ‘teach’ her, he proposes they fake date to make their relationship look real. But Walker never was pretending, and he didn’t have any intention of her using her new confidence to date anyone else. 🤫 He’s all in and has a plan to convince her they are meant to be. Walker thinks she deserves the world and wants to give it to her, show her she’s cherished. 🥹 When he calls her ‘Birdie, baby’ or tells her that he missed her? I melt. 🫠 He’s so supportive of her and helps turn her dreams into reality. 👏🏻 Walker reminds her that she never has to be alone again - that she has a support system. We also get a dirty mouth 😮‍💨, edg!ng, lots of ‘good girl’, and toys as teammates. 🤭 Plus, some creative use of rope. 🥵

Birdie Matterson runs an animal sanctuary out of her house, and often involves her friends in her late-night animal liberation adventures, even though her dad is the town Sheriff. Oops 😂 Her dream is to buy more land and start a nonprofit, but that will have to wait because she works at the feed store and helps take care of her mom that has Parkinson’s. She knows she’s overly cautious and mothers everyone (especially her friend, Charlie, that has diabetes). She is awkward around guys and wants to lose her V, so she drunkenly tells Walker to be her first. Walker is shocked, and can’t possibly let someone else do it, of course, so he makes her a deal - fake date him and he will teach her everything she needs to know. She’s tired of running; she wants to live her life and be in the moment rather than be afraid. She feels safe with him - not embarrassed, ashamed, or any judgment. Walker is her person.

Walker Halstead is a volunteer sheriff deputy, and the rest of the time he runs Silver Saddle Ranch with his brother, Heath. He’s pined for Birdie for years. She’s awkward and quirky, and Walker thinks it’s endearing. He respects and treasures her, wants to protect her. He treats this like an actual relationship, and notices the little things. He woos her - shows her how a real man should treat her. He makes her feel safe, and puts her at ease. When he calls her ‘baby’ I’m a goner. He’s patient, attentive, and has a plan to make her fall for him - he will wait for her to catch up and realize what they have isn’t temporary, that they belong together and that nobody could love her like he does. He worships her - every inch. He’s grateful she trusts him to show her how it can be.

I loved the girl group made up of Briar, Birdie, Charlie and Wren. They are a Ride-or-die friend group since childhood, and they have each other’s backs. Their text chat is hilarious. 😂

❤️ He thinks she’s sexy when she’s riled up, and cute when she’s flustered.
❤️ ‘Mine’/He gets so jealous 🤣
❤️ He calls her ‘troublemaker’
❤️ He gets her home when she’s drunk, and makes her breakfast 🍳 🫠
❤️ He remembers her coffee order
❤️ Aftercare

Favorite quotes:
God, she's so damn pretty it knocks the wind out of me.

He's clearly into Birdie, and I'd rather shove a hot poker into my brain than watch him ask her out.

"Want your coffee now too?"
"You made me coffee?"
“Everyone in Bluebell knows you can't leave the house without your full caffeine quota."

"Can't wait to start pretend dating you, troublemaker."

"Such a good girl.”
"Your good girl.”
“That's right. Mine."

Birdie Matterson is my endgame. I may have been her first, but I fully intend to be her last.

"I love you, Birdie. It's always been you. I've been yours from the start. I was just waiting for you to catch up."

Little did I know that he believed we belonged together long before I even realized it was a possibility-and that he was prepared to do whatever it took to lasso my heart.

Read this if you like:
*Small town romance
*Cowboy romance
*Friends to lovers
*Fake dating
*Spicy lessons
*Praise
*Rope play
*Reformed playboy
*Possessive MMC
*He pines for her
*Caretaking

Content warning: parent with young-onset Parkinson’s disease

I can’t wait for book 3 - Tethered Love - Heath & Charlie’s story 💜

Thank you to Ann and The Smuthood for letting me read/review. All opinions are my own.

[Sienasummerrreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This follows Birdie, who loves her animals and dreams of running her own sanctuary doing everything by the book, even if she does tend to get into a little mischief around town by taking in strays. Then we have Walker, a deputy and the town heartthrob with a bit of a reputation. But everything shifts the moment he sets eyes on Birdie, and he starts going out of his way to be near her whenever he can. The question is how will he win her over?

I loved watching Birdie and Walker fall in love. This man was so down bad for her it was wholesome, sweet, and had me smiling the entire time. Birdie has such a beautiful spirit and would do anything for an animal in need. She’s innocent in the most endearing way, and I loved those moments when she got flustered when trying to express herself to Walker. It was brilliant watching her become confident and feel safe.

Walker is the ultimate book boyfriend. I melted every time he said “Birdie baby.” The way he guided her, supported her, and showed up for her every step of the way had me completely swooning. And the little things he did without Birdies knowledge just made me love him even more.

These two are honestly perfect for each other.

I always enjoy Ann’s stories they’re the kind that make you feel good while still taking you through a range of emotions. I’m looking forward to her next book.

