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Rose and Thorn
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Expected 17 Jun 26Everette “Ever” left the rolling hills of Tennessee for college, vowing never to return to the life she’d left behind. But when her aunt passes and wills her the Rose and Thorn Ranch—complete with its herd of animals, rolling pastures, and decades of memories—she’s forced to face the home she thought she’d outgrown.
The ranch holds her happiest childhood summers, lazy days riding horses and running wild through the fields. Now it’s hers to keep… or sell and walk away forever.
Tobias has spent fourteen years as head ranch hand on the Rose and Thorn Ranch, becoming as steady and rooted as the land itself. Quiet, fiercely protective of the animals and the legacy he’s helped maintain. But when Ever arrives, he quickly realizes she has no recollection of him—or the bond he’s never forgotten.
As she struggles to decide whether she can run the ranch on her own, and Tobias wrestles with feelings she doesn’t even know exist, the Rose and Thorn becomes the unlikely backdrop for healing old wounds, rediscovering lost connections, and a love that refuses to stay in the past.
In a story of second chances, unspoken history, and finding your way home, Rose and Thorn is a heartfelt small-town romance about coming back to the place—and the person—you were always meant to find.
The ranch holds her happiest childhood summers, lazy days riding horses and running wild through the fields. Now it’s hers to keep… or sell and walk away forever.
Tobias has spent fourteen years as head ranch hand on the Rose and Thorn Ranch, becoming as steady and rooted as the land itself. Quiet, fiercely protective of the animals and the legacy he’s helped maintain. But when Ever arrives, he quickly realizes she has no recollection of him—or the bond he’s never forgotten.
As she struggles to decide whether she can run the ranch on her own, and Tobias wrestles with feelings she doesn’t even know exist, the Rose and Thorn becomes the unlikely backdrop for healing old wounds, rediscovering lost connections, and a love that refuses to stay in the past.
In a story of second chances, unspoken history, and finding your way home, Rose and Thorn is a heartfelt small-town romance about coming back to the place—and the person—you were always meant to find.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication June 17, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
May 2, 2026
Ada Marlowe never disappoints. Her first cowboy romance novel is sweet and romantic. A story of two adults, that fell in love as kids, coming back together, healing each other, and finding their missing piece in the other.
Everette, Ever for short (I’m obsessed), inherits her Aunt & Uncle’s ranch in Strawberry Plains. Ever spent summers at the ranch, when her absent mother dropped her off, unintentionally giving Ever a place and people to call home. She has been living her life, always thinking of and wishing for the boy that asked her to run away with him.
Tobias is a hardworking cowboy and “the most handsome man” Ever has ever seen. He remembers Ever from their childhood, however, he thinks she forgets him, immediately gets offended and makes her welcome at the ranch unpleasant and uncomfortable. The bickering between the 2 is so fun, however, their mutual attraction and pull towards each other does not keep them apart for long. Which I love! I love some good tension, but I don’t want to read a whole entire book of it, give me the love!
I love a happy ending. Tobias and Everette forever!!!
I cannot wait to read more from Strawberry Plains!
Everette, Ever for short (I’m obsessed), inherits her Aunt & Uncle’s ranch in Strawberry Plains. Ever spent summers at the ranch, when her absent mother dropped her off, unintentionally giving Ever a place and people to call home. She has been living her life, always thinking of and wishing for the boy that asked her to run away with him.
Tobias is a hardworking cowboy and “the most handsome man” Ever has ever seen. He remembers Ever from their childhood, however, he thinks she forgets him, immediately gets offended and makes her welcome at the ranch unpleasant and uncomfortable. The bickering between the 2 is so fun, however, their mutual attraction and pull towards each other does not keep them apart for long. Which I love! I love some good tension, but I don’t want to read a whole entire book of it, give me the love!
I love a happy ending. Tobias and Everette forever!!!
I cannot wait to read more from Strawberry Plains!
May 4, 2026
“I’d rather see her burn with irritation than see her drown in anxiety.” Okie dokie. Where’s the ring? I’ll marry you right freakin’ now, Tobias.
This book had me glued to my kindle every available second, giddy like a damn teenager. The tension…that rope was TAUT, okay? Good LAWD have mercy. I ate this up.
Can we discuss Tobias and how he’s “sculpted by the gods?” No. Not until you’ve read this. Seriously. Get your copy ASAP. You KNOW you want to read about a hot asf ranch hand. Don’t even try to deny it. 🤤
“Maybe that’s what I want…” Girl, you know what I want? Book 2. 🙌🏻
All of this AND he calls her Princess. Grab the cloth, I’m a simple lil puddle.
This book had me glued to my kindle every available second, giddy like a damn teenager. The tension…that rope was TAUT, okay? Good LAWD have mercy. I ate this up.
Can we discuss Tobias and how he’s “sculpted by the gods?” No. Not until you’ve read this. Seriously. Get your copy ASAP. You KNOW you want to read about a hot asf ranch hand. Don’t even try to deny it. 🤤
“Maybe that’s what I want…” Girl, you know what I want? Book 2. 🙌🏻
All of this AND he calls her Princess. Grab the cloth, I’m a simple lil puddle.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you Ada Marlowe for the advanced reader copy of Rose and Thorn, book one in the Strawberry Plains series.
What to Expect
🩷 Small Town
🩷 Forced Proximity
🩷 Second Chance
🩷 Country boy x City girl
🩷 Soul Searching
🩷 Dual POV
When Everette “Ever” returns to the hills of Tennessee following the death of her aunt, she is forced to reconcile with her past when she unexpectedly inherits the Rose and Thorn Ranch. While Ever contemplates whether to sell the property or embrace the childhood memories embedded in its pastures, she encounters Tobias, the ranch’s steadfast head hand who has spent fourteen years protecting the land and harboring feelings for the girl he met at fourteen. As Ever grapples with the demands of ranch life and her own lingering trauma, Tobias navigates the pain of being forgotten by the woman he never stopped caring for. Together, they navigate a landscape of emotions, proving that the ranch is not just a collection of acreage, but a catalyst for healing and a love story decades in the making.
The premise of this story was promising. I enjoyed the idea of the plot, especially the second chance romance. The story itself though seemed rushed and I wanted more details about the characters and a more developed plot. The side characters were fun and I’m excited to see where those relationships go. This is the first book I’ve read of Ada Marlowe and I’m excited to give others, especially in the Strawberry Plains series, a try.
Overall, I’d recommend this story to people who are a fan of small town second chance stories.
What to Expect
🩷 Small Town
🩷 Forced Proximity
🩷 Second Chance
🩷 Country boy x City girl
🩷 Soul Searching
🩷 Dual POV
When Everette “Ever” returns to the hills of Tennessee following the death of her aunt, she is forced to reconcile with her past when she unexpectedly inherits the Rose and Thorn Ranch. While Ever contemplates whether to sell the property or embrace the childhood memories embedded in its pastures, she encounters Tobias, the ranch’s steadfast head hand who has spent fourteen years protecting the land and harboring feelings for the girl he met at fourteen. As Ever grapples with the demands of ranch life and her own lingering trauma, Tobias navigates the pain of being forgotten by the woman he never stopped caring for. Together, they navigate a landscape of emotions, proving that the ranch is not just a collection of acreage, but a catalyst for healing and a love story decades in the making.
The premise of this story was promising. I enjoyed the idea of the plot, especially the second chance romance. The story itself though seemed rushed and I wanted more details about the characters and a more developed plot. The side characters were fun and I’m excited to see where those relationships go. This is the first book I’ve read of Ada Marlowe and I’m excited to give others, especially in the Strawberry Plains series, a try.
Overall, I’d recommend this story to people who are a fan of small town second chance stories.
Review of advance copy received from Author
You know those books that resonate something inside you and you are thinking about it long after you put it down, this is one of them.
Everette (Ever) spent her childhood on the ranch before moving to the big city, but inheriting the family ranch brings her back home to start a new adventure. Seeing her feel so at home out there made my heart happy.
Tobias remembers Ever and the bond they shared when they were younger. He may come across as rude to others, but he definitely has a soft spot for Ever. Their relationship is relatable and heartwarming to watch unfold. Sometimes the past has a way of sneaking up on you, and this story captures that beautifully.
The world building and plot are nicely written. The author may have thrown in some foreshadowing and little Easter eggs throughout the story. I can’t forget to mention the friendship between Ever and Marissa. Seeing their interactions and their conversations were so genuine. It was like reliving conversations I had with my best friend.
One part that really stuck with me is the message that even if you're labeled a troublemaker, you can overcome your past and become someone everyone would be proud to know. Tobias absolutely stole a piece of my heart.
Tobias and Ever's story is definitely one for the ages. I look forward to reading this again!
Everette (Ever) spent her childhood on the ranch before moving to the big city, but inheriting the family ranch brings her back home to start a new adventure. Seeing her feel so at home out there made my heart happy.
Tobias remembers Ever and the bond they shared when they were younger. He may come across as rude to others, but he definitely has a soft spot for Ever. Their relationship is relatable and heartwarming to watch unfold. Sometimes the past has a way of sneaking up on you, and this story captures that beautifully.
The world building and plot are nicely written. The author may have thrown in some foreshadowing and little Easter eggs throughout the story. I can’t forget to mention the friendship between Ever and Marissa. Seeing their interactions and their conversations were so genuine. It was like reliving conversations I had with my best friend.
One part that really stuck with me is the message that even if you're labeled a troublemaker, you can overcome your past and become someone everyone would be proud to know. Tobias absolutely stole a piece of my heart.
Tobias and Ever's story is definitely one for the ages. I look forward to reading this again!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Ever (FMC) has been living in Chicago when she inherits her Aunt and Uncle's ranch in Tennessee. She packs up her life and moves back to Rose and Thorn, a place she hasn't spent much time since her childhood. When she arrives she is greeted by Tobias (MMC) the grumpy ranch foreman who has worked on ranch for fifteen years. While they clash a first, Ever is the sunshine that helps make Tobias a bit less grumpy. The ranch and the animals mean a lot to both of them. They get to know each other through the daily grind on the ranch.
This is my first Ada Marlowe book. I really enjoyed it and laughed a few times. Having experience with animals and farming, I appreciate the accuracy in her descriptions. The calm that comes from riding horses and the fear that new riders have when they realize how big horses are. There is definitely a romantized view of raising livestock, but the financial and physical challenges are also present. I loved the personality of the horses and how sweet June is with Ever. The supporting characters were also strong and I look forward to Marissa and Jesse's book in the future.
Thank you Ada Marlowe for the ARC. This is my honest opinion of the book.
This is my first Ada Marlowe book. I really enjoyed it and laughed a few times. Having experience with animals and farming, I appreciate the accuracy in her descriptions. The calm that comes from riding horses and the fear that new riders have when they realize how big horses are. There is definitely a romantized view of raising livestock, but the financial and physical challenges are also present. I loved the personality of the horses and how sweet June is with Ever. The supporting characters were also strong and I look forward to Marissa and Jesse's book in the future.
Thank you Ada Marlowe for the ARC. This is my honest opinion of the book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Where has this book been my whole life? I was hooked right from the very beginning and had a hard time putting it down! Extremely well written and captivating.
Tobias is a character that you’ll fall in love with, he’s the broody ranch hand who has a soft spot for Ever. I loved the banter between the two characters in the beginning and how Ever always had a come back to Tobias’s snide remarks that would just shut him down.
I’m a sucker for a small town found family romance with yearning and spice. This book left nothing on the table and has me anxiously awaiting another book from the author—-LOVED IT!! ❤️
Tobias is a character that you’ll fall in love with, he’s the broody ranch hand who has a soft spot for Ever. I loved the banter between the two characters in the beginning and how Ever always had a come back to Tobias’s snide remarks that would just shut him down.
I’m a sucker for a small town found family romance with yearning and spice. This book left nothing on the table and has me anxiously awaiting another book from the author—-LOVED IT!! ❤️
Review of advance copy received from Author
I extend my gratitude to Ms. Marlowe for the opportunity to serve as an Advanced Reader Copy reviewer. I have recently completed "Rose & Thorn" by @theadamarlowe. While my typical literary preferences gravitate towards fantasy, I was actively seeking a departure from my usual genre. For those who appreciate a romance novel set in a small-town ranch environment, featuring a city woman, a ranch hand, and a significant degree of dramatic tension and intimacy, I wholeheartedly endorse this work. The intricate connection between a timer, sugar, and chocolate chip cookies within the narrative of love presents a compelling discovery for the reader.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Like your favorite country song about first loves and second chances, you don’t want to miss this book! 🐴
Thank you to the author, Ada Marlowe, for the opportunity to beta read Rose & Thorn! 🌹 As my first cowboy romance, it did NOT disappoint 😍. It made me nostalgic for somewhere that I’ve never been and wishing I could visit this town in Tennessee! You’ll fall in love with Tobias, the brooding cowboy in charge of the ranch.
I love all of the themes of found family, a small town romance and a sweet slow burn that had me bothering the author about a sequel 😂.
Thank you to the author, Ada Marlowe, for the opportunity to beta read Rose & Thorn! 🌹 As my first cowboy romance, it did NOT disappoint 😍. It made me nostalgic for somewhere that I’ve never been and wishing I could visit this town in Tennessee! You’ll fall in love with Tobias, the brooding cowboy in charge of the ranch.
I love all of the themes of found family, a small town romance and a sweet slow burn that had me bothering the author about a sequel 😂.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book had me giggling and swishing my legs back and forth like a giddy girl. This story was so sweet and hot 🥵. Loved the characters and their interactions with each other. The main characters have such a passion for one another, Ada captures that flawlessly. How Ada described reactions and emotions was beyond me because I could see the characters in that moment making those faces or reacting the way they did. This wasn’t a long book which was great as I’m in my “quick read era”.
Beautiful book.
#axescene 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻
Beautiful book.
#axescene 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻
Review of advance copy received from Author
Everything you want and need from a cowboy ranch hand romance! Relatable feelings of family and loss, while effortlessly capturing the freedom of a wild ride - with or without the horse. The subtle sensory details that the author includes root you into the story for a remarkably grounding read. I’m still swooning over the tantalizing tension I felt with Tobias, and the way he described Ever (the FMC) was utterly adorable.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review of advanced copy received from Author
This was really sweet and heartfelt. I love a second-chance, slow burn romance. The banter, passion, yearning, touch of spice, and tension between Tobias and Everette were done really well, just two people finding their way back to each other as they navigate life and emotions. I really did enjoy this! The other characters were also great and I'm hoping the author makes this a series. Thank you to Ada Marlowe for the ARC review opportunity!
This was really sweet and heartfelt. I love a second-chance, slow burn romance. The banter, passion, yearning, touch of spice, and tension between Tobias and Everette were done really well, just two people finding their way back to each other as they navigate life and emotions. I really did enjoy this! The other characters were also great and I'm hoping the author makes this a series. Thank you to Ada Marlowe for the ARC review opportunity!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book has everything you want & need in a small town romance! The way my smile never left my face with how in love Tobias was with Ever. It was perfect. With the little connection they shared from their past, the tension leading up to their relationship & all the swoon worthy moments in between, this is definitely a book I’ll want to read again! I can’t wait for more books in this series!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this as a ARC. I enjoyed this story and loved the tension between the FMC and MMC. I did wish there was some more dialogue and some more conversations with them before they got into it. I always enjoy an enemies to lovers trope but, this was almost there with being perfect! I do however want more of this town!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you so much for the opportunity to be an ARC reader! Rose and Thorn by Ada Marlowe was such a cute, quick read that had me hooked from the very first page. I haven’t read any of her other books yet, but I’m already excited for her to write more stories set in Strawberry Plains. This one was an easy 5⭐️ for me! Tobias and Ever are so good together!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you so much to Ada Marlowe for an ARC!
What a fun little cowboy romance read! Touch of spice, little bit of drama, and a whole lot of heart. I would love nothing more than to live on the Rose & Thorn Ranch! Can't wait to see what other stories come next!
What a fun little cowboy romance read! Touch of spice, little bit of drama, and a whole lot of heart. I would love nothing more than to live on the Rose & Thorn Ranch! Can't wait to see what other stories come next!
Review of advance copy
So cute! Loved this second chance/soulmates trope. Loved the little ways Ever made Tobias jealous to get his attention. He was gunna cave one way or another! Well written dialog and inner monologs. Well done!
Review of advance copy received from Author
An easy and light ranch romance. I enjoyed it because I am from Tennessee and don't live far from Strawberry Plains! Characters are thoughtful. Story was not rushed. A good wholesome (sometimes spicy ;) ) romance. Thank you for letting me read this Ada!
May 4, 2026
Thank you so much to the author for sending me an ARC. I really think this book had some gooood bones, but the flow of the story got lost in multiple areas. I love the idea of how Tobias and Ever come back to each other. However, this ended up feeling like really young, juvenile writing.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved this book. It was what I wanted to read and feel when reading it. When I tell you I want me a man like Tobias !!! Baby that man is everything ! This is a cozy cowboy romance with yearning, desire and banter !! Definitely recommend and definitely want this book for my physical library !
Review of advance copy received from Author
A sweet, cozy small-town romance. I liked it overall and I’m curious to see where the Strawberry Plains series goes next.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews