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Gone Country
She’s taking back her life—and flipping his upside down in the process …
Andi Ford just wanted a fresh start—far from the man who broke her spirit—until one wrong turn and a near collision with a cowboy left her stranded and out of options. The temporary solution? Stay on a nearby ranch. The catch? It comes with an unwanted roommate: the grumpy cowboy she nearly ran over...
Zane McKade keeps his life simple: ranch, routine, and zero complications—especially when it comes to women. Andi is no exception. From the moment she crashes into his world—testing his patience and heating his blood in all the wrong ways—sending her packing becomes his personal mission.
They clash from the start, but one unguarded moment changes everything, and before either of them realizes it, the line between fury and desire is gone. As the simmering heat between them grows impossible to ignore, there’s no denying the way their broken pieces fit together. But trusting again means exposing the parts of themselves that have been burned before…
In a town too small to stay strangers, they’ll have to choose: cling to the past that hurt them, or risk everything for a love they never believed possible.
Note from the author: This book was previously published as "Zane, The McKades of Texas, 1." It has been HEAVILY edited. This revised edition includes deleted and newly written scenes, expanded character arcs, and a higher level of romantic heat than the original publication.
Andi Ford just wanted a fresh start—far from the man who broke her spirit—until one wrong turn and a near collision with a cowboy left her stranded and out of options. The temporary solution? Stay on a nearby ranch. The catch? It comes with an unwanted roommate: the grumpy cowboy she nearly ran over...
Zane McKade keeps his life simple: ranch, routine, and zero complications—especially when it comes to women. Andi is no exception. From the moment she crashes into his world—testing his patience and heating his blood in all the wrong ways—sending her packing becomes his personal mission.
They clash from the start, but one unguarded moment changes everything, and before either of them realizes it, the line between fury and desire is gone. As the simmering heat between them grows impossible to ignore, there’s no denying the way their broken pieces fit together. But trusting again means exposing the parts of themselves that have been burned before…
In a town too small to stay strangers, they’ll have to choose: cling to the past that hurt them, or risk everything for a love they never believed possible.
Note from the author: This book was previously published as "Zane, The McKades of Texas, 1." It has been HEAVILY edited. This revised edition includes deleted and newly written scenes, expanded character arcs, and a higher level of romantic heat than the original publication.
- GenresRomanceForced Proximity
312 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 11, 2026
About the author
Kimberly Lewis
6 books229 followersKimberly Lewis writes swoony, spicy small-town romance about modern love, strong family ties, and hard-earned happily ever afters. Her stories are about finding forever love in places where everyone knows your name...and maybe your business, too.
Her books blend emotional chemistry, meaningful relationships, and small-town charm with just the right amount of heat. She writes from Maryland, fueled by iced coffee, surrounded by family, and firmly convinced that the best love stories always happen in small towns.
Her books blend emotional chemistry, meaningful relationships, and small-town charm with just the right amount of heat. She writes from Maryland, fueled by iced coffee, surrounded by family, and firmly convinced that the best love stories always happen in small towns.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
May 29, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was exactly the kind of small-town romance I love. I loved seeing two characters who were both carrying scars from past relationships and learning how to trust again.
The FMC was absolutely badass. Watching her leave everything behind and start over on her own was inspiring, and ending up in a small town full of nosy but caring people was exactly what she needed. The sense of community added so much heart to the story.
I was also a huge fan of the grumpy MMC. While he was definitely guarded at first, I could understand why. Beneath the gruff exterior was a thoughtful and caring man, and I loved how patient he was with the FMC and her past experiences.
The tension between them was so well done. Their relationship developed at a great pace, making every step of their journey feel natural and earned.
My only complaint is that the ending felt a little rushed. Even so, I loved this town and can’t wait to return and get each of the siblings’ stories in future books.
This was exactly the kind of small-town romance I love. I loved seeing two characters who were both carrying scars from past relationships and learning how to trust again.
The FMC was absolutely badass. Watching her leave everything behind and start over on her own was inspiring, and ending up in a small town full of nosy but caring people was exactly what she needed. The sense of community added so much heart to the story.
I was also a huge fan of the grumpy MMC. While he was definitely guarded at first, I could understand why. Beneath the gruff exterior was a thoughtful and caring man, and I loved how patient he was with the FMC and her past experiences.
The tension between them was so well done. Their relationship developed at a great pace, making every step of their journey feel natural and earned.
My only complaint is that the ending felt a little rushed. Even so, I loved this town and can’t wait to return and get each of the siblings’ stories in future books.
June 14, 2026
Overall 2.6 ~ 3 stars.
The starting of the story was so so good. I was engaged.... almost. It gave me vibes of Alive and Wells by Bailey Hannah.
But the things went pretty quickly between them. The dislike to love shifted so quickly that i didn't even get the chance to read into it thoroughly. The idea of character's past was very well but the character growth was lacking in all sense. In fact it seemed that only FMC's issues mattered. And also the emotions were very unresolved. That things really lacked a lot. And till 34% of the book the MCs had a conversation only 3 times!?
But anyways, i really loved the sweet bonding of the siblings. That was all genuine and loving. Also man, the epilogue....whoops! Epilogue was good. I fairly loved it
Whatever might be the case, I'm always excited for the next book in the series i.e Norah's book! She was so sweet!
The starting of the story was so so good. I was engaged.... almost. It gave me vibes of Alive and Wells by Bailey Hannah.
But the things went pretty quickly between them. The dislike to love shifted so quickly that i didn't even get the chance to read into it thoroughly. The idea of character's past was very well but the character growth was lacking in all sense. In fact it seemed that only FMC's issues mattered. And also the emotions were very unresolved. That things really lacked a lot. And till 34% of the book the MCs had a conversation only 3 times!?
But anyways, i really loved the sweet bonding of the siblings. That was all genuine and loving. Also man, the epilogue....whoops! Epilogue was good. I fairly loved it
Whatever might be the case, I'm always excited for the next book in the series i.e Norah's book! She was so sweet!
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Gone Country was everything I want in a small-town romance.
This story is the perfect example of found family done right. From the moment the FMC arrives in town, you’re surrounded by a cast of nosy, caring, and lovable characters who make the community feel just as important as the romance itself. The small-town charm absolutely stole my heart.
I adored the FMC. She was strong, resilient, and incredibly easy to root for. Watching her leave her old life behind and take a chance on herself was inspiring, and I loved seeing her slowly find a place where she truly belonged.
The MMC was exactly the kind of grumpy cowboy I can’t resist. While he comes across as guarded at first, his walls make sense, and getting to see the thoughtful, patient, and caring man underneath was one of my favorite parts of the story. And when this man falls? He falls hard.
The slow-burn romance was wonderfully paced, allowing the relationship to develop naturally. Every conversation, every moment of tension, and every step forward felt earned, making their connection all the more satisfying.
If you’re looking for a heartfelt small-town romance filled with found family, a grumpy cowboy, a strong heroine, and a romance that takes its time in the best way possible, Gone Country deserves a spot on your TBR.
Gone Country was everything I want in a small-town romance.
This story is the perfect example of found family done right. From the moment the FMC arrives in town, you’re surrounded by a cast of nosy, caring, and lovable characters who make the community feel just as important as the romance itself. The small-town charm absolutely stole my heart.
I adored the FMC. She was strong, resilient, and incredibly easy to root for. Watching her leave her old life behind and take a chance on herself was inspiring, and I loved seeing her slowly find a place where she truly belonged.
The MMC was exactly the kind of grumpy cowboy I can’t resist. While he comes across as guarded at first, his walls make sense, and getting to see the thoughtful, patient, and caring man underneath was one of my favorite parts of the story. And when this man falls? He falls hard.
The slow-burn romance was wonderfully paced, allowing the relationship to develop naturally. Every conversation, every moment of tension, and every step forward felt earned, making their connection all the more satisfying.
If you’re looking for a heartfelt small-town romance filled with found family, a grumpy cowboy, a strong heroine, and a romance that takes its time in the best way possible, Gone Country deserves a spot on your TBR.
June 4, 2026
4.5⭐️
.5🌶️
My first book by Kim and it definitely won’t be my last!
Gone Country is so much more than a smalltown cowboy romance. It’s about finding yourself again after feeling unloved and unwanted for so long, and learning that you deserve so much more. Kim handles the topic of abuse with so much care while showing just how strong someone can be, even when they feel completely lost.
Andi and Zane’s(non) meet-cute had me laughing right away. Because seriously, what do you mean a woman should stop for a random man with a horse in a town she literally just rolled into? 😹 From that moment on, I was hooked! The banter was so fun, the chemistry was undeniable, and the slow burn had me kicking my feet the entire time.
I loved watching Andi find her place and build a life surrounded by people who genuinely cared about her. Seeing her finally experience the love and support she deserved filled my heart. And when Zane started realizing his feelings? UGH. I was gone. Trying to keep a distance was proving difficult when he’d fallen so hard already.
This book gave me all the smalltown vibes, cowboy charm, family bonds, and swoony romance I could ask for. If you're looking for a feel good cowboy romance definitely add Gone Country to your TBR!
Tropes
•brooding cowboy
•smalltown romance
•forced proximity
•found family
•dislike to love
•slow burn
•who hurt you
•no 3rd act breakup
.5🌶️
My first book by Kim and it definitely won’t be my last!
Gone Country is so much more than a smalltown cowboy romance. It’s about finding yourself again after feeling unloved and unwanted for so long, and learning that you deserve so much more. Kim handles the topic of abuse with so much care while showing just how strong someone can be, even when they feel completely lost.
Andi and Zane’s(non) meet-cute had me laughing right away. Because seriously, what do you mean a woman should stop for a random man with a horse in a town she literally just rolled into? 😹 From that moment on, I was hooked! The banter was so fun, the chemistry was undeniable, and the slow burn had me kicking my feet the entire time.
I loved watching Andi find her place and build a life surrounded by people who genuinely cared about her. Seeing her finally experience the love and support she deserved filled my heart. And when Zane started realizing his feelings? UGH. I was gone. Trying to keep a distance was proving difficult when he’d fallen so hard already.
This book gave me all the smalltown vibes, cowboy charm, family bonds, and swoony romance I could ask for. If you're looking for a feel good cowboy romance definitely add Gone Country to your TBR!
Tropes
•brooding cowboy
•smalltown romance
•forced proximity
•found family
•dislike to love
•slow burn
•who hurt you
•no 3rd act breakup
Review of advance copy received from Author
This one completely stole my heart. Give me a grumpy cowboy, forced proximity, a small-town ranch setting and I’m already sold but this one had so much more to it. A romance with a very intense emotional depth.
I loved watching Andi find herself again after everything she’d been through. Her growth felt genuine and seeing her slowly learn to trust herself and others made me root for her from the very beginning. And Zane? The grumpy cowboy act never stood a chance. Beneath all that stubbornness was a man with a huge heart and I loved watching their relationship unfold. It didn’t start off easy but damn, give me a small town cowboy please.
The chemistry was fantastic, the banter kept me smiling and the emotional moments hit exactly where they needed to. This was the kind of romance that gives you all the swoony feelings while still delivering characters you genuinely care about.
If you love grumpy cowboys, forced proximity, small-town romance, healing journeys with plenty of heart, this one deserves a spot on your TBR.
Thank you so much to the author for the eARC!
I loved watching Andi find herself again after everything she’d been through. Her growth felt genuine and seeing her slowly learn to trust herself and others made me root for her from the very beginning. And Zane? The grumpy cowboy act never stood a chance. Beneath all that stubbornness was a man with a huge heart and I loved watching their relationship unfold. It didn’t start off easy but damn, give me a small town cowboy please.
The chemistry was fantastic, the banter kept me smiling and the emotional moments hit exactly where they needed to. This was the kind of romance that gives you all the swoony feelings while still delivering characters you genuinely care about.
If you love grumpy cowboys, forced proximity, small-town romance, healing journeys with plenty of heart, this one deserves a spot on your TBR.
Thank you so much to the author for the eARC!
June 12, 2026
Thank you to Kimberly Lewis for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
3.75⭐️
🌶️
UGH I LOVE A BROODY COWBOY. This was such a feel-good small town Texas romance. Don’t get me wrong— definitely heavy stuff sprinkled throughout. But the dynamic of Zane & Andi was so great. Their multiple stand-offs right off the bat were making me giddy when reading. I love that the focus was on how both of them are healing after their traumatic situations. It’s so refreshing to see how free to be herself Andi is and that Zane only encourages & supports her to be herself. She’s so secure in knowing that he will be a pillar in her life and will never make her experience the pain she had with Heath. I do wish that there might have been more of a conflict involving Heath finding Andi OR Zane’s ex coming back (and having an actual moment together, not just ‘oh shit she was here???’). But I am happy with how everything ended. I can’t wait to read Norah’s story!
3.75⭐️
🌶️
UGH I LOVE A BROODY COWBOY. This was such a feel-good small town Texas romance. Don’t get me wrong— definitely heavy stuff sprinkled throughout. But the dynamic of Zane & Andi was so great. Their multiple stand-offs right off the bat were making me giddy when reading. I love that the focus was on how both of them are healing after their traumatic situations. It’s so refreshing to see how free to be herself Andi is and that Zane only encourages & supports her to be herself. She’s so secure in knowing that he will be a pillar in her life and will never make her experience the pain she had with Heath. I do wish that there might have been more of a conflict involving Heath finding Andi OR Zane’s ex coming back (and having an actual moment together, not just ‘oh shit she was here???’). But I am happy with how everything ended. I can’t wait to read Norah’s story!
Review of advance copy received from Author
THE SECOND MY SKIN TOUCH HERS IT WAS LIKE GRABBING A HOT FENCE, JUST ENOUGH SHOCK TO MAKE ME JUMP, BUT NOT ENOUGH TO LET GO.
I'D TOUCHED PLENTY OF HOT FENCES WHEN I WAS A KID, DARED INTO IT BY LUKE TO SEE WHO COULD HOLD ON THE LONGEST.
GOD, WE WERE DUMB.
BUT THIS?
THIS JOLT FELT DIFFERENT
AND IT SURE AS HELL GOT MY ATTENTION.
Book one in the South of Heaven series you meet Zane McKade, one of three siblings. His and Andi's love story is not one you want to miss if you love a good cowboy romance like I do.
I adored everything about this story, and can’t wait for Norah’s book next.
Enemies to Lovers
Found Family
Country Boy, City Girl
Who Hurt You
Forced Proximity
Slow Burn
Thank you for the ARC! ❤️
I'D TOUCHED PLENTY OF HOT FENCES WHEN I WAS A KID, DARED INTO IT BY LUKE TO SEE WHO COULD HOLD ON THE LONGEST.
GOD, WE WERE DUMB.
BUT THIS?
THIS JOLT FELT DIFFERENT
AND IT SURE AS HELL GOT MY ATTENTION.
Book one in the South of Heaven series you meet Zane McKade, one of three siblings. His and Andi's love story is not one you want to miss if you love a good cowboy romance like I do.
I adored everything about this story, and can’t wait for Norah’s book next.
Enemies to Lovers
Found Family
Country Boy, City Girl
Who Hurt You
Forced Proximity
Slow Burn
Thank you for the ARC! ❤️
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved this book! Two characters in a rough spot with a meet-oops that starts off with fire 😡 and ends with fire ❤️🔥
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Gone Country has everything you want in a small town romance between a grumpy cowboy and a woman looking for a fresh start. The tension is perfect - these two are a delight to watch.
Secondary characters are well developed, and I'm excited to read Norah and Luke's stories next. Absolutely loved Mama McKade - she's everything you want in a ranch matriarch.
✨ Review of advance copy received from Author ✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Gone Country has everything you want in a small town romance between a grumpy cowboy and a woman looking for a fresh start. The tension is perfect - these two are a delight to watch.
Secondary characters are well developed, and I'm excited to read Norah and Luke's stories next. Absolutely loved Mama McKade - she's everything you want in a ranch matriarch.
✨ Review of advance copy received from Author ✨
Review of advance copy received from Author
I LOVED Andi and Zane! Although I was expecting more suspense, it didn’t take away from this sweet story set in the best small town with great supporting characters that I can’t wait to get to know with the rest of the series!
July 3, 2026
3.5⭐️ love the writing, but I’ve read this story a thousand times. The first half was great, then… nothing happens for the rest of the book 😂
July 18, 2026
This book was well written. It was a soft emotional, enemies to lovers romance. This story show sometimes what you ask for comes in a different ways. I can't wait for the next book.
June 11, 2026
This book was absolutely beautiful! There was some truly laugh out loud moments with a chicken but also some very deep moments of healing. Truly enjoyed getting to read Andi’s story and how she was able to over come her past trauma and fall deeply in love! This enemies to lovers, he falls first was so cute!
Review of advance copy received from Author
A grumpy cowboy and a city girl? give me 100!!!! This was the cowboy romance I didn't know I needed!!!! 😍🤠🥵
Zane, you grumpy man, you didn't stand a chance against Andi. The way Zane tried to deny his feelings until he simply couldn't anymore. Andi, you sweet soul, you healed and found your home in a place where you felt like you belong and got the support you needed from those around you. 🥹
The tension and banter were on fire and their chemistry was gold. The topic of abuse was handled with extreme care and caution. I loved every bit of Kim's writing!
Tropes:
City Girl x Cowboy
Forced Proximity
Dislike To Love
Small Town
Found Family
Thank you Kimberly Lewis for the eArc! 💖
Zane, you grumpy man, you didn't stand a chance against Andi. The way Zane tried to deny his feelings until he simply couldn't anymore. Andi, you sweet soul, you healed and found your home in a place where you felt like you belong and got the support you needed from those around you. 🥹
The tension and banter were on fire and their chemistry was gold. The topic of abuse was handled with extreme care and caution. I loved every bit of Kim's writing!
Tropes:
City Girl x Cowboy
Forced Proximity
Dislike To Love
Small Town
Found Family
Thank you Kimberly Lewis for the eArc! 💖
Review of advance copy received from Author
This one was such a cute small-town cowboy romance. Zane… grumpy cowboy but secretly the sweetest?? Immediate win. Watching him slowly fall for Andi had me smiling the whole time. I loved Andi and getting to watch her finally choose herself and build a life surrounded by people who actually cared about her. Their banter was fun, the chemistry was there, and the slow burn hit just right. The found family vibes were SO good. Overall just cozy, emotional, and full of small-town charm. Definitely recommend if you love grumpy cowboys and found family
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews