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The Derby Debacle
When Briar Dawson gets stranded at the airport on her way to Derby season, the last thing she needs is a distraction. She's spent a decade clawing her way into rooms that weren't built for her, and she's finally close enough to touch the dream her father never got credit for.
That is, until a stranger claims the stool beside her.
He's expensive fabric, rehearsed answers, and possesses a confidence that comes from never having been told no. He's also, as it turns out, exactly the type of trouble she promised herself she'd never get into. Until now.
One moment. No names. No future. A sealed memory in her pocket and nothing more.
Except his name is Ashford Whitmore, heir to a family breeding operation that turns bloodlines into champions, and the owner of the horse she’s about to take down at the Kentucky Derby.
Ash doesn't do second chances. Stays away from complications. His game is horses, business, and winning, in that order. But Briar, with her calloused hands, borrowed nerve, and her absolute refusal to be impressed by him, is the first thing in years he can't walk away from.
The horses are in the gate. The odds are impossible. And neither of them came this far to finish second.
The Derby Debacle is a story about two people who thought they knew exactly what they wanted, until they met someone who made them want something different.
That is, until a stranger claims the stool beside her.
He's expensive fabric, rehearsed answers, and possesses a confidence that comes from never having been told no. He's also, as it turns out, exactly the type of trouble she promised herself she'd never get into. Until now.
One moment. No names. No future. A sealed memory in her pocket and nothing more.
Except his name is Ashford Whitmore, heir to a family breeding operation that turns bloodlines into champions, and the owner of the horse she’s about to take down at the Kentucky Derby.
Ash doesn't do second chances. Stays away from complications. His game is horses, business, and winning, in that order. But Briar, with her calloused hands, borrowed nerve, and her absolute refusal to be impressed by him, is the first thing in years he can't walk away from.
The horses are in the gate. The odds are impossible. And neither of them came this far to finish second.
The Derby Debacle is a story about two people who thought they knew exactly what they wanted, until they met someone who made them want something different.
100 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 28, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
May 7, 2026
The fourth installment in the Year of Accidental Love Affairs is strong, spicy and my dream of “he falls first”.
The moment he sees her, to the thoughts that start rolling through his head, is not what he expected and everything I loved.
A meet cute in the airport bar, some banter from Briar, some flirting from Ash and they seal a deal with some heavy spice.
Pretty sure at this point Cedar James can write anything. Her banter never fails, and always steps up. The swoon that happens when you meet her MMC, is a guarantee for me. Happens every time and only increases with each new one she introduces us to. Ash is confident and charming at the same time. I think it’s also because we get his POV and I know how crazy about Briar he is and how long he has been thinking about her since first sight. Her FMC’s always have a strength and an awareness of their life, and Briar has both. She knows how hard she worked to get where she is and is in it to win.
Their chemistry together is electrifying! Every moment, touch, kiss, whispers… warmed every part of me and blushed me a few times.
Cedar’s books always bring me joy. And this one did just that. I always close one of her books having laughed, gotten a bit hot and bothered, and love drunk.
The moment he sees her, to the thoughts that start rolling through his head, is not what he expected and everything I loved.
A meet cute in the airport bar, some banter from Briar, some flirting from Ash and they seal a deal with some heavy spice.
Pretty sure at this point Cedar James can write anything. Her banter never fails, and always steps up. The swoon that happens when you meet her MMC, is a guarantee for me. Happens every time and only increases with each new one she introduces us to. Ash is confident and charming at the same time. I think it’s also because we get his POV and I know how crazy about Briar he is and how long he has been thinking about her since first sight. Her FMC’s always have a strength and an awareness of their life, and Briar has both. She knows how hard she worked to get where she is and is in it to win.
Their chemistry together is electrifying! Every moment, touch, kiss, whispers… warmed every part of me and blushed me a few times.
Cedar’s books always bring me joy. And this one did just that. I always close one of her books having laughed, gotten a bit hot and bothered, and love drunk.
May 6, 2026
As a horse girlie since basically birth ...this book had me at “Derby” (that and the fact that Rachel was narrating it!)
But when you add in a chance meeting, a shared destination, and an instant undeniable connection? I was done for.
Ash & Bri are all the things. Witty banter, instant chemsitry, same end goal ... and the kind of tension that sinks in fast.
Honestly they are sort of the same person when you really think about it!
Bri Dawson is focused, driven, and knows exactly what she wants. She has a plan – and she is planning to stick to it. What she didn’t plan for was meeting a stranger in an airport bar that would change everything.
Ash is hot, charming, stupid rich and way to easy to like. One look at Bri and he was a goner. He has very clear set expectations for his days and his life - she turned his world upside down before he even knew what was happening and without trying. He’s honest and straightforward and I think I might be a little in love with him.
The moments of “horse” talk and the description of what it’s like to walk into the stable, even the description of the smells were like coming home for me. So well done!
I did this on solely audio and I have to say Rachel Dane and Finnley Cole are magic. They are evertyhing and then more! There is something about Rachel’s voice that commands you to listen but at the same time her tone and voice are so methodical and soft. You can’t help but love the character she is portraying. Finnley and his southern accent combined with the deep gruff tone...eesh! More please!
This was way too quick of a listen and is my first Cedar James book but it will absolutely NOT be my last!
But when you add in a chance meeting, a shared destination, and an instant undeniable connection? I was done for.
Ash & Bri are all the things. Witty banter, instant chemsitry, same end goal ... and the kind of tension that sinks in fast.
Honestly they are sort of the same person when you really think about it!
Bri Dawson is focused, driven, and knows exactly what she wants. She has a plan – and she is planning to stick to it. What she didn’t plan for was meeting a stranger in an airport bar that would change everything.
Ash is hot, charming, stupid rich and way to easy to like. One look at Bri and he was a goner. He has very clear set expectations for his days and his life - she turned his world upside down before he even knew what was happening and without trying. He’s honest and straightforward and I think I might be a little in love with him.
The moments of “horse” talk and the description of what it’s like to walk into the stable, even the description of the smells were like coming home for me. So well done!
I did this on solely audio and I have to say Rachel Dane and Finnley Cole are magic. They are evertyhing and then more! There is something about Rachel’s voice that commands you to listen but at the same time her tone and voice are so methodical and soft. You can’t help but love the character she is portraying. Finnley and his southern accent combined with the deep gruff tone...eesh! More please!
This was way too quick of a listen and is my first Cedar James book but it will absolutely NOT be my last!
May 2, 2026
The Derby Debacle by Cedar James was the perfect palate cleanser—especially during derby season.
When Briar is stranded at the airport after multiple flight cancellations, she does what most of us would: heads straight to the bar, orders a drink that’s a little too strong, and reflects on the chaos of her career.
Then in walks a tall, impeccably dressed stranger who practically radiates wealth and confidence. He takes the seat beside her, armed with charm that feels almost too polished—and exactly like the kind of trouble Briar swore she’d avoid. But maybe a little trouble is exactly what she needs. After all, how bad could one night really be?
Cedar James delivers a fun, flirty mix of witty banter, humor, romance, and plenty of spice in this short audiobook. At under three hours, it’s a quick, engaging listen that left me smiling—and reminded me why Cedar’s books always climb to the top of my TBL.
The narration truly brings the story to life. Rachael Dane once again delivers a standout performance, capturing both the humor and heat effortlessly. And Finley Cole—a new-to-me narrator—did an incredible job bringing Ash’s character to life. Their performances together made the story even more immersive.
As for my listening experience… let’s just say I was completely absorbed. Between missing turns while driving and creating some unintentionally awkward real-life moments, this audiobook definitely kept me entertained.
I’m really excited to see what’s next in the Year of Accidental Love Affairs series.
When Briar is stranded at the airport after multiple flight cancellations, she does what most of us would: heads straight to the bar, orders a drink that’s a little too strong, and reflects on the chaos of her career.
Then in walks a tall, impeccably dressed stranger who practically radiates wealth and confidence. He takes the seat beside her, armed with charm that feels almost too polished—and exactly like the kind of trouble Briar swore she’d avoid. But maybe a little trouble is exactly what she needs. After all, how bad could one night really be?
Cedar James delivers a fun, flirty mix of witty banter, humor, romance, and plenty of spice in this short audiobook. At under three hours, it’s a quick, engaging listen that left me smiling—and reminded me why Cedar’s books always climb to the top of my TBL.
The narration truly brings the story to life. Rachael Dane once again delivers a standout performance, capturing both the humor and heat effortlessly. And Finley Cole—a new-to-me narrator—did an incredible job bringing Ash’s character to life. Their performances together made the story even more immersive.
As for my listening experience… let’s just say I was completely absorbed. Between missing turns while driving and creating some unintentionally awkward real-life moments, this audiobook definitely kept me entertained.
I’m really excited to see what’s next in the Year of Accidental Love Affairs series.
April 28, 2026
The Derby Debacle – Review
“The best decisions I ever made were the reckless ones.” That line alone perfectly captures the energy of The Derby Debacle—bold, a little chaotic, and impossible to ignore.
This story leans heavily into chemistry and tension, especially between Briar and Ash. Their banter is sharp, playful, and at times downright electric, making their dynamic one of the strongest parts of the book. You can feel the push-and-pull between them in every interaction, and it keeps the pages turning even when the plot itself feels a bit light on background details.
Speaking of that, one of the few things I found myself wanting more of was deeper insight into the main characters. There are moments where a little extra backstory could have added more emotional weight to their choices and relationship. Still, what the book may lack in depth, it makes up for in entertainment.
If you’re into stories set around horses and that whole derby atmosphere, this one definitely delivers. It adds a unique charm and setting that makes the romance feel a little more grounded and immersive.
And I have to mention the audiobook experience—the male narrator’s Southern accent? Absolutely carried. It added so much personality and made certain scenes even more enjoyable.
Overall, The Derby Debacle is a fun, chemistry-driven read with a lively setting, strong banter, and just enough drama to keep things interesting. Not the deepest story, but definitely one that knows how to entertain.
“The best decisions I ever made were the reckless ones.” That line alone perfectly captures the energy of The Derby Debacle—bold, a little chaotic, and impossible to ignore.
This story leans heavily into chemistry and tension, especially between Briar and Ash. Their banter is sharp, playful, and at times downright electric, making their dynamic one of the strongest parts of the book. You can feel the push-and-pull between them in every interaction, and it keeps the pages turning even when the plot itself feels a bit light on background details.
Speaking of that, one of the few things I found myself wanting more of was deeper insight into the main characters. There are moments where a little extra backstory could have added more emotional weight to their choices and relationship. Still, what the book may lack in depth, it makes up for in entertainment.
If you’re into stories set around horses and that whole derby atmosphere, this one definitely delivers. It adds a unique charm and setting that makes the romance feel a little more grounded and immersive.
And I have to mention the audiobook experience—the male narrator’s Southern accent? Absolutely carried. It added so much personality and made certain scenes even more enjoyable.
Overall, The Derby Debacle is a fun, chemistry-driven read with a lively setting, strong banter, and just enough drama to keep things interesting. Not the deepest story, but definitely one that knows how to entertain.
April 29, 2026
This is probably the easiest 5 star read of 2026! The way you can feel the love written on the pages and from the mouths of the narrators is unmatched! Shout out to Finley and Rachel! These two knocked this out of the park!
For those of you who haven't had the pleasure of reading anything by Cedar James, you are missing out! Cedar and Nicole set out this year to write a 12 book series of spicy Novellas, and this one is TOP TIER! They can be read as stand alones, but who wouldn't want to read a short/spicy novella surrounded by horses, mint julep's, love and meet-cutes?!
Bri and Ash meet in an airport bar while their flights are delayed and decide that they are going to make a reckless decision. That decision leads to an evening that neither one of them can forget!!!! They set the expectation that there would be no personal details, other than their nicknames, but what they don't know is that they are both flying to the same destination and they both have a similar occupation!
Watch out for those easter eggs, they are great clues to other books and the foreshadowing to the next book in the series!
"The best decisions I ever made were the reckless ones"
For those of you who haven't had the pleasure of reading anything by Cedar James, you are missing out! Cedar and Nicole set out this year to write a 12 book series of spicy Novellas, and this one is TOP TIER! They can be read as stand alones, but who wouldn't want to read a short/spicy novella surrounded by horses, mint julep's, love and meet-cutes?!
Bri and Ash meet in an airport bar while their flights are delayed and decide that they are going to make a reckless decision. That decision leads to an evening that neither one of them can forget!!!! They set the expectation that there would be no personal details, other than their nicknames, but what they don't know is that they are both flying to the same destination and they both have a similar occupation!
Watch out for those easter eggs, they are great clues to other books and the foreshadowing to the next book in the series!
"The best decisions I ever made were the reckless ones"
April 28, 2026
happy release day!!!
This short novella is so good! I enjoyed immersive reading it. The narrators are amazing! The story is sweet! The cameo was perfect! Another amazing story by Cedar <3
This short novella is so good! I enjoyed immersive reading it. The narrators are amazing! The story is sweet! The cameo was perfect! Another amazing story by Cedar <3
May 1, 2026
Oh I was so excited for this one and it was so good! I loved it ! Great job Cedar😘🤌🏻
May 3, 2026
Listen to the audio!! Rachel and Finley did such a fantastic job! Honestly the PERFECT derby weekend listen. Short, sweet, a little spicy, and a good time over all!
May 4, 2026
4.5
Cute and well written for a novella
Cute and well written for a novella
April 28, 2026
Cedar James does it yet again!! 🔥🥵🫰🏻
Cedar James with Rachel Dane as one of the narrators is an auto listen! This one did not disappoint! Both narrators were 🔥. I have loved every installment of A Year of Accidental Love Affairs. Can’t wait for the next one!
Cedar James with Rachel Dane as one of the narrators is an auto listen! This one did not disappoint! Both narrators were 🔥. I have loved every installment of A Year of Accidental Love Affairs. Can’t wait for the next one!
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Derby Debacle by Cedar James is easily a five-star read. By the time I finished, I was completely love-drunk and riding that high for the rest of the day—honestly, the book hangover was real with this one.
Cedar James has a way of crafting her characters that makes their connection feel electric. You don’t just see the chemistry—you feel it. There’s even a moment where I genuinely didn’t know who to root for… because all I wanted was them together.
The narration absolutely elevated this story. Rachel Dane worked her magic bringing the FMC to life—you can feel every ounce of her determination, her internal conflict, and that moment of hesitation when she’s deciding whether to take a risk or walk away.
Finnley Cole was just as captivating. He perfectly captured Ash’s world of privilege and control, while still letting that underlying desire and pull toward Briar shine through. And that southern accent? As a Kentucky girl, I fully approve—it added such an authentic, immersive touch.
I also loved the little Easter egg nod to a previous novella in the series—such a fun bonus for returning readers.
Overall, this book delivers everything I love in a romance. Cedar James writes in a way that’s heartfelt, swoony, and will absolutely have you kicking your feet. The narration is a solid five stars, pulling you even deeper into the story. And the spice? Five stars as well—there’s one scene in particular that completely caught me off guard in the best way.
This can definitely be read as a standalone, so don’t worry if you’re new to the series—but trust me, the other novellas are worth picking up too.
Favorite quote:
“The best decisions I ever made were the reckless ones.”
Cedar James has a way of crafting her characters that makes their connection feel electric. You don’t just see the chemistry—you feel it. There’s even a moment where I genuinely didn’t know who to root for… because all I wanted was them together.
The narration absolutely elevated this story. Rachel Dane worked her magic bringing the FMC to life—you can feel every ounce of her determination, her internal conflict, and that moment of hesitation when she’s deciding whether to take a risk or walk away.
Finnley Cole was just as captivating. He perfectly captured Ash’s world of privilege and control, while still letting that underlying desire and pull toward Briar shine through. And that southern accent? As a Kentucky girl, I fully approve—it added such an authentic, immersive touch.
I also loved the little Easter egg nod to a previous novella in the series—such a fun bonus for returning readers.
Overall, this book delivers everything I love in a romance. Cedar James writes in a way that’s heartfelt, swoony, and will absolutely have you kicking your feet. The narration is a solid five stars, pulling you even deeper into the story. And the spice? Five stars as well—there’s one scene in particular that completely caught me off guard in the best way.
This can definitely be read as a standalone, so don’t worry if you’re new to the series—but trust me, the other novellas are worth picking up too.
Favorite quote:
“The best decisions I ever made were the reckless ones.”
Review of advance copy received from Author
“Your taste is gonna stay branded on my mouth for a long time”
🎧 Audiobook Review 🎧
This was a really fun and pretty unique quick listen with an excellent narration.
I love a good underdog story, and that is exactly what we get here. With this being a novella, we don't get a lot of the characters' backstory, but from what little we get, we can see that Brie and Ash are from different sides of the tracks. A fact that made for some really good banter between them once they figured out who the other was.
I really enjoyed how Ash would just continue to renegotiate the terms of their encounter because he simply couldn't get enough of Brie. I also really enjoyed how Brie, and Fortune, came out on top against all odds. And I gotta say, that glimpse of sweet, swoony Ash we got at the end was definitely the cherry on top.
Quote: “The best decisions I've ever made were the reckless ones.”
🎧 Audiobook Review 🎧
This was a really fun and pretty unique quick listen with an excellent narration.
I love a good underdog story, and that is exactly what we get here. With this being a novella, we don't get a lot of the characters' backstory, but from what little we get, we can see that Brie and Ash are from different sides of the tracks. A fact that made for some really good banter between them once they figured out who the other was.
I really enjoyed how Ash would just continue to renegotiate the terms of their encounter because he simply couldn't get enough of Brie. I also really enjoyed how Brie, and Fortune, came out on top against all odds. And I gotta say, that glimpse of sweet, swoony Ash we got at the end was definitely the cherry on top.
Quote: “The best decisions I've ever made were the reckless ones.”
May 20, 2026
Author Cedar James came out running out of the gate with The Derby Debacle! The Derby Debacle is book 4 in A Year of Accidental Love Affairs! In this novella, we are introduced to a new couple Bri and Ash.
Ashford Whitmore comes from a millionaire family who is in the business of making champion race horses. Briar Dawson on the other hand comes from a family of dreamers and she finds herself giving blood, sweat, and tears trying to make it in the horse racing world that she doesn’t feel she belongs in.
Due to a storm, Bri and Ash has a chance encounter in an airport that changes their lives forever. Their lives will be turned upside down again when they find themselves meeting again at the derby! Don’t miss out on this amazing love affair with lots of spice!
Ashford Whitmore comes from a millionaire family who is in the business of making champion race horses. Briar Dawson on the other hand comes from a family of dreamers and she finds herself giving blood, sweat, and tears trying to make it in the horse racing world that she doesn’t feel she belongs in.
Due to a storm, Bri and Ash has a chance encounter in an airport that changes their lives forever. Their lives will be turned upside down again when they find themselves meeting again at the derby! Don’t miss out on this amazing love affair with lots of spice!
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Derby Debacle is another stellar addition to the lineup of accidental love affairs written by Cedar James and Nicole Lenz. This story is short, but so sweet and packed with emotion. As always, Cedar knows what to do with spice in her books and this is no exception. Hearing this book in audio form only ramps up that tension. Rachel Dane and Finnley Cole sounded so good together and their portrayals of Bri and Ash were so good. Definitely pick this one up if you're looking for a short and spicy palate cleanser.
Review of advance copy received from Author
@Cedar James ma am!! Omg this was a fun spicy little book and man did it deliver!! 5 ⭐️ this was a book I knew I had to drop what I was currently reading and run to get. This spicy read is available in audio format now and e book tomorrow! Don’t miss out on any of the year of accidental love affairs with her and @Nicole Lenz Author✍🏼✨ this audio was amazing! Thank you @Rachel Dane🎙📚🐦⬛ and @Finnley Cole for an awesomely crafted narration. The talent that went into this is amazing and can’t wait for more 🧑🍳 💋
April 28, 2026
Some love stories are loud. This one is quiet, aching, and unforgettable. This book begins with a single night. Unexpected, and meant to be nothing more than a moment suspended in time. Two people cross paths, share something intense and real, and then walk away believing that’s all it could ever be. A memory. Life moves on. Some connections you can't forget. The writing is tender and raw. Capturing how love doesn't always arrive when you're ready. The audiobook is a must! Rachel Dane and Finnley Cole really bring this story to life. You can feel every word.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ITS LIKE EACH BOOK KEEPS GETTING BETTER. Ash has the confidence that is slightly cocky where you want to just slap and kiss him. Dare I say.....he might be my favorite MMC in the series so far.
and I loooove Briar. shes hard working and doesnt back down. I love their banter and tension. theres parts where I read this and its like a movie in my head.
I dont know how cedar puts a full story in this book in such a short novella but man am I obsessed.
and I loooove Briar. shes hard working and doesnt back down. I love their banter and tension. theres parts where I read this and its like a movie in my head.
I dont know how cedar puts a full story in this book in such a short novella but man am I obsessed.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Pending
May 13, 2026
My first Cedar James book and it won’t be my last! That bathroom scene 🌶️🔥🥵hot damn!! Fully obsessed 🤗😍
May 14, 2026
Rating: 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 3/5🌶️🌶️🌶️
My Thoughts: Holy chili peppers! I have been loving A Year of Accidental Love Affairs. Not only are they short quick reads but they pack a mighty punch in just a few short pages. These books have easily been 5 star reads for me and have kept me thoroughly entertained.
This story follows Ash & Briar with a chance encounter at an airport bar, which then leads to cute banter between the two over drinks, and then a very spicy bathroom trip before parting ways. Until they both get a shock and run into each other at the derby where they are in competition with one another in the race. Trust me when I say you have to pick this book up to find out how it all comes together.
Spice: 3/5🌶️🌶️🌶️
My Thoughts: Holy chili peppers! I have been loving A Year of Accidental Love Affairs. Not only are they short quick reads but they pack a mighty punch in just a few short pages. These books have easily been 5 star reads for me and have kept me thoroughly entertained.
This story follows Ash & Briar with a chance encounter at an airport bar, which then leads to cute banter between the two over drinks, and then a very spicy bathroom trip before parting ways. Until they both get a shock and run into each other at the derby where they are in competition with one another in the race. Trust me when I say you have to pick this book up to find out how it all comes together.
May 20, 2026
Cedar does it again with another banter filled amazing spicy story that didn’t disappoint. Loved our FMC Briar and our MMC Ash instantly. The chemistry was on point right along with the sexy flirting and of course top tier banter!! I mean who doesn’t want to have a sexy hot meetup at the airport bar only to follow with some spicy sexy closet time at the derby I mean that’s a damn good time. All in all it was a great story that flowed well and just left me feeling good as always.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews