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I did a teeny, tiny bad thing for a very good reason.

Lauren

When I heard my aunt was about to lose her home, I couldn’t just sit by. I had to do something. So, I started a fundraiser inviting people to cuddle a cowboy and well, it kind of went viral.

Now, women are bidding on these big, bearded cowboys who are grumpy and scowling. But the grumpiest one is Bronco. He’s my brother’s best friend, and he’s furious with me for using his farm this way.

I should probably tell him that I got the winning bid on him.

Bronco

This cowboy wants to cuddle. Problem is, the only one I want to cuddle is my best friend’s little sister. She’s sunshine and sweetness and temptation rolled into one vintage vixen.

When I told her to use the farm as a fundraiser, I had no idea she’d be putting me on the auction block.

Now, it’s time for this cowboy to put his boot down and show Lauren that she’s the one who belongs in his arms.

If you love a gruff cowboy who will do anything to make his curvy woman smile, then climb onto Bronco’s horse. It’s going to be a wild ride, but you’ll ache in the best way.

This is a steamy cowboy rom com with plenty of on-page spice between a gruff cowboy and his curvy woman set in the welcoming, small town of Courage County. If that sounds like your kind of story, click to read now.

148 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 4, 2026

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About the author

Mia Brody

70 books426 followers
Mia Brody is a romance author who loves big, bearded guys that are gruff on the outside and oh-so gooey on the inside. She writes swoon-worthy small town romances set in the fictional town of Courage County.

She often writes characters that are disabled, chronically ill, or neurodivergent. Her own struggles with muscular dystrophy and anxiety inspire many of her stories. She's passionate about showing readers that happily ever after is possible for everyone.

Get exclusive bonus scenes, early access to her latest books, and more when you sign up: https://miabrody.com/news/

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5 stars
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18 (9%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
Profile Image for Sarah Nielsen.
4,328 reviews19 followers
June 17, 2026
This was a really cute brother’s best friend romance. It was a short story that had a good flow and was very well paced. I loved the dynamic between Bronco and Lauren, they were so good together. I was enjoying every page.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jessica Bazan.
91 reviews
June 4, 2026
Super cute and quick read! Mia always does an amazing job with her books and this one is no exception.

Bronco and Lauren are so loveable and you’re rooting for them from the start. The world Mia has created is so perfect and believable that it takes little effort to fall into their story. I can’t wait to see where the next book takes us!
Profile Image for Una.
43 reviews9 followers
June 27, 2026
Great read, loved the main characters and the fact that they were friends to lovers. Mia writes low angst short stories that are always an amazing read💙
Profile Image for Nicole M.
988 reviews14 followers
June 7, 2026
I really wanted to love this one and while it was super cute and I enjoyed a lot of the inital dynamic between Bronco and Lauren, I found myself confused as to what the main story was by the end. There was a shift and it felt like something was missing or maybe never follow through on.
128 reviews1 follower
June 5, 2026
I was hooked on this book from page one. I fell in love with all of these characters. Bronco and Lauren were sweet together. Bit of a small slow burn well worth the wait though. Loved it. Must read.
Profile Image for Michelle Frater.
2,133 reviews22 followers
June 15, 2026
Cuddle a cowboy? Sign me up.
After Lauren’s aunt falls victim to a devastating scam, the future of the Wildflower Retirement Community Center hangs in the balance. Determined to save her home and the place she loves, Lauren comes up with a fundraising idea. When Bronco, her brother’s best friend and her longtime secret crush, offers his ranch for a petting zoo, Lauren takes the concept in a much more creative direction. Why auction cuddly farm animals when bidders could win a weekend cuddling a cowboy instead? With all proceeds going to the retirement center, the ranch hands are happy to pitch in. Well, almost all of them. Bronco is less than thrilled when he discovers Lauren’s plan. Lauren and Bronco have been dancing around their feelings for years. Ever since Lauren’s brother went missing overseas and entrusted her care to Bronco, their connection has only deepened. The problem is that Lauren believes Bronco sees her as nothing more than a responsibility, while Bronco is convinced that a wounded, world-weary cowboy like him could never be what Lauren wants, even if she wasn’t his best friend’s little sister. The emotional tension in this story is delicious. It’s one step forward, two steps back as these two stubborn hearts circle each other, and I spent half the book with my fingers crossed, desperately rooting for them to get out of their own way. The angst is just enough to make your heart ache without overwhelming the warmth and charm that runs through every page. What makes Lauren and Bronco so easy to love is how genuinely kind-hearted they both are. Lauren pours her heart into helping the residents at the retirement center, while Bronco dedicates himself to supporting veterans at Valor Ranch as they navigate life after deployment. They spend so much time caring for everyone else that you can’t help wishing they’d finally allow themselves a little happiness, too. I especially loved the way Bronco showed up whenever Lauren needed him. No matter how hard they tried to keep their feelings under wraps, his actions spoke volumes. Their devotion to each other was undeniable; all they really needed was a push toward the truth (or more of a shove really). The blend of sweet romance, simmering tension, and heartfelt emotion is absolutely irresistible. Every near-confession had me groaning, every tender moment had me smiling, and by the end I was completely invested in their happily-ever-after. This is a charming, feel-good romance that will leave you swooning and quite possibly wishing for a grumpy cowboy of your own.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Chandra Luna.
2,668 reviews15 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 3, 2026
Bronco was such a sweet, funny, and heartfelt romance that completely pulled me into the welcoming world of Courage County. What started as a clever fundraiser quickly turned into a story about finding family, overcoming old hurts, and finally believing that you're worthy of being loved.

Lauren stole my heart from the very beginning. Despite everything she's been through—being abandoned by her mother and living for years with the uncertainty surrounding her brother's disappearance—she remains kind, generous, and determined to help the people she loves. Her idea for the "Cuddle a Cowboy" fundraiser was both hilarious and surprisingly brilliant, and the chaos that follows makes for some laugh-out-loud moments.

Bronco is exactly the kind of cowboy romance readers dream about. Gruff with everyone else but endlessly patient and protective with Lauren, he's the perfect mix of rugged strength and hidden tenderness. As a former Marine carrying his own scars and losses, his devotion to Lauren felt genuine and earned. Watching him struggle between honoring his promise to Vale and following his heart added so much meaning to their journey.

The brother's-best-friend dynamic was wonderfully done, and the long-simmering feelings between Lauren and Bronco created plenty of anticipation. Both characters carry insecurities and misunderstandings that stand in their way, but seeing those walls slowly come down made their connection even more rewarding. Their romance is sweet, swoony, and filled with moments that will leave readers smiling.

I also loved the sense of community woven throughout the story. Vale's Ranch and its mission to help veterans gave the book an extra layer of heart, while the supporting cast added humor, warmth, and plenty of excitement for future books. Flint especially had me eager to see what comes next.

If you enjoy brother's best friend romances, protective cowboys, ex-military heroes, small-town charm, and stories where two people finally realize they've been each other's home all along, Bronco is a delightful read. It's a quick, satisfying romance that delivers laughs, heartfelt moments, and a beautiful reminder that sometimes the family you find is exactly the one you were meant to have.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for kymagirl.
7,410 reviews88 followers
June 13, 2026
He promised to protect her, but wanting her changes everything.

Lauren has spent years loving the one man she thinks she can’t have. Bronco is her brother’s best friend, the gruff cowboy who shows up when everything breaks. When her aunt’s retirement community faces collapse, Lauren turns his ranch into a fundraiser that gets bigger than she planned.

Bronco has spent just as long keeping his hands to himself. He’s steady, loyal, and restrained, but Lauren gets under every scar he carries. When she puts his cowboys on the auction block, his control starts to crack, especially when he realizes she wants him too.

Their tension turns into forced proximity, stolen kisses, jealous claims, and intimacy that makes old wounds impossible to ignore. Lauren fears she’s only ever been someone else’s responsibility, while Bronco is scared that loving her means crossing a line he can’t uncross.

As their feelings stop staying quiet, Lauren has to believe she’s wanted, not owed, and Bronco has to show her that protection isn’t the same thing as love. What starts as restraint becomes devotion. ‍

Lauren grows from feeling like a burden into a woman who can believe she’s wanted and chosen. Bronco shifts from protective distance into open devotion, learning that loving Lauren means letting her see his wounds too. Their relationship moves from forbidden longing into a physical, possessive, emotionally safe bond.

An ultra-steamy, grumpy sunshine, brother’s best friend, small town cowboy romance with forced proximity, mutual pining, possessive devotion, caretaking intimacy, and a curvy woman who learns she was never a burden to carry. It’s about a woman learning she’s wanted without conditions, a wounded cowboy claiming the future he’s been building in silence, and a love that turns duty into devotion.

The Elevator Pitch: When a desperate fundraiser turns a veterans’ ranch into the hottest auction in town, a sunshine-hearted caretaker collides with the gruff cowboy who has spent years wanting her in silence. Between old promises, public claims, and the ache of being chosen, their restraint starts to unravel into something far harder to deny. But love asks for more than protection, and both of them have to decide whether they’re brave enough to be wanted without conditions.

Heat Level: 🔥🔥🔥 Ultra-Steamy / Erotic Romance
3,465 reviews26 followers
June 18, 2026
Review: Bronco: A Brother’s Best Friend Spicy Romance

This is a classic small-town cowboy romance built around a viral, slightly chaotic premise that quickly spirals into forced proximity, brother’s-best-friend tension, and a romance that moves from irritation to obsession in typical grumpy/sunshine fashion.

Lauren’s idea to run a “cuddle a cowboy” fundraiser is the kind of impulsive, well-meaning disaster that sets the entire story in motion. It gives the book a light rom-com energy upfront, especially as the concept goes viral and suddenly the gruff ranchers are being auctioned off for cuddles. That setup works well as a hook because it immediately creates embarrassment, stakes, and a reason for Bronco and Lauren to be stuck in each other’s orbit.

Bronco himself fits the expected archetype: protective, territorial, and very quickly revealed to be less annoyed by the situation than he is by her. His frustration reads less like anger and more like a man trying (and failing) to maintain distance from someone he already wants. Lauren, meanwhile, leans into the sunshine-chaos heroine role—well-intentioned, a little reckless, and emotionally transparent in a way that keeps the tension from ever fully cooling off.

The brother’s best friend dynamic does most of the heavy lifting here. There’s constant awareness of boundaries, history, and the potential fallout, which keeps even the lighter moments from feeling consequence-free. At the same time, the romance doesn’t really aim for slow emotional realism—it prioritizes chemistry, banter, and escalating physical tension.

If there’s a critique, it’s that the story leans heavily on familiar tropes without trying to reinvent them. The emotional beats are predictable: resistance, jealousy, forced closeness, then eventual surrender. But that’s also the appeal for readers who specifically want that comfort structure with high heat and a possessive-but-soft cowboy lead.

Overall, Bronco is a fast, steamy, trope-forward cowboy romance that delivers exactly what it promises: tension, protectiveness, and a small-town love story where the hardest thing to resist isn’t the scandal—it’s each other.
581 reviews14 followers
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
June 3, 2026
“Bronco” by Mia Brody is book 1 of 2 in the standalone duo: Cuddle A Cowboy. And oh my, it’s these best read! Deals with military men and life after they come home.
Lauren is our beautiful MFC with abandonment issues, but a heart to include everyone.
Both she and Vale had lived with their Aunt Elaine, at the Wildflower Retirement Community, since childhood.
Lauren has loved Bronco since she first met him. And as he’s her brother’s best friend, she mistakes his attention as responsibility to take care of her, as her brother would have wanted. But is that the case?
Bronco is our MMC ex marine who never had a family. He’s Lauren’s cranky (everyone but her) cowboy with a heart of gold. Her brother Vale’s best friend. Who sorrowfully has been MIA over seas for three years now, presumed dead. Bronco serving his country, coming home alone with a medical discharge. Starts up he and Vale’s dream, Vale’s Ranch, for vets. And making sure he’s there for Lauren anytime of the day or night, for anything.
And unknown to Lauren, Bronco is head over heels in love with her. Has been since she started including stuff for him in her brother’s care package’s sent over seas. But honor for Vale keeps him from perusing her. And a promise to Vale keeps him close to her.
When something bad goes down and Lauren needs money quickly. She comes up with auctioning off the cowboys from Vale’s Farm for Cowboy Cuddles. So cute!
And so begins the walls coming down, truth comes out realities realized.
The boy finally got his family and the girl realized she is chosen. A sweet, shorter read spicy and emotional book. Wish an innocent heroine and a possessive, protective and do anything for her, hero. The story line is amazing with the characters drawing you in making you feel like family yourself.
We’re also given a glimpse into some future books with the next being Cords. And it sounds like he’s going to make some noise!
Love! Love! Love!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Laura Moylan.
1,721 reviews
June 18, 2026
I love Courage County stories! Lauren & Vale were dropped off as children to their Aunt Elaine at the retirement community. They grew up there, but since Vale was the eldest, he went into the military and now he has been MIA for 3 years. His best friend, Bronco, had been medically discharged and was setting things up for afterwards, as Vale had one last mission. Lauren had a funeral for her brother for closure. Bronco had been helping out with the retirement place, fixing things, etc. ever since. If Lauren called, he came. No matter what time, or what for. Then we find out that Lauren did something for her Aunt, that backfired and now there were problems. She tells Bronco and they come up with a fundraiser idea. However, the first one they discussed did not work out. The next one Lauren came up with, was insanely genius. Cuddle a Cowboy. Hoo boy. I sat there laughing myself silly over the things that happen after that, especially at Bronco’s place with the ranch hands. It sends me into giggle fits days later still. Reading this book made me feel like a contented cat. It really helped me when I was really sick.

The book made me laugh aloud and squee a bit too. It is hilarious and I love how Bronco handles Lauren’s antics. But, they have feelings for each other and Bronco had made Vale a promise and he had tried to not give in, but she had feelings back for him, since she was younger. Bronco and Lauren are just so romantic, hot and steamy together. There are some shocking revelations in the book that practically had me bouncing on the bed in glee. lol. I also love Bronco’s dog, Menace too. I especially loved the ending and can’t wait for the other Cuddle a Cowboy books that tells of the other guys who helped with the fundraiser.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Rebmay.
3,030 reviews48 followers
June 16, 2026
It is impossible not to love the very protective and deliciously brawny Bronco. He promised his best buddy that he would take care of his younger sister if anything should happen to him, and he has done just that since his buddy went MIA. He has also fallen completely in love with the beautiful inside and out Lauren, despite their age gap. She has finally learned to call him when she needs help, but her current problem is a biggie. The seniors home that Lauren and her aunt operate and live in is in danger of going bankrupt. She makes a plan to raise money, but Bronco has no idea that he and the men on his ranch will be on the auction block or that so many eager ladies would respond.

Growly and possessive Bronco doesn’t like Lauren taking photos of other men, even for a good cause. When Lauren tells him she placed the highest bid for him, Bronco resolves to claim her, despite his promise to her brother. Their chemistry is super hot, and Lauren has had a crush on Bronco for years. Unfortunately, the men in her life have a terrible track record when it comes to staying and she thinks the problem lies with her. Bronco has his work cut out for him in trying to get her to believe that he is all in and not going anywhere.

I like Bronco’s possessive streak, his efforts to convince Lauren that what he feels for her is forever and his soft side that he allows only her to see. Lauren is all about helping others, especially her aunt who she thinks was burdened by the arrival of her and her brother. She certainly has a sassy flirty side that she finally shows Bronco after she places her winning bid. They definitely create a whole lot of heat and steam.

I am happy to recommend this delightful book.
1,256 reviews10 followers
June 23, 2026
This cowboy romance had many elements that I wanted to love. The setting was charming, the emotional stakes were high, and the underlying story had the potential to be truly moving. Unfortunately, a number of character choices and plot inconsistencies kept me from fully connecting with it.

My biggest issue was the heroine's behavior. While her intentions are generally presented as good, she repeatedly manipulates situations without the consent of the people involved. She publishes the hero's photo before obtaining his approval, changes the nature of a fundraiser without consulting him, and involves other cowboys under what appear to be misleading circumstances. The story often treats these actions as harmless or well-meaning, but I found them difficult to overlook.

I also struggled with some inconsistencies surrounding the missing brother storyline. Early in the book, there is considerable emphasis on the uncertainty of his fate. Later, characters seem to speak of his death as though it were established fact, despite no obvious new information being revealed. These shifts left me confused and made parts of the emotional arc feel less convincing.

That said, there is still a good story underneath these issues. The relationships, family connections, and cowboy setting create an engaging backdrop, and there were several moments that genuinely worked well. Had the manipulation been toned down and some of the continuity issues been addressed, this could have been an outstanding romance.

As it stands, I found it an enjoyable but frustrating read—one with a lot of heart, but also a few obstacles that prevented it from reaching its full potential.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Vedece Barnes.
721 reviews8 followers
June 8, 2026
Lauren has been crazy about Bronco since, well forever. He's her brother's best friend and they served together. After her brother's memorial, he stayed to take care of her.
Lauren stays with her aunt at the retirement home her aunt owns and she not only grew up there but helps her aunt run it. It's falling apart and they can't let the residents know how truly bad the situation is so they keep it a secret and do repairs with duct tape, hair pins and any free labor the workers and volunteers offer.
Bronco has watched her run the place and handle every crisis that comes up. He knows he's not supposed to be in love with his best friend's little sister but it's far too late for that. He's a goner. When she shares what's bothering her, it's a sign of trust that makes him determined to help.
He offers her his ranch for a fundraiser petting zoo. When that plan isn't going over like she'd hoped it would, she has to change it. Maybe an auction, hmmm? And Cuddle a Cowboy is born. And when Bronco finds out, let's just say Bronco is bucking mad.
Wait, she won him?
He has her for three whole days and Lord help his filthy mind, three whole nights?
Are the heated looks and kisses just for the interview and the camera? Is it just because of a promise he made to her brother? Or all the feelings they've kept under wraps so long finally bursting out?
Come on down to Courage County and find out. But, Bring a fan and something cool to drink because these cowboys know how to bring the heat.
This review is my opinion and is not AI generated.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Shalalah.
958 reviews3 followers
June 16, 2026
“Bronco” is one of those stories that makes you grin from the very first page because you can feel the trouble coming—and you know it’s going to be the best kind. Lauren’s heart is in exactly the right place when she launches her cuddle‑a‑cowboy fundraiser, but the execution? Absolutely chaotic in the most charming way. Watching her try to save her aunt’s home with nothing but determination, vintage flair, and a viral idea is half the fun.

And then there’s Bronco.

Big, bearded, grumpy-as-sin Bronco, who told her she could use the farm but definitely didn’t mean this. The way he stomps around furious at being auctioned off, only to realize the woman who “won” him is the one he’s been trying not to want for years, is delicious. He’s her brother’s best friend, the man who’s always kept his distance, and suddenly he’s the cowboy everyone is bidding on—except the only touch he wants is hers.

Their chemistry hits fast and hard, but what makes the story shine is the sweetness underneath all that heat. Lauren is sunshine wrapped in curves and good intentions, and Bronco melts for her in that quiet, stubborn way cowboys do when they’ve already made up their mind. Every moment between them feels like a line they’ve been dancing around for years, finally crossed with no going back.

It’s funny, flirty, and full of that Courage County warmth—found family, small‑town meddling, and a hero who’d burn the world down just to make his girl smile. A refreshing, steamy, utterly satisfying start to the Cuddle a Cowboy series.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,315 reviews8 followers
June 26, 2026
This is book one in the author’s new Cuddle a Cowboy series and, I swear, this was the cutest concept for a fundraising auction I’ve ever read! Can you imagine having a big, tough, masculine cowboy to yourself for a whole weekend, nothing to do but to be cuddled? Pure genius on Lauren’s (our FMC) part! All it would’ve taken was a little bit of Bronco’s sweet talking and I’d’ve broke myself bidding on him too! And how many of us haven’t crushed on our best friend’s brother? Not QUITE the same since this was a brother’s best friend and I don’t have a brother but still, you get my point.

I fell a little bit in love with Bronco myself; I mean, who wouldn’t? He was so incredibly sweet and protective over Lauren and the way he pined after her (and her for him for that matter) was amazing!

The book is interconnected with the author’s other Courage County series and personally, I think they just keep getting better and hotter as they go along instead of petering out as you might expect based on other series I’ve read by other authors. I already can’t wait for the next book in the series, I’m positively feenin’ to see who the next cowboy cuddler’s gonna be—hopefully it’s either Lauren’s brother Vale or Cord, the cowboy who was off to stop a wedding, possibly on his trusty white steed… hot huh? Anyway, take my word for it, you seriously don’t want to miss this book! 5 stars.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Carolee.
585 reviews9 followers
June 5, 2026
Bronco by Mia Brody is exactly the kind of small-town romance that reminds readers why the cowboy trope never goes out of style. With a premise that is instantly charming and wonderfully original, this first installment in the Cuddle a Cowboy series delivers heart, humor, and irresistible chemistry from the very first page. The writing is lively and engaging, making it easy to fall into the world of Courage County and never want to leave.

What truly makes this book standout is the dynamic between Lauren and Bronco. Their banter is sharp, their connection feels genuine, and the emotional undercurrent gives the story real depth beneath its playful setup. Brody balances sweetness with tension beautifully, crafting a romance that feels both comforting and exciting. Fans of grumpy-sunshine pairings, best friend’s sister tropes, and protective heroes will find plenty to love here.

This is a fast, satisfying read with strong romantic momentum and a warm, welcoming setting that makes the entire story feel authentic. Whether you are a longtime romance reader or simply looking for an upbeat, feel-good escape, Bronco is an easy recommendation. It is a delightful series opener that leaves a lasting impression and makes you eager for the next visit to Courage County.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Tiffany  Hill.
1,005 reviews16 followers
June 11, 2026
**Always Her Protector!**

"Bronco" is the first book in the new series "Cuddle a Cowboy." Both Bronco and Lauren are easy to fall in love with. It’s truly cute watching them dance around their feelings for each other, as they both tried to deny their attraction for so long. It was obvious to everyone around them that they liked each other, despite the flirty banter that they kept hidden from one another.

Lauren was always afraid that Bronco viewed her as Val's little sister and that he was only in her life because of a promise he made to her brother. At the same time, Bronco struggled with his own scars from the past as he tried to honor his promise to always protect Lauren and keep her safe.

When Lauren comes up with a brilliant idea to help save the assisted living center by organizing a "Cuddle a Cowboy" auction, Bronco happens to be the first cowboy to be auctioned off. Jealousy sets in, credit cards come out, and finally, the walls between them begin to crumble. They start to let each other in and truly connect, leading to an intense and heated romance.

Lauren and Bronco's slow-burning love story is definitely a fantastic start to this new series of cowboys, and I can’t wait to see what happens next!

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jennifer Brewster .
1,607 reviews19 followers
June 4, 2026
Bronco is book 1 in the Cuddle a Cowboy series and features some familiar faces in Courage County, Bronco & Lauren. It's giving ex military, brothers best friend, age gap, COWBOY and a vintage loving curvy goddess.

Lauren and her bother Vale were dropped off at the Wildflower retirement center as young children by their mother to live with their Aunt Elaine. Vale went into the military and Lauren still works and lives at Wildflower. When Vale was stationed overseas she would send care packages to Vale and his best friend Bronco. Except Bronco came home and Vale never did.

These two have pinned for each other for years, both thinking that the other doesn't feel the same way. To get to their HEA these two definitely had a journey of misunderstandings and insecurities and of course a little cowboy auction. Their story was heartfelt, emotional and a little steamy too.

The cast of cowboys and Wildflower residents added to the story in such a fun way. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

Profile Image for Aspen G.
2,036 reviews5 followers
June 5, 2026
Bronco is absolutely adorable with some great and unexpected twists! With a heart of gold and a spirit that shines, Lauren has some serious trauma and hurt around her past and carries major baggage about being forced on people instead of wanted and loved for who she is—so much so that she is down on herself and can’t see what’s right in front of her. Courageous and kind Bronco is similarly running a negative that she could never want him, though absolutely no one could understand that. He is down bad for her in the best way, and he always shows up for her and supports her. Watching these two dance is an exercise in itself—slow burn at its best—where their inner monologues match and how they treat others leaps off the pages. There are many touching and sweet scenes, and when they finally give in to their feelings it’s fiery hotness! After getting to meet some of the other cowboys on Bronco’s veteran’s retreat ranch, I can’t wait to see what comes next.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Tressa23.
112 reviews16 followers
June 12, 2026
Adorably Hot.

When I read the description I thought this would be an adorably cute read. The kind you pull out on a rainy day, on the couch, with your favorite pillow, throw blanket, cup of tea, and enjoy in front of a roaring fire (or, in my case, the Vader Yule Log on YouTube because who doesn’t like a cozy ten hour funeral pyre).

And it is that kind of read.

You just might want to add a fan and your favorite alcoholic drink to that mix because the book goes from “adorable” to “oh my” (yes, in “uncle” George Takei’s voice) and you’re going to have to throw that blanket off fast.

An excellent plot filled with mistaken emotional beliefs, a lost brother (both blood and chosen kind), shaky financial/professional grounds, and a crazy “save or die” idea keeps the story going fast until the moments you might want to read a little slower on purpose ;-).

Get your Prince Of Wales tea / Black Sambvca with Pepsi ready!

I received a free copy of this book from Booksprouts and am voluntarily leaving a review.

523 reviews9 followers
June 16, 2026
To save the future of the retirement home, built by her aunt, Lauren comes up with idea for a fundraiser, she really would like to cuddle her brother's best friend Bronco, who is a cowboy. When he volunteers his farm and petting zoo for the fundraiser, he had no idea that Lauren would come up with cuddling a cowboy. Bronco is not happy with the idea, secretly only wanting to cuddle Lauren, but the other cowboys are all in for the charity. Lauren also has deep feelings for Bronco, but thinks he only sees her as a burden, since her brother, who went missing overseas, asked him too look out for her and Bronco thinks he is not good enough. But slowly they dance around each other, will they be ready to take the final step? I enjoyed the story and characters, just sometimes they danced around each other a little too much. But it is so genuine to read how theyboth help other people and Bronco is always there for Lauren if she needs help, no matter what.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Barbara Atkinson.
1,163 reviews7 followers
June 8, 2026
This is such a sweet emotional read. Mia did not disappoint with this one. Grab your tissues and enjoy the ride for a fundraiser done right.
This story is a quick read but is packed full of heart, anguish and raw vulnerability.
Bronco and Lauren are such a cute couple who are scared to admit their feelings for each other. They have both been pining for each other for so long neither can believe the other is interested in them.
Bronco is Lauren’s brother’s best friend. Vale has been MIA for the last three years. He loves Lauren but thinks she is too young and too sweet for a grumpy old cowboy like him.
Lauren loves Bronco but thinks that she is just a burden to him. When the retirement center her Aunt runs gets into a financial situation she devises a plan to help. Join the journey as Lauren and Bronco see just how much they mean to each other.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
528 reviews4 followers
June 14, 2026
In this first book of the series, we meet Bronco who is retired from the military and has a ranch where retired military can come and work. He has served with many of these men but continues to miss his best friend who had died overseas. Now he looks after his best friend’s sister, Lauren and her aunt. Lauren and her aunt run the local personal care home and it is in financial trouble. She has also been in love with her brother’s best friend who she thinks doesn’t notice her in that way. Bronco is her best friend and also the guy that comes at anytime to help her with any problems. To raise money to help her aunt keep the personal care home, Lauren comes up with a Cuddle up with a Cowboy auction using the guys at Bronco’s ranch. The first one to get auctioned and bought by Lauren is Bronco. As they spend the weekend together, both realize they have been hiding their feelings. Loved the surprise in this book!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 14, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (3/5)

Bronco was a fun, spicy small-town romance with plenty of chemistry and tension between Lauren and Bronco. The brother’s best friend dynamic mixed with the grumpy cowboy trope made their relationship entertaining from the start, and the fundraiser idea gave the story a unique setup that kept things interesting.

Bronco’s protective, possessive personality paired well with Lauren’s determination and warmth, and their banter made the romance easy to get invested in. The steamy scenes were frequent and definitely delivered if you enjoy fast-paced cowboy rom coms with strong attraction and emotional moments.

Some parts of the story felt a little rushed, especially the emotional development outside the romance, but the charm of the small-town setting and the chemistry between the main characters carried the book through. A quick, addictive read for fans of gruff cowboys, curvy heroine romances, and lighthearted spice.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Bec A.
330 reviews4 followers
June 27, 2026
Bronco's been fighting feelings for his best mates younger sister for years. With her brother (Vale) MIA, Lauren's vulnerable and Bronco's happy to lend her a hand

“I’d rope the moon if it meant giving you back that pretty little smile of yours,” he says the words with so much sincerity that my heart melts right there in my chest. As if I needed another reason to fall deeper in love with my brother’s best friend.'

Fiercely independent and not wanting to be a burden to anyone, Lauren is determined to fight her feelings.

“Don’t worry about me.”
I growl deep in my throat, my limit finally reached. “Dammit, why won’t you ever just let me take care of you?”
“Because maybe I like it too much,” she says. Her eyes widen like she didn’t mean to let the words slip out.'

3.5 🌟
Fantastic storyline with great potential but somewhat rushed in places.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jenny.
67 reviews15 followers
June 4, 2026
Bronco was another enjoyable read from Mia Brody. Bronco has always loved Lauren, but out of respect for his missing military friend, Vale—who was also Lauren’s brother—he kept those feelings to himself. Lauren secretly loved Bronco too, but assumed he only looked out for her because of his loyalty to Vale. I enjoyed watching their attraction build as they both struggled with their feelings and misconceptions.

I also loved seeing characters from the author’s other books woven into the story through the retirement home Lauren is trying to save. While some of the auction and social media elements felt a bit unrealistic at times, the cowboys involved had fun personalities and great banter that made those scenes entertaining.

Overall, this was another solid story by Mia Brody, and I’m looking forward to reading about the rest of the guys!
2,586 reviews11 followers
June 5, 2026
A wonderfully sweet, heartwarming story as Bronco takes care of his best friend's younger sister, when Vale fails to return home after his last mission, but he instead goes MIA. Bronco had been in love with Lauren ever, since she had sent him his first care package. She thought, he was taking such good care of her, because of the promise he had made Vale. They were denying their feelings to each other. Until, the care facility where Lauren worked and lived started having all kinds of problems, and they needed to think of some way to pull it out of it's depths of dispare. Lauren came up with the idea of auctioning off the Veterans of Valor Ranch for "cuddle a cowboy weekend", and Bronco was her first auctioned cowboy bought by her. A fabulous uplifting read.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
996 reviews2 followers
June 16, 2026
Never a burden by MeemsAngel82

Leave it to Mia to have me so emotional and loving every second of it! This book is a full one, A well written one with emotions and great characters. This couple is meant to be an are very steamy together! Add in the fact that her brother never came home but he did? I was bawling.

He kept her under a promise to her brother. But that wasn't all it was.

She is a lovely girl. He is so good for her and to her it makes my teeth ache! What a pair and when he gets into it, whew! Now that's cowboy who does things right. There are several more Cowboys and a fundraiser that had me laughing. Toss in a great community, animals and a lovely backstory? The future is looking bright for this group and I'm here for it!

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
295 reviews5 followers
June 16, 2026
We met Bronco and Lauren in Letters from a Lonely Mountain Man. I did not realise then the extent of their feelings towards each other. Both of them wanting more but thinking the other does not feel the same. This was a little frustrating. When Lauren comes up with the cuddle a cowboy auction to fundraise for her aunt’s retirement home, the humour and banter kicks in. Really liked the comraderies and joking amongst the ex-marine cowboys.

Spoiler Alert:

The other part of the story involving her brother felt rushed towards the end. I always wonder a bit about brothers’ not wanting any of their friends hooking up with their sisters. Unless they are all players and have no intention of ever committing, wouldn’t you want a good man to love your sibling?

Looking forward to cuddling with the other cowboys in this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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