Genre/Type: Adult Romance 18+
APK: Kindle ARC
Pages: 366
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
Spicy Chapters: 15, 16, 19, 24, 28 and 32
POV: First Person
Series or Standalone: Book Two In The Silver Saddle Ranch Series
Tropes or Themes: Cowboy, Small Town, Best Friends Brother, Friends To Lovers, Fake Dating, Age Gap (7yr), He Falls First, Banter, Chemistry, Flirty, Banter, Alcohol, Sexual Content, Praise, Virgin, Spicy Lessons, Oral Play, Toys, Toys As Teammates, Taken Bare, Restrictive Play, Edge Play, Impact Play, Car Scene and Outside Scene.
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[Megan | Megan.Reads.Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

WE LOVE A DOWN BAD MMC + Walker DELIVERED.

Thanks to Ann Einerson for the ARC - these are my honest thoughts.

I was so excited for book two in the Silver Saddle Ranch universe, and I was extra curious about Birdie, the animal-loving (to the point of criminal activity) bestie of Briar, and I was even MORE intrigued to see her + Briar's brother, Walker, paired up.

Birdie is feeling like she's a little stuck and decides she needs to live! Her mama's health isn't great, and between her animals and her job and caretaking, there isn't a lot of time for *extra* curricular activities (as in, she's had no extra curricular activities... ever). She heads to the bar one night and decides, TONIGHT IS THE NIGHT. Except, she's awkward and elbows a guy in the nose. No big deal, because in walks Walker, coming to save the day again. And when these two strike up an arrangement (of the sexy variety), Walker takes that opening and runs with it. He needs to figure out how to talk Birdie into giving him a real chance, so he takes a fake one when the opportunity arises (of the fake dating variety). Except, he really teaches her how to be herself, because she's the girl he loves already.

READ IF YOU LOVE:
- Cowboy/deputy MMC
- Animal-loving, vegetarian FMC
- Best friend's brother
- Spicy lessons (and sweet ones, too)
- Reformed playboy x virgin
- A man obsessed
- Quirky animal side characters
- Fake dating
- He falls first
- Small town
- Caretaking
- Sweet secrets
- Emotional mature main characters
- Friends & family group chats
- "I'm your first and your last" + "mine" vibes

This one is out now + available in KU! Definitely give it a read! Five stars!

[Amity Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was obsessed!! From the very beginning this one had me sucked in! I was so sad to see Walker & Birdie’s story come to an end! This one left me feeling all the things. Laughing, swooning, emotional moments, and absolutely steamy spicy lessons!!

Dare I say this is my favorite by Ann so far?!? 🤭 fake dating is always a fave, but this one just had me loving every second. Small town, friends to lovers, with absolutely hilarious friend group chats, I was sat for this book!!

Birdie is just the sweetest and genuine FMC. Dedicated to rescuing animals and taking care of her family. Walker is a town deputy who works closely with her father, and is harboring some strong feelings for Birdie. When she decided to proposition him for some fake dating and lessons in all things spice & flirting, things definitely heat up and get real with these two!!

You guys are absolutely going to be kicking your feet and obsessing over these two characters!! I couldn’t put this one down & I certainly can’t wait for more from this series!!

Thank you Ann for writing such an amazing story that had me falling in love right along with these two!! 🥹😭🩷

[Apryl (inmybookishgirlera) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! I was obsessed from chapter one. I felt all the things. Swooning, laughing, and some emotional moments. And them spicy lessons had me sat😮‍💨 This is my favorite book by Ann yet! So many of my fav tropes fake dating, friends to lovers, small town and sisters best friend. I loved all the side characters, and I’m always feral for hilarious group chats!

Birdie is so genuine and sweet, and has a love for rescuing animals. We meet her in book one, her best friend is Briar. And Birdie has always had a thing for Briar’s brother Walker. Walker is a deputy working with Birdie’s dad the towns sheriff. He’s also had a thing for Birdie. So what happens when she propositions him do fake date her and give her some spicy lessons?!😮‍💨

Definitely recommended this one! This releases on 3/26! I can’t wait for book 2! I’m dying for Charlie and Heath’s book! The tension between them in this book was so good!
Thank you to Ann and the smut hood for this advanced copy!

5⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Fake dating
Sisters best friend
Friends to lovers
Small town
Spicy lessons

[Lola Kilgus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to @authoranneinerson for the opportunity to read and review!
I absolutely ADORED everything about this book! Birdie is an animal lover and will do anything to save the animals, Walker is a helper on the ranch but is also an officer at the local department. Birdie, being a virgin, decides she wants to have the experiences others do, but Walker is secretly hating the idea of it being with anyone BUT HIM! They come up with a plan to fake date while he teaches her what she wants to learn. He’s so attentive to her and her feelings 😭 absolute swoon worthy! He is definitely book boyfriend material which leaves me to my next point!

Birdies mom is really sick and her visits with her were super heartfelt. Walker is also visiting with her mom, reading to her and helping with yard work but birdie doesn’t know that her dad asked him to help. When she finds out 😭😭😭 literally the sweetest mannnn!

I was cackling when her friends and her came together to help her move her animals because of a nosy neighbor 🤣Charlie and Heath are something else! The ending was spectacular! Kudos to her dad for making her dream come true!

I can’t WAIT for book 3!!! I think I know who’s getting their next book 😍 (Please let it be Charlie and Heath👀)

[Maddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️’s

A new addition to my go-to cozy x spicy romance recs!! Ann absolutely knocked it out of the park with Walker and Birdie. Lassoed Love is the tender, sweet romcom that I was craving. I thoroughly enjoyed how the book kicked off pacing-wise and literally had to put it down at 3am so I could get to bed last night!!

And I could feel the sensitivity and care Ann put into the storyline of Birdie’s mom’s health.

And the spice???? I looooooveeeee me a fake dating x spicy lessons book and this absolutely ate. (Well, I mean Walker does plenty of that WHO SAID THAT hehe).

Overall a strong cowboy romance for a sweet and steamy read with loving found family and what I felt like was a satisfying ending!!

Thank you to Ann for this arc in exchange for my honest review!! I cannot wait for book 3 this summer with [redacted] & [redacted] 🤭❤️‍🔥

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

arc review | 4.25 stars

"No condom or c-ck related commentary while you're operating heavy machinery. Got it."

This story was so so cute and I loved Birdie & Walker!
Already getting a glimpse of them in Briar & Jensen's story had me excited to learn more.

These two were made for each-other honestly. Both already secretly obsessed with each other but too scared to admit it. Throw in some fake dating & spicy lessons and it was bound to happen for real 🥹.

What stuck with me was Birdie's life and the anticipatory grief both her and her dad were living through. Ann showed us that no matter how hard you try, you need a village to support you. And while it took Birdie and her dad some time to confide in their village, the ending of the story was beautiful; seeing everyone show up and care for them.

I am loving this series and cannot wait for the next book 👀

[Büşra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bu kadının kitapları bana o kadar çok huzur veriyor ki😍
Okurken biliyorum beni asla üzecek, yoracak şeyler olmayacak karakterleri çok seveceğim. Ve okuduğum her kitabın da böyle oldu🥹

Walker uzun zamandır Birdie’ye aşık ama kardeşinin en yakın arkadaşlarından biri olduğu için ve kendisi de arkadaşı olduğu için hep uzak durmuş bir de kendini layık görmüyor.
Birdie ise hem annesinin hastalığıyla uğraşıyor, hem de savunmasız hayvanlara karşı büyük bir ilgisi var bu yüzden başına sürekli belaya sokuyor. Walker da onu sürekli kurtarıyor😂

Aynı zamanda Birdie flört konular çok garip hissediyor kendini bu yüzden en güvendiği insandan ona ders vermesini istiyor😁 ve bizim sahte sevgililerimiz başlıyor gerçekten bayılıyorum böyle konulara😁
Zaten Walker deli dehşet kendini adada o kadar güzel seviyordu ki🥹
GREEN FLAG DEĞİL FOREST BİRİSİ 🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳

Tüm kardeşler arkadaş ortamı her şey çok güzeldi yine çok keyif aldım. Sonraki kitabı için çok heyecanlıyım ve bu yazar umarım bizde de çevrilir🥹

[lianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐️

[arc read]

birdie and walker are just so damn adorable 😭😭 i’m a puddle on the floor from how cute they are.

walker calls birdie, “birdie baby” and that just hits the right way. i love his nickname for her so much. walker might be splitting his time as a ranch hand and deputy sheriff, but he is a soft cowboy and nothing else.

birdie loves animals and i cannot imagine a universe where she is not an animal lover. she would keep every single animal she rescues if she had the space to. i’m really excited to see how that part of her story develops in the background of the rest of this series.

i loved seeing caleb again too, he’s really come out of his shell in this book 🥹

[Amelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just loved this book! One of the sweetest cowboy romances ever!
Walker is the peak gentleman and just irresistible. I loved how he didn't push Birdie, but followed her cues and really showed up for her. It was obvious how much he cared.
Not sure I would call this slow burn, but the spice does build through the book. Really enjoyed creative use of rope at the end 👀
Ty to the author and Smuthood promos for the ARC!

[Suellynn Keil · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such an easy book to fall in love with. It was such an easy and fun read. I stayed up way too late reading because I genuinely couldn’t put it down. I absolutely love a good cowboy romance, but this felt like so much more than that. I haven’t had the chance to read book one yet, but will for sure be going back to it! I’m so excited to have found a new author to read.🩷

What you can expect:

Cowboy Romance
Fake Dating
Friends to Lovers
Spicy Lessons
He’s Obsessed with Her
Rope Play
Opposites Attract
Small Town

Huge thank you to the smut hood and the author for the arc copy!

[all.the.smut.things · Rating 5 out of 5]

RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

✨ Cowboy Romance
✨ Best Friend’s Brother
✨ He Falls First
✨ Boss’s Daughter
✨ Fake Dating
✨ Spicy Lessons
✨ V*rgin Heroine

[Gayane♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved every minute of this 💖


-fake dating
-friends to lovers
-small town
-fmc is a v
-fmc saves animals

[Emlyn Knerem · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars