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Forever After Fall
Not yet published
Expected 18 Sep 26One little mistake tangles me up with a sexy stranger in a dark room. Not that I’m complaining. It’s the most fun I’ve had in forever. At least until the lights come on and I see the single dad. my best friend’s older brother and my sister’s widower, standing in his place.
He’s grumpy as hell when he realizes our mistake, and even grumpier when he finds out the two of us are stuck together for the foreseeable future setting up the fall festival at the family ranch.
Meanwhile, I’m trying to figure out how the how the man from that night is the same steadfast workaholic who eats the food I cook in silence and barely grunts when I thank him for his latest handyman miracle at my house.
No matter how hard I try, I can’t stop thinking about that night. Especially not when we’re working side by side for long hours every day planning romantic hayrides and decorating a haunted house. When I finally admit as much in a moment of weakness. we’re both making confessions that have my heart pounding.
So what if we finish what we started? A secret friends with benefits agreement that expires at midnight on Halloween. Because if we can just get it out of our minds, we can go back to business as usual. No one ever has to know.
But I’m not ready for all the secrets I uncover playing this game or for the way this man makes me feel.
And neither of us are prepared for just how haunted the house turns out to be.
He’s grumpy as hell when he realizes our mistake, and even grumpier when he finds out the two of us are stuck together for the foreseeable future setting up the fall festival at the family ranch.
Meanwhile, I’m trying to figure out how the how the man from that night is the same steadfast workaholic who eats the food I cook in silence and barely grunts when I thank him for his latest handyman miracle at my house.
No matter how hard I try, I can’t stop thinking about that night. Especially not when we’re working side by side for long hours every day planning romantic hayrides and decorating a haunted house. When I finally admit as much in a moment of weakness. we’re both making confessions that have my heart pounding.
So what if we finish what we started? A secret friends with benefits agreement that expires at midnight on Halloween. Because if we can just get it out of our minds, we can go back to business as usual. No one ever has to know.
But I’m not ready for all the secrets I uncover playing this game or for the way this man makes me feel.
And neither of us are prepared for just how haunted the house turns out to be.
218 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication September 18, 2026
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September 12, 2026
Listen, if you loved the Quiet Horsemen series and were sad to say goodbye, guess what? Maggie Rawdon said hold on tight because we aren't ready to say goodbye just yet. And for that, I have never been more grateful!
If you read the Quiet Horsemen series then you know that there were some side characters with storylines that still need their HEA. And that's exactly what you are getting with Forever After Fall. So buckle up, let's head back to Purgatory Falls for Bristol and Anson's story!
Forever After Fall is short, sweet and extra spicy for this fall season. And yes it does deliver on the fall vibes that you are looking for this season. Anson is Hazel's (FMC from Bull Rush) older brother and Bristol is Hazel's best friend BUT she is also Anson's dead wife's younger sister. Can you say MESSY! Oh and the way their story started is like a blind seven minutes in heaven eyes 👀 that still has me bound and gagged on the floor!
For a book being roughly 200 pages, this is everything I wanted and more. The plot was well developed with lovable characters. The spice is exactly what you should expect from Maggie. Just because this is a short one doesn't mean it skimps on the spice. Just like all of the rest of Maggie's books, this one definitely has a scene or two that will live free. I also loved the added element of suspense that you I loved from the Quiet Horsemen series.
Devoured this book in one sitting! Didn't want to put it down! So Maggie, thank you so much for allowing us the pleasure to return to Purgatory Falls!
*I would like to say a HUGE THANK YOU to Maggie Rawdon for allowing me the pleasure to read Forever After Fall as an ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts, opinions and review.
If you read the Quiet Horsemen series then you know that there were some side characters with storylines that still need their HEA. And that's exactly what you are getting with Forever After Fall. So buckle up, let's head back to Purgatory Falls for Bristol and Anson's story!
Forever After Fall is short, sweet and extra spicy for this fall season. And yes it does deliver on the fall vibes that you are looking for this season. Anson is Hazel's (FMC from Bull Rush) older brother and Bristol is Hazel's best friend BUT she is also Anson's dead wife's younger sister. Can you say MESSY! Oh and the way their story started is like a blind seven minutes in heaven eyes 👀 that still has me bound and gagged on the floor!
For a book being roughly 200 pages, this is everything I wanted and more. The plot was well developed with lovable characters. The spice is exactly what you should expect from Maggie. Just because this is a short one doesn't mean it skimps on the spice. Just like all of the rest of Maggie's books, this one definitely has a scene or two that will live free. I also loved the added element of suspense that you I loved from the Quiet Horsemen series.
Devoured this book in one sitting! Didn't want to put it down! So Maggie, thank you so much for allowing us the pleasure to return to Purgatory Falls!
*I would like to say a HUGE THANK YOU to Maggie Rawdon for allowing me the pleasure to read Forever After Fall as an ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts, opinions and review.
September 10, 2026
Holy moly that was a quite a punch in a shortish book.
I am down for dead sisters husband.
So down for the messy vibes.
Cue he’s a single dad so that’s her nephew.
The proximity situation going on.
The closet incident.
Secrets.
🔥🔥🔥
And it wouldn’t be Maggie Rawdon without a little morally grey action.
I meant it when I said this was short but packed a punch.
Anson & Bristol 🖤
I was so happy to be back in Purgatory Falls and see some side characters get their own book!
Another book I need a shelf trophy of.
Arc review ✨
I am down for dead sisters husband.
So down for the messy vibes.
Cue he’s a single dad so that’s her nephew.
The proximity situation going on.
The closet incident.
Secrets.
🔥🔥🔥
And it wouldn’t be Maggie Rawdon without a little morally grey action.
I meant it when I said this was short but packed a punch.
Anson & Bristol 🖤
I was so happy to be back in Purgatory Falls and see some side characters get their own book!
Another book I need a shelf trophy of.
Arc review ✨
Review of advance copy received from Author
It was so good to be back in Purgatory Falls; it’s one of my favorite small towns!!!
Anson and Bristol finally got their story and their HEA and I loved the premise of it.
I loved Anson very much but didn’t connect with Bristol… kinda threw me off in the end.
Anyway, I can’t wait for the next one!!!!!
Anson and Bristol finally got their story and their HEA and I loved the premise of it.
I loved Anson very much but didn’t connect with Bristol… kinda threw me off in the end.
Anyway, I can’t wait for the next one!!!!!
September 11, 2026
Review of advance copy received from Author
The setup for this book immediately drew me in! The first few chapters and the closet scene?! Omg! I was undone! I was dying over the interactions between Anson and Bristol! Seriously, this is why I love reading so much. I was completely obsessed!
Once that line was crossed, I was sat! I wanted more! I knew neither of them could get that moment out of their heads. Add in their past history… I mean the tension was palpable. I ate it up!
I loved the small town feel and drama. Everyone knows everyone and has opinions! I bet they definitely felt pressure to keep their business close to chest!
Anson was so fine! You could just tell that man felt more than he ever said. He was also a great father and friend. I enjoyed his internal turmoil. I love when a character wants something so badly but is torn over how it will affect their relationships.
The ending was wild! I didn’t expect things to go down the way they did, but I loved it! Very well done!
The setup for this book immediately drew me in! The first few chapters and the closet scene?! Omg! I was undone! I was dying over the interactions between Anson and Bristol! Seriously, this is why I love reading so much. I was completely obsessed!
Once that line was crossed, I was sat! I wanted more! I knew neither of them could get that moment out of their heads. Add in their past history… I mean the tension was palpable. I ate it up!
I loved the small town feel and drama. Everyone knows everyone and has opinions! I bet they definitely felt pressure to keep their business close to chest!
Anson was so fine! You could just tell that man felt more than he ever said. He was also a great father and friend. I enjoyed his internal turmoil. I love when a character wants something so badly but is torn over how it will affect their relationships.
The ending was wild! I didn’t expect things to go down the way they did, but I loved it! Very well done!
September 8, 2026
I’ve been looking forward to this book since Maggie announced it and as ever, she didn’t disappoint!
Anson and Bristol have known each other a long time- he was married to her sister who he had a son with. Since her sister passed away, Bristol has stepped up as Aunt and Anson has made sure she is looked after too.
After a case of mistaken identity at a wedding things heat up between them, and they agree to a no string friends with benefits situation that will end on Halloween.
I really enjoyed seeing the previous couples from the dark horsemen series as well as getting to know Anson and Bristol more. Their chemistry from the initial mistaken identity encounter was strong and I liked seeing both sides of their relationship- the friendship that was already there and then the development of their romantic feelings for each other. There was a little bit of suspense thrown in there too which I enjoyed.
Huge thanks to Maggie and her team for this ARC!
Anson and Bristol have known each other a long time- he was married to her sister who he had a son with. Since her sister passed away, Bristol has stepped up as Aunt and Anson has made sure she is looked after too.
After a case of mistaken identity at a wedding things heat up between them, and they agree to a no string friends with benefits situation that will end on Halloween.
I really enjoyed seeing the previous couples from the dark horsemen series as well as getting to know Anson and Bristol more. Their chemistry from the initial mistaken identity encounter was strong and I liked seeing both sides of their relationship- the friendship that was already there and then the development of their romantic feelings for each other. There was a little bit of suspense thrown in there too which I enjoyed.
Huge thanks to Maggie and her team for this ARC!
September 10, 2026
It was so good to be back in Purgatory Falls!
The Stockton and Briggs families were connected in so many was through friendship and marriage and I loved getting glimpses of my favorite characters, but what I loved most was the connection between Anson and Bristol.
For years they formed a family after her sister and his wife died and they took care of each other without being in a relationship, while it was clear Anson had developed feelings over the years.
After one accidental hookup in a dark closet things changed and it was hot!
I loved how down bad Anson was and how Marlow spoke her mind and went after what they both wanted. Their friendship and love evolved and it was beautiful, the added suspense made it a perfect addition to the books in the Quiet Horsemen series even though it can be read as a standalone.
Now it is even harder to say goodbye to Purgatory Falls and these characters but glad they all got their HEA’s.
The Stockton and Briggs families were connected in so many was through friendship and marriage and I loved getting glimpses of my favorite characters, but what I loved most was the connection between Anson and Bristol.
For years they formed a family after her sister and his wife died and they took care of each other without being in a relationship, while it was clear Anson had developed feelings over the years.
After one accidental hookup in a dark closet things changed and it was hot!
I loved how down bad Anson was and how Marlow spoke her mind and went after what they both wanted. Their friendship and love evolved and it was beautiful, the added suspense made it a perfect addition to the books in the Quiet Horsemen series even though it can be read as a standalone.
Now it is even harder to say goodbye to Purgatory Falls and these characters but glad they all got their HEA’s.
September 13, 2026
5 ⭐️
I will literally read anything Maggie writes. I fall so deeply in love with all of her characters.
I was practically screaming and crying when I saw my approval for this ARC.
The single dad trope will always be my favorite! Anson was the perfect dad and although the book was focused on the dad part, we still got to see bits and pieces.
I was IMMEDIATELY hooked from the beginning. The whole closet scene was so good, it had me giddy and laughing! I was so excited to see where this story was going.
I felt like the length of this book was perfect. Not too short or too long, but just right! It was pleasantly packed with some good spice. (Which is a given with anything Maggie writes). I will say, that plot twist at the end…. I did NOT see that coming.
Favorite Quote:
“I don’t want to get between you and your revenge. I just want to be a part of it.”
Thank you Maggie Rawdon and The Smuthood for this ARC
I will literally read anything Maggie writes. I fall so deeply in love with all of her characters.
I was practically screaming and crying when I saw my approval for this ARC.
The single dad trope will always be my favorite! Anson was the perfect dad and although the book was focused on the dad part, we still got to see bits and pieces.
I was IMMEDIATELY hooked from the beginning. The whole closet scene was so good, it had me giddy and laughing! I was so excited to see where this story was going.
I felt like the length of this book was perfect. Not too short or too long, but just right! It was pleasantly packed with some good spice. (Which is a given with anything Maggie writes). I will say, that plot twist at the end…. I did NOT see that coming.
Favorite Quote:
“I don’t want to get between you and your revenge. I just want to be a part of it.”
Thank you Maggie Rawdon and The Smuthood for this ARC
Review of advance copy received from Author
Forever After Fall by Maggie Rawdon
This was a great novella, a bit over 200 pages, that brought me back to Purgatory Falls and the Bull Rush fam!
Anson and Bristol’s book, was really fun to read and the closet scene was one of my absolute favorites.
It was not as dark and spicy as the rest of the series, but I loved the suspense aspect, and I really enjoyed getting to know Bristol more. I loved her snippets in the other books, especially her Many Moans store lol.
What to Expect:
- Best friend's older brother
- Single dad
- Widower x SIL
- Grumpy x Sunshine
- Secret friends with benefits
- Small town holiday
- Forced proximity
- Touch her and d!e
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars story
🌶️ 🌶️
Thank you so much The Smuthhood and Maggie Rawdon for the review copy, all opinions are my own
This was a great novella, a bit over 200 pages, that brought me back to Purgatory Falls and the Bull Rush fam!
Anson and Bristol’s book, was really fun to read and the closet scene was one of my absolute favorites.
It was not as dark and spicy as the rest of the series, but I loved the suspense aspect, and I really enjoyed getting to know Bristol more. I loved her snippets in the other books, especially her Many Moans store lol.
What to Expect:
- Best friend's older brother
- Single dad
- Widower x SIL
- Grumpy x Sunshine
- Secret friends with benefits
- Small town holiday
- Forced proximity
- Touch her and d!e
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars story
🌶️ 🌶️
Thank you so much The Smuthhood and Maggie Rawdon for the review copy, all opinions are my own
Review of advance copy received from Author
Welcome back to Purgatory Falls!
One wrong door. One very sexy stranger but when the lights come on....WHOOPSIE!!! Did Bristol just hook up with her best friend's brother who's also her dead sister's husband?? Why yes she did and she liked it! But she'll die before admitting it. That is until that Anson and her agree on a "friends with benefits" relationship BUT we all know how that always goes!
"But a shot's a shot. However long it might be. So I'm taking it."
This was a cute little holiday themed story with a tiny bit of suspense. I loved how the Stocktons made a cameo in this book. I loved the Quiet Horseman series and it was great to see them again!
If you're looking for a quick fall/Halloween themed, single dad, secret relationships, forbidden romance, forced proximity, best friend/s brother than pick this up!
*Thank you Maggie Rawdon for the opportunity to read this as an ARC
One wrong door. One very sexy stranger but when the lights come on....WHOOPSIE!!! Did Bristol just hook up with her best friend's brother who's also her dead sister's husband?? Why yes she did and she liked it! But she'll die before admitting it. That is until that Anson and her agree on a "friends with benefits" relationship BUT we all know how that always goes!
"But a shot's a shot. However long it might be. So I'm taking it."
This was a cute little holiday themed story with a tiny bit of suspense. I loved how the Stocktons made a cameo in this book. I loved the Quiet Horseman series and it was great to see them again!
If you're looking for a quick fall/Halloween themed, single dad, secret relationships, forbidden romance, forced proximity, best friend/s brother than pick this up!
*Thank you Maggie Rawdon for the opportunity to read this as an ARC
September 13, 2026
Maggie Rawdon will forever be an auto-buy author for me! I absolutely flew through this short read about Anson and Bristol.
Anson?! OBSESSED. Single dad, widower, man of few words, and just scrumptious. Bristol was such a strong FMC who had always lived in her sister’s shadow. With her also being Anson’s sister-in-law, there was definitely a line they weren’t supposed to cross… but I loved watching them cross it.
The romance, suspense, spice, and banter were all on point. Plus, I loved getting to see characters from The Quiet Horseman again!
Anson?! OBSESSED. Single dad, widower, man of few words, and just scrumptious. Bristol was such a strong FMC who had always lived in her sister’s shadow. With her also being Anson’s sister-in-law, there was definitely a line they weren’t supposed to cross… but I loved watching them cross it.
The romance, suspense, spice, and banter were all on point. Plus, I loved getting to see characters from The Quiet Horseman again!
Review of advance copy
First, I would like to thank The Smuthood and Maggie Rawdon for providing me with an ARC of Forever After Fall: A Single Dad Best Friend's Brother Halloween Romance in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: 5/5
Spice: 3/5
I have been anticipating this story after getting crumbs of the couple in The Quiet Horsemen series, and I AM SO IN LOVE with Anson and Bristol's story! Wow, just wow.
Anson is the brooding, single dad of Ford. Bristol is Ford's aunt and the sister of Anson's deceased wife. Anson is a widower who has been lucky to have the help of Bristol throughout raising Ford as essentially co-parents. They don't see each other as anything more than friends (on a good day) and are afraid to cross any lines. Bristol has recently gotten out of a toxic relationship with her douchebag ex, Chris. However, after a mistaken ALMOST hookup, they are forced to confront their feelings, and unknowingly, their love for one another starts to beautifully blossom.
