Right As Rain

by J.F. Russell

396 pages, Paperback

Published May 16, 2026

Reviews

[Claire.V · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve received this book as an ARC.

This is the first book that I’ve read by this author and I enjoyed it a lot. I love that male mental health struggles were addressed and a main focus of the book. It’s nice to see this topic since it’s not written about much in romance books. I also enjoyed the character growth both by Beau and Emma. Overall a really good and enjoyable read.

[Jem · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to J.F. Russell for sending me an ARC of this gorgeous book!

Okay… so this was my FIRST ever cowboy romance and honestly? I fear this may be the beginning of my cowboy romance era because I am OBSESSED.

This book was warm, emotional, funny, comforting, and so unbelievably sweet. The second I finished it I just sat there feeling all soft and gooey inside.

Set in small-town Australia, this has:
- cowboy x veterinarian romance
- fake dating
- slow burn
- mental health rep (we love to see it!)
- plus-sized FMC
- chaotic family dynamics
- animals bringing people together (which instantly owns my heart)

Emma and Beau were EVERYTHING to me. Emma especially - I adored her so much. Seeing a plus-sized female main character portrayed with so much love, depth, and care genuinely meant a lot, and there were so many moments where I found myself relating to her deeply.

And Beau??? Broody cowboy with anxiety who struggles to open up because he’s scared of appearing weak??? Yeah. Yep. That got me.

Their connection felt so natural and layered, and the slow burn was PERFECT. Like genuinely perfect. The kind where you’re screaming internally waiting for the payoff and when it finally happens you’re kicking your feet like an idiot.

Also… Sir Percival the Highland cow and AJ the horse absolutely deserve their own appreciation section because those animals stole my entire heart.

This book just felt cozy. Rainy day, curled up with a drink, highlighting every second page on your e-reader kind of cozy.

I haven’t read Sweet Like Honey yet, but after this I absolutely need to because I already know I’m not ready to leave this world behind.

Highly, highly recommend picking this up when it releases because this was such a beautiful small-town romance with so much heart 🫶🏼🤠📚

[Anita D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Advanced reader copy review of Right As Rain by J. F. Russell
Available from 15 May 2026
🌟🌟🌟.5 – I really liked it
🔥🔥🔥 – open door (1+)

Emma is a veterinarian who recently moved from Brisbane to Gumtree Valley. She’s kind and loving, despite having a toxic family. Emma is ‘plus-size’ and struggles with the way her body looks (thanks mum!).

After moving to Gumtree Valley, Emma went on a date with Beau. That date ended in disaster.

Beau has lived in Gumtree Valley on his family’s ranch for his whole life, but now he’s running the ranch. He’s also setting up an equine therapy centre.

I loved the way that J. F. Russell wrote about men’s mental health (especially for rural folk). It felt realistic and it was heartwarming to see Beau taking steps to help manage his condition.

Beau was thoughtful and caring, especially when it came to Emma. He paid attention to her in a way that people really dream of – picking up on the clues to see the full picture.

This was an excellent follow-up to Sweet Like Honey. Not sure if I just liked the characters more, or if Russell’s writing has improved, but I enjoyed this more than SLH.

Tropes:
* (Aussie) small town
* fake dating

Cover notes: Minor annoyance. Emma is a size 18 (presumably Australian/UK sizing), but you wouldn’t guess that based on the cover.

[Katrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Right as Rain - Arc - J.F. Russell

I was super lucky to have been chosen an Arc reader for this book. Not knowing anything about it and not realising there was one before about Honey’s storyline I went in completely blind on the characters. To say that I ABSOLUTELY LOVED EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS BOOK is an absolute understatement!!! I adored it every single word, character, plot line.. It has everything!

I cried, laughed and cheered as Beau Hayes and Emma Callaghan fought their way through every challenge that was thrown in their direction. Emma Callaghan is a strong woman who always thinks the worst about herself but that’s super understandable when you meet and hear about her family. Beau Hayes is NOT your typical cowboy as he is sweet, kind and gentle with people and animals. He has his own issues and to see that be dealt with in such a great manner and showing that help is available when you need it and when you ask for it.

I will DEFINITELY be keeping an eye out for anymore books by J.F. Russell. Keep writing! You are An amazing author and your stories have so much heart in them!!

[Courtney Hummel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Advanced Readers Copy Review

Beau and Emma’s story is so sweet! Beau is the grump getting over a past break up. Emma is the town vet that has left a toxic family situation and cheating ex. They go on a date that ends very badly. They are reunited 6 months later when Emma has euthanize one of Beau’s horses in the middle of the night. Meanwhile the town is trying to set both of them up with other people. They decide to fake date to keep everyone in town from trying to be match makers. I absolutely loved this book. Beau even though he is trying to fight his attraction with Emma, is her biggest supporter and always in her corner. I love that about him! I do empathize with Emma and her trauma throughout the story. It can be read as a stand alone. I will be reading Sweet as Honey which was the first book.

[Trisha A · Rating 5 out of 5]

BEAU BEAU BEAU THE MAN YOU ARE

I had the absolute pleasure of BETA reading Right As Rain, twice! The story between Beau & Emma follows Russell’s usual writing style, I felt like I was in Gumtree Valley witnessing the story and apart of the family.

The story explores anxiety and men’s mental health, the struggle men face with opening up and exploring therapy. Emma’s story also explored mental health with obvious triggers and emotional responses to compliments, love ect. Their love story was quiet and not as explosive as Honey & Colton but still amazing told and imagined.

I can’t wait to see their story evolve in the future Gumtree Valley Books.

This is a must read for lovers of cowboy, small town romances!

[Kaitlin Ashwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Right as Rain by J.F. Russell is everything I wanted for Beau and so much more 😭 little backstory, book 1 of the Gumtree Valley Duo was my first ARC book EVER, i immediately fell in love with the story and with one character in particular (y’all know I can’t resist a rugged cowboy) well since said book I have begged the author to give me Beau’s POV and it DID NOT disappoint! He’s such a deeply beautiful character and he deserves a happy ending and Emma is the perfect person for him. The message of Mental Health throughout the book is done so well and really makes you feel for the characters and their healing. If you enjoy found family, so much angst and a whole lotta drama, this is the book for you! I’m so glad I got to read this book and I for sure recommend it to everyone!!!

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! This book!! I loved the Aussie banter and that cosy, homey feeling you get from a good Australian story. As a fellow Brissy girl, it made it even sweeter to read.

I’m so happy Beau finally got everything he deserves, and that Emma found someone who truly loves her for every amazing part of who she is. They complement each other so perfectly—it just felt right the whole way through.

Such a feel-good story that hit me right in the feels.

Please, please tell me we’re getting Ellie-Mae’s story next!!

[Roxy Wrigley · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review
~
This book is awesome! It's well written, very engaging, has tension, passion between cowboy and vet, humour and sadness in sections.
The storyline is clear and the characters give vulnerability and emotions, allowing you to understand how they're feeling.
I love a good cowboy romance and this book is going to the top of my to-be read again section!

Highly recommend this book for those who love a good cowboy romance and even for those who don't, this book will have you hooked from the start.

[Santhe Titheradge · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE! This was amazing! I am a sucker for a cowboy romance and the Australian setting had me captivated. I grew up in a country town so it felt very familiar. The representation of a plus size FMC was fresh as was the inclusion of the MMCs battle with anxiety.

Russell writes like a dream ~ I’ll definitely be getting my hands on book one in this series. Low spice, but when it came it hit hard

[Stephie_reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review 🐎
4/5 ⭐

The story between Beau and Emma is a slow burn that is very sweet.
These two main characters both have underlying emotional baggage that is holding them back. This story is a nice easy read about the two character's development, and an adorable romance that blossoms between them.

-Small town romance
-Slow burn
-Vet/ Cowboy
-Fake dating
-Plus size FMC

Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off, thank you so much to J.F. Russell for the opportunity to receive and read Right As Rain in advance!!

I loved it!!! I genuinely think it was written with so much intention and delicacy, especially when it came to Beau’s struggles with anxiety and the torment Emma suffered with her toxic family.

Overall, it brought me so much joy to see how the two of them found each other and became each other’s defenders. On top of them being in a fake relationship, I think the fact that they genuinely cared for each other as people added another level of trust to their relationship.

I LOVED Beau and Emma!! 😭😭
I loved the dynamics they had while they were in their fake relationship. I loved how the slow burn was written in a way where it didn’t mess with the pacing of the story, but allowed it to flow smoothly.

I am so excited to read more from Russell, as well as dive into more from Gumtree Valley if given the chance. 😁

[Sarah Carraro · Rating 4 out of 5]

One for the romance lovers and the animal lovers, J.F. Russell has given a refreshing take on mental health and I really enjoyed the personal growth of both main characters alongside their budding romance!

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma and Beau...... loved this story. Reading how 2 amazing strong characters manage to overcome (or make big strides to overcome) their anxieties was amazing. Loved the Australian outback imagery and the animal characters in the book as well. I can't wait to see what JF Russell comes up with next.

*I received this advanced copy from the author and this is my honest review*

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it, I was lucky enough to get an arc copy and loved it from the begining. Sweet small town romance, fake dating, slow burn, plus size fmc and they both bring some emotional baggage to the story. Definately add this book to your reading now list.

[Jen Powles · Rating 5 out of 5]

as a Aussie who knows what it's like to live in a small town like Gumtree valley I can relate to this book. It's funny light hearted and the Yellowstone references had me giggling. Can't wait to finish it now to see what happens next.