What do you think?
Rate this book
Willow Creek #2
Cowboy, Take Me Away
Not yet published
Expected 20 Oct 26Brimming with Southern charm and irresistible cowboys, Juliana Smith is back with another YA feel-good romcom in the Willow Creek series.
"I just want you, Felicity. Heartbroken or perfectly happy, however I can get you, I want you just as you are."
Felicity "Flick" Hart knows exactly how romance is supposed to happen. After years of devouring love stories, she's ready for her own: the butterflies, the first kiss, the happily-ever-after. So senior year becomes Operation: Break the Firsts. First date. First love. First heartbreak, if necessary. The biggest thing holding her back is her close relationship with her lifelong best friend, Knox Turner.
Unfortunately, Knox has spent most of his life in love with Flick.
When Flick asks for help navigating the dating world, Knox agrees to be her "relationship coach," which somehow involves fake dates at fall festivals, getting lost in a corn maze together, and way too many moments that feel dangerously real. But while Flick is busy searching for the perfect romance, the lines between practice and reality start to blur.
As Flick struggles with her absent mother's supposed return, and Knox wrestles with expectations from his close-knit farm family, both are forced to confront what they truly want—and whether they're brave enough to risk the friendship they've always relied on.
Between pumpkins, haunted houses, and years of unspoken feelings, Flick may finally discover that the love she's been searching for has been beside her all along.
"I just want you, Felicity. Heartbroken or perfectly happy, however I can get you, I want you just as you are."
Felicity "Flick" Hart knows exactly how romance is supposed to happen. After years of devouring love stories, she's ready for her own: the butterflies, the first kiss, the happily-ever-after. So senior year becomes Operation: Break the Firsts. First date. First love. First heartbreak, if necessary. The biggest thing holding her back is her close relationship with her lifelong best friend, Knox Turner.
Unfortunately, Knox has spent most of his life in love with Flick.
When Flick asks for help navigating the dating world, Knox agrees to be her "relationship coach," which somehow involves fake dates at fall festivals, getting lost in a corn maze together, and way too many moments that feel dangerously real. But while Flick is busy searching for the perfect romance, the lines between practice and reality start to blur.
As Flick struggles with her absent mother's supposed return, and Knox wrestles with expectations from his close-knit farm family, both are forced to confront what they truly want—and whether they're brave enough to risk the friendship they've always relied on.
Between pumpkins, haunted houses, and years of unspoken feelings, Flick may finally discover that the love she's been searching for has been beside her all along.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication October 20, 2026
About the author
Juliana Smith
17 books1,322 followersJuliana Smith grew up in an Alabama small town and still calls it home―along with her husband, daughter, two dogs, and an ever-growing collection of unfinished stories to come. She writes sweet, feel-good romance full of charm, laughter, and just the right amount of yearning. When she’s not falling in love with her fictional characters, she’s probably in the Chick-fil-A drive-thru or deep-diving into Star Wars theory podcasts.
Juliana believes in happily ever afters, second chances, and that life is better when you’re laughing (preferably with a Diet Dr Pepper in hand).
Juliana believes in happily ever afters, second chances, and that life is better when you’re laughing (preferably with a Diet Dr Pepper in hand).
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
Currently Reading
October 13, 2026🍁 — pre-read .ᐟ ⌗
𐔌 ♯┆10.13.26
⤷ YAYY thank you netgalley and juliana smith for the arc!! this lady is one of my fav romance authors ever and i'm so excited to see what this book will have in store. cheers for more fall reads 🙂↕️🤞
October 9, 2026
Review of complimentary Advanced Reader Copy provided by SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books and NetGalley.
Publication Date: October 20, 2026
Series: Second book in the Willow Creek Series.
4 stars!!! 🍁🧡🍂
Goodness gracious, Cowboy, Take Me Away was such a thoroughly enjoyable read brimming with heartfelt characters! And the setting… as a born-and-raised southern girl, the autumn in the south portrayed in this book felt wonderfully and humorously relatable— though where I am from, it’s still way too hot and humid for jackets or sweaters unless it’s one of the “false fall” days, or until, at best, November. Honestly, I am already ready for a reread! The characters were uniquely relatable and real-feeling, and the plot and pacing were so well thought out and executed for this sweet childhood-best-friends-to-lovers romance! Were moments cheesy? Absolutely. Did I also tear up several times as well as grin and chuckle? Again and again.
Both Knox and Felicity are strong and kind, vulnerable and human. They face the uncertainty and change of growing up and entering adulthood. And through it all, they help one another to grow and learn and heal as they come into their own person separate from their parents or guardians. They care and support each other, but are not without mistakes along the way. I think it is that aspect of the story which just felt really special and something that needed hearing; an instance of reading a book that speaks into your personal stage of life.
Their relationship and friendship was absolutely adorable, full of sweet moments, friendship, BANTER, and yearning! Knox is honestly one of my new favorite MMCs!!! He was so caring and honest with Felicity, and was ALWAYS there for her through everything. An overall genuinely good guy. 💗
My main qualm— and why the rating is only 4 stars— is because of minor content I personally didn’t love, but wasn’t turned away from. The reason behind Knox and Felicity’s practice dating is because Felicity doesn’t want to graduate high school without ever having gone on a date or been kissed. It is referred to a few times as her wanting to get her “firsts” done; however, it does not suggest how far those “firsts” mean as she is cut off or uses a broad term around it. So, the romance was a little more worldly, which was expected. I will add that the romance never felt like it crossed into lust.
~Content~
Romance: No spice! Level 2 kissing (one between the MCs occurs on a bed; two other instances of side characters being seen kissing on a bed. NOTHING beyond occurs), mild physical touch, and infrequent innuendo.
Violence: Mentions of child neglect/abuse due to drinking; nothing is explicitly described.
Other: Alcoholism, parental neglect, infrequent language (I believe there were 15 total instances of swearing, but the f-word is NOT present), trauma, manipulation, grief, and mentions of seizures.
Christian: Not explicitly. While worldly, there were still themes of loving others, selflessness, respect, and forgiveness.
~Final Thoughts~
Cowboy, Take Me Away by Juliana Smith is a sweet and cozy autumnal read full of heartfelt characters, found family, Southern charm, a cowboy mechanic, animals and animal lovers, and an absolutely precious romance. I definitely recommend checking this book out if you enjoy the aforementioned themes within the no-spice YA genre! 🍁🧡🍂
Happy reading :)
A warm and grateful thank you to SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books, Juliana Smith, and NetGalley for providing this complimentary e-ARC in exchange for a free, honest review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Publication Date: October 20, 2026
Series: Second book in the Willow Creek Series.
4 stars!!! 🍁🧡🍂
Goodness gracious, Cowboy, Take Me Away was such a thoroughly enjoyable read brimming with heartfelt characters! And the setting… as a born-and-raised southern girl, the autumn in the south portrayed in this book felt wonderfully and humorously relatable— though where I am from, it’s still way too hot and humid for jackets or sweaters unless it’s one of the “false fall” days, or until, at best, November. Honestly, I am already ready for a reread! The characters were uniquely relatable and real-feeling, and the plot and pacing were so well thought out and executed for this sweet childhood-best-friends-to-lovers romance! Were moments cheesy? Absolutely. Did I also tear up several times as well as grin and chuckle? Again and again.
Both Knox and Felicity are strong and kind, vulnerable and human. They face the uncertainty and change of growing up and entering adulthood. And through it all, they help one another to grow and learn and heal as they come into their own person separate from their parents or guardians. They care and support each other, but are not without mistakes along the way. I think it is that aspect of the story which just felt really special and something that needed hearing; an instance of reading a book that speaks into your personal stage of life.
Their relationship and friendship was absolutely adorable, full of sweet moments, friendship, BANTER, and yearning! Knox is honestly one of my new favorite MMCs!!! He was so caring and honest with Felicity, and was ALWAYS there for her through everything. An overall genuinely good guy. 💗
My main qualm— and why the rating is only 4 stars— is because of minor content I personally didn’t love, but wasn’t turned away from. The reason behind Knox and Felicity’s practice dating is because Felicity doesn’t want to graduate high school without ever having gone on a date or been kissed. It is referred to a few times as her wanting to get her “firsts” done; however, it does not suggest how far those “firsts” mean as she is cut off or uses a broad term around it. So, the romance was a little more worldly, which was expected. I will add that the romance never felt like it crossed into lust.
~Content~
Romance: No spice! Level 2 kissing (one between the MCs occurs on a bed; two other instances of side characters being seen kissing on a bed. NOTHING beyond occurs), mild physical touch, and infrequent innuendo.
Violence: Mentions of child neglect/abuse due to drinking; nothing is explicitly described.
Other: Alcoholism, parental neglect, infrequent language (I believe there were 15 total instances of swearing, but the f-word is NOT present), trauma, manipulation, grief, and mentions of seizures.
Christian: Not explicitly. While worldly, there were still themes of loving others, selflessness, respect, and forgiveness.
~Final Thoughts~
Cowboy, Take Me Away by Juliana Smith is a sweet and cozy autumnal read full of heartfelt characters, found family, Southern charm, a cowboy mechanic, animals and animal lovers, and an absolutely precious romance. I definitely recommend checking this book out if you enjoy the aforementioned themes within the no-spice YA genre! 🍁🧡🍂
Happy reading :)
A warm and grateful thank you to SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books, Juliana Smith, and NetGalley for providing this complimentary e-ARC in exchange for a free, honest review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
October 11, 2026
. ݁⋆ ۶ৎ ݁˖ . 𝐼 𝒿𝓊𝓈𝓉 𝓌𝒶𝓃𝓉 𝓎𝑜𝓊, 𝐹𝑒𝓁𝒾𝒸𝒾𝓉𝓎. 𝐻𝑒𝒶𝓇𝓉𝒷𝓇𝑜𝓀𝑒𝓃 𝑜𝓇 𝓅𝑒𝓇𝒻𝑒𝒸𝓉𝓁𝓎 𝒽𝒶𝓅𝓅𝓎, 𝒽𝑜𝓌𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓇 𝐼 𝒸𝒶𝓃 𝑔𝑒𝓉 𝓎𝑜𝓊, 𝐼 𝓌𝒶𝓃𝓉 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒿𝓊𝓈𝓉 𝒶𝓈 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒶𝓇𝑒. .✦ ݁˖
☆ 3.75
Ugh Flick and Knox were adorable!
I enjoyed the childhood friends to lovers so much!
Knox was a yearner. He was always so sweet with Felicity. His love and care for her, made my heart melt. Knox always showed up for her and took care of her. I just love him, he was the sweetest, most thoughtful guy!
Flick was also a sweet character. She was funny and caring. She yearned for a relationship with her mom and it was heartbreaking and sweet all at once.
Flick and Knox were just so perfect for each other. Their dates and adventures were so much fun. And the way Knox called her ‘love’ was adorable!
And I can’t wait to come back to Willow Creek for the next book!🩷
tropes:
💛YA romcom
💛childhood friends to lovers
💛practice dating
💛small town
💛kiss in the rain
💛yearning
💛fall vibes
💛he takes care of her
💛dual pov
content notes:
- kisses only {no-spice}
- 15 swear words (no f- words)
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘎𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘈𝘙𝘊 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬. 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯.
☆ 3.75
Ugh Flick and Knox were adorable!
I enjoyed the childhood friends to lovers so much!
Knox was a yearner. He was always so sweet with Felicity. His love and care for her, made my heart melt. Knox always showed up for her and took care of her. I just love him, he was the sweetest, most thoughtful guy!
Flick was also a sweet character. She was funny and caring. She yearned for a relationship with her mom and it was heartbreaking and sweet all at once.
Flick and Knox were just so perfect for each other. Their dates and adventures were so much fun. And the way Knox called her ‘love’ was adorable!
And I can’t wait to come back to Willow Creek for the next book!🩷
tropes:
💛YA romcom
💛childhood friends to lovers
💛practice dating
💛small town
💛kiss in the rain
💛yearning
💛fall vibes
💛he takes care of her
💛dual pov
content notes:
- kisses only {no-spice}
- 15 swear words (no f- words)
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘎𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘈𝘙𝘊 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬. 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯.
Read
October 16, 2026I have a confession to make. Some romance tropes just get me. Childhood best friends? Check. One person secretly in love while the other is busy dreaming about romance? Absolutely. Fake dates that start feeling a little too real? Oh, boy, are we in trouble?
October 14, 2026
Thank you to Sourcebooks and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC!
A very cute slow-burn, best friends to lovers romance!
From the first book, it was already clear that Flick and Knox were more than just friends and were destined to get their happy ending. Their dynamic and the love between them were so sweet. They had been each other’s person since childhood and it was beautiful to see how their relationship developed.
I also like the deeper themes in the story, especially figuring out what they want to do with their futures and the storyline surrounding Flick’s mom. That part was truly heartbreaking.
Knox definitely falls first and harder and the pining, jealousy, and the prospect of loving and losing Flick were just ughh in the best possible way. Flick’s emotions and all those butterflies were also portrayed so perfectly. It was such a sweet romance that captured what it feels like to fall in love and learn to accept those feelings.
Also shoutout to Riley and Rowen for being the parental figures Flick needed.
I also LOOOVED the fall vibes! Especially with the weather being so similar right now, it was easy to really feel the fall magic.
Overall, this was a very sweet, innocent,
and funny fall read with adorable characters and the cutest romance. The perfect cozy fall read! 🧡
A very cute slow-burn, best friends to lovers romance!
From the first book, it was already clear that Flick and Knox were more than just friends and were destined to get their happy ending. Their dynamic and the love between them were so sweet. They had been each other’s person since childhood and it was beautiful to see how their relationship developed.
I also like the deeper themes in the story, especially figuring out what they want to do with their futures and the storyline surrounding Flick’s mom. That part was truly heartbreaking.
Knox definitely falls first and harder and the pining, jealousy, and the prospect of loving and losing Flick were just ughh in the best possible way. Flick’s emotions and all those butterflies were also portrayed so perfectly. It was such a sweet romance that captured what it feels like to fall in love and learn to accept those feelings.
Also shoutout to Riley and Rowen for being the parental figures Flick needed.
I also LOOOVED the fall vibes! Especially with the weather being so similar right now, it was easy to really feel the fall magic.
Overall, this was a very sweet, innocent,
and funny fall read with adorable characters and the cutest romance. The perfect cozy fall read! 🧡
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Unfortunately I think I am not the target audience for this. I felt really old reading it.
The romance part was cute, though little frustrating. The slow burn was soooooo slow. I usually eat up the friends to lovers and it’s always been you tropes and this let me down little bit.
The reason I took away the stars though was Felicity and her mom. That toxic relationship was driving me crazy! That girl has these amazing people in her life and she kept defending that horrible woman. It was extremely frustrating to read.
Overall I think it was cute and if you are right audience, you will enjoy it.
Thank you for the arc.
The romance part was cute, though little frustrating. The slow burn was soooooo slow. I usually eat up the friends to lovers and it’s always been you tropes and this let me down little bit.
The reason I took away the stars though was Felicity and her mom. That toxic relationship was driving me crazy! That girl has these amazing people in her life and she kept defending that horrible woman. It was extremely frustrating to read.
Overall I think it was cute and if you are right audience, you will enjoy it.
Thank you for the arc.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Just loved loved loved!!!!! I’m always so happy when I get another book from Juliana and I’m absolutely loving this small town cowboy romance series!!!! Best friends to lovers + dating lessons will do it for me every time!!!! Also Juliana’s books are so funny and she is just as funny in person! It’s also perfect for any age being no spice and minimal language!!
Thank you sourcebooks and edelweiss for the arc!
Thank you sourcebooks and edelweiss for the arc!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC! 🍂📚
If you need me, I'll be over here crying about fictional childhood best friends falling in love. 🥹🤎🍂
I think I've found one of my favorite YA romances of the year because Cowboy, Take Me Away was EVERYTHING I could have wanted from a fall romance!
First of all, childhood best friends to lovers AND he falls first?! JULIANA SMITH, YOU KNEW EXACTLY WHAT YOU WERE DOING. Give me all the years of unspoken feelings, the pining, the little moments that mean everything, and the boy who has been in love with his best friend for who knows how long. GIMME, GIMME, GIMME! 😭🤎
Flick and Knox were just so wonderfully, imperfectly perfect. I loved their dynamic, their friendship, and the way their relationship slowly started shifting as Flick tried to figure out romance with Knox as her relationship coach. The fake dates, the fall festivals, the corn maze - excuse me while I go scream into a pillow because THE CUTENESS WAS ACTUALLY OUT OF THIS WORLD. 🥹
What I especially loved was how beautifully this book captured that feeling of falling in love for the first time. The butterflies, the excitement, the uncertainty, the little things that suddenly mean so much more than they used to. There's something so special about a YA romance that reminds you just how magical first love can feel, and this one absolutely delivered. It made me want to wrap Flick and Knox in the biggest hug and tell them that everything was going to be okay.
But this wasn't just a cheesy, fluffy YA romance, and that's another reason I loved it so much. Beneath all the adorable romantic moments, the story explored some heavier themes, particularly Flick's complicated relationship with her absent mother and the emotional impact of her possible return. I appreciated that the characters had struggles beyond their romantic relationship and that the story gave those struggles room to breathe. It added depth to the book without taking away from the sweetness that made me fall in love with it in the first place.
And can we PLEASE talk about the autumn atmosphere?! Pumpkins, haunted houses, corn mazes, fall festivals, and a cowboy romance filled with yearning? THIS BOOK IS AUTUMN IN BOOK FORM. 🍂🎃🤎 I wanted to crawl inside its pages, grab a cozy sweater, drink something pumpkin-spiced, and stay there forever.
Honestly, this was such a lovely reading experience. It had the perfect combination of sweetness, heart, humor, romance, and emotional depth. I loved the premise, adored the characters, and was completely charmed by the way the story unfolded.
If you're looking for a cozy, fall-coded YA romance with childhood best friends, a boy who falls first, and all the butterflies that come with first love, please add this one to your TBR!
Knox Turner, you absolute sweetheart. May every fictional boy be just a little bit like you. 🥹🤎🐴
If you need me, I'll be over here crying about fictional childhood best friends falling in love. 🥹🤎🍂
I think I've found one of my favorite YA romances of the year because Cowboy, Take Me Away was EVERYTHING I could have wanted from a fall romance!
First of all, childhood best friends to lovers AND he falls first?! JULIANA SMITH, YOU KNEW EXACTLY WHAT YOU WERE DOING. Give me all the years of unspoken feelings, the pining, the little moments that mean everything, and the boy who has been in love with his best friend for who knows how long. GIMME, GIMME, GIMME! 😭🤎
Flick and Knox were just so wonderfully, imperfectly perfect. I loved their dynamic, their friendship, and the way their relationship slowly started shifting as Flick tried to figure out romance with Knox as her relationship coach. The fake dates, the fall festivals, the corn maze - excuse me while I go scream into a pillow because THE CUTENESS WAS ACTUALLY OUT OF THIS WORLD. 🥹
What I especially loved was how beautifully this book captured that feeling of falling in love for the first time. The butterflies, the excitement, the uncertainty, the little things that suddenly mean so much more than they used to. There's something so special about a YA romance that reminds you just how magical first love can feel, and this one absolutely delivered. It made me want to wrap Flick and Knox in the biggest hug and tell them that everything was going to be okay.
But this wasn't just a cheesy, fluffy YA romance, and that's another reason I loved it so much. Beneath all the adorable romantic moments, the story explored some heavier themes, particularly Flick's complicated relationship with her absent mother and the emotional impact of her possible return. I appreciated that the characters had struggles beyond their romantic relationship and that the story gave those struggles room to breathe. It added depth to the book without taking away from the sweetness that made me fall in love with it in the first place.
And can we PLEASE talk about the autumn atmosphere?! Pumpkins, haunted houses, corn mazes, fall festivals, and a cowboy romance filled with yearning? THIS BOOK IS AUTUMN IN BOOK FORM. 🍂🎃🤎 I wanted to crawl inside its pages, grab a cozy sweater, drink something pumpkin-spiced, and stay there forever.
Honestly, this was such a lovely reading experience. It had the perfect combination of sweetness, heart, humor, romance, and emotional depth. I loved the premise, adored the characters, and was completely charmed by the way the story unfolded.
If you're looking for a cozy, fall-coded YA romance with childhood best friends, a boy who falls first, and all the butterflies that come with first love, please add this one to your TBR!
Knox Turner, you absolute sweetheart. May every fictional boy be just a little bit like you. 🥹🤎🐴
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A cute, hopeful, fall themed slow burn of a teen romance, reminiscent of Sarah Dressen. Cowboy, Take Me Away ranks 2/5 on my spice scale and please check trigger warnings below if you're of the ilk.
Flick (Felicity) Hart has had a rough life, but her best friend Knox Turner has been there through thick and thin, loving and supporting her the whole time. An eternal optimist, Flick doesn't fully realize the extent of abuse she's suffered under her mother's selfishness. Deep inside, she longs for the love and sense of belonging she's been missing all her life- someone who chooses her for her! At the ripe old age of 18, Flick is convinced she will find it in a romantic relationship and is rushing the process. Knox is TORN; afraid of revealing his feelings and losing his best friend, but also terrified she will find a man to replace him, what should Knox do? They decide pretending to date is their best recourse: Flick get's relationship practice and Knox gets more of Flick- what could be better??
Alongside sweet Knox and sunshine Flick, there are dark tales of child neglect (abuse) and abandonment from Flick's past and present. These polar opposites reminded me of the Dressen novels I loved so much in high school! Because of the more mature content, I would suggest readers 15+ enjoy this book more than younger readers (but I don't judge precocious readers). The ending implies Knox should have filled a parental role in Flick's life and that took me out of the story. Considering his age and their feelings for each other (and the fact I don't do "Daddy" romances), sadly, I got the ick at the very end from an almost throw away line. Besides that (which I'm ignoring 😜), I absolutely recommend this book- and all of Juliana Smith's others! 💖
Shout out to Tom Welling- didn't see that refrence coming, loved it 😂
"I saw you pee on front of her the other day." 😂
Tropes: dual POV, found family, teen romance, fake dating, childhood best friends, family drama, he fell first, sunshine FMC, protector MMC, slow burn, it was always you, HEA
Spice: 2/5 🌶️
Gore: 1/5 🩸
Language: 0/5 👀
Triggers: alcoholism, child abuse
Thank you to Sourcebooks Bloom Books and NetGalley for this ARC!
Flick (Felicity) Hart has had a rough life, but her best friend Knox Turner has been there through thick and thin, loving and supporting her the whole time. An eternal optimist, Flick doesn't fully realize the extent of abuse she's suffered under her mother's selfishness. Deep inside, she longs for the love and sense of belonging she's been missing all her life- someone who chooses her for her! At the ripe old age of 18, Flick is convinced she will find it in a romantic relationship and is rushing the process. Knox is TORN; afraid of revealing his feelings and losing his best friend, but also terrified she will find a man to replace him, what should Knox do? They decide pretending to date is their best recourse: Flick get's relationship practice and Knox gets more of Flick- what could be better??
Alongside sweet Knox and sunshine Flick, there are dark tales of child neglect (abuse) and abandonment from Flick's past and present. These polar opposites reminded me of the Dressen novels I loved so much in high school! Because of the more mature content, I would suggest readers 15+ enjoy this book more than younger readers (but I don't judge precocious readers). The ending implies Knox should have filled a parental role in Flick's life and that took me out of the story. Considering his age and their feelings for each other (and the fact I don't do "Daddy" romances), sadly, I got the ick at the very end from an almost throw away line. Besides that (which I'm ignoring 😜), I absolutely recommend this book- and all of Juliana Smith's others! 💖
Shout out to Tom Welling- didn't see that refrence coming, loved it 😂
"I saw you pee on front of her the other day." 😂
Tropes: dual POV, found family, teen romance, fake dating, childhood best friends, family drama, he fell first, sunshine FMC, protector MMC, slow burn, it was always you, HEA
Spice: 2/5 🌶️
Gore: 1/5 🩸
Language: 0/5 👀
Triggers: alcoholism, child abuse
Thank you to Sourcebooks Bloom Books and NetGalley for this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
📚ARC REVIEW📚
📅PUB DATE: OCTOBER 20, 2026
Amazing! The cover is just as good as the story itself. Well, I saw the author post this was available on Netgalley and without even seeing what it was about I ran on over to NG to get it. The cover was that good.
The title itself had The Chicks "Cowboy Take Me Away" playing nonstop in my head. I really loved the fall vibes such as the pumpkin patch, the haunted house, corn maze, cinnamon, kettle corn, etc. I also liked that there was a little mystery woven into the story. It's was just another layer that keep me interested because WHO IS THAT GUY in the picture? I definitely had my thoughts on it for sure (and I was right).
I loved the dual POV because we got a deeper look into their thoughts and feelings. Knox started reminding me a Lynn Painter character! Specifically Damion from Trust Fall, but mostly when we started to see his inner thoughts and feelings for Felicity. At one point my heart burst right along with them, they were so stinkingly cute. It reminded me of being a teenager again and having your first kiss, your first love.
I felt sad for Felicity over being abandoned by her mom. I did feel like she was very naive at times, but I had to remind myself she is eighteen years old so it's not completely unrealistic, even if her boyfriend who was the same age but wiser about it.
Overall, I loved this more than I expected. I think the first chapter had me wondering if it was for me for a moment but then I quickly fell into the story and finished it in two days, most of it being binged on the second day!
I liked that it was a cute, small-town, YA romance. There are some kissing scenes but nothing inappropriate for teens, so I'm glad this is something I'd feel confident gifting to my teenage niece.
📅PUB DATE: OCTOBER 20, 2026
Amazing! The cover is just as good as the story itself. Well, I saw the author post this was available on Netgalley and without even seeing what it was about I ran on over to NG to get it. The cover was that good.
The title itself had The Chicks "Cowboy Take Me Away" playing nonstop in my head. I really loved the fall vibes such as the pumpkin patch, the haunted house, corn maze, cinnamon, kettle corn, etc. I also liked that there was a little mystery woven into the story. It's was just another layer that keep me interested because WHO IS THAT GUY in the picture? I definitely had my thoughts on it for sure (and I was right).
I loved the dual POV because we got a deeper look into their thoughts and feelings. Knox started reminding me a Lynn Painter character! Specifically Damion from Trust Fall, but mostly when we started to see his inner thoughts and feelings for Felicity. At one point my heart burst right along with them, they were so stinkingly cute. It reminded me of being a teenager again and having your first kiss, your first love.
I felt sad for Felicity over being abandoned by her mom. I did feel like she was very naive at times, but I had to remind myself she is eighteen years old so it's not completely unrealistic, even if her boyfriend who was the same age but wiser about it.
Overall, I loved this more than I expected. I think the first chapter had me wondering if it was for me for a moment but then I quickly fell into the story and finished it in two days, most of it being binged on the second day!
I liked that it was a cute, small-town, YA romance. There are some kissing scenes but nothing inappropriate for teens, so I'm glad this is something I'd feel confident gifting to my teenage niece.
October 15, 2026
Cowboy, Take Me Away by Juliana Smith was such an enjoyable read! There was so much to love about this story, but the characters were definitely one of my favorite parts. I really enjoyed getting to know them throughout the book and becoming invested in their individual personalities, relationships, and journeys. They made the story feel engaging and kept me wanting to come back for more. For me, characters can truly make or break a book, and I loved spending time with these!
One of the things I appreciate most when reading a romance is feeling connected to the characters and caring about what happens to them, and this story gave me that experience. I loved seeing how the characters interacted with one another and how their relationships developed throughout the story. Their personalities added so much to my reading experience, and I found myself genuinely enjoying the time I spent with them.
Juliana Smith did a lovely job creating a story that was easy to get invested in. I found myself wanting to keep turning the pages and see where everything would lead. The characters were what really stood out to me, and they made this a memorable and satisfying reading experience. I always love when a book leaves me feeling like I’ve had a wonderful time with its characters, and Cowboy, Take Me Away did just that!
Overall, this was a really enjoyable read, and I’m so glad I had the opportunity to read it. If you’re a fan of cowboy romance and love books with characters you can get invested in, I would definitely recommend adding this one to your TBR! I’m looking forward to reading more from Juliana Smith in the future.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
One of the things I appreciate most when reading a romance is feeling connected to the characters and caring about what happens to them, and this story gave me that experience. I loved seeing how the characters interacted with one another and how their relationships developed throughout the story. Their personalities added so much to my reading experience, and I found myself genuinely enjoying the time I spent with them.
Juliana Smith did a lovely job creating a story that was easy to get invested in. I found myself wanting to keep turning the pages and see where everything would lead. The characters were what really stood out to me, and they made this a memorable and satisfying reading experience. I always love when a book leaves me feeling like I’ve had a wonderful time with its characters, and Cowboy, Take Me Away did just that!
Overall, this was a really enjoyable read, and I’m so glad I had the opportunity to read it. If you’re a fan of cowboy romance and love books with characters you can get invested in, I would definitely recommend adding this one to your TBR! I’m looking forward to reading more from Juliana Smith in the future.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Dual pov, he falls first, fake dating, practice dating, childhood best friends to lovers, small town romance
When I read Spur of the Moment, I was obsessed with Felicity and Knox and fully believed that they were secretly dating or something. When this book was announced I was so excited and knew I needed to read it as soon as humanly possible! I actually finished this book two days ago and I am still thinking about it, which is a great sign because I have a horrible memory with how much is going on in life right now.
I LOVE THEM SO MUCH AND THIS WAS EVERYTHING I WANTED IN MORE!!!!
When I say that all I wanted to do was wrap Felicity in bubble wrap and fight her mother I mean it. One of the beautiful things about Felicity is her heart. How large it is and how much she loves with it. But having a large heart like that hurts and I just wanted to protect her from all that could possible hurt her. I was right there with her, hoping this time would be different, but seeing how she handles her mom bailing on her shows her strength.
Knox realizing that he doesn’t have to follow the family business and take over the farm and can instead pursue mechanics is something that hits close to home. I know someone who this happened to, and just like Knox, seeing the support from those around them in pursuing what they wanted and what fulfilled them is inspiring. People going after what they want in life and makes them happy will always be what I support.
Thank you to Bloom Books and NetGalley for an early read of this book. All thoughts are my own.
When I read Spur of the Moment, I was obsessed with Felicity and Knox and fully believed that they were secretly dating or something. When this book was announced I was so excited and knew I needed to read it as soon as humanly possible! I actually finished this book two days ago and I am still thinking about it, which is a great sign because I have a horrible memory with how much is going on in life right now.
I LOVE THEM SO MUCH AND THIS WAS EVERYTHING I WANTED IN MORE!!!!
When I say that all I wanted to do was wrap Felicity in bubble wrap and fight her mother I mean it. One of the beautiful things about Felicity is her heart. How large it is and how much she loves with it. But having a large heart like that hurts and I just wanted to protect her from all that could possible hurt her. I was right there with her, hoping this time would be different, but seeing how she handles her mom bailing on her shows her strength.
Knox realizing that he doesn’t have to follow the family business and take over the farm and can instead pursue mechanics is something that hits close to home. I know someone who this happened to, and just like Knox, seeing the support from those around them in pursuing what they wanted and what fulfilled them is inspiring. People going after what they want in life and makes them happy will always be what I support.
Thank you to Bloom Books and NetGalley for an early read of this book. All thoughts are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book hit me in the feels. A teenage girl feeling that if she’s just good enough, her mom will get it together and come back (heartbreaking). A teenage boy trying to figure out why taking over the family’s ranch feels so wrong (eventually heartwarming). These two have been best friends since they were kids and he found her “borrowing” water from a creek on land his family owns.
When Felicity (Flick) realizes that she doesn’t want to die a “kiss virgin,” she decides to ask Knox for “dating lessons” (after chickening out of asking someone she wasn’t nearly as comfortable with). Fake dating (even with teenagers) gets me every time! Since their almost-kiss in the summer, the two have been dancing around each other in awkwardness — no more of that comfortable, incidental touching that friends do. Enter Cal, the local vet’s son who has just moved back, and Knox and Flick are forced to confront their feelings for one another.
The contrast between Knox’s family and Flick’s mom is STARK, and I loved seeing when Flick finally realized who her real family was. This was my first book by Juliana Smith, and I’ll definitely be reading more!
Read if you love:
✨small-town
✨childhood friends-to-lovers (no spice)
✨he falls first
✨found family
✨teenage coming of age
Thanks so much to NetGalley and Bloom Books for an advance copy of this book!
When Felicity (Flick) realizes that she doesn’t want to die a “kiss virgin,” she decides to ask Knox for “dating lessons” (after chickening out of asking someone she wasn’t nearly as comfortable with). Fake dating (even with teenagers) gets me every time! Since their almost-kiss in the summer, the two have been dancing around each other in awkwardness — no more of that comfortable, incidental touching that friends do. Enter Cal, the local vet’s son who has just moved back, and Knox and Flick are forced to confront their feelings for one another.
The contrast between Knox’s family and Flick’s mom is STARK, and I loved seeing when Flick finally realized who her real family was. This was my first book by Juliana Smith, and I’ll definitely be reading more!
Read if you love:
✨small-town
✨childhood friends-to-lovers (no spice)
✨he falls first
✨found family
✨teenage coming of age
Thanks so much to NetGalley and Bloom Books for an advance copy of this book!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Flick and Knox were so cute! They're your classic best friends to lovers trope. They've known each other since they were little kids and have been close ever since. Knox has wanted to be more with Flick for a long time, so when the opportunity comes for him to be seen in a different light by Flick, he takes it and runs. Little does he know that Flick has already started seeing him as potentially something more.
Knox's yearning for Flick was top notch. We see how much he truly loves her unconditionally and unselfishly. He would do anything for Flicks' happiness and supports her in whatever she does. Seeing them both slowly reveal their love for each other was adorable.
I loved Flick and her idealism, and seeing her attachment to and hopes for her mom was heartbreaking. I wish we were able to see more of a resolution between Flick and her mom. I felt like it was kind of rushed and then brushed off as Flick finally moving on, when their relationship was a central part of Flick's struggles throughout the book. It was great to see Flick realize how treasured and loved she was by the people around her and that she already had a family in Willow Creek.
Thank you to Bloom Books and Netgalley for the ARC!
Knox's yearning for Flick was top notch. We see how much he truly loves her unconditionally and unselfishly. He would do anything for Flicks' happiness and supports her in whatever she does. Seeing them both slowly reveal their love for each other was adorable.
I loved Flick and her idealism, and seeing her attachment to and hopes for her mom was heartbreaking. I wish we were able to see more of a resolution between Flick and her mom. I felt like it was kind of rushed and then brushed off as Flick finally moving on, when their relationship was a central part of Flick's struggles throughout the book. It was great to see Flick realize how treasured and loved she was by the people around her and that she already had a family in Willow Creek.
Thank you to Bloom Books and Netgalley for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5⭐️ // no 🌶
While I read quite a lot of YA romance / romantasy books and truely enjoy them, this one felt extremely juvenile. I guess I am not really the target audience, which is totally fine, making this book ideal for 14-16yo readers. With that in mind, I think the book is very sweet and a great start for young readers who love romance/ have yet to experience their first love.
Flick and Knox have been best friends since they were kids and do everything together. Knox has been in love with Felicity for a very long time, and when she voices her idea to practise date, he is stepping up in hopes those dates help her see him in a different light. The fake dating trope is helping them, though I felt it was not truely what you expect with this trope.
Both MCs experience some struggles, he is not sure on what is next for him, after graduating highschool, she is trying to maintain any relationship with her mom. Her mom, who is a terrible human, and I felt a bit angry on how (that part of) the storyline ended. It all felt kind of unfinished. Considering I was not the true target reader, I guess the story was sweet, yet better alternatives are available.
"𝑨𝒅𝒗𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒅 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝒄𝒐𝒑𝒚" 𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒂𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒑𝒖𝒃𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒉𝒆𝒓, 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝒗𝒐𝒍𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒍𝒚.
While I read quite a lot of YA romance / romantasy books and truely enjoy them, this one felt extremely juvenile. I guess I am not really the target audience, which is totally fine, making this book ideal for 14-16yo readers. With that in mind, I think the book is very sweet and a great start for young readers who love romance/ have yet to experience their first love.
Flick and Knox have been best friends since they were kids and do everything together. Knox has been in love with Felicity for a very long time, and when she voices her idea to practise date, he is stepping up in hopes those dates help her see him in a different light. The fake dating trope is helping them, though I felt it was not truely what you expect with this trope.
Both MCs experience some struggles, he is not sure on what is next for him, after graduating highschool, she is trying to maintain any relationship with her mom. Her mom, who is a terrible human, and I felt a bit angry on how (that part of) the storyline ended. It all felt kind of unfinished. Considering I was not the true target reader, I guess the story was sweet, yet better alternatives are available.
"𝑨𝒅𝒗𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒅 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝒄𝒐𝒑𝒚" 𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒂𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒑𝒖𝒃𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒉𝒆𝒓, 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝒗𝒐𝒍𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒍𝒚.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Truly one of the sweetest books I've read in a long time.
They way Juliana writes makes you feel such intense emotions towards the characters she creates. Felicity truly broke my heart. Her unwavering love for her mom and need to make her happy about gutted me. Thankfully her knight and shinning armor Knox is around to not only be her best friend but be there for her even when everything falls apart.
I feel in love with Knox and Felicity in Spur of the Moment but in CTMA i have fallen head over heals. The way they had me kicking my feet, bawling my eyes out and laughing till my stomach hurt. This is the kind of love I hope everyone finds. This book feels real and explores serious topics like the complicated relationship between Felicity and her mom or Knox not wanting to take over his family's ranch and pursue something he is actually passionate about all while they are trying to understand their feelings for one another.
I adore their relationship and the friend group that has grown within this series. I cannot wait for the rest of this series.
They way Juliana writes makes you feel such intense emotions towards the characters she creates. Felicity truly broke my heart. Her unwavering love for her mom and need to make her happy about gutted me. Thankfully her knight and shinning armor Knox is around to not only be her best friend but be there for her even when everything falls apart.
I feel in love with Knox and Felicity in Spur of the Moment but in CTMA i have fallen head over heals. The way they had me kicking my feet, bawling my eyes out and laughing till my stomach hurt. This is the kind of love I hope everyone finds. This book feels real and explores serious topics like the complicated relationship between Felicity and her mom or Knox not wanting to take over his family's ranch and pursue something he is actually passionate about all while they are trying to understand their feelings for one another.
I adore their relationship and the friend group that has grown within this series. I cannot wait for the rest of this series.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Cowboys, relationship coaching and falls vibes? Yes, please! Honestly, I don't usually choose to read YA romance much, but I love Juliana Smith's writing and I have to say, this series has been really good, and this one was no exception. The chemistry between Flick and Knox was really sweet and I couldn't help but enjoy the relationship coaching. I also really appreciated that it wasn't afraid to touch on some harder topics like parental neglect (with mentions of drug/alcohol use, without details). With that being said, while this is certainly a YA romance, I would personally say it would be best for older/more mature teens just because of some of those topics, but also due to some make-outs that while going no further than that, are not something I would hand my newly 13-year-old either. I would say it would be fine for most readers 16+ or so, but very much dependent and individual maturity (and tolerance for language).
Cowboy, Take Me Away is a closed-door YA romance with kisses only and minor language.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
Cowboy, Take Me Away is a closed-door YA romance with kisses only and minor language.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Small town cowboy friends to lovers romance where he falls first and harder but has to suffer through “practice” dating her so she’s ready for her first real boyfriend. Needless to say, all the boxes are checked by this premise.
I loved how soft and gentle Knox was with Flick — that was easily the highlight of this book for me. Felicity, in all her softness, needed someone like him to be there for her, whenever she needed him. It was frustrating to watch her feel like she needed a different guy when he was right there, so obviously painfully in love with her, and it was similarly frustrating to see her suffer through her mom’s actions and pushing away people that actually loved her and wanted the best for her, but it was also really painfully real. And Knox, kind sweet gentle tender Knox, just wanted her to be happy, in whatever way that was possible for her — he was just such a good guy.
Maybe I’m reading too much into it, but it seems like sparks may be flying between Lawson and Ada?? Intriguing……
————————————————————————
Thank you to Netgalley and Bloom for the ARC!
I loved how soft and gentle Knox was with Flick — that was easily the highlight of this book for me. Felicity, in all her softness, needed someone like him to be there for her, whenever she needed him. It was frustrating to watch her feel like she needed a different guy when he was right there, so obviously painfully in love with her, and it was similarly frustrating to see her suffer through her mom’s actions and pushing away people that actually loved her and wanted the best for her, but it was also really painfully real. And Knox, kind sweet gentle tender Knox, just wanted her to be happy, in whatever way that was possible for her — he was just such a good guy.
