My life is good. Well, as good as it can be with a Montana-sized chip on my shoulders. I spend my days burying myself in work and my nights in a warm, willing body. It’s all the therapy I need. Until Hailey rolls onto my ranch. She’s stubborn. Infuriating. And everything I don’t need. She’s also broken. Bruised. And the only woman to break down my defenses. I want her to stay. But I know if I ask her to, she might just run away for good.
Introducing A.K. MacBride, a passionate wordsmith with an insatiable love for crafting heartwarming love stories. She brews tales as tantalizing as her coffee and indulges in the bittersweet world of dark chocolate, all while savoring life's sweetest moments in a quaint South African town.
When she's not creating intricate tapestries of love, longing, and untold desire, you'll often find her lost in the aromatic embrace of freshly brewed coffee—her trusted companion in moments of reflection and creativity. As the rich aroma permeates her writing sanctuary, she lets her imagination soar, conjuring captivating characters and delightful encounters that leave her readers yearning for more.
But it's not just coffee that sets her heart aflutter. A connoisseur of the finest dark chocolate, she indulges in the velvety decadence, allowing its rich flavors to inspire her characters' intense passions and the intricacies of their relationships. Just as the delicate balance of flavors dances on her taste buds, her writing tantalizes the hearts of her readers, leaving them craving the sweetness of true love.
Amidst the joyous chaos of her literary world, she finds unwavering support and endless love in her husband and daughter. They are the pillars of her existence, a constant reminder that true romance is not only found within the pages of a book but also in the tender moments shared with loved ones. With their presence in her life, her stories overflow with authenticity, depth, and the promise of happily ever afters.
So, grab a cup of coffee, savor a piece of dark chocolate, and lose yourself in the tender embrace of A.K. MacBride’s enchanting tales. For within the pages of her novels, love blossoms, hearts mend, and extraordinary journeys of the heart await, all crafted with the delicate touch of a romance author who understands the power of a perfectly brewed love story.
Hailey was feeling alone and isolated when a friend of her parents invites her to Montana to escape the pain and mistakes of her past. Her new adventure begins when she starts working on the ranch and meets Bradley.
Bradley’s past has ensured that he has no interest in love in relationships which had worked well for him until he met Hailey.
Their heads know they should keep their distance but their hearts aren’t listening. They are very attracted to each other but if they are to have a future together they will have to help each other heal from the past.
**My thanks to the author for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**
This is the first book that i have read by this author and it certainly shall not be the last.
It's a slow burn book and both characters have little issues, however both have people around them to help them past their problems and it is Bradley that steps up and pushes Hailey past and into the future.
It is Bradley's whole family and his sister and her friend that bring Hailey out of herself and into a world that accepts her for who she is, past problems and all. They accept and just take her at face value as we all make mistakes.
Bradley has never had committed relationships, a by product of his mother leaving when he was young, however when he meets Hailey, something changes in him and he finds himself wanting more and doing things he would never have done with other woman before.
With his father making more of an effort at a relationship Bradley gets a more stable family life and Hailey finds that with the acceptance of her last she can finally let go and face a future with happiness.
A really great read and certainly one i would recommend.
Hearts Astray is LIVE and FREE in Kindle Unlimited Grab it here --> https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084Z34L95 What to expect from Hearts Astray: ✔️ Enemies to Lovers ✔️ Brooding Cowboy ✔️ Feel-good small-town setting ✔️ Slow Burn Deliciousness Seriously, everything you might need in a romance novel!
YEE-HAW This was so cute! I absolutely loved Walker Ranch with all of my heart and the way Macbride beautifully depicted this place, she had me ACHING to run away and live there. I kid you not, I desperately wanted Walker Ranch to be real and within reach as I fell in love with this fictional Western corner.
The MCs definitely butted heads (grumpy x sunshine done so well) it was entertaining reading about their differences. When Bradley eventually folded and started working with her *cough cough* letting himself fall for Hailey, things got cuter. They made such a sweet couple.
It was refreshing having the fmc battle something that's not usually written for female main characters since it can be stigmatized even further for them. Hailey shows strength with her sobriety. When Bradley told her he'd be by her always, they had me melting 💗
Oh and a moment for bestie Tessa, really liked her + she was a great friend. I desperately wanna read her story with Sawyer! There is definitely something between them there and I feel like AK is cooking something up for them which you bet I will read.
It was cool getting to see Sebastian in here (mmc for book 2) I'm excited to get into his book. Hellooo doctor 😉😂
We get some glimpses of the horses & Bandit the ranch dog which were a nice addition. Shout out Ruthie btw (they're so lucky to have a cozy grandma typa lady that cooks & bakes all kinds of delicious things so often 😂)
This book was really great to read and the cover is so pretty! Now go read it, giddy up! BOOK NOW AVAILABLE
New series from Ms. MacBride. Bradley and Hailey were so good together. They both had issues in their past that was causing them to not want to find love. They had so much more in common than they realized and that is what pulled them tighter. Loved watching them find the love they both didn’t want. Funny how love does that to people. It was a wonderful ride and I can’t wait to read more from this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A.K. Macbride knows how to write the most swoon-worthy MMC.
Tropes 🐎 Broody Cowboy MMC 🐎 Smart Mouth City Girl FMC 🐎 Found Family 🐎 Small Town
Possible Trigger Warnings 🩶
Review:
This was such an amazing read... Two very emotional broken/ hard-headed individuals who were bound to bump heads ended up finding love and strength in each other 💕
She is sassy and doesn't stand back to any nonsense, and He is so Broody you can boil and egg on those shouldering looks he gives...
But with a little meddling from some household members and towns folk, these two fell hopelessly in love with each other
If you love reading Cowboy Romance, you will absolutely love Broken Roads by A.K MacBride...
Well this made me emotional!!🥹❤️ Slow burn, enemies to lovers, a gorgeous dog, a gentle horse, a grumpy cowboy….the perfect recipe for a delicious Cowboy romance !!😍❤️
Great cowboy/enemies to lover romance. MacBride does a great job of building the storyline between Hailey and Bradley. She doesn’t shy away from emotion or try to make things fit that don’t. I enjoyed watching the growth of both characters and the dual perspective really allows the reader to connect with both characters.
I have yet to pick up an A.K. MacBride book I didn’t love. I don’t know how she did it but A.K. made me fall in love with Bradley even though he was a massive dick and had a short temper and was grumpy as hell. Loved the reverse storyline where instead of the father being reluctant to change, the was the son. I got confused with Bradley, Beckett and Bradford as the names read very similar. Sometimes I felt like the same thing was being said by a different character which then read a little redundant.
Make Me Whole is my first read by AK MacBride and also the beginning of a series, and I'm pretty impressed with both. The book is well-written with good pacing and engaging characters. Bradley and Hailey are both a bit broken and they both have some things to work through. Their chemistry is so good and they're relatable. MacBride has painted a whole cast of characters that just feel real, they're like people we could see on any street in any town, USA. And given that there are so many likable characters to choose from, I'll be interested to see who finds that special someone next. This one was a little bit too angsty for me, but that's just my personal preference, and the reasons for the angst made sense. All in all, AK MacBride pulled out all the stops with this first in the series, and she's set the bar high for the next lucky couple.
This book didn’t just tug at my heart—it hogtied it, dragged it through the dust of Montana, and then pieced it back together on a bench beneath a star-filled sky.
Hailey flees her old life on the six-month mark of her sobriety, desperate for a fresh start, and finds herself at Walker Ranch. Her plan? Work her advertising magic, crunch numbers, turn a profit, and outrun her past. Her reality? Nearly running over Bradley Walker on day one—ranch owner, stubborn menace, and walking, talking proof that flannel and a scowl can be devastatingly sexy.
From the moment they collide, sparks fly. He sees a city girl with too much baggage. She sees a brooding brick wall with no give. Neither wants love, but fate, Bradley’s jealousy (and Ruthie with her meddling lunch packs), clearly have other plans.
This is everything I crave in a cowboy romance: - Broody Cowboy MMC - Smart-Mouth City Girl FMC - Found Family - Small-Town Healing - Slow-Burn Enemies-to-Lovers Tension
Bradley is the epitome of the grumpy cowboy—walls higher than Granite Peak, scars from a past that taught him love isn’t safe. But the moment Hailey storms into his world, he starts breaking every one of his own rules: wanting, hoping, softening (and okay, stalking just a little). And when that man finally lets his guard down? Pure swoon city.
Hailey, meanwhile, stole my heart. She isn’t strong because she’s invincible—she’s strong because she’s vulnerable, honest, and determined to face her demons. Watching her find not just love but also acceptance and family on the ranch was as healing for me as it was for her.
And the chemistry? Lord have mercy. From fiery arguments over ranch finances to stolen glances that cut like a knife, every beat of this slow build had me giggling, swooning, and kicking my feet like a lovesick fool.
The supporting cast makes this small town feel alive—mismatched-earring Tessa, Sawyer, Beckett, Ruthie (queen of meddling), the hyper border collie Bandit���and every moment with them wraps the story in warmth while still letting Hailey and Bradley shine.
At its heart, Broken Roads is about finding home in another person when you thought you were too broken to deserve it. It’s about trust built slow, scars revealed tenderly, and love that doesn’t just appear—it heals.
By the last page, I wasn’t just swooning. I was two seconds from packing my bags and heading to Montana to lasso a cowboy of my own.
Hailey and Bradley have the kind of love and relationship you aspire to have; it makes your heart squeeze and your stomach flutter in envy. They both have been haunted by the ghosts of their past. They think they're broken but they aren't - the events of the past have left them shattered and the pieces of their souls splintered and unable to be pieced back together. As they heal they find that their pieces just needed each other to complete the restoration of their hearts.
Hailey is an amazing heroine - she isn't strong because she's tough, she is strong because she is vulnerable. She puts on a brave face in other people to deflect, but she is fully aware of her mistakes and shortcomings. Her honesty with herself as she strives to be better is something you feel so acutely you can't help but empathize.
Bradley - where do I start with him? He's got walls higher than Mount Everest but they cloak a sweet man who needs the right kind of woman to erode that barrier away piece by piece.
These two grabbed me from the first page and threw me into a story I didn't want to leave. There were so many small details woven into the story that made it even better. Their mutual love for the animals on the ranch - and how it connects and bonds them - shines through. It's captivating to see them stumble through the development of their relationship and it's refreshing that the drama is minimal - their struggles are internal more than external. They don't immediately shed their secrets but they don't hold them back either - they uncloak them little by little as they establish trust and affection. They way they support, understand, and respect each other makes their relationship even more special.
Make Me Whole was the exact kind of light read I love. It has plenty of emotional depth, characters that feel like real people, serious issues handled sensitively, and enough humor to keep it all from weighing you down.
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC copy of Broken Roads. The ARC came in yesterday and by this morning I was done.
AK MacBride is affectionately dubbed as the queen of romance in our book groups here in SA. She has yet again made us proud with another well written masterpiece.
This story revolves around Hailey and Bradley. Hailey, a city girl seeking to escape demons from her past. Bradley, notoriously broody, grumpy cowboy with a massive chip on his shoulder and an aversion to change.
Hailey, a city girl, arrives at walker ranch as the new financial advisor after being hired by Walker senior much to the annoyance of Bradley. Two conflicting personalities forced to live in close proximity while trying to agree on the necessary changes required to help save Walker Ranch from financial distress. Every fresh idea Hailey comes up with ends up being shot down in the form of a certain cowboy, however, when things get too heated as they undoubtedly will; Hailey decides she's had enough and confronts Bradley, calling him out on his bullshit. Fully expecting a full on attack Hailey and Bradley are both surprised to find that fighting is the furthest thing on their minds. With chemistry and tension so strong you could cut through it with a knife the pair is left facing the fact that they could either make it or break it. Will they find comfort in their differences or will they find that perhaps they aren't so different after all?
This is my third book by this author and all three times she's delivered ten fold. Broken roads could be classified as an enemies to lovers cowboy romance with some mention of alcohol addiction which may be a trigger to some so be sure to check that TWL.
Thank you A. K. MacBride for having the honor and privilege to read Broken Roads first.
Grumpy cowboy + broken but brave city girl = my new obsession. 🤠❤️🔥”
Listen. Broken Roads did not just tug at my heartstrings—it ripped them out, stomped on them, and then somehow stitched them back together in the most beautiful way. 😭✨
Hailey is the kind of heroine you don’t just read about, you feel. She’s vulnerable, flawed, honest about her demons, and fighting like hell to be better. Her struggles with alcoholism and grief made me ache for her, but also made me root for her harder than I have for a heroine in a long time. She isn’t strong because she’s invincible—she’s strong because she’s real. 🥺💔
And then there’s Bradley Walker. Ranch owner. Cowboy menace. Human brick wall. But behind all that gruffness? A man with the softest heart, the kind of love that seeps in slow, steady, and unshakable. He’s been scarred by his own past, yet when Hailey steps into his world (almost literally running him over 😂🚗), their broken pieces don’t just clash—they fit.
Together, they’re not perfect, but they’re true. Watching them learn to trust, to share their scars, to show up for each other—it’s messy, it’s healing, it’s everything. Add in the little details—the animals on the ranch, the quiet moments at AA meetings, the way their bond builds through respect as much as attraction—and I was a goner.
This book isn’t just a romance, it’s about finding home in another person when you thought you were too broken to deserve it. By the last page, I was swooning, crying, and texting my bestie that I need a cowboy who broods like Bradley but loves like Bradley too. 😏🔥
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ — A.K. MacBride didn’t just write a love story, she wrote a healing story. And I’ll never forget it. 🙌❤️🔥
Broken Roads by A.K. MacBride I've received an advance review copy for free, and I'm leaving this review voluntarily
So Hailey tries to reboot her entire life at Walker Ranch and ends up falling for the aloof Bradley who wants no one‘s help to save the ranch through their constant struggles.
This book was motion twisting thrilling and invoke a deep sense of anger within me we can constantly see the main characters arguing and working through things that they both feel they messed up on even though they both argue constantly they know that they have to work together in order to save the ranch. We later see how the entire family comes together ones Bradley‘s dad has a major issue come forth and we see the strength Bradley and Hailey‘s relationship has built. I think the best part about the series is it’s basically yes it’s a Cozi cowboy romance but to me it basically feels like an enemies to lovers since they’re constantly at each other throats they constantly feel like they want to kill each other until they suddenly don’t?
What’s funny is this book was so exciting to read I had to read it no one sitting I finished it I loved it and I’ve been taking a few weeks to compose my emotions after this whirlwind of a romance.I think this is the best part about reading one of AK McBride‘s books is she writes so wonderfully and invokes a lot of emotions within you and makes you love the character so deeply. This is definitely must read from my side and I encouraged you to go read it.
This story is the beginning of a new series for this author, and what a way to start! Who doesn't love a story about a hot cowboy! Bradley has lived his whole life on the ranch but because of his past, doesn't believe in relationships. He's a take them and leave them type of guy. Then one day, Hailey, a friend of someone on the ranch, shows up and all bets are off. She makes him feel things he has never felt before and he is unsure how to deal with that. She came to the ranch to help sort out her life due to a tragedy and some issues that arose from that. When she meets Bradley, she doesn't know if she should stay away from him or find out more about why he is the way he is. All she knows is, he is incredibly good looking and he makes her heart flutter. These two have incredible chemistry and as you read, you truly hope that they both came overcome their pasts to have a future together. This author touches on a few subjects that are very real in this world, and with her words, she expresses them with complete and utter respect and finesse. I really enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more in this series. This is a definite must read!
Bradley's mother took off. His father picked up the slack and raised Bradley and Talia, but Bradley can't trust women - they all just leave. His life is a series of one-night stands when he needs to scratch that itch. Hailey's parents died, sending her life into a tailspin, and she needs a reset. Her mother's friend, Mavis, convinces her to come to Montana for a visit, and in desperation, the owner hires her as a ranch hand. The last thing she needs is a relationship. So why can't they stop thinking about each other? And what's with that spark when they touch? This story grabbed me from the very beginning, wondering what had happened to these two broken souls. I love how attuned they are to each other. They feel the presence of the other before they see. He knows just by looking at her when something's off, and either backs off to talk, or shuts up to give her space. When I read a new author, I always hope I'm going to find a book like this, one that keeps my interest and tugs on my heartstrings.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
🤔🤔🤔🤔 damn I honestly thought I’d hate this book with how Bradley was acting in the beginning chapters, but I was pleasantly surprised this book had me kicking and giggling the whole way. Hailey and Bradley were so entertaining to read. Their dynamic was crazy and damn I’m a little bit psycho sometimes. I loved the supporting characters even though they weren’t in the book as much as I had hoped they would be, they definitely brought a bit of perspective while I was reading this book. I do however feel like we kind of lost the plot of Hailey being a recovering alcoholic towards the end of the book. The relationship progressed at lightning speed which I don’t mind just that sometimes felt a bit too fast. I wish we could’ve seen them try to implement more of their save the ranch plan before we moved too much ahead into their relationship, having it just said in the epilogue was kind of underwhelming. I did however enjoy the whole adventure of reading this book and low-key thought the second book was going to be about Beckett and Tessa but hey I’ll definitely take what I can get from this book series.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Hailey needed to get away to catch her breath from the mistakes she's made, and the consequences of those mistakes. Some family friends recommended she head to Walker Ranch, which is where she met Bradley, who has some issues of his own, like commitment to women. They do have chemistry from the jump, but it's a slow burn romance just the same, as both needed to fix some things in their own selves, which made it realistic in the telling in my opinion. Fortunately, Bradley's family is in on this, since it takes them all to help Hailey heal, and man, it was heart warming, despite all the angst. This story puts some serious shine on finding acceptance despite past mistakes, and I can't say enough good things about that, but I'll limit it since the story is too beautiful to just read reviews on, but rather just experience it for yourselves. And that's why I'm keeping it short & sweet, which gives you more time to hit that one click button IMMEDIATELY! I CANNOT WAIT for more of this series, and HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!
"Bradley Walker. Town's most eligible hermit bachelor. Great ass, greater trust issues."
🤠🤠🤠🤠🤠
🤠Sobriety Rep 🤠Cowboy 🤠Small Town 🤠Slow Burn 🤠No 3rd Act Breakup 🤠Found Family
🤠🤠🤠🤠🤠
AK MacBride definitely knows how to get you in the feels with a good slow burn.
Between her losing her parents & then struggling with alcohol addiction and him being burned by an ex, Hailey & Bradley both have emotional scars that run deep. On top of that, there are definitely trust issues.
Regardless of them hating each other from the first meeting, there is definitely a spark there. Their heads tell them to stay away, but their hearts won't listen. The longer they're forced to be around each other, as she's working on ideas to save his family ranch, the more respect ends up growing. As that respect grows, so does that spark as it turns into a flame.
Both are accustomed to hard things, in life, and are actually good at discussing them once walls are broken down. When potential tragedy strikes the ranch, he leans are her and she doesn't flee. Instead she supports him with all the strength she has.
Make Me Whole by A.K. MacBride was a gorgeous slow burn that took Hailey and Bradley on a journey of self discovery of new starts and taking chances.
Hailey needs a new start after the death of her parents. She’s made some bad decisions and fresh start in a new place and around people that don’t know her past is exactly what she needs to heal and mend emotionally.
Bradley has a deep rooted fear of being abandoned and left behind. He’d rather have a one night stand than a relationship with a real connection. But, for some reason he can’t understand, Hailey makes him want it all.
Even though they don’t start off on the right foot, there is a spark between them that burns crazy hot! When Bradley finally gives in and starts falling hard, he pulls Hailey right along with him.
Make Me Whole was a sweet read. It was low on drama and high on emotions, focusing on characters and relationships, which made for a really lovely read. 4 stars
Move over Elsie Silver because there is a new cowboy romance author in town & she belongs to us. We can share her, but she's 100% South African & ours. This was a 5 star read. A woman wanting a fresh start away from her demons & a broody & stubborn cowboy that wants nothing to do with the city girl. These 2 meet & sparks fly. Bradley does everything in his power to make Hailey feel as unwelcome as possible by shooting down every idea she has. Until one day she puts him in his place & is forced to concede that her ideas are good. All the while fighting this attraction between them. There's no 2nd act break up, has a happy ending and he calls her Sunshine 🫠. And that shower scene.... Damn, it had me reaching for a glass of ice water 🥵 I read this in a day, it was so good I couldn't put it down. This author has me craving more cowboy books from her pen. Pick up this one, you won't be disappointed
𝚃𝚛𝚘𝚙𝚎𝚜: 🩷Small-town 🩷Close Proximity 🩷Broody Cowboy X City Girl 🩷Found Family
𝚃𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚜: Bradley is so stubborn and grumpy. I love seeing how vulnerable he was with her! Hailey, my poor girl I love how she’s so fierce and always fought back. Going through sobriety is never easy and I loved seeing Tessa support her throughout. Seeing Hailey build her new friendships, settling in on the ranch and finding her people was so heartwarming.
Overall this was an enjoyable and quick read, I adored the found family aspects of this. I’m intrigued about Tessa and Beckett’s story and cannot wait to delve into Sebastian’s next!
This book consumed me. As soon as it ended I was left clutching my heart. Hailey and Bradley are epic. Both are haunted by their pasts. Both aren't looking for love. Both are just what each other needs. I can't get enough of their heart breaking and heart warming romance. Right away the author makes us so curious about who they are and what has broken them. As the story went on I felt like I was experiencing it all with them. This is another captivating romance by AK MacBride. I swear all her stories dig into my heart and stay there. This one is no different. I can't wait for more in this series! Get ready for a whirlwind romance with more than just love. This is a story of healing and moving on from the past. I can't suggest this enough to fans of not just romance, but of a great story that truly grips the heart.
I adore this book.. Bradley is pure grumpy sunshine and Hailey is a broken but strong women.. both as stubborn as the other! Hailey wants a fresh start and Bradley just wants to go on as usual around the ranch and doesn’t like city girls! The book as some amazing lines and scenes that have you feeling that sweet dopamine hit but also delivers on the feels! Macbride has given us yet another lovable book husband and sweet romance, with lovable side characters to boot! This book is a slow burn small town romance with no cliffhangers or third act breakups and a HEA that has your feet kicking! Even better it’s book one of a two part series with the Walker Brothers! The author always writes such easy to read beautiful romances, and this book is no exception and one of my favourites (but I love all her men!)
Needing to start over, Hailey finds herself at Walker Ranch. What was supposed to be time to regroup and lick wounds ends up being time working on the ranch to help the family. But from the first time Bradley shakes her hand to the lust filled gazes across the field, there is a spark and connection between Hailey and Bradley. But can two broken souls come together and build a romance when all of their other hopes were destroyed? Can they both learn to live as they learn to love again? With emotions that completely dripped off of each and every page and characters that the reader cannot help but fall in love with this was an amazing start to a new series. I cannot wait to see where the story takes us next.
Typically, I prefer reading (and reviewing) paranormal or historical romance. That’s really my happy place when it comes to romance. I don’t venture too far outside this little box. Why would I? I know what I like and I like what I like! BUT…A.K. MacBride is an author I will always say yes to! Having read her Willow Creek series, I was looking forward to all the feels again and she didn’t disappoint.
Make Me Whole is a “fairly” clean second chance romance. I say fairly because there is still plenty of heat and naughty thoughts. The chemistry between Hailey and Bradley smolders.
This is the first book I’ve read by AK Macbride and it won’t be my last, I absolutely loved this book, I had tears at parts and happiness throughout this book.
We meet Hailey our FMC who has moved from Chicago to Montana for a job on Walker Ranch. Our MMC is Bradley who is the Ranch Manager on his families Ranch, he is grumpy and doesn’t like change or city girls.
There is something between them from day 1 but Bradley doesn’t want Hailey at the ranch and hopes she will just leave. Hailey being a recovering alcoholic is guarded on her past and has her walls firmly up. They both slowly lower their walls for each other and fall for each other. This book was beautifully written, can’t wait for the next book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.