If there's one trend we never want to buck, it's cowboy romances. That's why it's so exciting to see Dell publishing Holding the Reins by Paisley Hope.
Given the surge in popularity for cowboy romances. this one immediately had me intrigued. Upon trying out the first chapter, I knew this was going to be a fun one.
If you're having an Elsie Silver hangover or are craving more cowboys, then I can't recommend Paisley Hope's writing enough. Holding the Reins was so easy to fall into and had so many great tropes that many of us love.
That's enough of a preview before I actually get into my review. I'd like to thank Dell for sending me a finished copy so I was able to read this one and review it.
Holding the Reins is an adorably fun cowboy romance.
Holding the Reins follows Cece who recently left her long-term toxic relationship and is looking to start fresh in her hometown. Considering that she left her job and most of her things, she's shacking up with her family which includes her brothers and her mother as her father recently passed. She seems like a hot mess when we're first introduced to her.
However, Cece runs into Nash, a beloved yet retired NHL player, part-time cowboy, and the town's golden boy. Oh, did I mention that he's also her brother's best friend? As you might imagine, these two have spent a lot of time together but it's amplified when she gets hired at one of the businesses he owns.
With those forbidden elements working against them, it's clear Cece and Nash are eventually going to end up together. However, before they do, there is so much delicious tension, steamy moments and plenty of longing looks that you'll be swooning over Nash before they get there. The story is also set in Kentucky and it's clear the author is a country lover through and through as there are so many great mentions of country artists.
Ultimately, Holding the Reins is as much a romance as it is Cece's story. She's learning to grow and be apart from her toxic ex while also opening her up to something new. It's incredible to see how she flourishes while living in Kentucky. Plus she's such a sweet and fun character that you can't help but root for her. She also had a great group of friends and I can't wait for their books to come out hopefully.
Whether you're there for the romance, love a good cowboy, or love a #girlboss as a main character, you'll adore Holding the Reins. Given that we're getting into colder temperatures, this is the perfect romance to snuggle up with. However, make sure you have a fan nearby as this book is hot and Nash is a character you'll want to do more than snuggle with. Even so, Holding the Reins was so much fun and I can't wait to read more from Paisley Hope.
Holding the Reins by Paisley Hope is out now where books are sold.