Stacey Kennedy has done it again. The Devil in Blue Jeans is so good. Charly is healing from a cheating ex-fiancé. Jaxon is immediately attracted to her because of her fire and she’s not afraid to go toe to toe with anyone. Jaxon formerly owned the bar that Charly and her friends own but they’ve turned it into a “frou-frou” place that the cowboys don’t like. Through out the book, the challenge each other, listen to each other and the place becomes fantastic and they fall in love but of course you need that moment of tension / drama and she brings it in such a great way. I love how Jaxon responded and showed the great man that he is. I can’t wait to read more.

Stacey Kennedy's latest release, "The Devil in Blue Jeans," is a captivating small town cowboy romance that blends the charm of a Montana backdrop with the fiery chemistry between its well-crafted characters. Set in a quaint town where change is met with resistance, this novel explores themes of love, friendship, and the pursuit of happiness.



The story revolves around three college friends who make a pact to return to a small town in Montana if their lives don't turn out as planned. This premise immediately grabs the reader's attention, promising a blend of tradition and contemporary challenges. The small-town setting, complete with cowboys and ranchers, adds a majestic backdrop to the unfolding romance.



The central characters, Jaxon and Charly, bring the narrative to life with their sizzling chemistry and witty banter. As the former owner of the bar, Jaxon becomes the voice of tradition, attempting to persuade Charly to restore the town's familiar vibes. The tension and sparks between them provide a delightful reading experience, keeping the pages turning.



The book's dual point of view offers readers a deeper insight into the thoughts and emotions of both main characters. It also sets the stage for potential sequels, as hinted by the presence of two friends each for Jaxon and Charly. The anticipation of future books in the series, particularly Eli and Willow's story, adds an exciting layer to the overall reading experience.



"The Devil in Blue Jeans" caters to a diverse audience, particularly those who enjoy small-town romance, cowboy romance, and stories featuring opposites attract. The win-a-date auctions for charity and forced proximity elements add delightful twists to the narrative, making it both heartwarming and steamy. The book is reminiscent of a Hallmark movie but with a touch of spice, making it a perfect read for those who enjoy a balance between romance and passion.



Stacey Kennedy's writing shines in this beautifully crafted love story. The Afterglow imprint by Harlequin promises a bright future with titles like this one. Fans of Kennedy's work and newcomers alike will find "The Devil in Blue Jeans" to be a spectacular addition to the romance genre. As the first installment in what is likely to be a promising series, this novel leaves readers eagerly anticipating the next chapters in the lives of the charming characters introduced in this enchanting Montana town.

The story seemed to be a little farfetched and then a bit redundant. It did note capture and keep my attention

Cute cowboys and girl bosses? Yes, please! Loved the sweet cowboy in this story and can’t wait to read the next book focusing on one of his friends.

Thanks Net Galley and Harlequin for the temporary ARC to review.

An interesting cowboy/city girl romance. I did skip the spicy bits. Good friends, small town, heart-breaking back stories. All of which kept me reading. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

For those who like:
Small town romance, cowboy romance, dual POV, win-a-date auctions for charity, and forced proximity.

Three women make a pact after college to return to a small town in Montana *if* in 6 years they’re unhappy with how their lives turn out. One will manage the bar, one the restaurant, the other would be marketing.

*Fast forward to this happening.*

The town of course hates change and the men are mad. *gasp*
The MMC is the former owner of the bar and tries to convince the FMC to change the vibes back. The pact hooked me. This part of the premise, feels more…traditional.

I'm guessing this will be a series, as the MMC and FMC each have two friends. So I imagine there will be 3 books in total. (Eli & Willow please!)

This book would probably resonate with those who enjoy Hallmark movies, but also like smut. The venn diagram where they overlap, is this book. Also, it’s giving politically moderate. Do with that what you will.

I saw this book while scrolling on NetGalley and was so happy to get approved. After devouring a few cowboy romances this year, I figured why not try another. I’ve been hearing on TikTok that Harlequin was coming out with an imprint of sorts called Afterglow. I’m so glad I got to read one of the books from it!

Thank you so much NetGalley & the publisher for my advanced digital copy!

📖: The Devil in Blue Jeans
🖋️: Stacey Kennedy
🗓️: 2/20/24
⭐️: 5 of 5
🌶️: 5 of 5
💬: “But you’re in Timber Falls—love finds you here. You’d better watch out.”

Tropes, Topics & Themes:
✨Enemies to lovers
✨Cowboys
✨3 best friends
✨banter is amazing
✨Small town

Three best friends who live together are parting ways since their lease is up. So they decide to take a trip and make a pact that if their life are not where they want it to be. They will live in Timber Falls and open a bar together.

“Sorry, we don’t carry beer. We’re a cocktail lounge.”

Fast forward to six years later, Charly, Willow, and Aubrey are in Timber Falls renovating the town’s cherished bar into a fun cocktail lounge. The cowboys of the town and most of the locals are not impressed or happy about how the bar has been transformed to. Especially Jaxon being the previous owner.

Jaxon is a third-generation breeder for his family’s ranch and after his father's passing. He had to step up to the plate and let go of his dreams of being a bar owner.

Charly, Willow, and Aubrey are determined to win the town over. They come up with a plan to make sure their bar is a success. Charly never backs down from a challenge even though Jaxon wants his bar back.

“Yeah, we’ll see about that, Kitten. All claws, hisses, and bites, but exceptionally cute.”

From tension, games, and a little manipulation. Charly and Jaxon are both playing a game to see who will come out on top.

“Now you’re a real cowboy.”

To get a better understanding of the people in the town and what’s wrong with her bar. Charly ends up staying on the farm for a couple of days and spending time with the cowboys.

I loved everything about this book! From the fun banter to the deals exchanged, and the small-town vibes. This book was a fun read that I could not put down!

I can’t wait to read Willow and Eli’s story next! Fall 2024 needs to hurry up and get here.

Thank you, Stacey Kennedy, Harlequin, and Netgalley for this EARC! As always, my review is my opinion and thoughts. This review will be shared on my Instagram @Alexandriavwilliams_ shortly.

If your into the following, then woohoo is this book for you.
3 best friends buy a bar
enemies to lovers
sexy cowboys
Montana beauty
Romance romance romance

Stacey Kennedy has done something oh so right with the story of Charly and Jaxon. It reminded me of a tome from my mother's secret stash of books which is the highest compliment.

Thank you to Harlequin - Romance, Afterglow Books by Harlequin, and NetGalley for providing an eARC for an honest review.

Are you kidding!?! I was praying for the chance to read this and it did not disappoint. Jaxon Reed has me in a chokehold while Charly kept me on my feet. Their banter and playful relationship sucked me in further. I can’t wait for this to be out in the world 🥹

TW car accident resulting in death by drunk driver (main characters not involved in the accident), mention of side characters experiencing DV in their pasts

I liked the story well enough but something about the writing just wasn’t clicking with me. I think the part I enjoyed most of this story was the friendship between Charly, Willow and Aubrey. I didn’t really feel invested in Charly and Jaxons romance, Charly was alright but I didn’t care much for Jaxon. I was more interested in a possible romance between Willow and Eli, though I don’t think I’m interested in reading book 2. It wasn’t bad, it just didn’t grip me enough to want to continue the series.

3 stars, thank you to Harlequin and Netgalley for the chance to review an eARC.

This book is a feel good, enemies to lovers, hilarious banter, along with cowboy feels. This book is in a Montana bar/ ranch southern setting. The devil in blue jeans will give people the giddy feels along with swoon worthy romance. The female main character is sassy and a very closed person until she opens up to people. The next main character Jaxon has a certain charm that will have everyone loving him. They have off the charts chemistry that will have people falling in love with their characters.

Stacey Kennedy pens a searing romance that strikes the perfect balance of sweet, humorous, and one passionately angsty romance. Perfectly entertaining 5 stars read, read for sure!