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Roped In

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Frankie Vole never imagined she’d end up back on her family’s farm in Cherry Valley. But after blowing through her credit cards and spending her college years pretending responsibility was optional, she has no choice but to move into the tiny home sitting on the edge of the property. Now while juggling a nine to five and helping on the farm, she's desperately trying to save enough money to escape the town she swore she’d never return to.

Cole Hill came to Cherry Valley looking for a fresh start. After things in his old town spiraled out of control, buying a run down fixer upper in the countryside seemed like exactly the kind of hard work his grandfather always preached about. Even if he may have taken that advice a little too far.

When one escaped goat causes chaos between neighboring properties, Frankie and Cole find themselves constantly crossing paths and clashing at every turn. She thinks he’s frustratingly stubborn. He thinks she’s impossible to ignore.

Now they’ll just have to decide if they can survive being neighbors… or if falling for each other will wreck them both first.

262 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 29, 2026

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About the author

M.K. Ahearn

22 books420 followers
MK Ahearn grew up in Massachusetts as one of three sisters. She now lives in Maryland with her husband and their three cats. She received her bachelor of arts in international relations and is now completing a master of professional studies in homeland security. When not writing or studying she can be found planning her next travel adventure.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Profile Image for Sim-fully Ever After.
937 reviews89 followers
October 3, 2026
4.25🌟 | 3🌶️

A charming cowboy, a stubborn heroine, and way too many reasons to keep crossing paths made this a fun one.

Frankie and Cole had such a fun dynamic, and their bickering and chemistry made their relationship really easy to get invested in. Cole was such a patient, caring MMC, while Frankie had the kind of stubbornness and personality that made every interaction between them entertaining.

I also really appreciated the deeper side of Frankie’s story. Her struggles with her health and not always being listened to added something meaningful without taking away from the romance. I liked seeing her figure things out for herself while Cole quietly became someone she could rely on. Add in the farm, family, kittens, chickens, and all the small-town moments, and the whole book had this really cozy feel that I found easy to settle into.

This was a quick read, but it still managed to give me plenty of reasons to care about these characters and their relationship. Frankie and Cole had a really natural chemistry, and I liked seeing all that initial frustration slowly turn into something much softer.

A charming little romance with plenty of warmth, chemistry, and small-town comfort.

~~~~

A sincere thank you to M.K. Ahearn and Azalea Press for the ARC! 🥰📚

I’m so grateful for the early read. As always, all thoughts and opinions are completely my own. ✨
Profile Image for Leanna.
676 reviews70 followers
October 3, 2026
This was such a fun cowboy romance! Frankie and Cole had me smiling with their constant bickering and the way they kept finding reasons to cross paths. Their chemistry was so good, and I loved watching Cole’s patient, caring side come through as Frankie started to trust him.

I also really liked that Frankie was trying to figure out what was going on with her health. The way she had to keep pushing to be heard made that part of her story feel meaningful. This is really a struggle for lots of women and it was nice having this issue being explored!!

Between the farm, small-town life, and all the animal chaos, this book had such a cozy feel. I had a great time with Frankie and Cole and would happily read more from Cherry Valley!
Profile Image for Brenda Yager.
243 reviews4 followers
September 29, 2026
Frankie is trying to figure out what is wrong with her medically and this book really points out how women in general are not handled with correctly, listen to or even believed in the medical setting. Cole is trying to lay down roots somewhere the family he has left and his and Frankie’s chemistry jumps off the page. This was a very quick read and the quick romance is perfect for Cole and Frankie story. I can’t wait for Lyla and Mal’s story next.

Thank you Azalea Press and the Book Club for providing the eARC of Roped in.
Profile Image for Nena Taylor.
715 reviews6 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 27, 2026
I really enjoyed this book. I absolutely loved the banter, I loved the medical aspect of the book. I thought it has a great plot, and it was very well written. I just love small town ranch/cowboy books. That's totally my vibe right now and this one hit the spot. I highly recommend

I recived this from pen winery for my honest review
Profile Image for Erika.
337 reviews31 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
September 15, 2026
Cowboys always find their way onto my tbr and I will never be mad about it. This book was adorable, full of tension for that slow burn and full of humor. The banter these two shared was great, the way they bonded over medical incompetence and the heat when they connected? Chef's kiss. If you want a solid slow burn western set in a small town where gossip moves faster than a tornado then absolutely grab this one.
Profile Image for Marz.
18 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy
September 24, 2026
ARC Disclosure: I received an advance reader copy of this book through Pen Pinery. This is my honest review and reflects my own thoughts and opinions about the book.

I honestly don’t even know where to start because I loved this story so much. 🥹❤️

Frankie and Cole’s story was such a beautiful, emotional, small-town romance. What started with a new neighbor, a grumpy first impression, and a hat that somehow kept finding its way between them turned into something so much deeper than I expected.

I really loved Frankie as a character. She’s trying to figure out what she wants from her life while also dealing with things that aren’t always easy to explain to the people around her. Cole has his own past and his own things he carries with him, and watching these two slowly open up to each other was one of my favorite parts of the book. They both had their own struggles, but somehow they became a safe place for each other.

I loved all the little things throughout the story–the farm, the chickens, the kittens, the festival, the family dinners, and even the moments that had me laughing when I wasn't expecting to. 🥹 There were also moments that genuinely made me cry. The way the story handled Frankie’s health struggles and the feeling of not always being heard really hit me.

There were definitely a few spelling errors throughout the book, but they were easy to overlook and didn't take away from the story for me.

This was such a beautiful ranch-style, small-town romance about finding your way, letting go of what you thought your life was supposed to be, and realizing that sometimes home isn't necessarily a place. It can be a person and the life you build together.

I fell in love with these characters and the way their relationship developed. I laughed, I cried, I got frustrated right along with them, and by the end, I was so happy to see where their journey took them.

I'm so thankful I had the opportunity to read this ARC and be part of bringing this story to readers. ❤️ I absolutely cannot wait to read Lyla and Mal's story next!

And one of my favorite quotes from the beginning of the book: "To those dealing with chronic illness, you are seen and you are heard. Never stop fighting."

That one really stayed with me. ❤️

Thank you for letting me be part of this ARC!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Obsi.
87 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy
September 11, 2026
"I'm busy right now, but I'll just read a few pages" I thought to myself... and that turned into a chapter... and then another - I couldn't put it down. The story pulled me through with continuous intrigue that made me want to keep reading.

I loved it! - one of (maybe the best) cowboy romances I've read!

The characters were compelling, there was a little touch of mystery in what was up with Frankie's health and what Cole and his cousin were running from. The enemies to lovers being such close neighbours and having to deal with each other was both believable and very cute. It was fun to go on the journey of these two finally getting together.

Cole was such a patient and respectful sweetheart, and I particularly enjoyed it being a story where the female character is dealing with her own struggles in life - something you don't often get to experience in books. Frankie is both strong and not prepared to put up with people's crap, but also vulnerable. I can relate a little to some of her struggles, and that also helped me to love her character.

The side characters were interesting and added good value to the story, so you had other people to be interested in, not just the main characters.

I also love that everyone got their happy ending - Happy vibes all round!

The only disappointment I had was that I would have liked the intimate scene to have been stretched out longer and given us more time to enjoy the buildup. I do love a hot juicy scene, don't get me wrong! So it's a me problem not the book, but I'd had it in my mind that Cole was going to have a slow night of worshipping Frankie, so to me it felt a bit fast to get right into the action and I would have liked some teasing foreplay first so we could take our time to enjoy them enjoying each other... savouring it.... I was left wanting more :P

But that's only a minor complaint, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will absolutely read it again!

(ARC provided via Pen Pinery)
4 reviews
October 16, 2026
This is a review of a digital ARC I received from the author. This review is honest and my own.

This was such a sweet cowboy romance! I really enjoyed the small-town atmosphere, the close family connections, and especially the friendship between the FMC and her best friend. The kittens were an adorable bonus, too!

I loved the grumpy x sunshine dynamic, especially with the FMC being the grumpy one. All of the characters were likable, and I appreciated the illness representation in the story. It was refreshing to see that included, and it added another meaningful element to the book.

My biggest struggle was the romance itself. Although the characters supposedly knew each other for months, they seemed to have very little interaction for long stretches of time. Because of that, I had a hard time fully buying into their feelings for each other. I wanted more opportunities to see their connection develop on the page so that the relationship felt deeper and more believable.

That said, the book was easy to read and enjoyable overall, even with the rushed relationship development. The romance is mostly closed-door, with one open-door chapter, for readers who like to know the spice level going in.

Overall, this was a cute, feel-good cowboy romance with likable characters, sweet small-town vibes, strong family connections, and kittens! I just wish the romance had been given a little more time to develop.

Thank you to MK Ahearn for providing me with an ARC. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Charlene's  Bookish  Archives .
2,865 reviews51 followers
October 7, 2026
Charming, fiery, and utterly heartwarming, small-town neighbours to lovers perfection! 🐐✨

Frankie never planned to be back in Cherry Valley, broke, living in a tiny home, working hard to save enough to leave the town she swore she’d escape. Then new neighbour Cole shows up, fresh start, fixer-upper, stubborn as the day is long, and one chaotic escaped goat throws them straight into each other’s orbit 🐐😂

She finds him infuriatingly stubborn; he finds her impossible to ignore. Their bickering is sharp, funny, and charged with so much unspoken heat you can practically feel it crackling between them! What starts as clashing neighbours slowly softens into something real, late-night encounters, quiet understanding, and the terrifying realisation that the place you wanted to flee might just be where you belong… with the last person you expected 💙❤️

Frankie’s journey from “I need to get out” to “I want to stay” feels so genuine, and Cole proves that the best fresh starts include the right person beside you. It’s low-drama, high-heart, and packed with that cozy small-town charm that makes you want to pack your bags and move to Cherry Valley yourself 🥹✨

Absolutely delightful from start to finish, I’m already ready for the next one! 🤠💕
Profile Image for Kirsty.
931 reviews24 followers
Review of advance copy
September 26, 2026
OMG I LOVED THIS!!! 😭🤠💕

Frankie and Cole had me absolutely hooked!! The tension, the bickering, the constantly crossing paths because they’re neighbours, and that whole “you annoy the hell out of me but I also can’t stay away from you” energy was EVERYTHING.

Frankie coming back to Cherry Valley when it’s basically the LAST place she wants to be and trying to get her life back together had me rooting for her so hard. Then Cole rolls into town looking for his own fresh start and these two just keep colliding 😂 And all because of an escaped GOAT?! Honestly, perfection. 🐐

I loved watching their walls slowly come down and all that frustration turn into something sooo much more. The chemistry between them was SO GOOD, the banter had me grinning, and I just adored Frankie and Cole together. They were stubborn, messy, sweet and completely perfect for each other.

Small town + farm life + neighbours + tension + adorable chaos + two people trying to start over and accidentally falling for each other = GIVE IT TO ME EVERY SINGLE TIME. 😍

MK Ahearn absolutely ROPED ME IN with this one 😂🤠 I devoured it and did not want Frankie and Cole’s story to end!!
Profile Image for Rose.
20 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 17, 2026
I went into this book expecting a relaxing small-town read, something cozy and easy to unwind with. Instead, I was pleasantly surprised by how much depth it had.

I connected with Frankie easily. She’s in her mid-twenties, trying to find her own path in life while also dealing with medical issues and doctors who don’t truly listen to her. I felt so much sympathy for her throughout the entire book and I couldn’t help but root for her.

Then there’s Cole. A cheeky and energetic character who brings plenty of fun and charm to the story. Add in a family of adorable kittens and his heartwarming relationship with his cousin and you have all the ingredients to melt a reader’s heart.

Overall, this is such a cozy and heartwarming read, filled with family, lovable characters, a good dose of deeper themes and plenty of entertaining moments. A wonderful little small-town story that turned out to have much more depth than I expected.
Profile Image for Candace W..
47 reviews
September 26, 2026
Thank you to MK Ahearn for a chance to read this ARC of Roped In!

OMG. I LOVED this book! It felt so real! Now, I love a good cowboy romance book, but this one felt different. A good different! This story truly put you in the shoes of a woman who had so many emotions running through her that I felt like I was her. It was so good to see the struggles of someone who is brushed off my doctors when they are crying for help. And it was such a relief when she found her answer! What a fantastic way to bring light to a condition that many have! Also, it was great to have multiple characters with medical needs because it is very real for some people and representation is so important!

The love story was phenomenal! I felt so many emotions while reading this book! 95% of them were just pure giddiness at watching this relationship unfold! Cole is such a dream man! And I cannot wait for Mal and Lyla’s story!
4.5 stars!
Profile Image for Frankie.
7 reviews
September 16, 2026
*ARC Review* The entire story, from start to finish, felt like it flew by in the best way! I was hooked from the beginning and every page pulled me further and further in. The plot moved quickly enough to keep you invested, but not too quickly to where you felt like things were rushed or unresolved.

While the hot cowboy and romance aspects are why I was initially drawn to this book, there was something so special about getting to watch Frankie work through her the troubles of her 20s, get comfortable with herself, and realize she can open herself up to love even if she’s scared. (That might be my favorite part because we share a name and it was like seeing an alternate reality of my own life playing out.) Finally, who doesn’t love reading about a cowboy that stays by your side, believes in you, and doesn’t distance himself when things get hard?
44 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 16, 2026
I really enjoyed this book. It is well written and I loved the chronic illness rep by the FMC Frankie and her bestie Lyla with the ostomy bag. And nothing beats the devoted, doting, persistent, and sweet MMC we get with Cole.

I loved the way the author took us on the whole journey of how they found themselves together, from the initial meet-cute that didn't go as hoped to the forced proximity thanks to inclement weather, and through other life altering events. When Frankie finally stops fighting it, they are electric together.

So if you like your romances small town sweet with a stubborn FMC, a super caring MMC, and a sprinkle of spice, then you've just got to read Roped In.

I also didn't miss the little eggs dropped hinting at who book 2 would be about before she dropped it at the end, and I really can't wait to read what comes next!
Profile Image for Mimi.
275 reviews
September 29, 2026
MK Ahearn did it again with this small-town romance! ❤️

Frankie’s medical struggles really resonated with me because I could relate to some of what she was experiencing. It was nice seeing those struggles represented and being reminded that others experience similar things too.

And Frankie trying SO hard to keep her distance from Cole? 😂 I was over here practically yelling at her to just give the man a chance!

Because Cole? He didn’t just see Frankie. He actually SAW her. He noticed when something wasn't right, checked in on her, and genuinely cared.

I knew staying away from him wasn't going to work, and thankfully, Cole wasn't going anywhere. He was definitely a keeper. 🥰

I'm invested in this series now and can't wait for the next book!
Profile Image for Katherine.
104 reviews2 followers
October 1, 2026
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of the book

The beginning was a bit of rough start for me, but after a few chapters, I got into the story. I thought I would have finished the book faster because it's only a little over 200 pages. But I had trouble focusing on the rest of the story for about the last third of the book.

Overall, it was an okay read. The author does a good job setting up book 2 in terms of which characters it will be about.

Favorite quote: "Why’d you want a painting of Lucky Lucy’s, why not the flower?” I asked. “Because… I want something to remember the night I met the most unforgettable woman,” he said, before turning and walking away.”
8 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 20, 2026
*ARC Review* Thank you for the opportunity to arc read Roped In! I really enjoyed this book. Cole was so understanding and patient with Frankie. The way he gently pushed while still respecting boundaries waiting for Frankie to realize she was falling for him made things that much better when they finally became a couple. Definitely a roller coaster of emotions going through health issues, the tornado, and selling the family farm(s). So many relatable and well navigated life events. I’m excited for book 2!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Heidi Lauper.
151 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 22, 2026
What a sweet, slow burn cowboy romance. The chronic illness rep is strong through this book and touches on more than one illness. The challenges of farming life were also well documented.

I adored the family dynamics and the intricate character web that was woven throughout the story.

Frankie was really connectable character and Lyla the perfect bestie (I can't wait for her book!). Cole is a cinnamon roll MC who has ever so much patience. Together they could be quite something... if they can only realise it.

Thanks for the ARC, all thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for Madison.
37 reviews
October 8, 2026
I wanna start by saying thank you for letting me be in advance reader. I could not put this story down. I loved the whole book from start to end. I love finding out about her health issues seeing how supportive he was for everything never pushing her into things she didn’t wanna do helping her, even though she kept pushing him away. I loved how he continued to be there, even though she didn’t want at least show that she didn’t want him there. I think this was a very sweet book and I absolutely loved it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Bethreads.
361 reviews14 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 25, 2026
Cowboy romance
Small town

I absolutely loved the story, the characters and how they connected gradually throughout the book.

This was a fun, easy read with Frankie (sunshine) and Cole

Cole came to cherry valley looking for a fresh start, whilst Frankie ended up back at her old family ranch with the worst neighbour ever! She blew up all her credit cards, and college fees and realised she had to sto pretending for this imaginary life and come back to reality and going back home.
Profile Image for Kata.
645 reviews66 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
September 26, 2026
Standalone small town western romance with farmer x rancher, city girl turned cowgirl, he falls first and dislike to lovers.

This was an okay read for me, not bad but didn’t really stand out either. The tension between the FMC & MMC was good and there were some funny moments between them.


I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review. Receiving ARC didn’t affect my opinion of the book.
45 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 27, 2026
This cozy small town cowboy romance was my ARC read. And this review is an honest one!

I loved the characters, they were built to perfection. The relationship felt real not rushed. You could image the town and everyone in it which added to the comfort of it. The plot was nicely written and left the questions open for side characters to their story to follow. I can’t wait what is in store for Lyla and Mal.

I would recommend it!
Profile Image for Cassandra Campion.
17 reviews1 follower
September 13, 2026
**ARC Review**

Overall I thought this was a cute story. I think the FMCs health struggles and the struggle of a small farm were very relatable. I enjoyed the “what are the cousins running from” storyline quite a bit. The initial tension between the MMC and FMC was fun. I would have liked a little more meat to the story after they eventually get together.
Profile Image for Gessica.
50 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 14, 2026
I enjoyed this story so much! I loved reading about the daily struggles with chronic illness/ pain. I could picture the farm and animals and wished i lived there myself. This was a touching story about life with a chronic illness, taking chances, life struggles, and letting someone in so you can find love and happiness.
💫Thank you to the author for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Christine.
147 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 21, 2026
This was overall a very cute story. I enjoyed how relatable the main female character was in relation to her health struggles and having a hard time avoiding a handsome cowboy. ;) I would of liked to gave gotten a little more detail in this story though. Some things were predictable to me but overall a cute read.
Profile Image for Shanaé.
114 reviews6 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 29, 2026
⭐⭐⭐.✨
🔥

Frankie’s post college life is not going as expected. She finds herself back on her family’s land while trying to save enough money to get back on her own feet. Enter Cole, a rugged cowboy who moves next door and throws a wrench into her nonexistent plans.

Frankie is a spunky FMC who provides plenty of hilarious moments throughout the story, especially through her banter with Cole. Cole is a rugged man with a past he is trying to deal with each day, and he is more than capable of handling Frankie and then some. Their banter is one of the best parts of the story.

The story is medium paced with a slow burn romance, and the spice is minimal and not very descriptive. The overall story and side characters didn’t leave as much of an impression on me, but the chemistry and banter between Frankie and Cole are what kept me reading.

Read If You Enjoy
* Contemporary Romance
* Cowboy Romance
* Enemies to Lovers
* Slow Burn
* Forced Proximity

ARC provided via Pen Pinery
https://penpinery.com
39 reviews1 follower
October 2, 2026
I received an ARC copy of this book.

I absolutely love this book! I loved the relationship between Frankie and Cole, and I absolutely loved Frankie’s relationship with her family!

I liked how the author navigated chronic illness both for Frankie and Lyla.

I excited to read more from this author!
3 reviews
October 3, 2026
I was in a bit of a slump before I received this as an ARC so it took me a little bit to get started. But it was a perfect book to get me out of it. It was short and sweet, with good chronic illness representation without being over the top. No third act breakup which I love and I loved the banter between Cole and Frankie.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Erin Louise.
81 reviews
October 25, 2026
Frankie and Cole's were fun from the start. Loved their constant bickering and the excuses they had to bump into one another.

Also great to see the representation of health struggles and difficulty in reaching a diagnosis. I loved how Cole supported her through this too.

Great story, full of heart.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews