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Buckle Up, Buttercup: A Small Town Monster Cowboy RomCom
Bluebell
I’m famous for my to-do list and at the very top of it is trying not to lust after Hadrian Alkazar—hometown heartthrob, star skyball player, and my older brother Jasper’s best friend. Jasper made it clear many years ago that the hunky gargoyle is completely off limits, and that was fine and dandy when Hadrian didn’t live in Pine Gulch.But now he does, and it’s nearly impossible not to notice that he ticks all the boxes on my perfect boyfriend Kind. Nerdy. Seven feet of stacked muscles with a killer wit and a filthy mouth. So I do what any sensible girl would do - buy a business who hates me and throw myself desperately into figuring out how to make that work. If I keep myself on the edge of burnout, I won’t have time to notice Hadrian pushing his way deeper into my life.
The big gargoyle seems determined to make things difficult by buying me gifts when he’s away, feeding me when I’m too busy to feed myself, and helping on days the store is testing my willpower. I’d be a fool not to fall hard and fast for a male like that.
My shop might collapse around me. My brother might lose his mind. But the closer Hadrian and I get, the more I start to wonder if risking all of that might be worth it. Because the one thing I know for sure is that on my daily to-do list, I want Hadrian to be at the very top.
Buckle Up, Buttercup is book two in the small town cowboy monster romcom series Pine Gulch Ever After. It's a brother's best friend, friends to lovers romance between a type A, list-making heroine and the filthy-talking pierced gargoyle she's known her whole life. Get ready for bucketloads of longing looks and always a happily ever after.
I’m famous for my to-do list and at the very top of it is trying not to lust after Hadrian Alkazar—hometown heartthrob, star skyball player, and my older brother Jasper’s best friend. Jasper made it clear many years ago that the hunky gargoyle is completely off limits, and that was fine and dandy when Hadrian didn’t live in Pine Gulch.But now he does, and it’s nearly impossible not to notice that he ticks all the boxes on my perfect boyfriend Kind. Nerdy. Seven feet of stacked muscles with a killer wit and a filthy mouth. So I do what any sensible girl would do - buy a business who hates me and throw myself desperately into figuring out how to make that work. If I keep myself on the edge of burnout, I won’t have time to notice Hadrian pushing his way deeper into my life.
The big gargoyle seems determined to make things difficult by buying me gifts when he’s away, feeding me when I’m too busy to feed myself, and helping on days the store is testing my willpower. I’d be a fool not to fall hard and fast for a male like that.
My shop might collapse around me. My brother might lose his mind. But the closer Hadrian and I get, the more I start to wonder if risking all of that might be worth it. Because the one thing I know for sure is that on my daily to-do list, I want Hadrian to be at the very top.
Buckle Up, Buttercup is book two in the small town cowboy monster romcom series Pine Gulch Ever After. It's a brother's best friend, friends to lovers romance between a type A, list-making heroine and the filthy-talking pierced gargoyle she's known her whole life. Get ready for bucketloads of longing looks and always a happily ever after.
328 pages, Paperback
Published May 18, 2026
About the author
Hazel Mack
14 books432 followersHazel Mack writes small town cozy but scorching monster romance. High heat but lots of sweet is the name of the game. She lives in Raleigh, North Carolina with Mr. Mack, Baby Mack and a dog named Andy. Hazel Mack is the sticky sweet alter ego of dark(ish) romance author Anna Fury.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
May 20, 2026
Every time I read a new Hazel Mack book, I feel like it’s just a cozy, funny time!
These are always yummy monster small-town romances with a little bit of a romcom element and I love that everything feels so found family and cohesive.
I think my favorite part are the sentient buildings! That will never get old🤣🥹
Bluebell was an amazing fmc. I related to her a lot with the never-ending to-do list and having to stay occupied or else you felt like you were not doing enough. Picking up the pieces of your family and constantly taking on more challenges was something that a lot of people can easily relate to and I love that about Hazel‘s characters.
And Hadrian. I mean, what’s not to like about him?! he has wings. He has a tail. He’s dominant and possessive. AND he’s also sweet, kind, and caring without fault. OH any as a ripped body because he play sports. Say less. We love to see it 🥵
There were a couple fun surprises in this story and it made it all the better! I definitely enjoyed it and finished it and almost one sitting (totally fell asleep at 2am devouring this)!
Overall
4.5 ⭐️
3 🌶️
Thank you so much to Hazel and team for this advanced copy! I can’t wait for the third book 🩷
These are always yummy monster small-town romances with a little bit of a romcom element and I love that everything feels so found family and cohesive.
I think my favorite part are the sentient buildings! That will never get old🤣🥹
Bluebell was an amazing fmc. I related to her a lot with the never-ending to-do list and having to stay occupied or else you felt like you were not doing enough. Picking up the pieces of your family and constantly taking on more challenges was something that a lot of people can easily relate to and I love that about Hazel‘s characters.
And Hadrian. I mean, what’s not to like about him?! he has wings. He has a tail. He’s dominant and possessive. AND he’s also sweet, kind, and caring without fault. OH any as a ripped body because he play sports. Say less. We love to see it 🥵
There were a couple fun surprises in this story and it made it all the better! I definitely enjoyed it and finished it and almost one sitting (totally fell asleep at 2am devouring this)!
Overall
4.5 ⭐️
3 🌶️
Thank you so much to Hazel and team for this advanced copy! I can’t wait for the third book 🩷
May 19, 2026
This was my first Hazel Mack read, and it won't be my last!
What a fun cozy spicy monster romance! Pine Gulch is the location for this second book in the interconnected standalone series with:
💙 A sassy Magical Town with sentient buildings
💙Wild West cowboy monsters
💙Brothers best friend forbidden vibes
💙All the yearning
💙A tattooed which with a to-do list a mile long
💙A pierced gargoyle with a dirty mouth
We have a gargoyle x witch and all the fun found family that is the Pine Gulch cowboy monster series.
I'll admit to grating my teeth a little with the word "mate" being used way too many times in reference to each other during conversation and sexy talk...but overall this was a fun enjoyable romp!
Thank you to Hazel Mack for the Advanced Reader Copy!
What a fun cozy spicy monster romance! Pine Gulch is the location for this second book in the interconnected standalone series with:
💙 A sassy Magical Town with sentient buildings
💙Wild West cowboy monsters
💙Brothers best friend forbidden vibes
💙All the yearning
💙A tattooed which with a to-do list a mile long
💙A pierced gargoyle with a dirty mouth
We have a gargoyle x witch and all the fun found family that is the Pine Gulch cowboy monster series.
I'll admit to grating my teeth a little with the word "mate" being used way too many times in reference to each other during conversation and sexy talk...but overall this was a fun enjoyable romp!
Thank you to Hazel Mack for the Advanced Reader Copy!
May 19, 2026
Thank you, Hazel Mack for sending me an ARC of Buckle Up, Buttercup! This was a particularly exciting ARC for me as I previously read All my Hexes and Live Love Lasso and absolutely adored them. I didn’t actually think the Pine Gulch Ever After series could get any better, but here we are!
❀。• *₊°。 ❀° ♡ ❀。• *₊°。 ❀°。♡
♡ If you have seen my previous reviews for this series you will know how much I love the setting of Pine Gulch. There is so much magic and wonder piled into this small town that I just love. Hazel has created the cosiest town, the buildings are alive and will sass you if they think you deserve it, all the residents are like family and the sights and landscape are jaw-droppingly beautiful. I will forever be sad that this place doesn’t exist because I would be packing my bag so fast and heading to PG, and no one would be able to stop me. The Pine Gulch Ever After series are all standalone, interconnected books. I don’t think you have to read the previous books to love Buckle Up, Buttercup, but it really enhanced the story for me. In a way we are so familiar with PG at this point, we feel like we are residents ourselves. This point of view gives you all the warm and fuzzy feelings that extend into this book. I would recommend this series wholeheartedly!
♡ Bluebell is a character we have met before, and I am ecstatic that this book centred around her and her childhood best friend Hadrian. We caught the tiniest glimpse of them in Live Love Lasso, and just from those minor interactions, I was completely hooked. Bluebell is someone who has her life planned out from the minute she wakes up, to the moment she goes to bed (if she even has the chance to sleep at all). She is the youngest sibling, with 3 older brothers to contend with. Despite being the youngest, she embodies the traits of the eldest daughter that so many of us are familiar with. Her brothers constantly rely on her to do their jobs, on top of all the work she already has to do. One thing I will say is that the first thing that comes to mind when we talk about Bluebell’s older brothers is: weaponised incompetence. Do I think they are doing it maliciously? No. However, it still sucked. As the eldest daughter of two brothers, I was right there with her. I think a lot of us can recognise ourselves in Bluebell and that is testament to Hazel’s ability to make relatable characters. There was heaviness in my heart when I saw her stretch herself too thin for others. It was empowering and satisfying to see her learn to rely on others and stand up for herself!
♡ Hadrian gives every other book boyfriend I have ever known, a run for their money. He was the classic childhood sweetheart that you cannot help but fall head-over-heels for. He is charming and, to top it all off, a very successful Skyball player, as if he couldn’t get any better. His and Bluebell’s relationship felt believable from the offset, and despite the fact these two were clearly pining for each other for years, it had slow burn elements. They circled each other for a while in this book, with stolen glances and accidental touches that had me dizzy. I could feel their yearning for each other weaved throughout the pages and decades of their friendship. Whilst we didn’t have any flashbacks of their childhoods, there were references and callbacks that painted a great picture. I go crazy for a protective boyfriend, which is exactly who Hadrian is. He sees Bluebell wearing herself out, trying to do everything for everyone, and makes it his priority to help her. He never wants to change her, because he loves her for who she is, but he wants to alleviate her stress and teach her that it’s ok to say no and put yourself first.
♡ There are recurring characters in this book, which made me so excited. I will always have the best time when I step into the world of PG and spend time with all its amazing inhabitants. I am so desperate to see Oz find love and I really hope that we will get to see him fall in love soon! If you like paranormal romances, cowboy/ western settings and cosy small towns (steeped in magic), you will enjoy your stay in Pine Gulch as much as I have! This series will become a part of you, and you will be forever wishing you could jump into a portal and escape to PG and never look back.
❀。• *₊°。 ❀° ♡ ❀。• *₊°。 ❀°。♡
♡ If you have seen my previous reviews for this series you will know how much I love the setting of Pine Gulch. There is so much magic and wonder piled into this small town that I just love. Hazel has created the cosiest town, the buildings are alive and will sass you if they think you deserve it, all the residents are like family and the sights and landscape are jaw-droppingly beautiful. I will forever be sad that this place doesn’t exist because I would be packing my bag so fast and heading to PG, and no one would be able to stop me. The Pine Gulch Ever After series are all standalone, interconnected books. I don’t think you have to read the previous books to love Buckle Up, Buttercup, but it really enhanced the story for me. In a way we are so familiar with PG at this point, we feel like we are residents ourselves. This point of view gives you all the warm and fuzzy feelings that extend into this book. I would recommend this series wholeheartedly!
♡ Bluebell is a character we have met before, and I am ecstatic that this book centred around her and her childhood best friend Hadrian. We caught the tiniest glimpse of them in Live Love Lasso, and just from those minor interactions, I was completely hooked. Bluebell is someone who has her life planned out from the minute she wakes up, to the moment she goes to bed (if she even has the chance to sleep at all). She is the youngest sibling, with 3 older brothers to contend with. Despite being the youngest, she embodies the traits of the eldest daughter that so many of us are familiar with. Her brothers constantly rely on her to do their jobs, on top of all the work she already has to do. One thing I will say is that the first thing that comes to mind when we talk about Bluebell’s older brothers is: weaponised incompetence. Do I think they are doing it maliciously? No. However, it still sucked. As the eldest daughter of two brothers, I was right there with her. I think a lot of us can recognise ourselves in Bluebell and that is testament to Hazel’s ability to make relatable characters. There was heaviness in my heart when I saw her stretch herself too thin for others. It was empowering and satisfying to see her learn to rely on others and stand up for herself!
♡ Hadrian gives every other book boyfriend I have ever known, a run for their money. He was the classic childhood sweetheart that you cannot help but fall head-over-heels for. He is charming and, to top it all off, a very successful Skyball player, as if he couldn’t get any better. His and Bluebell’s relationship felt believable from the offset, and despite the fact these two were clearly pining for each other for years, it had slow burn elements. They circled each other for a while in this book, with stolen glances and accidental touches that had me dizzy. I could feel their yearning for each other weaved throughout the pages and decades of their friendship. Whilst we didn’t have any flashbacks of their childhoods, there were references and callbacks that painted a great picture. I go crazy for a protective boyfriend, which is exactly who Hadrian is. He sees Bluebell wearing herself out, trying to do everything for everyone, and makes it his priority to help her. He never wants to change her, because he loves her for who she is, but he wants to alleviate her stress and teach her that it’s ok to say no and put yourself first.
♡ There are recurring characters in this book, which made me so excited. I will always have the best time when I step into the world of PG and spend time with all its amazing inhabitants. I am so desperate to see Oz find love and I really hope that we will get to see him fall in love soon! If you like paranormal romances, cowboy/ western settings and cosy small towns (steeped in magic), you will enjoy your stay in Pine Gulch as much as I have! This series will become a part of you, and you will be forever wishing you could jump into a portal and escape to PG and never look back.
May 21, 2026
“’Need a nickname,’ he demands. ‘And I need it now, baby. Try something, anything, to see if it fits.’”
What to Expect
🖤 Gargoyle Athlete MMC
😈 Brother’s Best Friend
💘 Friends to Lovers
🥵 YEARNING
🏠 A sentient building with ATTITUDE
Welcome back to Pine Gulch, better known as PG if you want to sound like a local. It’s time for Lemon’s type-A new bestie, Bluebell, to get her happily ever after, and while I’m not normally a friends-to-lovers fan, this one completely won me over.
Bluebell is peak type-A energy, with endless to-do lists because she’s a people pleaser and basically acts like the eldest sibling in her family for how much she takes on. I really related to her need to do everything herself so it gets done right. Watching her hide her very obvious feelings for Hadrian killed me, and the yearning was so good. Her relationship with Hal felt inevitable, but seeing her finally stand up to her brother was easily one of the best parts of her growth.
Hadrian takes yearning to another level, and I loved him. We met him before, so I was already hoping for more of him, and I got it. He’s sweet, caring, and perfect book boyfriend material. He’s also well-endowed and pierced to high heaven. Like the other gargoyle men we’ve met, he just wants to make Blue’s life easier, and if that means helping her tackle her lists, he’s on board. We love a supportive man.
Why do half of our loving monsters have questionable parents?!?!
The spice was spicing, and I appreciated it so much. Hadrian wants to please his mate in every way, and the table scene followed by the truck scene nearly took me out. Also, the way he tells her to come to him and she actually does? Obsessed. We really need their mode of transportation because just a drive to the station and boom—new city.
It wouldn’t be a Pine Gulch book without the house playing a role, and Bodice seems to be getting our two lovebirds together, even if she goes about it the wrong way at one point. Poor thing was abandoned (ish), and then her new owner didn’t really know how to communicate with her the way she was used to.
As always, I eagerly await the next installment.
What to Expect
🖤 Gargoyle Athlete MMC
😈 Brother’s Best Friend
💘 Friends to Lovers
🥵 YEARNING
🏠 A sentient building with ATTITUDE
Welcome back to Pine Gulch, better known as PG if you want to sound like a local. It’s time for Lemon’s type-A new bestie, Bluebell, to get her happily ever after, and while I’m not normally a friends-to-lovers fan, this one completely won me over.
Bluebell is peak type-A energy, with endless to-do lists because she’s a people pleaser and basically acts like the eldest sibling in her family for how much she takes on. I really related to her need to do everything herself so it gets done right. Watching her hide her very obvious feelings for Hadrian killed me, and the yearning was so good. Her relationship with Hal felt inevitable, but seeing her finally stand up to her brother was easily one of the best parts of her growth.
Hadrian takes yearning to another level, and I loved him. We met him before, so I was already hoping for more of him, and I got it. He’s sweet, caring, and perfect book boyfriend material. He’s also well-endowed and pierced to high heaven. Like the other gargoyle men we’ve met, he just wants to make Blue’s life easier, and if that means helping her tackle her lists, he’s on board. We love a supportive man.
Why do half of our loving monsters have questionable parents?!?!
The spice was spicing, and I appreciated it so much. Hadrian wants to please his mate in every way, and the table scene followed by the truck scene nearly took me out. Also, the way he tells her to come to him and she actually does? Obsessed. We really need their mode of transportation because just a drive to the station and boom—new city.
It wouldn’t be a Pine Gulch book without the house playing a role, and Bodice seems to be getting our two lovebirds together, even if she goes about it the wrong way at one point. Poor thing was abandoned (ish), and then her new owner didn’t really know how to communicate with her the way she was used to.
As always, I eagerly await the next installment.
May 20, 2026
Okay, my gargoyle monster romance lovers… beware?! 🥵
Back in Pine Gulch feels like slipping into the coziest chaos… the sentient buildings? Still one of my favorite quirks that never gets old.
Vibes? Pure small-time monster with western flair, found family goodness, and small-town shenanigans. A spicy-sweet storytelling… it’s fun, it’s flirty, it’s a little spicy!
💙 “You touched me. You unleashed me… I’m not stopping all night, little healer.”
And Hadrian? Listen. Seven feet of gargoyle, filthy mouth, softest actions, and just the right amount of possessive swoon. Bluebell is out here trying to stick to her to-do list and absolutely failing in the best way possible.
💙 “Just because something is challenging doesn’t mean it’s not worth pursuing, Bluebell… Don’t run from me, little witch, and I will honor that bravery by doing the same.”
The only drawback for me was the way the family and friends handled the relationship. While I know the brother’s best friend trope often comes with tension, the constant interference from the brother and family became frustrating at times and made it difficult to fully enjoy their romance. I would have loved to see a bit more support for the relationship rather than repeated attempts to keep them apart. I also felt that the repeated focus on her physical appearance, particularly comments about her body, became a little excessive for my personal taste.
Buckle up, Buttercup… because this one is all longing looks, bad decisions, slow burn tension, and brother’s best friend chaos!
💫 Buckle Up, Buttercup (Pine Gulch Ever After, 2) by Hazel Mack (@hazelmackauthor)
Monster Small-Town RomCom | Brother’s Best Friend | Gargolye x Witch | 300 pp | ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (3.5/5)
💫 Favorite Quote:
“I will always love you until the gods take me from this earth. And even then, among the stars, I’ll still love you.”
__________________________________________________
🌟 Thank you, Hazel Mack, for the eARC! This review is honest, and my own thoughts are left voluntarily.
Back in Pine Gulch feels like slipping into the coziest chaos… the sentient buildings? Still one of my favorite quirks that never gets old.
Vibes? Pure small-time monster with western flair, found family goodness, and small-town shenanigans. A spicy-sweet storytelling… it’s fun, it’s flirty, it’s a little spicy!
💙 “You touched me. You unleashed me… I’m not stopping all night, little healer.”
And Hadrian? Listen. Seven feet of gargoyle, filthy mouth, softest actions, and just the right amount of possessive swoon. Bluebell is out here trying to stick to her to-do list and absolutely failing in the best way possible.
💙 “Just because something is challenging doesn’t mean it’s not worth pursuing, Bluebell… Don’t run from me, little witch, and I will honor that bravery by doing the same.”
The only drawback for me was the way the family and friends handled the relationship. While I know the brother’s best friend trope often comes with tension, the constant interference from the brother and family became frustrating at times and made it difficult to fully enjoy their romance. I would have loved to see a bit more support for the relationship rather than repeated attempts to keep them apart. I also felt that the repeated focus on her physical appearance, particularly comments about her body, became a little excessive for my personal taste.
Buckle up, Buttercup… because this one is all longing looks, bad decisions, slow burn tension, and brother’s best friend chaos!
💫 Buckle Up, Buttercup (Pine Gulch Ever After, 2) by Hazel Mack (@hazelmackauthor)
Monster Small-Town RomCom | Brother’s Best Friend | Gargolye x Witch | 300 pp | ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (3.5/5)
💫 Favorite Quote:
“I will always love you until the gods take me from this earth. And even then, among the stars, I’ll still love you.”
__________________________________________________
🌟 Thank you, Hazel Mack, for the eARC! This review is honest, and my own thoughts are left voluntarily.
May 20, 2026
*ARC review*
I absolutely loved being back in the Pine Gulch universe! I just devoured this book! I just loved the characters and the story!
I really loved Bluebell because she is just so relatable. Her need for lists, her struggle to say no especially to family, and her inability to stay still. I really get that because I can be the same way. I also really love her relationships between her friends Lemon and Oz. And of course I was giggling and kicking my feet in happiness with the banter between her and Hadrian. Her budding realization of her feelings for Hadrian just had me grinning.
And of course there's Hadrian. Just so swoon-worthy, the things he does and the things he SAYS. Like so blush worthy. You can just feel the love and affection he has for Bluebell, even when they were just friends. This was just seriously a friends to lovers done so well. AND the spice????!!! Oh I was having a great time! Cause what do you mean he has piercings there???!!! Just so deliciously spicy.
And while Bluebell and Hadrian are working through their budding feelings for each other, outside situations seem to make things difficult. From surprises for Hadrian to over protective brothers from Bluebell. But I just really loved how the whole story developed because at the core of the story, it's really about friendship and connection.
I definitely cannot wait for more from this universe. I love how the author sprinkled in characters from the first book in a true interconnected standalone series! Definitely a must read monster romance!
I absolutely loved being back in the Pine Gulch universe! I just devoured this book! I just loved the characters and the story!
I really loved Bluebell because she is just so relatable. Her need for lists, her struggle to say no especially to family, and her inability to stay still. I really get that because I can be the same way. I also really love her relationships between her friends Lemon and Oz. And of course I was giggling and kicking my feet in happiness with the banter between her and Hadrian. Her budding realization of her feelings for Hadrian just had me grinning.
And of course there's Hadrian. Just so swoon-worthy, the things he does and the things he SAYS. Like so blush worthy. You can just feel the love and affection he has for Bluebell, even when they were just friends. This was just seriously a friends to lovers done so well. AND the spice????!!! Oh I was having a great time! Cause what do you mean he has piercings there???!!! Just so deliciously spicy.
And while Bluebell and Hadrian are working through their budding feelings for each other, outside situations seem to make things difficult. From surprises for Hadrian to over protective brothers from Bluebell. But I just really loved how the whole story developed because at the core of the story, it's really about friendship and connection.
I definitely cannot wait for more from this universe. I love how the author sprinkled in characters from the first book in a true interconnected standalone series! Definitely a must read monster romance!
May 20, 2026
I received an ARC but all thoughts are my own.
When Hadrian and Bluebell were first mentioned/teased in Book One, I knew I needed them like a bookworm needs more shelf space. I feel that friends to lovers can be a hard trope to pull off, but this story was perfect. They wasted little time coming to terms with their feelings, which was greatly appreciated. They had the typical "but what about my brother" concerns with Jasper, but the drama between the two was very small.
I love how natural the relationship felt. They were already friends, obviously, and they just seamlessly became more, even after Hadrian had a giant surprised toss onto his lap. And man, Hadrian is amazing. He never wanted to add more to Bluebell's plate. He was always offering help in one way or another.
The little cameos were fantastic as well. I love when authors take advantage of the worlds they built and have them interact. I'm always here for more Iggy!
I really need someone to smack Jasper upside the head though. At times I thought her brothers were maybe young 20's, but these men are in their 30's and still expecting their sister to do everything for them! I hope in future books, we really see Bluebell put her foot down and herself first.
If you're new to monster romance, this is a great book and series to start with!
When Hadrian and Bluebell were first mentioned/teased in Book One, I knew I needed them like a bookworm needs more shelf space. I feel that friends to lovers can be a hard trope to pull off, but this story was perfect. They wasted little time coming to terms with their feelings, which was greatly appreciated. They had the typical "but what about my brother" concerns with Jasper, but the drama between the two was very small.
I love how natural the relationship felt. They were already friends, obviously, and they just seamlessly became more, even after Hadrian had a giant surprised toss onto his lap. And man, Hadrian is amazing. He never wanted to add more to Bluebell's plate. He was always offering help in one way or another.
The little cameos were fantastic as well. I love when authors take advantage of the worlds they built and have them interact. I'm always here for more Iggy!
I really need someone to smack Jasper upside the head though. At times I thought her brothers were maybe young 20's, but these men are in their 30's and still expecting their sister to do everything for them! I hope in future books, we really see Bluebell put her foot down and herself first.
If you're new to monster romance, this is a great book and series to start with!
May 20, 2026
ARC REVIEW
I absolutely loved Hazel Mack’s Haven Ever After series, but honestly? In my opinion, Pine Gulch Ever After is even better and getting a visit from the Hector sisters was such a bonus.
I’m completely obsessed with the setting of Pine Gulch. PG just feels magical and cozy, and Bluebell and Hadriel were so wholesomely cute together. They were absolutely meant to be. Their chemistry was perfect from the start and I couldn’t stop smiling whenever they were together.
Hazel Mack really has a gift because this managed to be a sweet, cozy paranormal romance while also being spicy AF 😂 Hadriel had me BLUSHING. The mouth on that man??? And the wings, tongue, tail… trust me, EVERYTHING gets put to use 👀🔥
I loved this book so much and I already can’t wait for the continuation of the series. I’m really hoping Oz gets his story next!
Now… Bluebell’s brothers, especially the twins, were absolutely insufferable. Any woman meeting them should probably run the other way 😭 I really hope they redeem themselves more in future books because right now they were testing my patience.
Overall, this was funny, cozy, spicy, and ridiculously addictive. Hazel Mack absolutely delivered.
♥️♥️♥️
I absolutely loved Hazel Mack’s Haven Ever After series, but honestly? In my opinion, Pine Gulch Ever After is even better and getting a visit from the Hector sisters was such a bonus.
I’m completely obsessed with the setting of Pine Gulch. PG just feels magical and cozy, and Bluebell and Hadriel were so wholesomely cute together. They were absolutely meant to be. Their chemistry was perfect from the start and I couldn’t stop smiling whenever they were together.
Hazel Mack really has a gift because this managed to be a sweet, cozy paranormal romance while also being spicy AF 😂 Hadriel had me BLUSHING. The mouth on that man??? And the wings, tongue, tail… trust me, EVERYTHING gets put to use 👀🔥
I loved this book so much and I already can’t wait for the continuation of the series. I’m really hoping Oz gets his story next!
Now… Bluebell’s brothers, especially the twins, were absolutely insufferable. Any woman meeting them should probably run the other way 😭 I really hope they redeem themselves more in future books because right now they were testing my patience.
Overall, this was funny, cozy, spicy, and ridiculously addictive. Hazel Mack absolutely delivered.
♥️♥️♥️
May 20, 2026
To be fair, I am a Hazel Mack, comfy monster romance STAN...and ty for letting me read this as an ARC.
Bluebell is the cutest thing on the planet, and even though she isn't the oldest in her family (the only girl though...) she is giving big sister, the world falls on my shoulders, go until the wheels fall off energy.
Hadrian is the star skyball player, living in Pine Gulch, and just so happens to be BFFs with Bluebell's brothers. And even though, she has though about how Hadrian could *ring her bell*, I understand not wanting to stir the pot.
BUT I LOVE THAT HADRIAN DON'T CARE....and we love a man that goes after what he wants. TBH, this is lower angst, because the drama is more between the siblings, but I don't expect high angst, and my anxious ass doesn't want it anyway lololol
The spice is spectacular, with Hadrian being a unexpected DOM, but Bluebell handles it quite well. Maybe even a little bratty lol
Overall I truly enjoy the close knit family feel of Pine Gulch, but the fun chaos that happens too adds to all the fun! Look forward to more from the Gulchers!
Bluebell is the cutest thing on the planet, and even though she isn't the oldest in her family (the only girl though...) she is giving big sister, the world falls on my shoulders, go until the wheels fall off energy.
Hadrian is the star skyball player, living in Pine Gulch, and just so happens to be BFFs with Bluebell's brothers. And even though, she has though about how Hadrian could *ring her bell*, I understand not wanting to stir the pot.
BUT I LOVE THAT HADRIAN DON'T CARE....and we love a man that goes after what he wants. TBH, this is lower angst, because the drama is more between the siblings, but I don't expect high angst, and my anxious ass doesn't want it anyway lololol
The spice is spectacular, with Hadrian being a unexpected DOM, but Bluebell handles it quite well. Maybe even a little bratty lol
Overall I truly enjoy the close knit family feel of Pine Gulch, but the fun chaos that happens too adds to all the fun! Look forward to more from the Gulchers!
May 20, 2026
⋆｡°✩ ᴀʀᴄ ʙᴏᴏᴋ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ ✩°｡⋆
ᴛɪᴛʟᴇ : Buckle Up Buttercup
ᴀᴜᴛʜᴏʀ : Hazel Mack
ꜰᴏʀᴍᴀᴛ ʀᴇᴀᴅ: E-Book
ᴀʀᴄ ꜱᴜᴘᴘʟɪᴇʀ : Author
ᴘᴜʙʟɪᴄᴀᴛɪᴏɴ ᴅᴀᴛᴇ: 20th May 2026
Buckle up Buttercup bring you back in Pine Gulch and I love this funky town!
Hazel does an amazing job at bringing every character, building and animal to life. She always give you the perfect found family trope that i love so much!
Bluebell is a great FMC, she has a never ending to-do-list and just can't stop herself from adding more to this list. So many of us can relate with this, I'm a people pleaser as well, so i really connected with Bluebell!
Hadrian, AH i loved him, he is so sweet and soooo possessive of Bluebell! I love all the teasing and flirting he did with her it was so cute!!!
Again I'm obsessed with the sentient building aspect, its so fun and the fact each building has its own personality is great and they communicate with the towns people!
This is a super cozy monster romance and i cannot wait to read more from Hazel!
ᴛɪᴛʟᴇ : Buckle Up Buttercup
ᴀᴜᴛʜᴏʀ : Hazel Mack
ꜰᴏʀᴍᴀᴛ ʀᴇᴀᴅ: E-Book
ᴀʀᴄ ꜱᴜᴘᴘʟɪᴇʀ : Author
ᴘᴜʙʟɪᴄᴀᴛɪᴏɴ ᴅᴀᴛᴇ: 20th May 2026
Buckle up Buttercup bring you back in Pine Gulch and I love this funky town!
Hazel does an amazing job at bringing every character, building and animal to life. She always give you the perfect found family trope that i love so much!
Bluebell is a great FMC, she has a never ending to-do-list and just can't stop herself from adding more to this list. So many of us can relate with this, I'm a people pleaser as well, so i really connected with Bluebell!
Hadrian, AH i loved him, he is so sweet and soooo possessive of Bluebell! I love all the teasing and flirting he did with her it was so cute!!!
Again I'm obsessed with the sentient building aspect, its so fun and the fact each building has its own personality is great and they communicate with the towns people!
This is a super cozy monster romance and i cannot wait to read more from Hazel!
May 20, 2026
Hopefully second times the charm for this review! I posted one after I first read it and the damn Zon deleted it.
I love everything about Hazel Mack’s Haven universe and the Pine Gulch series is no exception! BUB was fun, light-hearted, and sweet.
Bluebell and Hadrian made for the perfect couple! I adored how protective over her he was, and how he planned things for them to do that helped her see beyond her to-do list! I don’t want to give anything away but Hadrian and Bluebell were so adorable with a certain young gargoyle too!
One of my favourite things in this universe is the sentient houses/buildings! It brings humour and fun and I’m super jealous we don’t have those in real life haha
I can’t wait to see who is up next in the Gulch! The PG Haven series is so much fun and a perfect palate cleanser/escape from reality that has me chomping at the bit for more!
I love everything about Hazel Mack’s Haven universe and the Pine Gulch series is no exception! BUB was fun, light-hearted, and sweet.
Bluebell and Hadrian made for the perfect couple! I adored how protective over her he was, and how he planned things for them to do that helped her see beyond her to-do list! I don’t want to give anything away but Hadrian and Bluebell were so adorable with a certain young gargoyle too!
One of my favourite things in this universe is the sentient houses/buildings! It brings humour and fun and I’m super jealous we don’t have those in real life haha
I can’t wait to see who is up next in the Gulch! The PG Haven series is so much fun and a perfect palate cleanser/escape from reality that has me chomping at the bit for more!
May 20, 2026
When Hadrian was introduced in the last book of the Ever after series, I knew we would be getting his story eventually. It's definitely a juicy one.
This is a friend's to lovers small town romance that just has your ITCHING for them to reach that peak. And Hazel is so good at that build that it is worth it. Shoot the store was even getting involved.
Bluebell is so strong, independent and unable to stay still. It definitely takes the right person to get her to slow down a bit. Hadrian is DEFINITELY that guy. He has been showing his love in little way over the years but they didn't do anything due to her brother(he is a brat 😒).
When they finally get together its to freaking hot! That man is packing and has some extra special hardware. I did not expect such a sweet man to be so dirty but loved every minute!
Idk who is next but I cannot wait!
This is a friend's to lovers small town romance that just has your ITCHING for them to reach that peak. And Hazel is so good at that build that it is worth it. Shoot the store was even getting involved.
Bluebell is so strong, independent and unable to stay still. It definitely takes the right person to get her to slow down a bit. Hadrian is DEFINITELY that guy. He has been showing his love in little way over the years but they didn't do anything due to her brother(he is a brat 😒).
When they finally get together its to freaking hot! That man is packing and has some extra special hardware. I did not expect such a sweet man to be so dirty but loved every minute!
Idk who is next but I cannot wait!
May 19, 2026
Buckle Up, Buttercup is so sweet and so frustrating.
I loved Hadrian and Bluebell, they are absolutely adorable. This is an angsty read though. Between the original denial of feelings and then the secret, I was pulling my hair.
Even with the angst though, this was a pretty laid back and cozy read. Pretty safe for anxious readers.
Bluebell’s family is a show stealer with their rambunctiousness. Though one of her brother’s made me want to throat punch him sometimes.
There is a very welcomed surprise in this book that I felt added so much to the story.
This was a fantastic read with some delicious spice.
I loved Hadrian and Bluebell, they are absolutely adorable. This is an angsty read though. Between the original denial of feelings and then the secret, I was pulling my hair.
Even with the angst though, this was a pretty laid back and cozy read. Pretty safe for anxious readers.
Bluebell’s family is a show stealer with their rambunctiousness. Though one of her brother’s made me want to throat punch him sometimes.
There is a very welcomed surprise in this book that I felt added so much to the story.
This was a fantastic read with some delicious spice.
May 19, 2026
Hazel does it again!!! Her cozy monster romance is just amazing!!! This author is a must read for me.
This friends to lovers hits all the right notes with longing, temptations, and a secret relationship. The main characters fit so well together. The world of Pine Gulch, PG for the locals, is wonderful. The cute details of the town and the cute character that fill it make this a series, one that I will always want to come back to. I loved seeing more of what a black witch is capable of.
Hazel Mac will always be a top recommendation for cozy monster romance for me.
This friends to lovers hits all the right notes with longing, temptations, and a secret relationship. The main characters fit so well together. The world of Pine Gulch, PG for the locals, is wonderful. The cute details of the town and the cute character that fill it make this a series, one that I will always want to come back to. I loved seeing more of what a black witch is capable of.
Hazel Mac will always be a top recommendation for cozy monster romance for me.
May 20, 2026
We're back in Pine Gulch and it's better than before. I could not put this down.
Bluebell is overworked and doesn't know how to set boundaries with her family or say "no".
Hadrian just wants to find his mate.
The book is slowish burn with just the right amount of tension. Once they finally come together (fireworks worthy), they mutually decide to keep their relationship a secret so as to not distract her brother while he studies for a big test. Does that ever end well?
This book was just the right balance of sweet and spicy and I just loved these characters so much!
Bluebell is overworked and doesn't know how to set boundaries with her family or say "no".
Hadrian just wants to find his mate.
The book is slowish burn with just the right amount of tension. Once they finally come together (fireworks worthy), they mutually decide to keep their relationship a secret so as to not distract her brother while he studies for a big test. Does that ever end well?
This book was just the right balance of sweet and spicy and I just loved these characters so much!
May 20, 2026
This was an absolutely beautiful book. I was kind of hesitant at first but I am so glad I read this. It was everything you could want in a monster cowboy romcom. With your monster being a gargoyle. I thought the character development was absolutely amazing. The characters themselves were amazing. The world built up for this book was so realistic and just fantastic it was great. Overall this is one of the first books I have read by this author and I'm invested now to see how things turn out if this turns into a series or if they has other books.
May 19, 2026
Hazel writes everything that I love about monster romance and small towns. I couldn't put this book down!! When can I pack my bags for Pine Gulch because seriously, I want to move in!
It was nice to head back to the gulch with some of the characters from LLL and the way Mack writes relationships and characters is ... *swoon*
I can't wait to continue in this series. I genuinely think it's becoming one of my favourites!
It was nice to head back to the gulch with some of the characters from LLL and the way Mack writes relationships and characters is ... *swoon*
I can't wait to continue in this series. I genuinely think it's becoming one of my favourites!
May 19, 2026
Such a fun, spicy read! Hadrian was a dirty talking king and I loved how he did everything he could to support Bluebell.
I wish his job had been addressed a little more in the end. Bluebell mentioned she would hate traveling all the time like Hadrian does, but then they don't ever discuss that as a couple.
I also didn't love the twist in the middle. There were already a lot of other factors playing into their romance and this one felt out of the blue.
I wish his job had been addressed a little more in the end. Bluebell mentioned she would hate traveling all the time like Hadrian does, but then they don't ever discuss that as a couple.
I also didn't love the twist in the middle. There were already a lot of other factors playing into their romance and this one felt out of the blue.
May 21, 2026
I can't speak highly enough of this world and the series! One of my absolute favorites that I can read time and time again, and I am transported each and every time to a place I wish was real. It was so great to read Bluebell and Hadrian's story, and to meet some new folks, too! It was great to follow-up on Lemon and Furyon a bit, and to "hang out" with Oz even more. Also, there's no spice quite like gargoyle spice, so if that's a thing you like....DEFINITELY give this a read!!
May 20, 2026
This was a fun cozy, spicy monster book. I enjoy the book thoroughly. I love brother's best friend trope. Bluebelle and Hadrian were friends too. The dynamic between them, the hidden feelings. I enjoyed this book. I loved the little twist that was brought to Hadrian, the shocker to Jasper was something everyone expected when everything came out.
May 21, 2026
Cute Romance with a GARGOYLE as the love interest! Cute small town romance! I love the relationship development and how it progressed. First time reading Hazel Mack and I enjoyed her writing. The romance was sweet and spicy enough for a good time!
May 21, 2026
I absolutely love Hazel Mack.
Her books never disappoint.
The love, spice, and story are all perfection! I loved everything about Bluebell!!
Her books never disappoint.
The love, spice, and story are all perfection! I loved everything about Bluebell!!
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