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One failing ranch. One little bet. Two people determined not to fall in love.

Naomi Myers never should’ve moved back home. Now she has a front-row seat for her parents’ divorce and her father's bad moods. To make matters worse, a cowboy shows up at her family’s mountain resort—on a horse.

And if there’s anything she hates—fears, dreads, despises—it’s horses.

Clint Lovelace knows a thing or two about life getting worse. After a family tragedy leaves him in charge, all he wants to do is save his brother's horse ranch by clinching a business deal with the local resort. A simple business deal that turns complicated when it lands him in the middle of a bet.

Winning that bet could save his ranch and seal the business deal of a lifetime. But first, he has to teach Naomi Myers, the world’s sweetest spitfire, how to ride a horse—without letting it lead to anything else.

The resort owner’s daughter is definitely off-limits. Falling for her could make everything else fall apart, no matter how much opposites attract.

Falling Slow is a closed-door sweet romantic comedy with plenty of chemistry but no explicit content. It can be read as a standalone, or as part of the Ponderosa Falls Wilderness Resort series.

38 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 22, 2022

20 people are currently reading
248 people want to read

About the author

Sydney Muse

7 books43 followers
Sydney Muse writes sweet stories full of lovable characters and swoon-worthy kisses. She grew up in a big city surrounded by the ocean, but now she lives in a small town surrounded by mountains. When she's not writing, you can find her (accidentally) killing plants in her garden, wrangling her kids, watching cooking shows with her husband, and trying to entertain two rambunctious cats.

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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for Jordan (maui.seaside.reading).
32 reviews2 followers
January 19, 2023
“One failing ranch. One little bet. Two people determined not to fall in love.”

This is a clean and wholesome contemporary romance. It gave me Colleen Hoover vibes but no swearing and only kisses. This book is full of deep emotions. From one side of the spectrum to the other, they experience it all. It was a roller coaster as the characters tried to overcome their emotions and trials and find themselves.

Disclaimer: there are some heavy toxic relationships and so much anger.

Coming from an extremely loving and supportive family it was hard for me to understand how some of these characters acted how they did. But I still found it very relatable. I could see how the main characters, Clint and Naomi, had to work through their feelings of fear, grief, and anger to achieve their goals and it was satisfying.

‘“You were saying all that stuff about me coming over to help, and it was so…nice. I’m not used to people talking that sweet to me so early in the morning. It’s unnatural.” Clint rested back against the tack room door, studying her again. His concern slowly giving way to amusement. “What time of day do you like hearing sweet things?” he asked. “Maybe I can schedule you in.”’

This is a slow burn, close proximity story with humor and a little grumpy/sunshine vibes with multiple POVs.

Two of my favorite supporting characters were the cousins, Dean and Aaron! They brought the humor and joy and I loved any scene they were in!!

‘Naomi backed up. “If this is a blood oath, I’m out. I don’t do knives.” “Calm down. I’m not performing a blood oath in my grandmother’s yard.” “We save those for the woods,” Aaron joked. “At midnight. Under the full moon.”’

Also the Ponderosa Falls Wilderness Resort sounds incredible and makes me want to go on a vacation in the mountains. From all their activities they offer and scenery it sounds breathtaking and so much fun! I loved the story and history behind the resort too.

This was a free ARC given to me by the author with no stipulations, the thoughts are all my own.
Profile Image for Megan Crofton.
335 reviews45 followers
January 23, 2024
This one started strong with the enemies to more vibes and the family drama! So intriguing! The tension, the denial, the drama! So many feels while reading this one. Naomi and Clint were in so much denial and that always makes for a great enemies to more romance. That and the tension and slow burn... and Falling Slow delivered! The backstory and trauma the Lovelace family is went through is emotional, raw, and realistic. Not too heavy for a rom com. Muse balanced the drama, pain, and healing well with the flirting, comedy, and fun! I was a little weary of the misunderstandings they went through, but with their experiences of love, it is completely understandable. And this made the book feel very relatable. And there were some hilarious and awkward moments that put a huge smile on my face. I love Naomi's extended family and how they really came through for her. I just loved her grandmother! I can't wait to read their stories!
Profile Image for alyssa.
170 reviews
June 2, 2022
“I’m not used to people talking that sweet to me so early in the morning. It’s unnatural.”
“What time of day do you like hearing sweet things?” he asked. “Maybe I can schedule you in.”⁣

Falling Slow 🐴⁣⁣
➖rating: 4/5 ⭐️‘s⁣
➖steam level: closed door ✨⁣

This book is so lovely! Not only is it incredibly sweet and charming, but it also reminds me of why I love small town romances so much! ⁣

Naomi & Clint get off to a bit of a rocky start after Naomi makes a bet with her father in order to help Clint with his business proposal. Now Clint has one week to teach Naomi how to ride a horse, which sounds easy enough, until Clint finds out that Naomi has a serious trauma-induced fear of horses. ⁣

read if you love: ⁣
➖cozy small towns ⁣
➖flannel wearing cowboy heroes 🐴🤠⁣
➖a+ supporting characters ⁣
➖loads of delicious tension! 💗🔥⁣
➖v realistic grief representation⁣
➖opposites attract vibes 🧲⁣

I really admired Naomi’s strength to face her fears and (quite literally) get back in the saddle, but I also had a lot of admiration for Clint who was so unbelievably kind and patient with Naomi, despite the looming deadline of their bet. These two may have been stubborn as heck in the beginning, but seeing them care for & really just consistently support each other the more their relationship developed, truly turned my heart into jelly! ⁣

This book does deal with some heavier topics like grief and toxic family relationships, but I think both topics were represented realistically and with care! I especially appreciated that Sydney showed how grief can effect people in such different ways, which I think is so so important! ⁣

All in all, “Falling Slow” is sweet and engaging and definitely one to pick up if you’re a big fan of small town romances! ⁣

Thanks a bunch to @sydney_author for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review! 💗
Profile Image for Manee Contreras.
266 reviews14 followers
April 27, 2023
Romance level: kissing 🔥 (make outs)

The first meeting is super epic😅. This series just keeps getting better and better.

I loved that Naomi stood up for what she believed was right. She was a complex character. She fought for what she loved & was honest. If she had something to say, she just did. However, she was so stubborn & assuming...I think assuming stuff is a family trait with these people 😅

This book had me in a rollercoaster of emotions! I was like no, don't do it & then there was a twist where it actually worked out how it was played. These two have seen each other in tough situations & still choose each other.

I loved the comb scene!😍 My oh my, they had so much chemistry! 🔥 Their kisses were off the charts. There were so many scenes in which these two were so cute... Like the party & overcoming their fears🐴

Roger (Clint's dad) was one of my favorite characters in this book. He was pure gold🥇 I loved every time he appeared, especially when he was putting his son in his place.

I loved the Myers brothers so much😍🥺 those two are the sweetest human beings ever. Jeremy is also an MVP. I loved seeing their family bond getting stronger. Dean was hilarious. I really want his story🏕️

This book has good drama! I loved each scene because it developed uniquely. You think it will be another miscommunication part...until they talk things though at the very last moment... having you almost pulling your hair out.

Clint's patience was just wow. Of course he had his own fears & horses to face, but I loved how despite choosing sometimes the wrong course of action, he was brave enough to get back on track.

Frank was plain rude during the entire story. I didn't like him one bit.

I loved the extra bonus chapter! I loved getting that scene! He was so cute, the whole idea was perfect😍. Book 3 coming next with Jeremy's story💙

⚠️TW: loss of a family member.

🐎
Profile Image for Ffion Harris.
347 reviews4 followers
May 26, 2022
I was excited to read this small-town, cowboy romance as it's one of my favourite tropes/book settings.
Immediately, the setting of the story was wonderful. I could picture Snow capped trees surrounded by mountains and a resort filled with cabins and horse riding trails.
It was interesting to see the dynamic between Naomi's family. Her father came across as very toxic and probably relatable to a lot of people.
I felt the tragedy described was glossed over and was not discussed a lot throughout. I found the story lacked in places, and it did not really have a crucial conflict moment that needed to be resolved for a happily ever after. For me, the story fell flat and I struggled to push through these moments.
I enjoyed the older character more than the hero and heroine and loved their sarcasm with their grandchildren/children.
Moving forward, I feel the plot needs more depth to keep the readers attention consistently.

Thank you for the chance to review this!
452 reviews5 followers
December 22, 2023
Oh my! What can I say about this book? It had me in tears in parts of the book and laughing in others.
Naomi's father is a real ticket and her mother is not much better. My heart ached for her for how they treat her. I loved how she finally decides that standing up for herself is much better than trying to go with the flow and not rock the boat.
I really loved Clint! He is such a sweetheart and I really liked how the author made vulnerable & unsure about how Naomi felt about him. It is refreshing to read about that instead of having the main male character be strong, confident & sure, although Clint does have the qualities as well.
Goodreads says the book is only 38 pages but it is actually about 350 pages so don't think this is a novella.
I found the story realistic as well as the characters.
Now on the book #2!
5,665 reviews63 followers
September 5, 2022
Clint needs to save the ranch, goes to the local resort and ends up in a bet. The owner, who is obnoxious and getting divorced, bets Clint he can not teach his daughter Naomi to ride a horse. Her father leaves out the fact that she was traumatized at an early age and refuses to go near a horse.
The characters are wonderful, with great backstories and entertaining situations - like around horses. The storyline has drama, bad memories, secrets, revelations, conniving father, romance, support and much more. The story goes every which way before coming together at the end, throwing all the emotions at you. Could not put this book down. Totally enjoyed it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,587 reviews
May 27, 2022
I enjoyed reading this book! It takes place on a resort in the Colorado mountains, and I liked the focus on horses! I used to have a book that I kept photos of my favorite kinds of horses in, and this book made me want to go find that little book so I could see those photos again.

Naomi is terrified of horses, but she makes a bet that Clint can teach her how to ride in one week. I admired Naomi’s grit and courage! She didn’t back down from a challenge that terrified her, and she stood up for herself when she needed to. This book shines a spotlight on abused horses and the care they need, and I liked seeing Clint with the horses as he cared for them.

There was a lot of anger in this book, as Naomi’s dad is a very angry man and doesn’t treat people well. (He doesn’t physically harm people, but he yells a lot throughout the course of the book.) Naomi also has a temper like her dad, but I appreciated how she was written, as well as her character development. The ending was great, and I was so proud of both Naomi and Clint! I am looking forward to reading more books by Sydney Muse in the future!

4/5 stars

Content:
Clean romance
TW: anger and yelling

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Nikita Stanley.
445 reviews7 followers
May 9, 2022
I was fortunate enough to be able to read an early copy of this book for an honest review.

I loved this story! It brought all the good feelings and was well written. I cracked up so loud on some scenes I couldn't contain myself, and loved that Sydney captured so many different emotions and struggles in this beautiful story.

Definitely a feel good book that emphasizes the need for hard work in all aspects of life, and how rewarding it can be!

It was lighthearted, sweet and romantic without being cheesy or cringeworthy and I definitely recommend it!

Profile Image for Shanna Johnson.
548 reviews23 followers
October 15, 2022
I have had this book in my Kindle library for a little while but life kept getting in the way of reading. However, after finishing it I truly wish I could have read it sooner. This book was so much fun!! It had me laughing quite a bit. It's filled with cute moments, very relatable family drama, and so much sass and attitude. I give it 4.5 stars. It's like the ideal rom com type book with enough extra sass to cover the fire of 6 teenage girls. I loved it!!!! I can't wait to read more in this series in the future.
319 reviews7 followers
May 9, 2022
This book is a keeper to read over and over again! Falling Slow is anything but slow. As a bet is made to put her father in his place, they try to fight to win it. It's an explosive burst of fire story with laugh out loud banter between two stubborn people and of course the smoldering glances.
A page turner could not stop reading! If nothing else get this book just for the Easter dinner, boy I enjoyed it the most!

I received this book free for my honest review
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
4,561 reviews19 followers
June 26, 2022
This was my first read from this author. I really liked Naomi and I felt bad for her. I only wish the author would have given us the first person writing of her point of view because it would have made the story more personal. Other than that I truly enjoyed this story and it will not be my last read from this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Christina Bowling.
1,595 reviews15 followers
September 26, 2022
I have mixed feelings about this one. I was really excited to read it, and I liked Naomi and Clint together. But the part about Buck being dead, and then having his widow in it, was sad and left me feeling depressed. I keep hoping with this being a series, that maybe there'll be some kind of twist and find out he's actually still alive.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
387 reviews2 followers
October 4, 2022
I found this to be a charming closed-door romance that had me laughing. It was a bit long. I wanted even more with the horses and about horses in general, as Naomi is not a horse fan at all, and Clint needs to teach her to ride.
As a set up, I loved it. At times, the underlying other messages - grief, small-town living, helped to really keep me in the perfect place to read this charming novel.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jacqueline Johnston Cotton.
2,206 reviews38 followers
May 31, 2022
I loved this sweet romance. The book is so well written with a realistic storyline. The characters are real and engaging. This book has everything from family drama and heartache to romance and love. This book is a winner.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Melissa.
2,544 reviews271 followers
May 25, 2023
I like this author but this book didn't click for me. I thought the reasons they had to stay away from each other were all over the place and in the end they just threw aside. It was odd. There is good chemistry and the story was good. I really felt like non of their feelings were really resolved either. I am so glad she added a epilogue.
This is a clean romance with no religion.
Profile Image for Cody Ray Hawes.
44 reviews
October 4, 2022
Kinda confusing at the beginning but I definitely think that it’s because I couldn’t focus due to a : year old. But the end left my heart happy!I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for ☆Laura☆.
5,135 reviews60 followers
December 24, 2023
¿Alguien sabe porque el primer libro (falling again) ya no está disponible?.
*Ya vi que Sydney lo esta mandando gratis si te suscribes a su boletín.




Odie a los padres y al hermano de Naomi. Fue bonito y triste a la vez como sus primos la convirtieron en su hermana para demostrarle que no estaba sola y que ellos siempre estarían para ella.
17 reviews
June 27, 2024
My Favorite Ponderosa Falls Book

Sydney Muse builds amusing, intriguing sometimes heart breaking characters. I love her descriptions, dialogues and romances. Each book is about a main character at the Resort .. Book 1 is an entertaining start.
43 reviews1 follower
June 15, 2023
Best book ever

This is the best book. It has everything. Sadness and grief. Family disfunction. And the best laugh out loud til you ...well you know on yourself. So so good
456 reviews3 followers
September 2, 2023
Fun

Clean in words and actions. Fun, well written, and thoroughly enjoyable. Can't wait for the other books in the series.
Profile Image for Melanie Mason.
Author 17 books39 followers
January 5, 2024
a nice story

This was a nice story. It was a little slow, but I liked how it all ended. It was sweet to see the characters finally step up and be who they were meant to be.
Profile Image for Cary.
2,297 reviews
May 30, 2024
A very unique plot with interesting characters.
Profile Image for Moni.
613 reviews
April 29, 2023
This is book 1 of the Ponderosa Falls Wilderness Resort Series & is a standalone though if you're interested in Aaron & Kai, then you can read Falling Again, the prequel novella. The book's blurb gives you an idea of what to expect. It's a good at odd slow burn mostly dual pov romance.

Naomi isn't the type to back down from a challenge, especially when it's to prove her father wrong. Clint isn't sure about getting involved but he knows that helping her win the bet of learning how to ride a horse is his only chance to help save his family's ranch. As they struggle to work together, they are also fighting their attraction towards each other. & the problems that each is facing only make them more hesitant to act on their feelings.

The story is a slow burn & the pacing of the story is also leisurely because of the topics it deals with - grief & toxic family members. However, there's enough moments that will make you chuckle & sweet moments with non-toxic family members to balance the story. Overall, it's enjoyable & will make you want to read more of the characters & series.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews

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