There is a great build-up throughout this romance that I consider the perfect pace. Both characters have flaws and vulnerabilities to confront. It is so endearing seeing them really help one another become better and stronger people. Their relationship truly is a healthy one.
I love Maggie Rawdon's writing style (especially her western series), and her MMCS are just delicious. Anson is the sweetest ever, while still maintaining a deliciously dark edge and being morally grey. He is not afraid to go to great lengths for his girl, even if that means doing unspeakable things. This book was a great balance between plot, spice, and angst.
Additionally, it warmed my heart to see tidbits of a few of my favorite couples and characters from the previous books. Ramsey and Hazel are still the cutest couple ever, and I loved the tidbit of what a dynamic duo Levi and MY MAN Bishop are. I am also left curious about other characters' stories, like Jasper and Marlowe. And hey, if she is willing to do a second gen, would also LOVE to see more of Ford and his story too! As Ms. Rawdon expands her universe with new books, characters, and couples, I'll be on the edge of my seat in anticipation!
I actually unknowingly picked this book up, not knowing it was a Halloween romance, but it was perfect for setting my mood for the fall! Cannot wait to see what else the amazing Maggie Rawdon releases, and I cannot recommend Forever After Fall enough! Thank you again to The Smuthood team for making this ARC possible.
Tropes:
- Forced proximity
- Single dad x ex-wife's sister
- Morally grey mmc
- Light western
- Fall/Halloween romance
Rating: 5/5
Spice: 3/5
I have been anticipating this story after getting crumbs of the couple in The Quiet Horsemen series, and I AM SO IN LOVE with Anson and Bristol's story! Wow, just wow.
Anson is the brooding, single dad of Ford. Bristol is Ford's aunt and the sister of Anson's deceased wife. Anson is a widower who has been lucky to have the help of Bristol throughout raising Ford as essentially co-parents. They don't see each other as anything more than friends (on a good day) and are afraid to cross any lines. Bristol has recently gotten out of a toxic relationship with her douchebag ex, Chris. However, after a mistaken ALMOST hookup, they are forced to confront their feelings, and unknowingly, their love for one another starts to beautifully blossom.
There is a great build-up throughout this romance that I consider the perfect pace. Both characters have flaws and vulnerabilities to confront. It is so endearing seeing them really help one another become better and stronger people. Their relationship truly is a healthy one.
I love Maggie Rawdon's writing style (especially her western series), and her MMCS are just delicious. Anson is the sweetest ever, while still maintaining a deliciously dark edge and being morally grey. He is not afraid to go to great lengths for his girl, even if that means doing unspeakable things. This book was a great balance between plot, spice, and angst.
Additionally, it warmed my heart to see tidbits of a few of my favorite couples and characters from the previous books. Ramsey and Hazel are still the cutest couple ever, and I loved the tidbit of what a dynamic duo Levi and MY MAN Bishop are. I am also left curious about other characters' stories, like Jasper and Marlowe. And hey, if she is willing to do a second gen, would also LOVE to see more of Ford and his story too! As Ms. Rawdon expands her universe with new books, characters, and couples, I'll be on the edge of my seat in anticipation!
I actually unknowingly picked this book up, not knowing it was a Halloween romance, but it was perfect for setting my mood for the fall! Cannot wait to see what else the amazing Maggie Rawdon releases, and I cannot recommend Forever After Fall enough! Thank you again to The Smuthood team for making this ARC possible.
Tropes:
- Forced proximity
- Single dad x ex-wife's sister
- Morally grey mmc
- Light western
- Fall/Halloween romance
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟
🌶️🌶️.5
Dark Western Small Town
Halloween| Fall Festival Vibes
Single Dad
Best Friend’s Brother
Widower x SIL
Mistaken Identity
Secret friends with benefits
Forced Proximity
Morally Grey MMC
Touch her & Die
I love being back in Purgatory Falls! If you’ve read The Quiet Horsemen series then you’ve briefly met Bristol and Anson. This is a stand alone but I really feel that reading the other books just sets the precedent for these two and how they’ve been circling each other for years without even realizing how they should be together (other than Hazel she’s always seen it).
Bristol is the owner of Many Moons antiques shop that also has doubles as an adult store in the back called Many Moans. I loved her friendship with Dakota, Hazel and Marlowe in the original series and so glad she got to have her story told!
Anson Briggs is Hazel’s (Bull Rush) older brother who is a broody, single father and CEO of their construction company. I enjoyed the glimpses we saw of him in the previous series so I was excited to see more. He loves control and is calculated and quiet. Opposite to Bristol’s fiery and free self.
Their situation is unique as Bristol is Anson’s sister in law. Her sister passed years ago so you have that forbidden romance vibe. Bristol has been like a mother figure to Ford all these years. She very much has a presence in both Anson and Fords life while also looking after her mom.
After a spicy closet scene at a wedding,along with a case of mistaken identity, these two fall into a secret friends with benefit scenario with a deadline of Halloween. I love the snarking around aspect and their chemistry was easy and electric. I loved the push and pull of who could make the other one lose control.
Bristol wants to get over the years she wasted on her ex Chris and Anson is just the man to make her forget and want more. Problem is he’s realizing just how easy their relationship is and how he can see a future with her.
There is a darker theme and suspense woven into the plot with Bristol’s ex.
I love the fall festival and haunted house vibes and l enjoyed seeing past characters!
And I the way I cackled over the gift she gives him in the epilogue… diabolical 🤭🤣🤣
This was a very quick read 4-5 hours around 215 pages and honestly I could have devoured 100 more! If you love forbidden romance, single dads and a touch of suspense then I highly recommend this book!
(Side note I hope Jasper finds someone and I really hope we get a Bo Briggs and Marlowe book!!!)
Thank you so much to the Smuthood and Author Maggie Rawdon for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
🌶️🌶️.5
Dark Western Small Town
Halloween| Fall Festival Vibes
Single Dad
Best Friend’s Brother
Widower x SIL
Mistaken Identity
Secret friends with benefits
Forced Proximity
Morally Grey MMC
Touch her & Die
I love being back in Purgatory Falls! If you’ve read The Quiet Horsemen series then you’ve briefly met Bristol and Anson. This is a stand alone but I really feel that reading the other books just sets the precedent for these two and how they’ve been circling each other for years without even realizing how they should be together (other than Hazel she’s always seen it).
Bristol is the owner of Many Moons antiques shop that also has doubles as an adult store in the back called Many Moans. I loved her friendship with Dakota, Hazel and Marlowe in the original series and so glad she got to have her story told!
Anson Briggs is Hazel’s (Bull Rush) older brother who is a broody, single father and CEO of their construction company. I enjoyed the glimpses we saw of him in the previous series so I was excited to see more. He loves control and is calculated and quiet. Opposite to Bristol’s fiery and free self.
Their situation is unique as Bristol is Anson’s sister in law. Her sister passed years ago so you have that forbidden romance vibe. Bristol has been like a mother figure to Ford all these years. She very much has a presence in both Anson and Fords life while also looking after her mom.
After a spicy closet scene at a wedding,along with a case of mistaken identity, these two fall into a secret friends with benefit scenario with a deadline of Halloween. I love the snarking around aspect and their chemistry was easy and electric. I loved the push and pull of who could make the other one lose control.
Bristol wants to get over the years she wasted on her ex Chris and Anson is just the man to make her forget and want more. Problem is he’s realizing just how easy their relationship is and how he can see a future with her.
There is a darker theme and suspense woven into the plot with Bristol’s ex.
I love the fall festival and haunted house vibes and l enjoyed seeing past characters!
And I the way I cackled over the gift she gives him in the epilogue… diabolical 🤭🤣🤣
This was a very quick read 4-5 hours around 215 pages and honestly I could have devoured 100 more! If you love forbidden romance, single dads and a touch of suspense then I highly recommend this book!
(Side note I hope Jasper finds someone and I really hope we get a Bo Briggs and Marlowe book!!!)
Thank you so much to the Smuthood and Author Maggie Rawdon for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Book 1 in the Holidays in Purgatory Falls Mini Series
This was a fun, flirty, passionate fueled journey.
Steamy, "forbidden", tension filled and emotionally charged, Anson & Bristol will have you begging for more from the very beginning. The denial. The longing. The push & pull. Their intense heat & chemistry that is off the charts hot, builds towards an explosion so worth the wait in this delicious slow burn.
Fate has a way of finding you when you least expect it and for these two, it definitely got tired of waiting and decided it's time to strike! The underlying tensions between these two have been simmering under the surface for years... One moment of mistaken identity is all it takes for them to finally look beyond the walls they've tightly kept in place and finally make some moves...
Single Dad, Anson Briggs, is living his life in motions. Between his construction business, his teenage son and extracurricular family affairs, he's tapped out. Broody, somewhat growly and fiercely protective, this sinfully delicious man is dominant and demanding, yet gentle. Passionate, playful and tender, he will absolutely melt your heart and heat up your insides.
Former SIL and makeshift nanny, Bristol Finley, has been stuck in neutral for years. One bad decision after another has landed her firmly in the stuck category. Between running her business, a very promising secret business on the side and essentially three households, this fiercely sweet, extremely loyal, slightly naive woman needs a break. Or maybe, just maybe, she needs one 'bad' decision to go oh, so right...
One extremely hot make out session in a dark whiskey closet lead these two into uncharted waters. Finally forced to confront their feelings for one another, they strike a friends with benefits situation in order to finish what they started. With a firm end date in site, what could possibly go wrong? Hiding in plain sight, these two will continue to fight the feelings they've secretly harbored for years, afraid to ruin the dynamic they've built. But it's only a matter of time before lines become blurred and they are dealt with much bigger concerns. When chaos ensues and secrets come to light, will they survive the ensuing storm?
Anson & Bristol are the perfect compliment to one another and while their journey has been years in the making, it was worth the reward... So much heart and heat, against the odds, these two will fight hard for their forever and it's oh, so sweet.
Return to Purgatory Falls, Colorado. A small mountain town where the whiskey flows smooth and the sins and depravity run deep.
(Advanced Copy)
This was a fun, flirty, passionate fueled journey.
Steamy, "forbidden", tension filled and emotionally charged, Anson & Bristol will have you begging for more from the very beginning. The denial. The longing. The push & pull. Their intense heat & chemistry that is off the charts hot, builds towards an explosion so worth the wait in this delicious slow burn.
Fate has a way of finding you when you least expect it and for these two, it definitely got tired of waiting and decided it's time to strike! The underlying tensions between these two have been simmering under the surface for years... One moment of mistaken identity is all it takes for them to finally look beyond the walls they've tightly kept in place and finally make some moves...
Single Dad, Anson Briggs, is living his life in motions. Between his construction business, his teenage son and extracurricular family affairs, he's tapped out. Broody, somewhat growly and fiercely protective, this sinfully delicious man is dominant and demanding, yet gentle. Passionate, playful and tender, he will absolutely melt your heart and heat up your insides.
Former SIL and makeshift nanny, Bristol Finley, has been stuck in neutral for years. One bad decision after another has landed her firmly in the stuck category. Between running her business, a very promising secret business on the side and essentially three households, this fiercely sweet, extremely loyal, slightly naive woman needs a break. Or maybe, just maybe, she needs one 'bad' decision to go oh, so right...
One extremely hot make out session in a dark whiskey closet lead these two into uncharted waters. Finally forced to confront their feelings for one another, they strike a friends with benefits situation in order to finish what they started. With a firm end date in site, what could possibly go wrong? Hiding in plain sight, these two will continue to fight the feelings they've secretly harbored for years, afraid to ruin the dynamic they've built. But it's only a matter of time before lines become blurred and they are dealt with much bigger concerns. When chaos ensues and secrets come to light, will they survive the ensuing storm?
Anson & Bristol are the perfect compliment to one another and while their journey has been years in the making, it was worth the reward... So much heart and heat, against the odds, these two will fight hard for their forever and it's oh, so sweet.
Return to Purgatory Falls, Colorado. A small mountain town where the whiskey flows smooth and the sins and depravity run deep.
(Advanced Copy)
Review of advance copy
Maggie does it again! This read exceeds the normal 5⭐️.
This one is completely addictive once I started I couldn’t stop! I love how it takes you back to Purgatory Falls and you get a look at how some of those characters are doing. (The Quiet Horsemen series- must read)
This story line is every thing!! It mixes single/ widowed dad, widow x SIL , grumpy X sunshine, secret friends with benefits, small town, forced proximity with touch her and die vibes! It has the perfect balance of yearning, angst and hot tension. Watching Anson & Bristol’s story come together was nothing short of perfection!
Anson & Bristol’s story was beyond what I could’ve imagined. I absolutely love the way these two love each other. I fell in love with their love story!
Anson is grumpy but so sexy and protective! His feelings for Bristol have been there for far longer than he’d like to admit but he keeps them locked away. There is also so much more to his story regarding him being a widow that helps add to this plot. His character is just so intriguing! I love that he will go to the ends of the earth for the people he loves!
Bristol is an every bit of sunshine and she is the light in Anson and his son’s life. She took on a role that she didn’t have to once her sister died. And she also had feelings for Anson that she tucked away because he was technically off limits. I loved watching her go for what she wanted and realizing what she deserves.
Also the accidental moment of mistaken identity at the wedding reception was FANTASTIC! Talk about a spicy moment that leads you into a oh shit moment filled with a bit of laughs. That scene will live rent free in my head forever!!
Favorite quote-
“And I’ll marry you the second you say it’s not too soon, darlin.” -Anson
“Well, too soon is up to you because I think I’d marry you now if you asked” - Bristol
Definitely a must read! Easily 6⭐️
This one is completely addictive once I started I couldn’t stop! I love how it takes you back to Purgatory Falls and you get a look at how some of those characters are doing. (The Quiet Horsemen series- must read)
This story line is every thing!! It mixes single/ widowed dad, widow x SIL , grumpy X sunshine, secret friends with benefits, small town, forced proximity with touch her and die vibes! It has the perfect balance of yearning, angst and hot tension. Watching Anson & Bristol’s story come together was nothing short of perfection!
Anson & Bristol’s story was beyond what I could’ve imagined. I absolutely love the way these two love each other. I fell in love with their love story!
Anson is grumpy but so sexy and protective! His feelings for Bristol have been there for far longer than he’d like to admit but he keeps them locked away. There is also so much more to his story regarding him being a widow that helps add to this plot. His character is just so intriguing! I love that he will go to the ends of the earth for the people he loves!
Bristol is an every bit of sunshine and she is the light in Anson and his son’s life. She took on a role that she didn’t have to once her sister died. And she also had feelings for Anson that she tucked away because he was technically off limits. I loved watching her go for what she wanted and realizing what she deserves.
Also the accidental moment of mistaken identity at the wedding reception was FANTASTIC! Talk about a spicy moment that leads you into a oh shit moment filled with a bit of laughs. That scene will live rent free in my head forever!!
Favorite quote-
“And I’ll marry you the second you say it’s not too soon, darlin.” -Anson
“Well, too soon is up to you because I think I’d marry you now if you asked” - Bristol
Definitely a must read! Easily 6⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Author
Welcome back to Purgatory Falls, where apparently you can accidentally walk through the wrong door and hook up with your best friend’s brother who ALSO happens to be your late sister’s husband.
Just a normal, casual Tuesday. Nothing to unpack here. 😂
Bristol and Anson have been circling each other for years, pretending all that tension absolutely does not exist. Then one dark closet and one case of mistaken identity later and... WHOOPSIE. Turns out they very much want to climb each other like trees.
So naturally, these two emotionally intelligent adults decide the best course of action is FRIENDS WITH BENEFITS.
Sure. Great plan. Historically very successful in romance novels.
I had so much fun with these two. Bristol is feisty, stubborn, and deeply committed to the delusion that she can keep feelings out of this, while Anson is a grumpy single dad with a filthy mouth who basically says, “Yeah, no, I’m taking my shot.” SIR. Their banter was so much fun, the chemistry was chemistrying, and the complicated history between them added exactly the right amount of forbidden “we probably should not be doing this” energy.
Then you throw in secret hookups, forced proximity, Halloween vibes, and a little suspense because apparently their relationship situation wasn’t complicated enough already.
I also LOVED seeing the Stocktons again. As someone who loved the Quiet Horseman series, their cameos felt like getting a little treat for good behavior. Thank you very much.
Quick, spicy, messy, and delightfully fall-coded, Forever After Fall was such a fun return to Purgatory Falls. If you like forbidden romance, single dads, best friend’s brother, friends with benefits, secret relationships, and two idiots confidently declaring “no feelings” while standing approximately three business days away from falling in love, this one belongs on the fall TBR. 🎃
Just a normal, casual Tuesday. Nothing to unpack here. 😂
Bristol and Anson have been circling each other for years, pretending all that tension absolutely does not exist. Then one dark closet and one case of mistaken identity later and... WHOOPSIE. Turns out they very much want to climb each other like trees.
So naturally, these two emotionally intelligent adults decide the best course of action is FRIENDS WITH BENEFITS.
Sure. Great plan. Historically very successful in romance novels.
I had so much fun with these two. Bristol is feisty, stubborn, and deeply committed to the delusion that she can keep feelings out of this, while Anson is a grumpy single dad with a filthy mouth who basically says, “Yeah, no, I’m taking my shot.” SIR. Their banter was so much fun, the chemistry was chemistrying, and the complicated history between them added exactly the right amount of forbidden “we probably should not be doing this” energy.
Then you throw in secret hookups, forced proximity, Halloween vibes, and a little suspense because apparently their relationship situation wasn’t complicated enough already.
I also LOVED seeing the Stocktons again. As someone who loved the Quiet Horseman series, their cameos felt like getting a little treat for good behavior. Thank you very much.
Quick, spicy, messy, and delightfully fall-coded, Forever After Fall was such a fun return to Purgatory Falls. If you like forbidden romance, single dads, best friend’s brother, friends with benefits, secret relationships, and two idiots confidently declaring “no feelings” while standing approximately three business days away from falling in love, this one belongs on the fall TBR. 🎃
Review of advance copy received from Author
I’ve been so excited for Forever After Fall, and Anson and Bristol were every bit as fun as I hoped. Returning to Purgatory Falls felt like stepping back into a world that’s equal parts heat, suspense, and sharp edged sass. Once I started, I didn’t even think about putting it down.
Anson and Bristol have been woven into each other’s lives for years, ever since Bristol’s sister passed and Anson became family in the most complicated way. Their connection has always simmered under the surface, but when one impulsive moment in a closet turns into something undeniable, they finally stop pretending. What begins as a long overdue shift from tension to touch quickly becomes a friends with benefits situation with a deadline — one they’re keeping quiet until they can figure out what they are to each other and how to navigate the fallout. But when danger hits close to home, they’re forced to confront not just the threat around them, but the truth of what they’ve already chosen: each other.
I love this world so much, and seeing familiar faces again made the whole book feel even richer. Anson and Bristol slide right into the lineup. Bristol is feisty, stubborn, and impossible not to root for, while Anson is the grumpy single dad with a filthy mouth and a soft streak he tries very hard to hide. Their arguments crackle, their chemistry is electric, and every moment between them feels like it’s building toward something explosive — and it absolutely delivers.
The Halloween vibe was such a fun touch, adding just the right amount of atmosphere to their already fiery dynamic. This was a blast to read, and now I’m even more excited for whatever comes next in Purgatory Falls.
Anson and Bristol have been woven into each other’s lives for years, ever since Bristol’s sister passed and Anson became family in the most complicated way. Their connection has always simmered under the surface, but when one impulsive moment in a closet turns into something undeniable, they finally stop pretending. What begins as a long overdue shift from tension to touch quickly becomes a friends with benefits situation with a deadline — one they’re keeping quiet until they can figure out what they are to each other and how to navigate the fallout. But when danger hits close to home, they’re forced to confront not just the threat around them, but the truth of what they’ve already chosen: each other.
I love this world so much, and seeing familiar faces again made the whole book feel even richer. Anson and Bristol slide right into the lineup. Bristol is feisty, stubborn, and impossible not to root for, while Anson is the grumpy single dad with a filthy mouth and a soft streak he tries very hard to hide. Their arguments crackle, their chemistry is electric, and every moment between them feels like it’s building toward something explosive — and it absolutely delivers.
The Halloween vibe was such a fun touch, adding just the right amount of atmosphere to their already fiery dynamic. This was a blast to read, and now I’m even more excited for whatever comes next in Purgatory Falls.
Review of advance copy
After their steamy encounter in the whiskey room, I expected a little more heat between them!
Bristol and Anson have danced around each other for years as she helped raise her nephew with him after her sister passed away. One accidental kiss and grope in a closet at his sister's, her best friend’s wedding, and now they’re both questioning if there’s something more there. So why not try a friends-with-benefits situation while said sister/best friend is away and not there to bother them? Real feelings get involved very quickly, and some long-hidden truths come out. So what happens when Bristol’s ex comes back and takes her hostage before they have a chance to tell everyone?
Bristol and Anson get their happy ending in this standalone book in a series.
While these two were hot together and found creative places to be together, Anson’s thoughts while in the closet with Bristol made it seem like there would be a little more bondage involved in their relationship. Which is not to say the book wasn’t enjoyable without it, just that I was hoping for a scene or two. I would have loved to have gotten Bristol’s mother’s reaction to the two of them being together after Anson had been married to her sister previously, just to know what she thought. It was fantastic that Anson’s siblings and kid seemed to be all on board with this relationship, and they had support that way if no one else did. And just because I love drama and knowing things, I would have loved to have known who Bristol’s sister was thinking about leaving Anson for, even though it had nothing to do with the story.
I received an advance review copy from The Smuthood Promo, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Bristol and Anson have danced around each other for years as she helped raise her nephew with him after her sister passed away. One accidental kiss and grope in a closet at his sister's, her best friend’s wedding, and now they’re both questioning if there’s something more there. So why not try a friends-with-benefits situation while said sister/best friend is away and not there to bother them? Real feelings get involved very quickly, and some long-hidden truths come out. So what happens when Bristol’s ex comes back and takes her hostage before they have a chance to tell everyone?
Bristol and Anson get their happy ending in this standalone book in a series.
While these two were hot together and found creative places to be together, Anson’s thoughts while in the closet with Bristol made it seem like there would be a little more bondage involved in their relationship. Which is not to say the book wasn’t enjoyable without it, just that I was hoping for a scene or two. I would have loved to have gotten Bristol’s mother’s reaction to the two of them being together after Anson had been married to her sister previously, just to know what she thought. It was fantastic that Anson’s siblings and kid seemed to be all on board with this relationship, and they had support that way if no one else did. And just because I love drama and knowing things, I would have loved to have known who Bristol’s sister was thinking about leaving Anson for, even though it had nothing to do with the story.
I received an advance review copy from The Smuthood Promo, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Give me a grumpy single dad, forbidden chemistry, forced proximity, AND a fall festival at a family ranch and I am absolutely seated. 👏🏼🍁
I loved getting Bristol and Anson’s story! Forever After Fall takes us back into the Purgatory Falls world and continues the stories connected to the Quiet Horsemen series, and it was so much fun being back. 🤎
Bristol and Anson start off with one VERY unexpected mistake in a dark room… only for the lights to come on and reveal exactly who they’ve gotten tangled up with. 😳 And of course, it couldn’t be simple—Anson is a single dad, Bristol’s best friend’s older brother, AND her sister’s widower. Talk about COMPLICATED.
Then they’re stuck working together to set up the family ranch’s fall festival, complete with hayrides, a haunted house, and plenty of long hours together. The tension between these two was SO GOOD. 🔥 Anson’s grumpy, quiet exterior paired with all the little ways he takes care of Bristol had me melting. And when their attraction turns into a secret friends-with-benefits arrangement with a Halloween expiration date… we all know how well THAT is going to work. 😂
But underneath all the chemistry is a story with so much emotion, grief, family history, secrets, and two people trying to figure out what they’re actually allowed to want. I really enjoyed watching Bristol and Anson’s relationship evolve beyond what either of them expected.
And can we talk about the FALL VIBES?! 🍂🎃 Ranch life + fall festival + haunted house + forbidden romance = the perfect seasonal romance.
Thank you so much to Maggie Rawdon and Smuthood for the #gifted eARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own. 🤎
I loved getting Bristol and Anson’s story! Forever After Fall takes us back into the Purgatory Falls world and continues the stories connected to the Quiet Horsemen series, and it was so much fun being back. 🤎
Bristol and Anson start off with one VERY unexpected mistake in a dark room… only for the lights to come on and reveal exactly who they’ve gotten tangled up with. 😳 And of course, it couldn’t be simple—Anson is a single dad, Bristol’s best friend’s older brother, AND her sister’s widower. Talk about COMPLICATED.
Then they’re stuck working together to set up the family ranch’s fall festival, complete with hayrides, a haunted house, and plenty of long hours together. The tension between these two was SO GOOD. 🔥 Anson’s grumpy, quiet exterior paired with all the little ways he takes care of Bristol had me melting. And when their attraction turns into a secret friends-with-benefits arrangement with a Halloween expiration date… we all know how well THAT is going to work. 😂
But underneath all the chemistry is a story with so much emotion, grief, family history, secrets, and two people trying to figure out what they’re actually allowed to want. I really enjoyed watching Bristol and Anson’s relationship evolve beyond what either of them expected.
And can we talk about the FALL VIBES?! 🍂🎃 Ranch life + fall festival + haunted house + forbidden romance = the perfect seasonal romance.
Thank you so much to Maggie Rawdon and Smuthood for the #gifted eARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own. 🤎
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
This is the novella, and I’m not gonna lie … I could have taken a full-length book of this. I absolutely LOVED it. But honestly, I adore Maggie’s writing. I love the way she gives us these characters and makes them feel like real people.
So, if you’ll remember, Anson is Hazel’s brother, which is how we get pulled back into Purgatory Falls - and you guys know that is one of my favorite places to be!
Bristol is Anson’s sister-in-law, and after her sister passed away, she came to help him with their son, Ford, as his nanny. As time has gone on, she’s become a huge part of their lives.
But one night, Bristol decides she needs ONE night of reckless fun. She’s been with an absolutely terrible person for many, many years, and this dude … LOOK. He’s just a gross man, okay?
So she decides she’s going to have one night with someone else. Except … she ends up with her brother-in-law.
And while they both desperately want to forget it happened, they absolutely cannot.
So begins a little sneaking around, and honestly, that’s pretty much all I’m going to tell you because this is SO much fun.
Maggie did such a fantastic job with this story. There are fun interactions, spice, realistic conversations, and you learn SO much about Anson and Bristol that isn’t necessarily obvious at the beginning.
And that’s something you’re just going to have to read for yourself. Sorry.
5 stars.
I would probably listen to Maggie rewrite a phone book. She really is that good. I absolutely adore her writing, and I’m very much looking forward to her next series.
So, if you’ll remember, Anson is Hazel’s brother, which is how we get pulled back into Purgatory Falls - and you guys know that is one of my favorite places to be!
Bristol is Anson’s sister-in-law, and after her sister passed away, she came to help him with their son, Ford, as his nanny. As time has gone on, she’s become a huge part of their lives.
But one night, Bristol decides she needs ONE night of reckless fun. She’s been with an absolutely terrible person for many, many years, and this dude … LOOK. He’s just a gross man, okay?
So she decides she’s going to have one night with someone else. Except … she ends up with her brother-in-law.
And while they both desperately want to forget it happened, they absolutely cannot.
So begins a little sneaking around, and honestly, that’s pretty much all I’m going to tell you because this is SO much fun.
Maggie did such a fantastic job with this story. There are fun interactions, spice, realistic conversations, and you learn SO much about Anson and Bristol that isn’t necessarily obvious at the beginning.
And that’s something you’re just going to have to read for yourself. Sorry.
5 stars.
I would probably listen to Maggie rewrite a phone book. She really is that good. I absolutely adore her writing, and I’m very much looking forward to her next series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
5 stars!!!! A quick, spicy, endearing read. Oh and it's Halloween time- haunted houses and hay rides, not to mention the TWISTS and reveals .... I loved this book.
The amount of emotional depth the author was able to pack into 200ish pages just shows how talented this author is. This is my first Maggie Raw don book so now excuse me while I backtrack to anything she has ever written.
The sparks are flying RIGHT AWAY and I was hooked by the *unconventional* way our FMC Bristol & MMC Anson start their love story (though to be fair, they didn't realize it but it began years and years prior in the quite moments folded in their daily lives). Their banter made me smile (especially some of the text messages lol) and it was clear they were meant to be from the start.
Now the tender moments - it broke my heart when they got down to the reality of his last marriage / late wife. The amount of vulnerability it took to not only let walls down, but to her sister (admittedly they didn't have the best relationship) took a lot of strength. Bristol had a lot to work through as well, like never feeling good enough or accepting less than she deserves. And she has been such a good deeply caring mother figure to Anson's son Ford throughout the years. They deserved all the good things to happen to each other, it was beautiful to watch their love grow. "The right person. The right time."
Thank you so much to the author Maggie Rawson for the ARC, and my review is honest & true from the bottom of my heart - I feel grateful Maggie brought this book to life!
The amount of emotional depth the author was able to pack into 200ish pages just shows how talented this author is. This is my first Maggie Raw don book so now excuse me while I backtrack to anything she has ever written.
The sparks are flying RIGHT AWAY and I was hooked by the *unconventional* way our FMC Bristol & MMC Anson start their love story (though to be fair, they didn't realize it but it began years and years prior in the quite moments folded in their daily lives). Their banter made me smile (especially some of the text messages lol) and it was clear they were meant to be from the start.
Now the tender moments - it broke my heart when they got down to the reality of his last marriage / late wife. The amount of vulnerability it took to not only let walls down, but to her sister (admittedly they didn't have the best relationship) took a lot of strength. Bristol had a lot to work through as well, like never feeling good enough or accepting less than she deserves. And she has been such a good deeply caring mother figure to Anson's son Ford throughout the years. They deserved all the good things to happen to each other, it was beautiful to watch their love grow. "The right person. The right time."
Thank you so much to the author Maggie Rawson for the ARC, and my review is honest & true from the bottom of my heart - I feel grateful Maggie brought this book to life!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Hello my delulu bookworms 🖤
ARC review:
Anson
He is a single dad and a widower who owns a construction business in the small town they live in. He is grumpy silent type who takes charge and solves problems without breaking a sweat. He absolutely adores his son Ford. He also has a secret side to him that unknowingly his late wife's sister happens to discover.
Bristol
She is a ball of sunshine☀️ She owns an adult toy shop which she keeps secret from most people. After her sister's death she helps take care of Ford and the house. Somehow she ends up in a friends with benefits situation with her late sister's husband.
They were both physically attracted to each other even though neither of them would ever admit it out loud. But through their friends with benefits arrangement they slowly got to explore what they actually felt for each other.There were no unnecessary misunderstandings between them. They communicated through everything no matter how small or big the situation was. I loved seeing how much they understood and cared about each other's feelings. Whenever one of them was having a hard time the other was always there to take the lead and help. They really did balance each other out perfectly.
If you're looking for a forbidden romance between a single dad and his late wife's sister with plenty of fun, chemistry, banter then you should definitely give this one a try🖤
ARC review:
Anson
He is a single dad and a widower who owns a construction business in the small town they live in. He is grumpy silent type who takes charge and solves problems without breaking a sweat. He absolutely adores his son Ford. He also has a secret side to him that unknowingly his late wife's sister happens to discover.
Bristol
She is a ball of sunshine☀️ She owns an adult toy shop which she keeps secret from most people. After her sister's death she helps take care of Ford and the house. Somehow she ends up in a friends with benefits situation with her late sister's husband.
They were both physically attracted to each other even though neither of them would ever admit it out loud. But through their friends with benefits arrangement they slowly got to explore what they actually felt for each other.There were no unnecessary misunderstandings between them. They communicated through everything no matter how small or big the situation was. I loved seeing how much they understood and cared about each other's feelings. Whenever one of them was having a hard time the other was always there to take the lead and help. They really did balance each other out perfectly.
If you're looking for a forbidden romance between a single dad and his late wife's sister with plenty of fun, chemistry, banter then you should definitely give this one a try🖤
Review of advance copy received from Author
My first mistake was not reading the other Purgatory Falls books before reading this one. It didn't ruin the experience for me, but there were so many times when I felt like I should have known certain characters (most of them) and the goings-on in the town. I did my due diligence to see if this was tied to another book or series, but I definitely missed it someone. So heads up to anyone else like me - this book is loosely tied to Maggie's The Quiet Horsemen series.
With that being said, I still really enjoyed this story for Bristol and Anson! The small-town, fall-ish vibes were perfect for the beginning of the shifting seasons. Bristol is a doll of an FMC - she's sweet but spicy, has a heart of gold, looks after her nephew after her sister's passing, and is a good match for Anson. He is one of our most loved types of MMC - broody but with big thoughts, protective and dominant, and from what I gathered, pretty fun to look at. I love a good forbidden romance (best friend's brother) and an age-gap situation!
I also really enjoyed Maggie's writing style and the overall pacing of the story. Honestly, if I'd done my research better and had read the other books prior to reading this one, I would have had an even better time. I can't fault the author for that! So I'm headed over to snag the series so I can get my fill of Purgatory Falls!
With that being said, I still really enjoyed this story for Bristol and Anson! The small-town, fall-ish vibes were perfect for the beginning of the shifting seasons. Bristol is a doll of an FMC - she's sweet but spicy, has a heart of gold, looks after her nephew after her sister's passing, and is a good match for Anson. He is one of our most loved types of MMC - broody but with big thoughts, protective and dominant, and from what I gathered, pretty fun to look at. I love a good forbidden romance (best friend's brother) and an age-gap situation!
I also really enjoyed Maggie's writing style and the overall pacing of the story. Honestly, if I'd done my research better and had read the other books prior to reading this one, I would have had an even better time. I can't fault the author for that! So I'm headed over to snag the series so I can get my fill of Purgatory Falls!
September 14, 2026
✨WELCOME BACK TO PURGATORY FALLS✨
Maggie really said “WAIT..there’s more!” 🤭 And i absolutely love her for it! I completely devoured this one in one sitting and i refused to put it down! Pure deliciousness! 🤩 I loved every single thing about this one, the plot, the spice and holy moly the suspense! 5 DANG STARS BABYY!
I have loved Bristol from the beginning of The Quiet Horsemen series and I loved getting her happily ever after! That girl deserves it. Bristol has been around this man for years and she was just with the wrong POS to see that Anson was right there all along. I loved watching her fall hard and fast for Anson!
Anson oh the man that you are! This man would literally turn the world upside down for Bristol and we fucking love that! Anson is literally the definition of right place right time! I loved watching him get the girl and deserve a second chance at love! Ugh i love him with my whole chest!
As usual Maggie always delivers with the plot and spice! These two were so fun to read and the suspense towards the end was delicious as always! Give me a novella from Maggie any day of the dang week!
I absolutely cannot wait for what’s to come! 🍁
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
🖤 Single Dad
🍁 Widower x SIL
🖤 Best Friend’s Brother
🍁 Morally Grey MMC
🖤 Secret Friends With Benefits
🍁 Small Town
🖤 Halloween Vibes
🍁 Romantic Suspense
🖤 Spicy Truck Scene
Maggie really said “WAIT..there’s more!” 🤭 And i absolutely love her for it! I completely devoured this one in one sitting and i refused to put it down! Pure deliciousness! 🤩 I loved every single thing about this one, the plot, the spice and holy moly the suspense! 5 DANG STARS BABYY!
I have loved Bristol from the beginning of The Quiet Horsemen series and I loved getting her happily ever after! That girl deserves it. Bristol has been around this man for years and she was just with the wrong POS to see that Anson was right there all along. I loved watching her fall hard and fast for Anson!
Anson oh the man that you are! This man would literally turn the world upside down for Bristol and we fucking love that! Anson is literally the definition of right place right time! I loved watching him get the girl and deserve a second chance at love! Ugh i love him with my whole chest!
As usual Maggie always delivers with the plot and spice! These two were so fun to read and the suspense towards the end was delicious as always! Give me a novella from Maggie any day of the dang week!
I absolutely cannot wait for what’s to come! 🍁
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
🖤 Single Dad
🍁 Widower x SIL
🖤 Best Friend’s Brother
🍁 Morally Grey MMC
🖤 Secret Friends With Benefits
🍁 Small Town
🖤 Halloween Vibes
🍁 Romantic Suspense
🖤 Spicy Truck Scene
Review of advance copy received from Author
Rcvd an advanced reader copy from the author for giving my two cents.
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I quite enjoyed this book. We meet business owner Bristol who helps her brother-in-law take care of her nephew since her sister died. Her on again off again boyfriend broke up with her in prison and now she needs to move on and feel alive. 2 of her bffs are getting married in a joint wedding and her friend Jasper offers her a night of fun. When she takes him up on the offer in the coat closet she doesn't hesitate to tell him what she wants...it must be the whiskey talking. We meet Anson, Bristols brother-in-law who is grabbing the whiskey from the room when someone grabs him in thr dark. When she starts talking he knows its Bristol but h3 cant help himself as he has thought about her too much in the past few years. Embarrassed beyond belief Bristol tries to forget all about the wedding-gate but she cant get Anson out of her mind. An argument between the two leads to Bristol wondering what it's like to have some fun with Anson and he not so reluctantly agrees...he will jump right on board but she doesn't want anyone to know and it must stop at Halloween. What's the worst thing that can happen? Loads of drama, OMG moments, sexy dress-up, a bat and a crazy ex makes this a great read.
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I quite enjoyed this book. We meet business owner Bristol who helps her brother-in-law take care of her nephew since her sister died. Her on again off again boyfriend broke up with her in prison and now she needs to move on and feel alive. 2 of her bffs are getting married in a joint wedding and her friend Jasper offers her a night of fun. When she takes him up on the offer in the coat closet she doesn't hesitate to tell him what she wants...it must be the whiskey talking. We meet Anson, Bristols brother-in-law who is grabbing the whiskey from the room when someone grabs him in thr dark. When she starts talking he knows its Bristol but h3 cant help himself as he has thought about her too much in the past few years. Embarrassed beyond belief Bristol tries to forget all about the wedding-gate but she cant get Anson out of her mind. An argument between the two leads to Bristol wondering what it's like to have some fun with Anson and he not so reluctantly agrees...he will jump right on board but she doesn't want anyone to know and it must stop at Halloween. What's the worst thing that can happen? Loads of drama, OMG moments, sexy dress-up, a bat and a crazy ex makes this a great read.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
4.25 ⭐️,Maggie Rawdon has been a favourite since i read West Bound, yes I read TQH series in reverse😬.
So ive been waiting for Anson & Bristol to just get on it, I feel this book is meant to read as a companion to TQH, cos their tension has been there in Bull Rush & Dark Horse, feels a bit weird to read it on a standalone but fret not, if you read this as a standalone, you’ll be introduce to Maggie’s well exercusion dark western romance!
I like this book a lot just wished it was longer, Cos i love to see more of Anson & Bristol relationship with Ford as a unit! Cos their relationship is damn forbidden, the dead’s wife/sister thingy & i will like to see how Bristol’s stupid mum react🤣. But damn this book deals with grief in a different way, and knowing Anson’s from Book 1, love the growth he had, and i might have missed that Bristol is sex toy shop owner, and their cosplaying was HOT! I kind of wish this book was filthier like TQH series. Nevertheless i love that this book is sweet cos i need these both to have a well deserve HEA we have all be waiting for! Plus point cos i get tp see Hazel-Ramsey’s bad ass couple side again & father Levi! Can’t wait for Marlowe & Bo’s book, pls make it dirty with so much tension!
So ive been waiting for Anson & Bristol to just get on it, I feel this book is meant to read as a companion to TQH, cos their tension has been there in Bull Rush & Dark Horse, feels a bit weird to read it on a standalone but fret not, if you read this as a standalone, you’ll be introduce to Maggie’s well exercusion dark western romance!
I like this book a lot just wished it was longer, Cos i love to see more of Anson & Bristol relationship with Ford as a unit! Cos their relationship is damn forbidden, the dead’s wife/sister thingy & i will like to see how Bristol’s stupid mum react🤣. But damn this book deals with grief in a different way, and knowing Anson’s from Book 1, love the growth he had, and i might have missed that Bristol is sex toy shop owner, and their cosplaying was HOT! I kind of wish this book was filthier like TQH series. Nevertheless i love that this book is sweet cos i need these both to have a well deserve HEA we have all be waiting for! Plus point cos i get tp see Hazel-Ramsey’s bad ass couple side again & father Levi! Can’t wait for Marlowe & Bo’s book, pls make it dirty with so much tension!
September 14, 2026
We got to see a bit of Anson and Bristol during the Quiet Horseman series, but finally seeing how deep their connection and story goes was fantastic. These two were perfect for one another and truly were a long time coming-once they finally got out of their own way!
This one sucked me right in! I was all for the tension and relationship between Bristol and Anson! They had some good banter, meaningful conversations and some very spicy moments.
These two really have been dancing around each other for years, but never really allowing themselves to act on anything or even make sense of any feelings beyond what was carefully constructed with their routine and boundaries. But, after one night, a mistaken identity and a storage closet…everything changed! I enjoyed as this one unfolded!
I loved the few small twists thrown in which I felt added to the emotion of the story and the connection between Bristol and Anson. I really liked both these characters, their big hearts and protectiveness were the best. They were both very likeable, had such a strong friendship foundation and really great chemistry!
The touch of suspense and action really brought everything together nicely!
It was so fun being back in Purgatory Falls with some familiar characters! I can’t wait to see what book 2 brings.
4⭐️
**thank you to the author for the copy of this book. This review and its opinions are my own
This one sucked me right in! I was all for the tension and relationship between Bristol and Anson! They had some good banter, meaningful conversations and some very spicy moments.
These two really have been dancing around each other for years, but never really allowing themselves to act on anything or even make sense of any feelings beyond what was carefully constructed with their routine and boundaries. But, after one night, a mistaken identity and a storage closet…everything changed! I enjoyed as this one unfolded!
I loved the few small twists thrown in which I felt added to the emotion of the story and the connection between Bristol and Anson. I really liked both these characters, their big hearts and protectiveness were the best. They were both very likeable, had such a strong friendship foundation and really great chemistry!
The touch of suspense and action really brought everything together nicely!
It was so fun being back in Purgatory Falls with some familiar characters! I can’t wait to see what book 2 brings.
4⭐️
**thank you to the author for the copy of this book. This review and its opinions are my own
September 13, 2026
Thank you to Smuthood Promo and Maggie Rawdon for providing me with an ARC of Forever After Fall in exchange for an honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
I went into this book expecting it to be a standalone, which it is in a sense, but it is also quite connected to Maggie Rawdon’s previous series. As someone who hasn’t read the Quiet Horsemen series, I occasionally felt like I was missing some of the background and context behind the characters and their relationships. That said, it definitely left me intrigued to pick up the Quiet Horsemen series and learn more about the world and characters Maggie has created!
The spice in this book was * chef’s kiss *and definitely kept me invested throughout. It definitely intrigued me to explore more of Maggie’s work!
This was a very quick read and felt closer to a novella in length, which made for a fast-paced reading experience. I do think having the additional backstory from the previous books may have added some extra emotional depth to the story for me personally.
I really enjoyed Anson’s character — I’m always a sucker for a grumpy single dad with serious “touch her and die” energy, and he definitely delivered on that front.
Excited to read more and re- read this one after, as I think that will add to my experience!
⭐️⭐️⭐️
I went into this book expecting it to be a standalone, which it is in a sense, but it is also quite connected to Maggie Rawdon’s previous series. As someone who hasn’t read the Quiet Horsemen series, I occasionally felt like I was missing some of the background and context behind the characters and their relationships. That said, it definitely left me intrigued to pick up the Quiet Horsemen series and learn more about the world and characters Maggie has created!
The spice in this book was * chef’s kiss *and definitely kept me invested throughout. It definitely intrigued me to explore more of Maggie’s work!
This was a very quick read and felt closer to a novella in length, which made for a fast-paced reading experience. I do think having the additional backstory from the previous books may have added some extra emotional depth to the story for me personally.
I really enjoyed Anson’s character — I’m always a sucker for a grumpy single dad with serious “touch her and die” energy, and he definitely delivered on that front.
Excited to read more and re- read this one after, as I think that will add to my experience!
Review of advance copy
First of all, if you haven’t read all of The Quiet Horsemen series, you definitely need to before diving into this - I’ve only read High Water and I was so confused about characters and relationships and mentions of previous incidents that happens in previous books I haven’t read.
I was totally lost as to how old the characters are and what the dynamic was between Bristol and Anson prior to this book…but that’s 100% on me.
That being said, Maggie’s writing is always incredibly reliable. You know you’re going to get high stakes, tension, suspense, yearning and a fair dose of spice.
The emotional depth to her characters and the story always lures you in and I found this to be as unputdownable as High Water was - and that’s even with lots of context missing for me.
I’m excited to spend these ‘ber months properly reading The Quiet Horsemen series in full.
I’m so incredibly thankful to Maggie and TheSmuthood for the opportunity to read the arc - I absolutely squealed when I got the email!
About the book:
▫️Best friend’s older brother
▫️Single dad
▫️Widower x SIL
▫️Small town holiday
▫️Forced proximity
▫️Western
▫️Open door (Chapters 2, 12, 14, 15, 20)
Warnings:
▪️Death of spouse/sister (off page)
▪️Emotional abuse (off page)
▪️Cheating (off page)
▪️Hostage situation
I was totally lost as to how old the characters are and what the dynamic was between Bristol and Anson prior to this book…but that’s 100% on me.
That being said, Maggie’s writing is always incredibly reliable. You know you’re going to get high stakes, tension, suspense, yearning and a fair dose of spice.
The emotional depth to her characters and the story always lures you in and I found this to be as unputdownable as High Water was - and that’s even with lots of context missing for me.
I’m excited to spend these ‘ber months properly reading The Quiet Horsemen series in full.
I’m so incredibly thankful to Maggie and TheSmuthood for the opportunity to read the arc - I absolutely squealed when I got the email!
About the book:
▫️Best friend’s older brother
▫️Single dad
▫️Widower x SIL
▫️Small town holiday
▫️Forced proximity
▫️Western
▫️Open door (Chapters 2, 12, 14, 15, 20)
Warnings:
▪️Death of spouse/sister (off page)
▪️Emotional abuse (off page)
▪️Cheating (off page)
▪️Hostage situation
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 Stars
ARC REVIEW
Forever After All by Maggie Rawdon 🤍
I really loved the storyline of this one! Anson and Bristol were amazing characters I wanted to know more about while reading! The story moved pretty fast, but honestly in a good way, it kept me interested and made it really easy to fly through.
There was one part that left me a little confused though. There was a buildup to plans they made for Friday, and I genuinely thought we were heading toward a certain scene 👀🌶️, but then it felt like it was either skipped or brushed over? I couldn’t tell if the scene with the old truck/new truck was supposed to be that moment or if it was meant to be completely innocent. Either way, I definitely felt like something was missing there after all that buildup!
Aside from that, I really enjoyed this book. The pacing worked for me, I loved the story, and overall it was such a great read!
This was also my first Maggie Rawdon book AND my first ever ARC review, so this one gets to hold a special little place in my Bookstagram journey 🥹🤍
Can’t wait for y’all to read this one! Releasing September 18th!!
Thank you so much for the ARC! ✨
ARC REVIEW
Forever After All by Maggie Rawdon 🤍
I really loved the storyline of this one! Anson and Bristol were amazing characters I wanted to know more about while reading! The story moved pretty fast, but honestly in a good way, it kept me interested and made it really easy to fly through.
There was one part that left me a little confused though. There was a buildup to plans they made for Friday, and I genuinely thought we were heading toward a certain scene 👀🌶️, but then it felt like it was either skipped or brushed over? I couldn’t tell if the scene with the old truck/new truck was supposed to be that moment or if it was meant to be completely innocent. Either way, I definitely felt like something was missing there after all that buildup!
Aside from that, I really enjoyed this book. The pacing worked for me, I loved the story, and overall it was such a great read!
This was also my first Maggie Rawdon book AND my first ever ARC review, so this one gets to hold a special little place in my Bookstagram journey 🥹🤍
Can’t wait for y’all to read this one! Releasing September 18th!!
Thank you so much for the ARC! ✨
Review of advance copy
Review 📖
Forever After Fall
Written by Maggie Rawdon
After I finished the prologue I was hooked and wondered how things would play out for these two. Wow! I thought the prologue got me! Man was I wrong. What happened between them was not what I was expecting at all but it made me so giddy I could not stop kicking my feet. Yes, what a unique way to start this book off!
I loved the dynamic between these two. They have an unspoken understanding between them that gets a little harder for them to navigate.
Anson is so protective of Bristol and doesn't want to see her get hurt no matter what the cause might be. She holds Anson and his son so close to her heart they are her only sure things in life when everything else is running amok. They put each other in the forbidden “do not touch box” but man when that box gets opened hot damn! she can't help but be possessive of him. He also cannot stop thinking about her. I ate this story up!
🖤 single dad
🖤 widower x SIL
🖤 best friend's brother
🖤 grumpy x sunshine
🖤 secret friends with benefits
🖤 Halloween romance
🖤 forced proximity
🖤 morally grey man
🖤 dark western small town
Forever After Fall
Written by Maggie Rawdon
After I finished the prologue I was hooked and wondered how things would play out for these two. Wow! I thought the prologue got me! Man was I wrong. What happened between them was not what I was expecting at all but it made me so giddy I could not stop kicking my feet. Yes, what a unique way to start this book off!
I loved the dynamic between these two. They have an unspoken understanding between them that gets a little harder for them to navigate.
Anson is so protective of Bristol and doesn't want to see her get hurt no matter what the cause might be. She holds Anson and his son so close to her heart they are her only sure things in life when everything else is running amok. They put each other in the forbidden “do not touch box” but man when that box gets opened hot damn! she can't help but be possessive of him. He also cannot stop thinking about her. I ate this story up!
🖤 single dad
🖤 widower x SIL
🖤 best friend's brother
🖤 grumpy x sunshine
🖤 secret friends with benefits
🖤 Halloween romance
🖤 forced proximity
🖤 morally grey man
🖤 dark western small town
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