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The Ground We Keep: An Enemies-to-Lovers Ranch Romance
She came to buy his land. She never expected to fall in love.
For generations, Hollmere Run Ranch has been more than just a piece of land. Carter Hollmere promised to protect everything that his family has built. With his father refusing to slow down, the last thing Carter needs is an ambitious oil company representative determined to take everything he loves.
Cecelia “Cece” Reilly has spent years proving herself in a career where success is measured by the deals that you close. Sent from Boston to negotiate a deal for a simple Montana ranch, she expects a straightforward assignment, not a grumpy cowboy who only knows how to say no.
When Cece is forced to live on the land she was sent to buy, she begins to see the ranch through Carter’s eyes. With every day that they spend together, the line between resentment and desire begins to blur.
As secrets about the pipeline project begin to surface, Cece must decide whether to protect the career she’s worked so hard to build or risk everything for the man, the family, and the land that unexpectedly claimed her heart.
For generations, Hollmere Run Ranch has been more than just a piece of land. Carter Hollmere promised to protect everything that his family has built. With his father refusing to slow down, the last thing Carter needs is an ambitious oil company representative determined to take everything he loves.
Cecelia “Cece” Reilly has spent years proving herself in a career where success is measured by the deals that you close. Sent from Boston to negotiate a deal for a simple Montana ranch, she expects a straightforward assignment, not a grumpy cowboy who only knows how to say no.
When Cece is forced to live on the land she was sent to buy, she begins to see the ranch through Carter’s eyes. With every day that they spend together, the line between resentment and desire begins to blur.
As secrets about the pipeline project begin to surface, Cece must decide whether to protect the career she’s worked so hard to build or risk everything for the man, the family, and the land that unexpectedly claimed her heart.
590 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 29, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
November 2, 2026
4🌟 | 2🌶️
This one felt like settling into a cosy little Hallmark movie, complete with a cowboy romance!
This was such a fun, easygoing escape! It had those lovely Hallmark-meets-Yellowstone vibes, with plenty of banter, a little tension, and a family atmosphere that made the story even more enjoyable. Exactly the kind of feel-good romance you can happily lose yourself in!
Cece was such a lovely FMC, and I quite enjoyed watching her embrace ranch life and find her place in a completely different world. Carter’s grumpy nature, protective streak, and devotion to his family made him a great match for her. Their chemistry and back-and-forth were so much fun, and the Hollmere family quickly became one of my favourite parts of the story.
There was also a little more substance with the corporate dealings and family dynamics, which added some interesting layers without taking away from the cosy feel. I especially appreciated Cece’s kindness and understanding towards Carter’s mother.
A charming addition to my cowboy romance shelf, and definitely worth picking up.
~~~~
A sincere thank you to A.S. Beal and Happily Booked PR for the ARC! 🥰📚
I’m so grateful for the early read. As always, all thoughts and opinions are completely my own. ✨
This one felt like settling into a cosy little Hallmark movie, complete with a cowboy romance!
This was such a fun, easygoing escape! It had those lovely Hallmark-meets-Yellowstone vibes, with plenty of banter, a little tension, and a family atmosphere that made the story even more enjoyable. Exactly the kind of feel-good romance you can happily lose yourself in!
Cece was such a lovely FMC, and I quite enjoyed watching her embrace ranch life and find her place in a completely different world. Carter’s grumpy nature, protective streak, and devotion to his family made him a great match for her. Their chemistry and back-and-forth were so much fun, and the Hollmere family quickly became one of my favourite parts of the story.
There was also a little more substance with the corporate dealings and family dynamics, which added some interesting layers without taking away from the cosy feel. I especially appreciated Cece’s kindness and understanding towards Carter’s mother.
A charming addition to my cowboy romance shelf, and definitely worth picking up.
~~~~
A sincere thank you to A.S. Beal and Happily Booked PR for the ARC! 🥰📚
I’m so grateful for the early read. As always, all thoughts and opinions are completely my own. ✨
October 29, 2026
This was simply an easy feel good kinda read. Some would say a good palette cleanser read.
I got light Yellowstone vibes, minus the violence. Hallmark and maybe a touch of Heartland. It was fun with a bit of tension.
But from the start, the prologue just gave you those feel good family vibes that you were going to get throughout the story.
Cecelia, a city girl from Boston finds herself in Montana for her job. What she doesn't expect is being stranded in the middle of a snow storm....well she was warned. 😅 by the grumpy cowboy, Carter. She finds her situation to get more complicated than she ever expected after that.
Staying on his families ranch instead of her hotel...
Is Carter a fan. Not really, but his mama raised him to be a gentleman and he simply couldn't leave a stranded woman out with nowhere to go.
The tension between them was so fun. The banter, never a dull moment.
Unfortunately for Cecelia, work gets complicated when some truths were hidden from her about the job.
That's when things become more intense. And she finds herself in a complicated situation.
I loved Cece's character. She was just kind, caring, and open to understanding a whole other kind of life she's never known.
She stood for what was right.
I enjoyed her and Carter. I'd say the only complaint I had was how quickly things moved between them. But it still didn't take away anything for me to enjoy it was just overall a feel good read.
Loved Carter's family. And while his mom is struggling with dementia, Cece understands how to roll with those bad days.
The ending was simply a happy one.
Definitely recommend.
Thank you A.S. Beall for the arc. 🫶🏻
I got light Yellowstone vibes, minus the violence. Hallmark and maybe a touch of Heartland. It was fun with a bit of tension.
But from the start, the prologue just gave you those feel good family vibes that you were going to get throughout the story.
Cecelia, a city girl from Boston finds herself in Montana for her job. What she doesn't expect is being stranded in the middle of a snow storm....well she was warned. 😅 by the grumpy cowboy, Carter. She finds her situation to get more complicated than she ever expected after that.
Staying on his families ranch instead of her hotel...
Is Carter a fan. Not really, but his mama raised him to be a gentleman and he simply couldn't leave a stranded woman out with nowhere to go.
The tension between them was so fun. The banter, never a dull moment.
Unfortunately for Cecelia, work gets complicated when some truths were hidden from her about the job.
That's when things become more intense. And she finds herself in a complicated situation.
I loved Cece's character. She was just kind, caring, and open to understanding a whole other kind of life she's never known.
She stood for what was right.
I enjoyed her and Carter. I'd say the only complaint I had was how quickly things moved between them. But it still didn't take away anything for me to enjoy it was just overall a feel good read.
Loved Carter's family. And while his mom is struggling with dementia, Cece understands how to roll with those bad days.
The ending was simply a happy one.
Definitely recommend.
Thank you A.S. Beall for the arc. 🫶🏻
Review of advance copy received from Author
First of all, the graphics are SO beautiful, and that cover is a masterpiece... those shoes!!!
This was such a lovely read! Cece came to the ranch to buy the land for a pipeline project and ended up falling in love with the place, the nature, the animals (especially Henry), the people, and that grumpy cowboy who would do anything to protect his family's ranch! She then embraced ranch life, helped with the chores, and slowly became part of this lovely family. And Montana sounds absolutely beautiful! This land holds generations of memories for the Hollmere family.
The family element was beautiful and emotional, and the found family trope was so well-written. I especially loved how nice and welcoming they were, even after discovering the truth behind her trip. It really made my heart happy!
There is also the corporate side of the story. It showed how acquisitions can work, with companies focused on getting what they want regardless of the people and lives affected in the process.
As for Cece and Carter, I needed MORE! More tension, more spice, more touches! I respect the author's decision to remove the spice and open-door scenes from her books, but I couldn't help wanting more from these two!
Still, the plot was good, the characters were lovely, and this was a very nice, heartwarming read. I definitely recommend it, just don't go in expecting spice!
This was such a lovely read! Cece came to the ranch to buy the land for a pipeline project and ended up falling in love with the place, the nature, the animals (especially Henry), the people, and that grumpy cowboy who would do anything to protect his family's ranch! She then embraced ranch life, helped with the chores, and slowly became part of this lovely family. And Montana sounds absolutely beautiful! This land holds generations of memories for the Hollmere family.
The family element was beautiful and emotional, and the found family trope was so well-written. I especially loved how nice and welcoming they were, even after discovering the truth behind her trip. It really made my heart happy!
There is also the corporate side of the story. It showed how acquisitions can work, with companies focused on getting what they want regardless of the people and lives affected in the process.
As for Cece and Carter, I needed MORE! More tension, more spice, more touches! I respect the author's decision to remove the spice and open-door scenes from her books, but I couldn't help wanting more from these two!
Still, the plot was good, the characters were lovely, and this was a very nice, heartwarming read. I definitely recommend it, just don't go in expecting spice!
October 25, 2026
Fun cowboy romance. I love the city girls rocks the country boy’s world, especially when the FMC is smart, commanding of respect, and gets her own independent storyline. She’s a corporate baddie who discovers things weren’t as she expected and goes to bat for her new found family at the ranch. He’s the grump that wants nothing to do with her and doesn’t trust her. This book was smart and brought new elements into the genre that I appreciated. The corporate world made the story intriguing and kept me engaged beyond the romance. Fun supporting characters it will be a great series for those who love reading about love on the ranch.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely love this. It was such an adorable book i couldn't put it down. You have your FMC who is trying to get the MMC family to sell part of their land for a pipeline. While going through a snowstorm she falls in love with the family and then starts asking question about the pipeline. Turns out she was lied to and she ends up helping the family/ town shut down the pipeline and then falls in love with the MMC. If you want a cute book that keeps the pages turning this, is it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for an ARC of this book.
This book pulled me out of a slump. I finished it in 24 hours.
I love the family that was introduced in this book and I cannot wait to read the next installments to continue it. CeCe and Carter made for a cute couple throughout the book. It was a slow burn with good tension. Kissing and some fade to black but no open spice.
I will be checking out more of this authors work.
This book pulled me out of a slump. I finished it in 24 hours.
I love the family that was introduced in this book and I cannot wait to read the next installments to continue it. CeCe and Carter made for a cute couple throughout the book. It was a slow burn with good tension. Kissing and some fade to black but no open spice.
I will be checking out more of this authors work.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This one was really good.
City girl
Cowboy
He falls first
She's a very strong character
This is one id reread again if I could it was so good.
City girl
Cowboy
He falls first
She's a very strong character
This is one id reread again if I could it was so good.
October 30, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️🌶️
With being almost 600 pages, this book flew by. The entire book is a feel good read that I thoroughly loved escaping into. AS Beall has started their new series off with a hit with The Ground We Keep. The overall vibes of the Hollmere Run Ranch series already has me ready for the rest of the series to come out. When business begins to mix with pleasure, our MCs go from enemies to something more. Mixing in city girl with country boy, Beall writes a romance that engages the readers from the beginning and keeps deepening as the book progresses. Beyond the romance, the family element is a wonderful addition to this book, adding depth and emotion.
When city girl Cecelia is sent to Montana for her job, she learns quickly she isn’t in Boston anymore. Due to a snow storm that she isn’t prepared for, she finds herself having to stay at the home of a rugged cowboy, who thankfully came to her rescue. The home, however, sits on the land that she has been sent to buy, but this man isn’t budging. She is determined to prove herself to her company, but then hidden truths are made known to her and she realizes she can’t do this job anymore. That and the sizzling tension that has been building between her and her rescuer both had me eating this book up. I loved Cecelia’s boss attitude and her drive. She is a fantastic FMC.
Carter is going to do whatever it takes to save his family’s farm. Discovering he is providing a place to stay to the enemy, he turns the grumpiness up to 11. He is not ever going to give up this land, especially to some city girl like Cecelia. But there is something different about her that keeps coming out. She is a hard worker, lends a helping hand when needed, and when secrets are revealed she doesn’t stand back and let her company walk all over anyone. Maybe there’s more to her than meets the eye? As his attraction grows, decisions have to be made. Carter is easy to love from the beginning.
With tension growing between Cecelia and Carter from the beginning, Beall does a great job keeping her readers engaged with the romance while making sure to keep the storyline on point. Carter’s family is amazing and welcomes Cecelia, because that is what country people do. Someone is in need, you lend a hand. Carter’s mother has raised her boys right, even with dealing with her own health. I adore her! I am excited to see more of her as this series continues and hope that the next books in the series focus on other characters introduced.
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
🐎Ranch Romance
👠Enemies to Lovers
🐎Grumpy x Sunshine
👠Big City FMC
🐎Country Town MMC
👠Forced Proximity
🐎Opposites Attract
👠He Falls First
🐎Found Family
With being almost 600 pages, this book flew by. The entire book is a feel good read that I thoroughly loved escaping into. AS Beall has started their new series off with a hit with The Ground We Keep. The overall vibes of the Hollmere Run Ranch series already has me ready for the rest of the series to come out. When business begins to mix with pleasure, our MCs go from enemies to something more. Mixing in city girl with country boy, Beall writes a romance that engages the readers from the beginning and keeps deepening as the book progresses. Beyond the romance, the family element is a wonderful addition to this book, adding depth and emotion.
When city girl Cecelia is sent to Montana for her job, she learns quickly she isn’t in Boston anymore. Due to a snow storm that she isn’t prepared for, she finds herself having to stay at the home of a rugged cowboy, who thankfully came to her rescue. The home, however, sits on the land that she has been sent to buy, but this man isn’t budging. She is determined to prove herself to her company, but then hidden truths are made known to her and she realizes she can’t do this job anymore. That and the sizzling tension that has been building between her and her rescuer both had me eating this book up. I loved Cecelia’s boss attitude and her drive. She is a fantastic FMC.
Carter is going to do whatever it takes to save his family’s farm. Discovering he is providing a place to stay to the enemy, he turns the grumpiness up to 11. He is not ever going to give up this land, especially to some city girl like Cecelia. But there is something different about her that keeps coming out. She is a hard worker, lends a helping hand when needed, and when secrets are revealed she doesn’t stand back and let her company walk all over anyone. Maybe there’s more to her than meets the eye? As his attraction grows, decisions have to be made. Carter is easy to love from the beginning.
With tension growing between Cecelia and Carter from the beginning, Beall does a great job keeping her readers engaged with the romance while making sure to keep the storyline on point. Carter’s family is amazing and welcomes Cecelia, because that is what country people do. Someone is in need, you lend a hand. Carter’s mother has raised her boys right, even with dealing with her own health. I adore her! I am excited to see more of her as this series continues and hope that the next books in the series focus on other characters introduced.
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
🐎Ranch Romance
👠Enemies to Lovers
🐎Grumpy x Sunshine
👠Big City FMC
🐎Country Town MMC
👠Forced Proximity
🐎Opposites Attract
👠He Falls First
🐎Found Family
October 30, 2026
I absolutely loved how much this story had going on beneath what first feels like a cute small town cowboy romance.
You have the grumpy cowboy, the city girl completely out of her element, forced proximity, a close knit ranch family, and that slow shift from getting on each other’s nerves to realizing there might actually be something worth holding onto.
And yes, this absolutely gave me Hallmark movie vibes in the best way. Somebody put these characters on my screen immediately.
What made this book stand out for me, though, was everything underneath the romance. The Hollmere family brings so much heart to the story. They are protective, stubborn, loving, and completely there for one another, and watching Cece slowly find a sense of belonging within that world was one of my favorite parts.
There are also heavier emotional layers involving grief, family responsibility, and loving someone through difficult changes. Those moments added so much depth without taking away from the sweetness and humor of the romance.
I also loved that both Carter and Cece are trying to figure out what they actually want from their lives. So much of this story is about questioning the path you thought you were supposed to follow and realizing that choosing happiness does not always look the way you expected it to.
Sometimes success looks different than you imagined.
Sometimes home is something you find.
And sometimes doing the right thing means being brave enough to choose a completely different path.
This was sweet, heartfelt, funny, emotional, and genuinely enjoyable. If you love small town romance, grumpy cowboys, forced proximity, strong family dynamics, found family, emotional growth, and characters figuring out where they truly belong, this one is absolutely worth reading.
You have the grumpy cowboy, the city girl completely out of her element, forced proximity, a close knit ranch family, and that slow shift from getting on each other’s nerves to realizing there might actually be something worth holding onto.
And yes, this absolutely gave me Hallmark movie vibes in the best way. Somebody put these characters on my screen immediately.
What made this book stand out for me, though, was everything underneath the romance. The Hollmere family brings so much heart to the story. They are protective, stubborn, loving, and completely there for one another, and watching Cece slowly find a sense of belonging within that world was one of my favorite parts.
There are also heavier emotional layers involving grief, family responsibility, and loving someone through difficult changes. Those moments added so much depth without taking away from the sweetness and humor of the romance.
I also loved that both Carter and Cece are trying to figure out what they actually want from their lives. So much of this story is about questioning the path you thought you were supposed to follow and realizing that choosing happiness does not always look the way you expected it to.
Sometimes success looks different than you imagined.
Sometimes home is something you find.
And sometimes doing the right thing means being brave enough to choose a completely different path.
This was sweet, heartfelt, funny, emotional, and genuinely enjoyable. If you love small town romance, grumpy cowboys, forced proximity, strong family dynamics, found family, emotional growth, and characters figuring out where they truly belong, this one is absolutely worth reading.
November 1, 2026
**Advanced Reader Copy Review**
Corporate Energy developer meets cute small town ranch in Montana.
Cece comes to Montana with the intention to propose an acquisition to owners at Hollmere Run Ranch. What started as a purely corporate investment, turns into a story of falling in love with the land, nature, animals (Henry 🥰) and of course, the people.
Cece learns quite quickly the harsh reality of ranch life but this doesn’t lessen her determination to get stuck in and learn the ropes. Even if this means getting under the skin of Carter along the way!
The story revolves around the proposed acquisition but alongside the business interactions, there is a connection between Cece and Carter that develops. Their relationship brings plenty of fun banter and tension but also forgiveness and understanding of another person’s perspective.
There was something quite beautiful about the story line with Lynnette and her developing dementia. To me it’s still such an unknown medical condition that I really appreciated how respectfully the author explored the challenges of living with a family member who has Dementia and navigating the complexities that come with it. Cece’s character handled this beautifully showing an understanding, patience and compassion.
I would have liked to have seen more of the Cece and Carter relationship as the banter and underlying tension had me wanting more from the two of them. That said, this didn’t detract from the overall story but it’s worth noting this is a closed door romance.
This is definitely an easy read, so if you enjoy sweet small town ranch stories, found family vibes and closed door romances this is one for you to try!
Corporate Energy developer meets cute small town ranch in Montana.
Cece comes to Montana with the intention to propose an acquisition to owners at Hollmere Run Ranch. What started as a purely corporate investment, turns into a story of falling in love with the land, nature, animals (Henry 🥰) and of course, the people.
Cece learns quite quickly the harsh reality of ranch life but this doesn’t lessen her determination to get stuck in and learn the ropes. Even if this means getting under the skin of Carter along the way!
The story revolves around the proposed acquisition but alongside the business interactions, there is a connection between Cece and Carter that develops. Their relationship brings plenty of fun banter and tension but also forgiveness and understanding of another person’s perspective.
There was something quite beautiful about the story line with Lynnette and her developing dementia. To me it’s still such an unknown medical condition that I really appreciated how respectfully the author explored the challenges of living with a family member who has Dementia and navigating the complexities that come with it. Cece’s character handled this beautifully showing an understanding, patience and compassion.
I would have liked to have seen more of the Cece and Carter relationship as the banter and underlying tension had me wanting more from the two of them. That said, this didn’t detract from the overall story but it’s worth noting this is a closed door romance.
This is definitely an easy read, so if you enjoy sweet small town ranch stories, found family vibes and closed door romances this is one for you to try!
October 30, 2026
🤠❤️
OMG Carter and Cece!!! 😍😍 I absolutely loved these two!! Give me a grumpy, stubborn cowboy who loves his family and his ranch more than anything and I am SOLD!!
Carter Hollmere!!! 🥵 This man had my heart!! The way he was so determined to protect his family’s land and everything they had worked so hard for. And then along comes Cece, the city girl sent to basically take it all away!! 😂 The tension between these two was EVERYTHING!!
And Cece!! I loved watching her go from this ambitious career woman who just wanted to get the deal done to someone who started falling in love with everything she was supposed to be taking away. The ranch, the family and most importantly CARTER!! 🥹❤️
The grumpy cowboy vs city girl, the banter, the chemistry, the tension and those moments where you could just feel the walls coming down!! I was eating it all up!! 😍
And I loved that this wasn’t just about the romance. It was about family, loyalty, standing up for what’s right and realising that sometimes the things you never planned for turn out to be exactly what you needed!!
Carter and Cece had me smiling, swooning and wanting to scream at them to just admit their feelings already!! 😂❤️
A.S. Beall absolutely delivered with this one!! Give me all the protective cowboys, strong women, ranch life and small-town romance!!
I didn’t want Carter and Cece’s story to end!! 🤠💕
OMG Carter and Cece!!! 😍😍 I absolutely loved these two!! Give me a grumpy, stubborn cowboy who loves his family and his ranch more than anything and I am SOLD!!
Carter Hollmere!!! 🥵 This man had my heart!! The way he was so determined to protect his family’s land and everything they had worked so hard for. And then along comes Cece, the city girl sent to basically take it all away!! 😂 The tension between these two was EVERYTHING!!
And Cece!! I loved watching her go from this ambitious career woman who just wanted to get the deal done to someone who started falling in love with everything she was supposed to be taking away. The ranch, the family and most importantly CARTER!! 🥹❤️
The grumpy cowboy vs city girl, the banter, the chemistry, the tension and those moments where you could just feel the walls coming down!! I was eating it all up!! 😍
And I loved that this wasn’t just about the romance. It was about family, loyalty, standing up for what’s right and realising that sometimes the things you never planned for turn out to be exactly what you needed!!
Carter and Cece had me smiling, swooning and wanting to scream at them to just admit their feelings already!! 😂❤️
A.S. Beall absolutely delivered with this one!! Give me all the protective cowboys, strong women, ranch life and small-town romance!!
I didn’t want Carter and Cece’s story to end!! 🤠💕
October 29, 2026
A.S. Beall has become one of my favourite authors, so I was very excited for the beginning of a new series. I'm also a sucker for a cowboy romance.
This one has absolutely blown all my expectations away. From chapter two I was already fully in love with the entire Hollmere family. The love, banter and bickering is absolute perfection. Every sibling has their place in this family, and I cannot wait for each story to come in this series to read more about them.
On to Carter and Cece's story - I couldn't love these two together more if I tried. Carter is the perfect grumpy cowboy, and Cece is stubborn as they come.
Cece's arrival in Stonecreek was absolutely brilliant, and the interactions between Cece, Carter and Thatch were so much fun.
Cece's reason for being in town is to help her company come to a deal for a new oil pipeline, but things take an unexpected turn while she's staying, and a relationship with Carter, and his family becomes an important new part of her life.
The found family elements shine throughout this book and I loved every minute of it. Not just the acceptance of Cece into the Hollmere fold, but the Stonecreek residents as well.
I highly recommend picking this one up.
This one has absolutely blown all my expectations away. From chapter two I was already fully in love with the entire Hollmere family. The love, banter and bickering is absolute perfection. Every sibling has their place in this family, and I cannot wait for each story to come in this series to read more about them.
On to Carter and Cece's story - I couldn't love these two together more if I tried. Carter is the perfect grumpy cowboy, and Cece is stubborn as they come.
Cece's arrival in Stonecreek was absolutely brilliant, and the interactions between Cece, Carter and Thatch were so much fun.
Cece's reason for being in town is to help her company come to a deal for a new oil pipeline, but things take an unexpected turn while she's staying, and a relationship with Carter, and his family becomes an important new part of her life.
The found family elements shine throughout this book and I loved every minute of it. Not just the acceptance of Cece into the Hollmere fold, but the Stonecreek residents as well.
I highly recommend picking this one up.
November 1, 2026
This was a slow-burn, heartwarming story filled with family, the dynamics of a generational family business, and what it takes to protect the legacy they’ve built.
When Cece first arrives at the ranch in Montana, it’s to promote her company’s pipeline plans. Getting snowed in and experiencing ranch life firsthand certainly wasn’t part of her plan, especially when it means dealing with Carter, a grumpy, know-it-all cowboy. The more time she spends on the ranch, the harder it becomes to do the job she came there for.
Carter can’t believe he’s falling for the City Girl, but when he discovers the real reason behind her visit, he feels betrayed. Cece wants to help the family fight for their ranch, but she also wants to fight for the love she hopes to have with Carter, if he’s willing to give her a chance.
I loved this story and all the wonderful characters involved. It was a heartwarming read, and I’m already looking forward to the next book. Hopefully, we’ll get Thatch’s story!
When Cece first arrives at the ranch in Montana, it’s to promote her company’s pipeline plans. Getting snowed in and experiencing ranch life firsthand certainly wasn’t part of her plan, especially when it means dealing with Carter, a grumpy, know-it-all cowboy. The more time she spends on the ranch, the harder it becomes to do the job she came there for.
Carter can’t believe he’s falling for the City Girl, but when he discovers the real reason behind her visit, he feels betrayed. Cece wants to help the family fight for their ranch, but she also wants to fight for the love she hopes to have with Carter, if he’s willing to give her a chance.
I loved this story and all the wonderful characters involved. It was a heartwarming read, and I’m already looking forward to the next book. Hopefully, we’ll get Thatch’s story!
October 29, 2026
I received this as an arc from @happilybookedpr!!! Thank you so much for this wonderful small town story!!!
We have Cece, our FMC who wants to buy the land for a pipeline from Carter, our MMC and poof she plans change as she falls in love with him and getting used to the land.
The found-family trope is as strong as our FMC here, it's so beautifully typed in the book that will make you emotional and warm inside, we learn many things about Montana.
The chemistry between Cece and Carter, aww my cute lovebirds I shipped them from the start, they are so lovely!!! Highly recommend if you want to read something cozy along with your drink in your reading space!!!!
Tropes:
🌄Small-town
🌹Enemies to lovers
🔥Opposites attract
👀Forced proximity
🪧Cowboy MMC x City FMC
👸Strong FMC(girl power)
We have Cece, our FMC who wants to buy the land for a pipeline from Carter, our MMC and poof she plans change as she falls in love with him and getting used to the land.
The found-family trope is as strong as our FMC here, it's so beautifully typed in the book that will make you emotional and warm inside, we learn many things about Montana.
The chemistry between Cece and Carter, aww my cute lovebirds I shipped them from the start, they are so lovely!!! Highly recommend if you want to read something cozy along with your drink in your reading space!!!!
Tropes:
🌄Small-town
🌹Enemies to lovers
🔥Opposites attract
👀Forced proximity
🪧Cowboy MMC x City FMC
👸Strong FMC(girl power)
October 30, 2026
A wholesome romcom with Hallmark vibes (and a cow named Henry)
Cece is a city girl working for a big corporation sent to Montana to convince a family to sell their land. When a winter storm forces her to take shelter on their one hundred thousand acre ranch, Cece trades in her heels for cowboy boots. The Hollmere family is charming, funny, and welcoming, and Cece soon begins to feel at home. When the family discovers what really brought her to Montana, Cece has to decide whether her job — or her growing affection for Carter Hollmere — matters more.
This is a quick charming read featuring forced proximity, grumpy/sushine, and a stellar cast of characters.
Thank you to the author for the ARC.
Cece is a city girl working for a big corporation sent to Montana to convince a family to sell their land. When a winter storm forces her to take shelter on their one hundred thousand acre ranch, Cece trades in her heels for cowboy boots. The Hollmere family is charming, funny, and welcoming, and Cece soon begins to feel at home. When the family discovers what really brought her to Montana, Cece has to decide whether her job — or her growing affection for Carter Hollmere — matters more.
This is a quick charming read featuring forced proximity, grumpy/sushine, and a stellar cast of characters.
Thank you to the author for the ARC.
October 29, 2026
Carter & Cece
The Ground We Keep is an enemies to lovers romance. Cece is on her way to Carter's town and he has no idea why or who she is. His family, however, does open their home to her regardless of her intentions of being there. I really enjoyed the character arcs for both of these MCs as well as the supporting characters. The elements of land being an issue due to a big company wanting to roll in and take over hit home. Where I live we had an issue where they wanted to build a pipeline through where people had their farms. Thankfully, I believe it wasn't built but the impact it can have on the families and towns is 100% real. I loved how A. S. Beall not only had the romance intertwined in the book but a real issue that made it feel more realistic.
Overall, a good cozy read with a real issue at hand.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily reviewing.
The Ground We Keep is an enemies to lovers romance. Cece is on her way to Carter's town and he has no idea why or who she is. His family, however, does open their home to her regardless of her intentions of being there. I really enjoyed the character arcs for both of these MCs as well as the supporting characters. The elements of land being an issue due to a big company wanting to roll in and take over hit home. Where I live we had an issue where they wanted to build a pipeline through where people had their farms. Thankfully, I believe it wasn't built but the impact it can have on the families and towns is 100% real. I loved how A. S. Beall not only had the romance intertwined in the book but a real issue that made it feel more realistic.
Overall, a good cozy read with a real issue at hand.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily reviewing.
November 2, 2026
If you're looking for a feel good, Hallmark kinda romance, The Ground We Keep serves it up in spades, offering an enemies to lovers, forced proximity story with a good dose of found family that pairs well with cozy blankets and tea on a rainy day. Cece and Carter are so fun to read, heartwarmingly sincere with excellent chemistry.
Thank you to A.S. Beale and Happily Booked PR for the ARC
Thank you to A.S. Beale and Happily Booked PR for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was such an adorable read!
Snowed in, unexpected love, small-town charm, and a little drama? YES PLEASE!
I loved watching her fall for not only the MMC but his entire family.
Such a sweet, feel-good romance that kept me flipping pages!
Thank you Happily Booked for this ARC
Snowed in, unexpected love, small-town charm, and a little drama? YES PLEASE!
I loved watching her fall for not only the MMC but his entire family.
Such a sweet, feel-good romance that kept me flipping pages!
Thank you Happily Booked for this ARC
Review of advance copy received from Author
RTC
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