Maybe I’m reading too much into it, but it seems like sparks may be flying between Lawson and Ada?? Intriguing……
————————————————————————
Thank you to Netgalley and Bloom for the ARC!
October 17, 2026
This book was such a sweet friends to lovers YA romance while also loosely dealing with topics of alcoholism and parental abandonment. With Felicity, it felt like being transported back to high school, watching everyone else have their first relationships and wanting desperately to experience something similar. The Friendship between Felicity and Knox, felt strong and fundamental for their characters, always wanting the other to be happy and supporting them, even when they disagree. The fake dating and relationship progression felt very realistic and believable for both characters. I thought it was a very sweet coming of age romance, however the ending did feel just a little abrupt. I felt that something was definitely missing in terms of the ending with Felicity’s Mom, I think they really needed something solid to bring closure, even it’s a simple as a phone call or text exchange (for me the voicemail didn’t feel like enough).
Overall a really beautiful story of friendship and love.
Overall a really beautiful story of friendship and love.
October 17, 2026
Thank you Bloom for the ARC!
Juliana is my girl and I adored Spur of the Moment. It was such a nostalgic read for me and I have been dying for Knox and Flick’s story because I just love a friends to lovers book. Knox and Flick are the absolute best of friends and I adored their friendship. Knox would do anything for Flick, including take her on practice dates so she can find romance. There was such a sweetness about Flick and Knox that I just adored. In a world where I feel like kids and teenagers are growing up way to fast, I felt like Juliana found the perfect balance in depicting these two as newfound adults and teenagers who are still kids and figuring out the world. It was just really sweet. Flick’s story made my chest ache. Overall I thought this was just such the sweetest YA fall romance and I can’t wait for the next book.
👍🏻Read If You Like:
* friends to lovers
* best friend’s brother
* dating lessons
* caretaking when sick
🛑Content Warnings:
* parental abandonment
🚪closed door romance
Juliana is my girl and I adored Spur of the Moment. It was such a nostalgic read for me and I have been dying for Knox and Flick’s story because I just love a friends to lovers book. Knox and Flick are the absolute best of friends and I adored their friendship. Knox would do anything for Flick, including take her on practice dates so she can find romance. There was such a sweetness about Flick and Knox that I just adored. In a world where I feel like kids and teenagers are growing up way to fast, I felt like Juliana found the perfect balance in depicting these two as newfound adults and teenagers who are still kids and figuring out the world. It was just really sweet. Flick’s story made my chest ache. Overall I thought this was just such the sweetest YA fall romance and I can’t wait for the next book.
👍🏻Read If You Like:
* friends to lovers
* best friend’s brother
* dating lessons
* caretaking when sick
🛑Content Warnings:
* parental abandonment
🚪closed door romance
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was not ready to have so many emotions from this book, but this was such a fantastic read! I loved Felicity “Flick” and her positive nature and heartbreaking yearning for a relationship with her mother. Knox is every green flag possible, and his words to Felicity were so beautiful and supporting, but his actions so much better! Yearning for more, Felicity asks Knox to be her dating coach. As the lines blur between friendship and more, she has a side project to get her mom to come home and stay in her life. This journey is full of so much young love, loving actions, and lots of growth for our main characters. Having a wonderful support system, Felicity and Knox find true happiness and it is the greatest gift.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for an arc of Cowboy, Take Me Away in exchange for an honest review. This is a quick and easy read that has you feeling all the emotions! I love this author and this is just another fantastic read!
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for an arc of Cowboy, Take Me Away in exchange for an honest review. This is a quick and easy read that has you feeling all the emotions! I love this author and this is just another fantastic read!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
First, thank you, NetGalley and Sourcebooks Bloom, for letting me get an e-ARC of this book in exchange for a honest review.
4.5/5 — stars
This was just so sweet. Felicity/Flick and Knox were adorable. This is the perfect cosy cowboy romance for a quick read.
Knox, the MMC, is so thoughtful and such a yearner. Then there’s Flick, whose positive nature was so lovely to read about.
My favourite part was the corn maze (could it be because I’ve always wanted to go to one but haven’t? Yes) But all the other parts were also a hit: the haunted houses, the fall festival... It made me want to live in a small town.
I recommend this to literally anyone, but I especially recommend reading it when it comes out on October 20 as it’s the perfect book for the autumn season.
- Small town
- Kiss in the rain
- Dual POV
- Friends to lovers
- No spice
4.5/5 — stars
This was just so sweet. Felicity/Flick and Knox were adorable. This is the perfect cosy cowboy romance for a quick read.
Knox, the MMC, is so thoughtful and such a yearner. Then there’s Flick, whose positive nature was so lovely to read about.
My favourite part was the corn maze (could it be because I’ve always wanted to go to one but haven’t? Yes) But all the other parts were also a hit: the haunted houses, the fall festival... It made me want to live in a small town.
I recommend this to literally anyone, but I especially recommend reading it when it comes out on October 20 as it’s the perfect book for the autumn season.
- Small town
- Kiss in the rain
- Dual POV
- Friends to lovers
- No spice
Read
October 13, 2026Reading other reviews makes me think I might be in the minority for this book.
Felicity thinks she knows it all about romance. So when she decides she wants to pursue a romance of her own, she knows the perfect person with whom to practice: Her best friend Knox. Little does she know Knox has been crazy for her for years.
I think I officially have a least favorite troupe: jealous guy. I know a lot of people paint it as "pining" and "Oh, how romantic!" but manipulating how a date goes for someone and making sure it goes poorly because the date isn't with you gives me the biggest, full body ick. Again, a lot of people seem to think Knox's pining is cute and "not wanting to wreck the friendship" but she's going to get annoyed that you're ruining her love love soon enough and the friendship will be ruined.
Thanks, NG!
Felicity thinks she knows it all about romance. So when she decides she wants to pursue a romance of her own, she knows the perfect person with whom to practice: Her best friend Knox. Little does she know Knox has been crazy for her for years.
I think I officially have a least favorite troupe: jealous guy. I know a lot of people paint it as "pining" and "Oh, how romantic!" but manipulating how a date goes for someone and making sure it goes poorly because the date isn't with you gives me the biggest, full body ick. Again, a lot of people seem to think Knox's pining is cute and "not wanting to wreck the friendship" but she's going to get annoyed that you're ruining her love love soon enough and the friendship will be ruined.
Thanks, NG!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you Sourcebooks/ Bloom Books for the ARC!
📖 Cowboy, Take Me Away by Juliana Smith
🗓 October 20, 2026
📚 YA/Teen Romance
🌅 Setting: "Willow Creek" SE USA
~~
This book was so sweet! From the cute moment Felicity and Knox met, to them growing into childhood friends to lovers!
Knox was the sweetest. The pining was so good!! And I loved Felicity's character... she was so caring. She just wanted to get a boyfriend and impress her mama so that she would come visit her.
The slow burn was perfect. This book reminded me of being a young kid and teen in Alabama and all of the stuff that goes along with high school.
I can't wait for the audiobook to come out. I will definitely be buying it! It will be narrated in duet by Brittany Pressley and Chase Brown 🎧
This is a great book for a teen audience, and also for adults. It's fun to reminisce 🌻
Also, roll tide!
📖 Cowboy, Take Me Away by Juliana Smith
🗓 October 20, 2026
📚 YA/Teen Romance
🌅 Setting: "Willow Creek" SE USA
~~
This book was so sweet! From the cute moment Felicity and Knox met, to them growing into childhood friends to lovers!
Knox was the sweetest. The pining was so good!! And I loved Felicity's character... she was so caring. She just wanted to get a boyfriend and impress her mama so that she would come visit her.
The slow burn was perfect. This book reminded me of being a young kid and teen in Alabama and all of the stuff that goes along with high school.
I can't wait for the audiobook to come out. I will definitely be buying it! It will be narrated in duet by Brittany Pressley and Chase Brown 🎧
This is a great book for a teen audience, and also for adults. It's fun to reminisce 🌻
Also, roll tide!
October 14, 2026
Adorably sweet, a perfect YA book 🌻
Flicity (Flick) and Knox were absolutely adorable! From meeting as itty bitty babies (elementary school) to seeing them now as 18 year olds made my heart melt. Their friendship was so sweet, and seeing it turn into something more gave me all the feels. I loved the small town aspect, and all of the side characters. Lottie and Walker make several appearances and I just love them. We see Flick and Knox handle relationships with not only each other but friends and family, and see them navigate life decisions. Overall it was incredibly sweet, and perfect for a teen.
Thank you Netgalley and Blook Books for the advanced e-copy of this book.
Tags
-Small Town
-Childhood Best Friends
-Practice Dating
Flicity (Flick) and Knox were absolutely adorable! From meeting as itty bitty babies (elementary school) to seeing them now as 18 year olds made my heart melt. Their friendship was so sweet, and seeing it turn into something more gave me all the feels. I loved the small town aspect, and all of the side characters. Lottie and Walker make several appearances and I just love them. We see Flick and Knox handle relationships with not only each other but friends and family, and see them navigate life decisions. Overall it was incredibly sweet, and perfect for a teen.
Thank you Netgalley and Blook Books for the advanced e-copy of this book.
Tags
-Small Town
-Childhood Best Friends
-Practice Dating
Did Not Finish
October 15, 2026𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙤 𝙉𝙚𝙩𝙜𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙮 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙖𝙙𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧 𝙘𝙤𝙥𝙮
Sadly, DNF at 30% in.
I really really tried to get into this one but I couldn’t. I liked the premises of the storyline, childhood friends to lovers has always been one of favourite tropes and I loved reading about how the MC’s became friends when they were kids but the depth of their friendship wasn’t really shown as much as I would’ve wanted too. Willow creek is also an interconnected standalone series and as someone who didn’t read the first book, I was throughly confused in the initial chapters about who was who and who was who’s friends, I would’ve appreciated more details about the friend group but I still loved the found family vibes.
Sadly, DNF at 30% in.
I really really tried to get into this one but I couldn’t. I liked the premises of the storyline, childhood friends to lovers has always been one of favourite tropes and I loved reading about how the MC’s became friends when they were kids but the depth of their friendship wasn’t really shown as much as I would’ve wanted too. Willow creek is also an interconnected standalone series and as someone who didn’t read the first book, I was throughly confused in the initial chapters about who was who and who was who’s friends, I would’ve appreciated more details about the friend group but I still loved the found family vibes.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
thank you netgalley and Bloom Books publishing for this arc.
i’ll always be a sucker for friends to lovers fake dating. god the sheer amount of yearning, tension, and history between them makes for such an incredible dynamic. it was so sweet going from too scared to mess up their friendship to finally admitting feelings. i haven’t read the first book yet, but judging from this book i’ll definitely have to add juliana to the tbr.
her writing in this book was just fantastic. i really liked the care taken for some of the harder subjects like parental neglect and abandonment. also with the themes like grief for a life you dreamed of, but can never have and accepting hard truths. it was all woven together into a wonderfully told coming of age story.
i’ll always be a sucker for friends to lovers fake dating. god the sheer amount of yearning, tension, and history between them makes for such an incredible dynamic. it was so sweet going from too scared to mess up their friendship to finally admitting feelings. i haven’t read the first book yet, but judging from this book i’ll definitely have to add juliana to the tbr.
her writing in this book was just fantastic. i really liked the care taken for some of the harder subjects like parental neglect and abandonment. also with the themes like grief for a life you dreamed of, but can never have and accepting hard truths. it was all woven together into a wonderfully told coming of age story.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Gahhhh I was doing so well till the end I almost got through without crying but nope couldn’t do it. I’ve loved Knox & Felicity since the first book and they did not disappoint me here they’re just so perfect (definitely needed more duck scenes tho…). Seeing Walker & Lottie thriving was just what I needed. I’m happy with the ending, they didn’t both necessarily get what they wanted but they got what they needed, Knox with his cars, and Flick with her Willow Creek family, and the two of them with each other. This was definitely worth the wait and I can’t wait to see what else Willow Creek has in store!! 4.5⭐️
THANK YOU NETGALLEY AND JULIANA FOR THIS ARC!!!!!
THANK YOU NETGALLEY AND JULIANA FOR THIS ARC!!!!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Feel good friends to lovers story. Didn't really have the cowboy vibes I was expecting from the clever title, more just small town in the South. Somehow I missed that it was a high school setting which is probably why I wasn't connecting with the characters. Both lead characters were a little too perfect. How did Felicity keep managing to fund her mother's lifestyle as a teenager working at an animal shelter? No matter how good you are at saving, it seemed unbelievable. Still if you are still young at heart this book could be perfect for you. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The setting of this one was so perfect for fall.
I loved Knox and how much he cares about Felicity and has always gone out of his way to protect her.
I liked following them along on this journey as they changed their relationship.
Felicity has such a great support system around her but she still holds out hope that her mom will come back and be there for her. It's hard watching her go through that, but she has so many people there to back her up when her mom has let her down.
Knox is just the sweetest and I loved watching him become his own person too as he works on his future.
A sweet, cozy fall teen romance.
Thanks NetGalley for this ARC
I loved Knox and how much he cares about Felicity and has always gone out of his way to protect her.
I liked following them along on this journey as they changed their relationship.
Felicity has such a great support system around her but she still holds out hope that her mom will come back and be there for her. It's hard watching her go through that, but she has so many people there to back her up when her mom has let her down.
Knox is just the sweetest and I loved watching him become his own person too as he works on his future.
A sweet, cozy fall teen romance.
Thanks NetGalley for this ARC
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews