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Cowboys of California #2
If the Boot Fits
A Bustle Best Books of Fall 2020 Selection
An Amazon Best of the Month Selection
A Library Journal Best Book of 2020
An Apple Books Best of the Month Selection
A Best Book of Fall 2020 by NPR’s Boston Affiliate
A Bookish Most Anticipated Books Selection
“An adorable retelling, engaging and character-rich...this kind of mutual empowering is one of Weatherspoon’s hallmarks.”
–The New York Times
“Heart-melting…a perfect fit for fans of contemporary romance authors Jasmine Guillory and Alexa Martin.”
—Booklist
From award-winning author Rebekah Weatherspoon comes a thoroughly modern take on the timeless tale of a struggling Cinderella who finds her prince charming at the eleventh hour—and the adventure that ensues the morning after . . .
Working as the personal assistant to one of Hollywood’s cruelest divas has left Amanda Queen more determined than ever to sell her screenplay and gain her independence. In the meantime, she’ll settle for a temporary escape. When her employer is felled by the flu on Hollywood’s biggest night of the year, Amanda gets her glam on, struts out the door, and parties with the glitterati. But she never expects to come face to face—and closer than close—with one of the hottest stars in the game . . .
Following up his first Oscar win with a steamy after-hours romp with an enigmatic woman seems like the perfect way for actor Sam Pleasant to celebrate—until she suddenly disappears. Worse, she’s vanished with the wrong swag bag: the one containing his Oscar statue, leaving Sam even more intrigued about the beauty’s identity—and wondering if a repeat performance of their amazing night is in the stars. And when a second chance encounter happens, only a trip to Sam’s family ranch—and revealing the whole, not-always-glamorous, truth about themselves—will give them a chance to turn one magical night into forever . . .
“Wonderfully inventive…Uniting a heart-stopping hero and a plus-size heroine who knows her own worth, this steamy fairy tale shines.”
—Publishers Weekly STARRED REVIEW
“One of romance’s brightest stars…[this is] a thoroughly modern Cinderella story.”
—Bookpage, Starred Review
“Another winner from rising star Weatherspoon.”
—Library Journal, Starred Review
An Amazon Best of the Month Selection
A Library Journal Best Book of 2020
An Apple Books Best of the Month Selection
A Best Book of Fall 2020 by NPR’s Boston Affiliate
A Bookish Most Anticipated Books Selection
“An adorable retelling, engaging and character-rich...this kind of mutual empowering is one of Weatherspoon’s hallmarks.”
–The New York Times
“Heart-melting…a perfect fit for fans of contemporary romance authors Jasmine Guillory and Alexa Martin.”
—Booklist
From award-winning author Rebekah Weatherspoon comes a thoroughly modern take on the timeless tale of a struggling Cinderella who finds her prince charming at the eleventh hour—and the adventure that ensues the morning after . . .
Working as the personal assistant to one of Hollywood’s cruelest divas has left Amanda Queen more determined than ever to sell her screenplay and gain her independence. In the meantime, she’ll settle for a temporary escape. When her employer is felled by the flu on Hollywood’s biggest night of the year, Amanda gets her glam on, struts out the door, and parties with the glitterati. But she never expects to come face to face—and closer than close—with one of the hottest stars in the game . . .
Following up his first Oscar win with a steamy after-hours romp with an enigmatic woman seems like the perfect way for actor Sam Pleasant to celebrate—until she suddenly disappears. Worse, she’s vanished with the wrong swag bag: the one containing his Oscar statue, leaving Sam even more intrigued about the beauty’s identity—and wondering if a repeat performance of their amazing night is in the stars. And when a second chance encounter happens, only a trip to Sam’s family ranch—and revealing the whole, not-always-glamorous, truth about themselves—will give them a chance to turn one magical night into forever . . .
“Wonderfully inventive…Uniting a heart-stopping hero and a plus-size heroine who knows her own worth, this steamy fairy tale shines.”
—Publishers Weekly STARRED REVIEW
“One of romance’s brightest stars…[this is] a thoroughly modern Cinderella story.”
—Bookpage, Starred Review
“Another winner from rising star Weatherspoon.”
—Library Journal, Starred Review
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 27, 2020
148 people are currently reading
2022 people want to read
About the author
Rebekah Weatherspoon
33 books2,953 followersAfter years of meddling in her friends’ love lives, Rebekah Weatherspoon turned to writing romance to get her fix. Raised in Southern New Hampshire, Rebekah Weatherspoon now lives in Southern California where she will remain forever because she hates moving.
Her BDSM romance At Her Feet won the Golden Crown Literary Award for erotic lesbian fiction. Her novella FIT (#1 in the FIT Trilogy) won the Romantic Times Book Reviews Reviewers’ Choice Award for Best Erotica Novella, SATED (#3 in the FIT Trilogy) was nominated for the the Romantic Times Book Reviews Reviewers’ Choice Award for Best Digital Erotic Romance and most recently SOUL TO KEEP VSS#3 won the 2017 Lambda Literary Award for Best LGBTQ Erotica.
Her 2018 romantic comedy RAFE: A Buff Male Nanny received praise from both Entertainment Weekly and the New York Times. You can look for her most recent romantic comedy XENI : A Marriage of Inconvenience now, and a retelling of Sleeping Beauty, A COWBOY TO REMEMBER, late February 2020 from Kensington Books. In the meant time, you can find Rebekah and her books on twitter at @rdotspoon and her website www.rebekahweatherspoon.com,
Her BDSM romance At Her Feet won the Golden Crown Literary Award for erotic lesbian fiction. Her novella FIT (#1 in the FIT Trilogy) won the Romantic Times Book Reviews Reviewers’ Choice Award for Best Erotica Novella, SATED (#3 in the FIT Trilogy) was nominated for the the Romantic Times Book Reviews Reviewers’ Choice Award for Best Digital Erotic Romance and most recently SOUL TO KEEP VSS#3 won the 2017 Lambda Literary Award for Best LGBTQ Erotica.
Her 2018 romantic comedy RAFE: A Buff Male Nanny received praise from both Entertainment Weekly and the New York Times. You can look for her most recent romantic comedy XENI : A Marriage of Inconvenience now, and a retelling of Sleeping Beauty, A COWBOY TO REMEMBER, late February 2020 from Kensington Books. In the meant time, you can find Rebekah and her books on twitter at @rdotspoon and her website www.rebekahweatherspoon.com,
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 323 reviews
September 17, 2020
I just loved this book! The humor is spot on, there’s banter, delicious heat, characters I loved, horses and dogs that I wanted to keep, heart-touching depth, and so much more. It's the perfect comfort read for these times.
January 28, 2022
Eh, this was just okay. This starts off with a one night stand between Amanda, who's the assistant to an actress, and Sam, who's an award-winning actor. Amanda leaves the next morning and doesn't think she'll see Sam again, but their paths cross again at a wedding. The romance was fine, but I didn't find myself super in love with these characters or their story. I felt bad for Amanda and how she was treated by her boss. But for most of the time I listened to the audiobook, I just followed along and didn't feel any sort of emotional attachment to the characters or the story. So I didn't love it, but I didn't hate it.
December 13, 2020
I'm really enjoying my venture into Rebekah Weatherspoon's books. This is only my second read from her, but I'm a fan, and in the new year, I hope to read her backlist. I think it says a lot about an author's stories and writing style when they are able to get you to like a trope that you're not a fan of. In this case, Rebekah Weatherspoon has clearly worked her magic on the cowboy trope because after reading A Cowboy to Remember, I couldn't wait to read If The Boot Fits. I'm thrilled that this was equally a success for me.
Each of the books in this series is a modern inspiration of a fairytale. If the Book Fits is inspired by Cinderella, not necessarily my favorite, but it's executed with a fresh take that makes reading this book an enjoyable experience. The protagonist, and our Cinderella, here is Amanda, who works as a Hollywood assistant to a bratty celebrity who doubled as the evil step-sister. As a Black woman in the Hollywood industry, Amanda has had a hard time and has had to settle working as an assistant for this abusive diva of a young woman. Her talents went wholely underappreciated and she had to work like a dog in order to please her boss. She wasn't weak by any means though. It's clear that she had aspirations and just needed that perfect opportunity to fall into her lap. I also really appreciated how Amanda was a plus-sized woman whose life hadn't been interrupted in any way because of her body. Yes, she is 100% aware that she doesn't have the "typical" Hollywood look, but that hasn't dampened any of her goals. It's always refreshing to see a fat heroine who is comfortable in her own skin and knows how to make herself feel sexy. Her Cinderella moment emerges when she gets to spend a passionate night with Oscar winner, Sam at a Hollywood after-party. The two share a good time and the next morning, Amanda sneaks out, accidentally taking Sam's award with her. Obviously, Sam can't stop thinking about the woman who rocked his world.
Their paths cross again when Amanda attends her friend's wedding at Sam's family's ranch. Out from the public eye and the pressure from Amanda's boss, they are able to intimately get to know each other and connect on an emotional level. We met Sam, the youngest Pleasant brother, in the first book and I liked him a lot there. That luckily didn't change here. Sam was charming, insightful, and very passionate. He's going through his own challenges in this book, particularly when it came to the future of his career and his worries about being typecast into similar roles, now that he has won his first Academy Award. He doesn't quite know how to resolve his issues. Amanda provides that push for him that he needs and it's wonderful to watch them grow with encouragement from each other. Sam is a sweetheart and is written just how I like my romance novel heroes.
Amanda and Sam's romance in If the Boot Fits is also all-around lovely. The two share a great rapport with each other and their chemistry comes through from the very first scene they shared. I enjoyed all their conversations and happily shipped the two as a couple. I also appreciated that the romance itself was low on the drama-front. Rebekah Weatherspoon took her time developing their burgeoning relationship in a way that was subtle, but realistic. Sam's family's ranch provides the perfect backdrop to allow their relationship to flourish. Not to mention, the Pleasants themselves are such a pleasant addition to this series - pun totally intended. I loved their interactions, the familiarity between them, and the way they welcomed Amanda with open arms. I was obsessed with Jesse, the grumpy eldest Pleasant brother in the first book, and folks, my infatuation with the man has only grown 10-folds after reading If the Boot Fits. Lucky for me, his book is next!
The Cowboys of California series is a terrific contemporary romance series that's been a wonderful introduction to Rebekah Weatherspoon's writing for me. If the Boot Fits was a great addition and I eagerly look forward to reading my husband, Jesse's book.
CW: work-place emotional and verbal abuse
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January 10, 2022I love Rebekah Weatherspoon's romances. But not gonna lie, I struggled to get into this one at first. For some reason, I couldn't seem to get invested in the relationship or buy into the chemistry or why they were so attracted to each other.
But as I read on, and they actually spent time together, talking to each other, sharing things, getting to know each other, being there for one another in the most wholesome and supportive ways, I was won over. What truly did it for me though, is that there was no third act break up and that the conflict was completely external, and they had to work together to face it. That's extremely my shit. This story is very low angst, very cute and sweet.
The author also has a knack for writing fire sex scenes. This is one of her milder books, but the little there was in the book did what it had to do.
I'm definitely looking forward to Jesse's story. Out of all three brothers he's the most intriguing to me personality wise, so I can't wait to see how/with whom he falls in love.
But as I read on, and they actually spent time together, talking to each other, sharing things, getting to know each other, being there for one another in the most wholesome and supportive ways, I was won over. What truly did it for me though, is that there was no third act break up and that the conflict was completely external, and they had to work together to face it. That's extremely my shit. This story is very low angst, very cute and sweet.
The author also has a knack for writing fire sex scenes. This is one of her milder books, but the little there was in the book did what it had to do.
I'm definitely looking forward to Jesse's story. Out of all three brothers he's the most intriguing to me personality wise, so I can't wait to see how/with whom he falls in love.
March 14, 2022
THREE POINT FIVE STARS
IF THE BOOT FITS
♦ Sam & Amanda
♦ Oscar winning actor / personal assistant to an actress
♦ one-night stand
♦ friends to lovers
IF THE BOOT FITS
♦ Sam & Amanda
♦ Oscar winning actor / personal assistant to an actress
♦ one-night stand
♦ friends to lovers
Audiobook source: Hoopla
Narrator: Elle Cleviden
Length: 8H 23M
October 27, 2020
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I actually really enjoyed this read! I’m a Rebekah Weatherspoon fan, for sure, and so of course I was excited to read something from her latest series. Black Cowboys? Yes please.
Amanda is a plus-size woman (yaaas for the rep) who has a one night stand with Sam Pleasant, an award winning actor and real life cowboy. She’s sure she’ll never see him again and it’s not like she has time in her busy schedule as a personal assistant for a relationship anyway so she’s willing to accept the one night stand for what it is and carry on with her life. Sam unintentionally ruins that plan. Turns out, her best friend’s wedding is being held at his family’s ranch! Good times, good times. While she's still completely attracted to Sam and Sam is obviously attracted to her, Amanda is trying her best to stick to the plan. A relationship, especially with the very sexy, very famous Sam Pleasant has no chance of working out, especially not when she’s got to deal with her bitch of a boss Dru on a regular basis. But apparently, fate has something else planned.
Overall this book was a really easy and fun read. I loved Sam and Amanda’s chemistry from the beginning. They’re drawn to each other and it’s clear they have a ton of fun inside and outside of the bedroom. What I really enjoyed is that Amanda being plus size is never really an issue here. Sam doesn’t think anything of it except that he loves her curves. Amanda doesn’t count herself out just because she’s a big girl or even talk down about herself. Her size does come into play later, but it’s done by a character that we know is an asshole. It’s not discussed throughout or made into a big deal which is great. All plus-size rep shouldn’t focus on the fact that the character is plus size, if that makes sense. The biggest issue with Amanda’s self-esteem has nothing to do with her size, but is more focused on her career as an aspiring writer and current personal assistant. She’s stuck where she is and trying to figure out how exactly to make it out on her own. Sam Pleasant is a complete sweetheart through and through. He and Amanda actually have their career insecurities in common. Both want to do something more, but aren’t exactly sure how to accomplish that. The sex scenes were steamy, but not too over the top. I love a good explicit scene, but I think this one is mild which is great for people who don’t necessary like all the steamy and sexy details. On the hotness factor, I’d say it’s about a 3 out of 5. Honestly, this book read like a fairytale, but in the best possible way. It had just the right amount of cheesiness in the romance that kept you smiling, but didn’t make you want to roll your eyes.
I actually really enjoyed this read! I’m a Rebekah Weatherspoon fan, for sure, and so of course I was excited to read something from her latest series. Black Cowboys? Yes please.
Amanda is a plus-size woman (yaaas for the rep) who has a one night stand with Sam Pleasant, an award winning actor and real life cowboy. She’s sure she’ll never see him again and it’s not like she has time in her busy schedule as a personal assistant for a relationship anyway so she’s willing to accept the one night stand for what it is and carry on with her life. Sam unintentionally ruins that plan. Turns out, her best friend’s wedding is being held at his family’s ranch! Good times, good times. While she's still completely attracted to Sam and Sam is obviously attracted to her, Amanda is trying her best to stick to the plan. A relationship, especially with the very sexy, very famous Sam Pleasant has no chance of working out, especially not when she’s got to deal with her bitch of a boss Dru on a regular basis. But apparently, fate has something else planned.
Overall this book was a really easy and fun read. I loved Sam and Amanda’s chemistry from the beginning. They’re drawn to each other and it’s clear they have a ton of fun inside and outside of the bedroom. What I really enjoyed is that Amanda being plus size is never really an issue here. Sam doesn’t think anything of it except that he loves her curves. Amanda doesn’t count herself out just because she’s a big girl or even talk down about herself. Her size does come into play later, but it’s done by a character that we know is an asshole. It’s not discussed throughout or made into a big deal which is great. All plus-size rep shouldn’t focus on the fact that the character is plus size, if that makes sense. The biggest issue with Amanda’s self-esteem has nothing to do with her size, but is more focused on her career as an aspiring writer and current personal assistant. She’s stuck where she is and trying to figure out how exactly to make it out on her own. Sam Pleasant is a complete sweetheart through and through. He and Amanda actually have their career insecurities in common. Both want to do something more, but aren’t exactly sure how to accomplish that. The sex scenes were steamy, but not too over the top. I love a good explicit scene, but I think this one is mild which is great for people who don’t necessary like all the steamy and sexy details. On the hotness factor, I’d say it’s about a 3 out of 5. Honestly, this book read like a fairytale, but in the best possible way. It had just the right amount of cheesiness in the romance that kept you smiling, but didn’t make you want to roll your eyes.
December 6, 2020
It's easy to see why this romance is on so many top reading lists, because it's definitely going on my top ten for 2020! Amanda is a personal assistant in the entertainment world who works for a demanding Diva but when she indulges in a night with Oscar winner Sam at an after awards party, she knows she doesn't really fit into his circles and thinks it'll remain a happy and sexy memory. Then her best friend gets married at Sam's family ranch and Amanda and Sam reconnect. Amanda doesn't believe he can really be interested in her (and he doesn't know what she does for a living) but slowly and surely Sam woos her with his charm and friendly attitude. And it's clear he's attracted to everything about her. Most of the story takes place at the Pleasant family ranch and involves several secondary characters (Sam's family and Amanda's friends). If you love a cinnamon roll hero, a woman comfortable with her body and her sexuality, a western style setting and a well deserved happy ending, this should definitely be on your reading list.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
November 3, 2020
I did not think that there could be a more wonderful romance novel than book 1 of this series, but I was straight up wrong: this book is perfection!
I adored the characters, and I especially appreciated that the tension in the third act (an essential part of any rom com) *wasn’t* due to the leads avoiding a simple conversation that could have solved everything! No, this book is two folks from different worlds figuring out how to navigate that difference with playful banter, honest adult conversations, steamy kisses, & hangs with the always delightful Pleasant family! Also horses and a million pups!
An absolutely swoony Cinderella retelling with a gorgeous plus-size heroine and her hot af movie star/cowboy!
I adored the characters, and I especially appreciated that the tension in the third act (an essential part of any rom com) *wasn’t* due to the leads avoiding a simple conversation that could have solved everything! No, this book is two folks from different worlds figuring out how to navigate that difference with playful banter, honest adult conversations, steamy kisses, & hangs with the always delightful Pleasant family! Also horses and a million pups!
An absolutely swoony Cinderella retelling with a gorgeous plus-size heroine and her hot af movie star/cowboy!
October 27, 2020
3.5 stars
Weatherspoon is one of my favorite authors and I loved the first book in the series, A Cowboy to Remember, so I was excited to pick up this one!
The good:
- The story is solid and interesting, loosely based on Cinderella. It comes through in the characters' circumstances more than the story beats.
- The scenes on the ranch are cozy and comforting - sitting in Miss Leona's kitchen, a late night movie marathon, family that is lovable while also being flawed. ...expect for Miss Leona. She's perfect.
- As in the first book there's a beautiful friendship between the heroine and her best friends, and I will always be here for it.
- The ending tacked on the extra half star - Weatherspoon does some wonderful things that I wasn't expecting and are pitch perfect for the characters. Success is the best revenge, for sure.
The so-so:
- Being a Cinderella retelling Amanda's boss is awful. I dreaded scenes with them together but your mileage may vary.
- The boss doesn't get what she deserves... but this is more realistic. It would come across at petty otherwise.
- Our couple is pushed apart at several points and I didn't always buy the reason. Kinda sorta, but not completely.
All in all If the Boot Fits is a solid read with a cast of recurring characters I love, and I'm sad that there's probably only one book left in the series.
Thanks to Dafina Books for providing a review copy.
Weatherspoon is one of my favorite authors and I loved the first book in the series, A Cowboy to Remember, so I was excited to pick up this one!
The good:
- The story is solid and interesting, loosely based on Cinderella. It comes through in the characters' circumstances more than the story beats.
- The scenes on the ranch are cozy and comforting - sitting in Miss Leona's kitchen, a late night movie marathon, family that is lovable while also being flawed. ...expect for Miss Leona. She's perfect.
- As in the first book there's a beautiful friendship between the heroine and her best friends, and I will always be here for it.
- The ending tacked on the extra half star - Weatherspoon does some wonderful things that I wasn't expecting and are pitch perfect for the characters. Success is the best revenge, for sure.
The so-so:
- Being a Cinderella retelling Amanda's boss is awful. I dreaded scenes with them together but your mileage may vary.
- The boss doesn't get what she deserves... but this is more realistic. It would come across at petty otherwise.
- Our couple is pushed apart at several points and I didn't always buy the reason. Kinda sorta, but not completely.
All in all If the Boot Fits is a solid read with a cast of recurring characters I love, and I'm sad that there's probably only one book left in the series.
Thanks to Dafina Books for providing a review copy.
September 13, 2021
5 stars. This book was so delightful. It’s low angst and was such a feel good read from beginning to end. I’m absolutely obsessed with this series and the characters. Amanda and Sam are such a great couple and I loved their chemistry and banter. The relationship between them was so healthy and romantic.
Amanda works as a personal assistant to an actress who treats her so terribly. Sam is a successful actor who just won an Academy Award but feels less than fulfilled in his career. They have a one night stand and everything kicks off from there. Amanda is very reluctant about starting anything with Sam even though she does like him, she tries to fight that attraction. Sam on the other hand is smitten and all in from the jump which I cannot emphasize enough that that is my catnip. He wants Amanda so bad but respects her when she tells him they should be friends. It was adorable seeing him pine for her. He’s so sweet and Amanda’s big personality really balanced well with his more quiet nature.
Their relationship develops at a nice pace and the way the interacted with each other was just too cute. I loved how they bonded over nerdy things.
I’m so in love with the Pleasant family. The way they took Amanda in and made her feel so loved and welcome was lovely. Also, Amanda’s bestie, Helene, was everything. She’s such a mood and reminded me of my own best friend.
I’m very excited for book three to come out as it follows Jesse and he is such an interesting and complex character. I can’t wait to see him get his HEA.
Amanda works as a personal assistant to an actress who treats her so terribly. Sam is a successful actor who just won an Academy Award but feels less than fulfilled in his career. They have a one night stand and everything kicks off from there. Amanda is very reluctant about starting anything with Sam even though she does like him, she tries to fight that attraction. Sam on the other hand is smitten and all in from the jump which I cannot emphasize enough that that is my catnip. He wants Amanda so bad but respects her when she tells him they should be friends. It was adorable seeing him pine for her. He’s so sweet and Amanda’s big personality really balanced well with his more quiet nature.
Their relationship develops at a nice pace and the way the interacted with each other was just too cute. I loved how they bonded over nerdy things.
I’m so in love with the Pleasant family. The way they took Amanda in and made her feel so loved and welcome was lovely. Also, Amanda’s bestie, Helene, was everything. She’s such a mood and reminded me of my own best friend.
I’m very excited for book three to come out as it follows Jesse and he is such an interesting and complex character. I can’t wait to see him get his HEA.
July 30, 2020
This was an absolutely lovely follow up, even if it wasn't the Jesse book that I was hoping for (that seems to be the next and probably final book in this series).
After last book with Evie's amnesia, this novel is a lot more chill, even if it does start from the afterparty from Sam winning his Oscar. I mean, it's not like we actually see Sam winning an Oscar.
What we see is Amanda Queen looking to sneak out of his bedroom after what she sees as a potentially ill advised one night stand but a beautiful memory. Because she doesn't have the time to make it any more than that. Not given that she is a personal assistant to one of Hollywood's biggest D list divas.
Nonetheless, their paths cross again when Amanda is one of the guests at a wedding that is held at Sam's family ranch. And it is so lovely to get to go there again. We see Evie and Zack again, and of course Jesse. And being in Miss Leona's kitchen again is just as soothing and homey as it came across in A Cowboy To Remember.
This is a lovely series and I'm seriously looking forward to getting to read the next one.
After last book with Evie's amnesia, this novel is a lot more chill, even if it does start from the afterparty from Sam winning his Oscar. I mean, it's not like we actually see Sam winning an Oscar.
What we see is Amanda Queen looking to sneak out of his bedroom after what she sees as a potentially ill advised one night stand but a beautiful memory. Because she doesn't have the time to make it any more than that. Not given that she is a personal assistant to one of Hollywood's biggest D list divas.
Nonetheless, their paths cross again when Amanda is one of the guests at a wedding that is held at Sam's family ranch. And it is so lovely to get to go there again. We see Evie and Zack again, and of course Jesse. And being in Miss Leona's kitchen again is just as soothing and homey as it came across in A Cowboy To Remember.
This is a lovely series and I'm seriously looking forward to getting to read the next one.
October 28, 2020
I have to state that I love retellings or modern takes of fairy tales. Which is why I picked this book. I loved Amanda and her fearless drive to succeed in Hollywood by taking an assistant job for a snotty actress. Never knowing she will fall for Sam, who just won an Oscar, at a Oscar party. The chemistry between them was hot! They clearly were meant to meet again by chance and to fall for each other. My only issue with the book was that the villain wasn’t too evil and I must have missed the Cinderella references because I didn’t see much of it. Otherwise it was a fantastic book and I’m looking forward to the next one with Sam’s brother Jesse.
I received this ARC from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for my honest review and opinion. Thanks for my copy.
I received this ARC from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for my honest review and opinion. Thanks for my copy.
January 7, 2021
Talk about a book that brought me joy! I adored this so much. I loved the banter, I loved the respect and consent, and I just was smiling the whole time I read it. I thought the chemistry between the main characters was awesome, I fully bought into their relationship, and I was rooting for them the whole way. I especially loved that the conflict in this story was about them dealing with outside issues rather than something internal to their relationship, even if they still had to navigate what the terms of that relationship entailed. Highly, high recommend, and I'm so excited about the third book in the series!!
August 3, 2020
There are very few characters in fiction that I wish could walk off the page so I can hang out with them, but Amanda is definitely one of them. She's smart and confident and hilarious, and her banter with Sam is top-notch. Rebekah Weatherspoon is a genius at writing low-angst romance that makes you think it's going to go high-angst, but then subverts that expectation and relieves the tension without slowing down the plot. I loved this book, and I'm anxiously awaiting Jesse's book!
May 24, 2021
I loved this book! It features a beautiful, plus-size main who knows she’s fabulous and doesn’t spend the whole book with self-esteem issues. That’s needed in some books, but this was a truly refreshing character! Loved it all! Definitely worth reading! 5 stars
February 3, 2021
Weatherspoon is an author who I know I need to read more of (and have so many of her books on my TBR!) but this one had me from the jump. A loose Cinderella retelling about what happens between a personal assistant and an actor when they have a semi-anonymous hookup after his Oscar win and then run into each other when her friend gets married on his family's ranch in northern California. It's a cowboy romance that doesn't feel like a cowboy romance (even if Sam does wear a hat several times, including a memorable bedroom scene); mostly, Weatherspoon manages to weave together threads of family, friendship and romance with a perfect ranch setting as the backdrop. I liked the first book in this series, but I LOVED this one.
cw: emotional abuse between employer/employee, fat shaming towards heroine
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
cw: emotional abuse between employer/employee, fat shaming towards heroine
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 4, 2024
I loved this! Started off with a bang. Literally. But it it slowed way down after that. I loved seeing them get to know each other. Her boss would have caught hands. Happy reading!
November 11, 2020
Amanda moved to California to take her shot as a writer, but is stuck as a personal assistant to a very demanding Diva. Dru is verbally abusive and uses Amanda for everything. Amanda works hard to keep a few things private and just for herself, like her friendship with up-and-coming star Helene Sawyer, knowing that Dru would try to use that friendship to get ahead in Hollywood.
Helene invited Amanda to a couple Oscar after-parties, where she met and spent the night with the very fine, newly-minted Oscar winner Sam Pleasant. Sam is taken with the woman he only knows as Cha-Cha and vows to track her down. So imagine his surprise when his mystery woman shows up on his family’s ranch for Helene’s wedding. Soon the pair is flirting and developing a friendship.
If the Boot Fits is a delightful retelling of the Cinderella story with Amanda playing the overworked, under appreciated main character and Sam her Prince Charming. While there is no glass slipper, there is an accidentally stolen Oscar. And this Prince doesn’t solve all of Amanda’s problems by sweeping her off her feet and marrying her! Amanda is TOUGH! She is strong and capable, but overworked. The years of abuse from Dru have worn her down and she’s afraid to leave for a few reasons - first and foremost - she needs a paying job. But she also knows Dru has the capability and twisted mindset to ruin Amanda’s chances for another job.
While Amanda’s job is an important factor in shaping her life and how she ends up at the ranch a second time, I love that so much of the book is dedicated to Amanda and Sam’s developing relationship. While there is an immediate and strong mutual attraction, they take things slowly (other than the first night). They spend time together learning about one another. They connect on a deeper level, understanding one another. They are both genuinely kind and caring people, with an incredible synergy.
One of the best things about If the Boot Fits is the level of trust between Sam and Amanda. This allows them to confide in one another and develop a deep bond rather quickly. And because of this, Dru’s machinations aren’t even a factor in Amanda and Sam’s romance. They support one another throughout - are patient and kind, never doubting, even when things look suspicious.
If the Boot Fits is a wonderful, slow burn romance between two amazing characters. I highly recommend you pick it up today!
My Rating: A- Enjoyed A Lot
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
Review copy provided by Netgalley
Helene invited Amanda to a couple Oscar after-parties, where she met and spent the night with the very fine, newly-minted Oscar winner Sam Pleasant. Sam is taken with the woman he only knows as Cha-Cha and vows to track her down. So imagine his surprise when his mystery woman shows up on his family’s ranch for Helene’s wedding. Soon the pair is flirting and developing a friendship.
If the Boot Fits is a delightful retelling of the Cinderella story with Amanda playing the overworked, under appreciated main character and Sam her Prince Charming. While there is no glass slipper, there is an accidentally stolen Oscar. And this Prince doesn’t solve all of Amanda’s problems by sweeping her off her feet and marrying her! Amanda is TOUGH! She is strong and capable, but overworked. The years of abuse from Dru have worn her down and she’s afraid to leave for a few reasons - first and foremost - she needs a paying job. But she also knows Dru has the capability and twisted mindset to ruin Amanda’s chances for another job.
While Amanda’s job is an important factor in shaping her life and how she ends up at the ranch a second time, I love that so much of the book is dedicated to Amanda and Sam’s developing relationship. While there is an immediate and strong mutual attraction, they take things slowly (other than the first night). They spend time together learning about one another. They connect on a deeper level, understanding one another. They are both genuinely kind and caring people, with an incredible synergy.
One of the best things about If the Boot Fits is the level of trust between Sam and Amanda. This allows them to confide in one another and develop a deep bond rather quickly. And because of this, Dru’s machinations aren’t even a factor in Amanda and Sam’s romance. They support one another throughout - are patient and kind, never doubting, even when things look suspicious.
If the Boot Fits is a wonderful, slow burn romance between two amazing characters. I highly recommend you pick it up today!
My Rating: A- Enjoyed A Lot
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
Review copy provided by Netgalley
November 8, 2020
Amanda Queen is the personal assistant to one of Hollywood’s biggest divas–she has no time for anything even remotely resembling a social life. So when she wakes up after a one night stand with Sam Pleasant, winner of a new Oscar and an upcoming star, she sneaks out of his hotel room, determined to leave it as a beautiful memory. But fate intervenes when she finds out that her friends wedding is set at his family’s ranch. Thrown together again can they ever make a relationship work between them? Well, they will if Sam has anything to say about it…
I really wish I’d read the previous novel first! This one does pretty well as a standalone but my gosh, I definitely feel like I’m missing out by not reading Evie and Zack’s story. This family is so close and they spend a lot of time on page so there were some bits where I felt like I was missing an inside joke–but that fault was entirely mine and I’ve already resolved to amend it by buying and reading the first one soon!
I loved how right from the start Sam was all for finding Amanda and getting to know her. He was enchanted by her from the very first, calling her Cha Cha and admiring her dancing and laughing. It was so sweet how taken he was with her. Amanda is a bit more reluctant but you can clearly see the attraction between the two of them.
One of my favourite aspects was that Amanda is plus-size and it just wasn’t a thing in this book. Amanda is very confident in who she is and whilst Sam comments on liking her curves, that’s all he thinks about it. The only issue that ever comes from it is from Amanda’s boss, and she is very clearly in the wrong and very clearly a bad guy about the whole thing.
If the Boot Fits is a brilliant retelling of a well-beloved fairy tale with plenty of twists and a very sweet romance. Overall I greatly enjoyed it, it was a really quick and fun read. Rebekah Weatherspoon has a very easy and entertaining writing style–the brothers in particular have a lot of funny banter between them. And its clear that Sam and Amanda make a very fun-loving and happy couple and I was cheering them on right from the very start. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a happy read with a bit of fairy tale magic to it.
Many thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
I really wish I’d read the previous novel first! This one does pretty well as a standalone but my gosh, I definitely feel like I’m missing out by not reading Evie and Zack’s story. This family is so close and they spend a lot of time on page so there were some bits where I felt like I was missing an inside joke–but that fault was entirely mine and I’ve already resolved to amend it by buying and reading the first one soon!
I loved how right from the start Sam was all for finding Amanda and getting to know her. He was enchanted by her from the very first, calling her Cha Cha and admiring her dancing and laughing. It was so sweet how taken he was with her. Amanda is a bit more reluctant but you can clearly see the attraction between the two of them.
One of my favourite aspects was that Amanda is plus-size and it just wasn’t a thing in this book. Amanda is very confident in who she is and whilst Sam comments on liking her curves, that’s all he thinks about it. The only issue that ever comes from it is from Amanda’s boss, and she is very clearly in the wrong and very clearly a bad guy about the whole thing.
If the Boot Fits is a brilliant retelling of a well-beloved fairy tale with plenty of twists and a very sweet romance. Overall I greatly enjoyed it, it was a really quick and fun read. Rebekah Weatherspoon has a very easy and entertaining writing style–the brothers in particular have a lot of funny banter between them. And its clear that Sam and Amanda make a very fun-loving and happy couple and I was cheering them on right from the very start. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a happy read with a bit of fairy tale magic to it.
Many thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
October 28, 2020
I reviewed this one for BookPage and I like it a lot:
https://bookpage.com/reviews/25686-re...
Here’s the beginning of that review:
—
One of romance’s brightest stars, Rebekah Weatherspoon is known for her sweet and steamy stories. With If the Boot Fits, the second in the Cowboys of California series, she burnishes that reputation further, delivering a thoroughly modern Cinderella story about an aspiring screenwriter hesitantly falling for a sexy, celebrity, cinnamon-roll-sweet hero with swagger.
Weatherspoon deftly translates the classic rags to riches fairy tale’s core elements into a 21st-century context. As an overworked and underappreciated assistant, Amanda McQueen is the perfect contemporary equivalent of a put-upon poor relation—an invisible underling with proximity to the glitter and glam of Hollywood, but no meaningful access. Cinderella’s stepsisters and wicked stepmother have merged into a single figure, the pampered and punitive starlet Dru Anastasia, who uses Amanda as an emotional sounding board but provides little pay and no respect in return. Sam Pleasant, a former cowboy and scion of a venerable Black Hollywood family, makes an excellent 21st-century prince, and the Vanity Fair Oscar party easily stands in for a royal ball.
While it’s great fun to see this fantasy transformed, the relationship between Amanda and Sam is the beating heart of the story, and the way their connection develops is brand new....
Finish reading: https://bookpage.com/reviews/25686-re...
https://bookpage.com/reviews/25686-re...
Here’s the beginning of that review:
—
One of romance’s brightest stars, Rebekah Weatherspoon is known for her sweet and steamy stories. With If the Boot Fits, the second in the Cowboys of California series, she burnishes that reputation further, delivering a thoroughly modern Cinderella story about an aspiring screenwriter hesitantly falling for a sexy, celebrity, cinnamon-roll-sweet hero with swagger.
Weatherspoon deftly translates the classic rags to riches fairy tale’s core elements into a 21st-century context. As an overworked and underappreciated assistant, Amanda McQueen is the perfect contemporary equivalent of a put-upon poor relation—an invisible underling with proximity to the glitter and glam of Hollywood, but no meaningful access. Cinderella’s stepsisters and wicked stepmother have merged into a single figure, the pampered and punitive starlet Dru Anastasia, who uses Amanda as an emotional sounding board but provides little pay and no respect in return. Sam Pleasant, a former cowboy and scion of a venerable Black Hollywood family, makes an excellent 21st-century prince, and the Vanity Fair Oscar party easily stands in for a royal ball.
While it’s great fun to see this fantasy transformed, the relationship between Amanda and Sam is the beating heart of the story, and the way their connection develops is brand new....
Finish reading: https://bookpage.com/reviews/25686-re...
September 2, 2021
Amanda McQueen had a one night stand with Samual Pleasant. Though quite a memorable experience, Amanda knows it can never happen again. It will never happen again. They run in different circles. So, she snuck off before Sam woke up that next morning. Amanda is nonplussed when she not only is she about to attend the wedding of her friend, but that it is going to be held on the Pleasant ranch, Sam Pleasant's.
In this loosely-based Cinderella retelling, Amanda and Sam are about to get their second chance. Will this give this pair a chance to find their way to a happily ever after? To their surprise, their connection goes beyond the physical. The two share an emotional bond that grows over time. I found this book to be a lovely story, and I really loved Amanda and Sam together. This delightful trilogy comes to a close next month with A Thorn In the Saddle. The first enjoyable book in the series was A Cowboy to Remember.
Many thanks to Dafina and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
In this loosely-based Cinderella retelling, Amanda and Sam are about to get their second chance. Will this give this pair a chance to find their way to a happily ever after? To their surprise, their connection goes beyond the physical. The two share an emotional bond that grows over time. I found this book to be a lovely story, and I really loved Amanda and Sam together. This delightful trilogy comes to a close next month with A Thorn In the Saddle. The first enjoyable book in the series was A Cowboy to Remember.
Many thanks to Dafina and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
December 25, 2020
I absolutely love Rebekah Weatherspoon, and her Cowboys of California series is solid gold. This one is a Cinderella retelling with a plus size heroine and a movie star main man. Amanda is a personal assistant to a heinous witch of an actress. She has dreams of being a screenwriter, but financial considerations make her feel like she can never quite take the leap. One night she attends an Oscars after party with a friend and spends a night to remember with gorgeous actor Sam Pleasant. At first she doesn’t think their one-night connection can turn into anything more--they’re in two different worlds, and she has enough on her plate dealing with her mercurial boss. But Sam isn’t going to let her get away so easily. Just a wonderful, feel-good read.
November 11, 2020
I liked this second book of the series more than the first book in the series. I liked the interactions between Sam and Amanda. I enjoyed watching their friendship go from one night stand to friends to lovers. I was very invested in their HEA. I love the support characters, although there are quite a lot of them.
One thing I did not like, this is the second book that relies heavily on jealousy between woman as the conflict. I know that is a real thing that happens in real life, but I hate the perpetuation of it in media.
3.5 stars
One thing I did not like, this is the second book that relies heavily on jealousy between woman as the conflict. I know that is a real thing that happens in real life, but I hate the perpetuation of it in media.
3.5 stars
November 22, 2020
When Amanda thinks: Or should she say, strut of triumph? The answer is yes for the main character and the author. If the Boot Fits manages to use humor during its thoughtful examination of toxic work circumstances, sexism, racism, body shaming, and leaps of faith to create a modern love story that feels authentic and relevant.
November 28, 2020
AMAZING. One of my favorite couples ever! Book 1 in this series was enjoyable although I had some major issues with the main plot point, but this one is phenomenal and hilarious and lovely.
April 15, 2021
Gotta love a man in a cowboy hat
November 22, 2022
I enjoyed this even more than the first in the series. We jump right in with personal assistant to celebs, Amanda, the morning after Oscar night having hooked up with award winner and in demand bachelor Sam Pleasant... without even telling him her name! We alternate perspective with them of course continuing to think of one another until they randomly wind up attending the same wedding held at Sam's family ranch, and can't resist re-connecting. The story was generally just so cozy, full of food and family for the most part (and horses), as well most of the drama was external to the relationship, which I really enjoyed.
Right off I was nervous that Amanda keeps secrets from the beginning that are clearly going to be a source of drama and conflict, however as it plays out the communication and support is really fantastic, so completely cleared the issues I normally would have. Some of the more weighty elements to this were also really well done, both characters have someone abusive in their lives who lashes out at points, in both cases it shows different reasons people can't just walk away, and the drivers for that behavior are complicated. Wonderfully, Amanda is a confident plus-sized woman, but I would throw a warning in that is used as a target for verbal abuse toward her, as well there is discussion of another character's eating disorder, so definitely go in aware of some content here if that is a sensitive topic. Finally, there is a very good, nuanced coverage of fame and social media, really tapping into having a healthy relationship with the idea that others will have opinions about your life when it becomes public.
Right off I was nervous that Amanda keeps secrets from the beginning that are clearly going to be a source of drama and conflict, however as it plays out the communication and support is really fantastic, so completely cleared the issues I normally would have. Some of the more weighty elements to this were also really well done, both characters have someone abusive in their lives who lashes out at points, in both cases it shows different reasons people can't just walk away, and the drivers for that behavior are complicated. Wonderfully, Amanda is a confident plus-sized woman, but I would throw a warning in that is used as a target for verbal abuse toward her, as well there is discussion of another character's eating disorder, so definitely go in aware of some content here if that is a sensitive topic. Finally, there is a very good, nuanced coverage of fame and social media, really tapping into having a healthy relationship with the idea that others will have opinions about your life when it becomes public.
October 28, 2020
I squealed when I got an ARC for this book; I adore Rebekah Weatherspoon's books.
I adore how sex-positive her main character's tend to be, in this case Amanda describing her "walk of shame" as a "strut of triumph" hah. Get it girl, we love that.
I also looooooove how respectful her male MCs are and that they understand how to be assertive without pushing it. They communicate and listen and I am
HERE 👏 FOR 👏 IT 👏
He wasn't sure what exactly had gone wrong. Not that it mattered. Amanda had told him where she stood and all he could do, what he planned to do, was respect that.
YES
My only gripe with this was that I really didn't understand one of the big conflicts.
🛑Slight Spoilers Ahead, Ye Be Warned🛑
For some reason, Amanda is hiding her job from him? But...why? She's an assistant to an actress. That's not an embarrassing job. There's no real reason not to tell him, and it just didn't make sense at all.
Overall, I loved this. I'm a hoe for Rebekah Weatherspoon's stuff and I'll eventually get to all of them.
I adore how sex-positive her main character's tend to be, in this case Amanda describing her "walk of shame" as a "strut of triumph" hah. Get it girl, we love that.
I also looooooove how respectful her male MCs are and that they understand how to be assertive without pushing it. They communicate and listen and I am
HERE 👏 FOR 👏 IT 👏
He wasn't sure what exactly had gone wrong. Not that it mattered. Amanda had told him where she stood and all he could do, what he planned to do, was respect that.
YES
My only gripe with this was that I really didn't understand one of the big conflicts.
🛑Slight Spoilers Ahead, Ye Be Warned🛑
For some reason, Amanda is hiding her job from him? But...why? She's an assistant to an actress. That's not an embarrassing job. There's no real reason not to tell him, and it just didn't make sense at all.
Overall, I loved this. I'm a hoe for Rebekah Weatherspoon's stuff and I'll eventually get to all of them.
December 19, 2020
I read this because goodreads friend Megan had it on her timeline. It's a romance with African American characters, an actor and a wannabe screenwriter stuck in a hellacious job as the personal assistant to a prima donna actress. I liked the extended family and solid support system depicted, and the main character, the woman screenwriter, is just terrific. I'd have given it four stars but there was some non-editing that bothered me (at one point, the structure of a sentence has a character responding on her phone to a text with her face, which was a problem of a dangling modifier) and because Kensington, the publisher, didn't bother to make the ebook readable. It was a struggle to figure out where paragraphs were, which made me slightly resentful the whole time and dragged me, and therefore the rating, down.
So Kensington needs to pay first a copy editor, and then a person to check ebooks for formatting. Otherwise, they are doing their writers a terrible disservice.
So Kensington needs to pay first a copy editor, and then a person to check ebooks for formatting. Otherwise, they are doing their writers a terrible disservice.
February 23, 2024
I enjoyed this return to the Pleasant family. I thought that Sam & Amanda were a great couple with fantastic chemistry. They were low angst & cute - and there was no third act break up!
There’s less interaction with the Pleasant family in this story, and while they are wonderful, I really liked seeing Sam & Amanda in their own space. Sam definitely falls first & fast, but Amanda’s not too far behind. I also loved how they supported & pushed each other.
There’s less interaction with the Pleasant family in this story, and while they are wonderful, I really liked seeing Sam & Amanda in their own space. Sam definitely falls first & fast, but Amanda’s not too far behind. I also loved how they supported & pushed each other.
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