Rider’s Block caught my interest because of its unique setup: a cowboy romance featuring a writer heroine searching for real-life inspiration. The small-town setting and tight-knit community added so much warmth to the story, and so did the relationships—whether it was family, friends, or romantic partners. I loved the atmosphere Andrews created and would happily read more about this community and its characters in future stories.
However, there were a few areas where the book fell short for me. The pacing was a bit uneven, and at times it felt like scenes stretched on without adding to the romance or the characters’ journeys. Although the story builds up slowly, the shift to the relationship turning romantic felt sudden, with the main characters going from tentative feelings to a relationship to marriage in what felt like the blink of an eye. Having dual perspectives could have added depth to the MMC’s character, making his feelings and actions more understandable to readers.
For readers who prefer adult romance with a bit of spice, it’s important to note that this is a closed-door romance. While I think a closed-door romance can still carry plenty of tension, here it felt somewhat lacking, especially as the characters' interactions remained limited to minimal kissing. A bit more emotional and romantic buildup could have enhanced the chemistry, and I’d suggest making it clearer in the book description that this is a closed-door romance, as I know many readers appreciate knowing what to expect in that regard.
The writing style was overall enjoyable, though at times the dialogue felt a bit artificial, and character dynamics a bit juvenile, particularly given the characters’ ages. This didn’t detract from the charm of the characters, but it did impact how relatable they felt as adults.
Overall, Rider’s Block has some wonderful elements—a unique premise, lovable characters, and a cozy small-town backdrop. With a bit more development in pacing and character perspectives, I think it could be an even stronger read. I’d give it 3.5 stars overall

I paused the book 19% thinking that I would pick it up again in a few days. But I really felt like I would have to force myself to pick it up again. I came to the concludusion that I love the idea of cowboy romances and I also loved the general plot of this book. But sadly lots of cowboy romances include animal cruelty like the rodeos. I thought that I could handle it cause it is fictional but I can't.
Still 3 stars causr the book itself is not bad I just don't like the topics it contains.

This is such a sweet, clean cowboy romance. I really enjoyed the banter between Mia and Eric. I loved how the reader gets to learn about cowboy culture right along with Mia while she is doing her research for her book. I fell in love with Eric's family and was rooting for each of them. It would have been fun to have a separate book for Dean and Penny but I think there is still enough of their story maybe we can get another swoony cowboy romance. Each chapter being a different song was fun. The author's note at the end was so sweet and I appreciate that she will provide the clean romance stories without a 3rd act breakup. I don't know if I loved this book or her other book, Yes, Chef, more. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an eARC of this book.

sweet cute book that fed my chestnur springs hangover but nothing tops queen elsie silver to m this was still a good book though

Waitlyn Andrew’s has quickly become a must read author for me! I was so excited for this one after how much I loved Yes, Chef and it did not disappoint.

After just finishing Chestnut Springs and still in my cowboy era, I knew I was going to devour this. I really loved the dynamics between the characters and overall found this a really cute read. Roper is adorable and my fave. My only complaint is that I wanted a little more of the happily ever after, after so much build up I feel like I was robbed of the outcome and seeing the happy couple continuing to build their life together.

I have to admit I got way too excited for Gabe’s little cameo. I really enjoyed this one and struggled to put it down. Will definitely be keeping my eyes peeled for more books in the future!

Thank you so much to Waitlyn Andrew’s and NetGalley for this copy in exchange for a review.

Rider’s Block by Waitlyn Andrews is about a woman who is a writer but down on her luck when her newest written novel gets sent back several times and told to basically redo all of it. She’s writing a subject she hasn’t written about before and therefore needs to do some research. This research finds her settled in a horse ranch with rodeo cowboys and one in particular grumpy cowboy.

I absolutely loved this book. The characters were lovely and I found myself feeling like they were all my friends too. The relationships are my favorite part of the book. It was very well done and great for people who love the love without it being spicy. It was sweet and innocent. Exactly how I love my romance novels. The only thing that I would have changed is how there seemed to be a lot going on towards the middle/end of the book. It started out at a normal pace and then it seemed like a lot was crammed into the last portion. Despite this, it is still an awesome read!

This was a very cute and heartwarming read! This is the book that introduced me to my cowboy era! It’s almost like those hallmark movies, a great filler and nice soft plot throughout it. To me this was a great filler read in between my usual dark romance. I would love to read more by Waitlyn!

If you know me, you know I’m gonna put away a cowboy romance. I plowed through this one in only two days and I thoroughly enjoyed it. If you are a long time fan of slow burns like me, just know, this one is an exceptionally slowwww burn, but that just makes it all the more irresistible. The only things holding this pristine novel back for me are just simply some reader’s preferences; this is still, without a doubt, a phenomenal read. I couldn’t put it down. Not to mention, I was physically unwell waiting for Eric and Mia to fall madly in love, but I promise you, it was so worth the wait.

Amelia is an author with over a dozen books published but her current book is not being picked up and she is being told by her agent that she needs to go to a place for it to be more authentic. So she heads for a ranch in Colorado hoping to find just that. What she finds is the beauty that she was looking for, the animals and people in the small town. She was not expecting the grumpy cowboy who she met the first day when her car was stuck and for him to be around her most of the time. This is a very good story with wonderful characters.

Author Amelia was on the fast track for being the best selling author every single time she wrote a book. However, after several rejections for her recent book she can’t figure out how to rework her book. One thing is blatantly clear, she does not know how to write about Colorado in a way that makes the readers know she knows about Colorado. So for three months she is packed up and ready to learn about small town cowboy Colorado. To her surprise she finds more than inspiration and he comes in the form of a quiet and slighty grumpy cowboy.
You want a sweet romance that’s clean?! Then this is the book for you! I have never wanted to move to a rural farm in Colorado so fast in my life before.

This was my first cowboy romance and i ABSOLUTELY devoured it!! As someone who moved from california where the beach was to Tennessee this was all to relatable! The golden retriever boys in this book are the cutest things! Lets go to a ranch with a hot grumpy cowboy, yes please!! The Randall brothers will be added to my never ending group of men in my brain that i LOVE! Eric, Eric, Eric.... the way that boy made up his mind and would wait however long until she came around, ugh, PERFECTION! I need a short novel with The randall brothers where are they now type stuff because on year later doesnt scratch my itch to know how they are all living! These couples are the best and this was the perfect way to jump into the cowboy romance theme! I NEED a physical copy to sit on my shelves now so i can always be reminded of the cowboy s that stole my heart! There was no spice in this book and honestly it didnt need it! This was the perfect grumpy x sunshine, golden retriever type themes that if done well you dont have to add spicy scenes and this was done well! I was kicking and giggling and blushing with that man Eric Randall. I wish i could read it again for the first time! I NEED this on my shelves!

I love a good cowboy romance! This book delivers on the cowboy and a slow burn romance. I loved the city girl coming to the country and falling in love with the town, the family, the animals, and the cowboy. Where this book lost me was the sloooooow burn, I was loving the tension and inner monologue of the FMC but I felt like it went on longer than believable. This is a closed door romance/no spice except for kissing which isn’t the issue necessarily, but it did feel a little unbelievable at times if it were to be real life. While I was reading this, I feel like it would be perfect for a hallmark movie and would thrive!

Cowboy romances are definitely having a moment, and Rider's Block fits perfectly into the genre. This book is a fun, slow-burn romance set against the stunning backdrop of Colorado’s cowboy country. I really enjoyed this one—there’s something so satisfying about opposites clashing in the middle of nowhere, especially when one of those opposites is a grumpy cowboy who can't seem to keep his feelings to himself.

The story follows a successful author who heads out to the heart of cowboy country for three months of research. Her mission: to write a novel in a genre that’s new to her, all while staying in the home of “rodeo royalty.” What could possibly go wrong? Well, for starters, she ends up pissing off the local cowboy, who happens to be a bit grumpy (and irresistibly attractive, of course). The tension between the two is immediate, but it’s the slow-burn nature of their romance that really keeps the story going.

Now, let's talk about the pacing. The middle of the book does drag a little when it comes to the romantic tension. It takes a while for things to really heat up between the author and the cowboy, but that’s the whole point of a slow-burn, right? Their chemistry builds gradually, and while it’s a bit frustrating at times, it pays off. Spoiler alert: when he drunkenly confesses his feelings after sneaking her whiskey, it’s both funny and endearing—and that’s when things really start to take off.

That said, Rider's Block nails the humor and the setting. The cowboy culture, the rodeo life, and the rugged landscape all come through beautifully, making you feel like you’re right there alongside the characters. And while the romance takes its time to develop, the banter between the two leads keeps the story entertaining, especially during those slower moments.

If you love cowboy romances with a slow-burn buildup, this one’s for you. It’s got humor, tension, and all the charm of Colorado’s cowboy culture. Plus, grumpy cowboys are always fun to watch fall in love!

This was, overall, a very cute romance. I really loved the world set at the ranch and the entire Randall family worked so well. I really enjoyed each of these characters individually and how the main character, Amelia, comes to know and love them while staying with them for the summer. Like her, they stole my heart and I could also argue the close knit bond between the parents, the sons, and each of their counterparts was the best part of the book.

The romance between Amelia and Eric started out great and the tension really felt like it was building up especially after Eric plays the chivalrous hero and saves her from not only having to dance with a jerk but also was drinking her drinks most of the night to save her from getting drunk herself. However, throughout the course of the book, it did feel more like I was being “told” about their romance and these sweet moments between them, instead of actually being shown and experiencing them firsthand. The tension dwindled and it got repetitive and I was surprised when they hadn’t kissed until around the 70% mark. I’m all for a slow burn but the pacing didn’t quite work with this book in particular, in my opinion.

Again, overall, it was cute and I could see why Amelia and Eric worked, but I personally needed more convincing.

This was my first Cowboy romance and the way I dragged this book because I didn't want it to end. This book singlehandedly made me want to get into rodeo, country music and every other cowboy romance I can get my hands on.

The chemistry between Mia and Eric was so sweet. I loved the grumpy sunshine dynamic that ultimately resulted in Eric becoming a protector and her biggest cheerleader. I loved feeling how deeply they both care about each other. Eric and Mia are the definition of finding your person.

I also loved all the side characters. The way conflicts were resolved and how we got to see the contrast between the main characters' families. I loved the found family feeling and how Mia was fully accepted for who she is and loved as one of their own. This is what healthy family dynamics look like.

I have to also mention how hilarious this book is. That bunk bed scene made my entire month. I laughed so hard at Dean. It was perfect!

I could go on and on about everything I loved about this book but the point is, it was amazing. I have been sharing it nonstop on my Threads and I will continue to recommend it because this one will stay with me for sure.

After searching for months, I have found THE most perfect cowboy romance EVER!!!

Most books I’ve read just depict a man riding a horse and living on a ranch but I love how this book goes into full detail on what it’s like to be a cowboy. Riders’s block was full of the feels and the best banter. Aslo this earns bonus points for having a great playlist. I don’t usually listen to music while reading but the playlist was so good that I had to!!!!

I loved the romance between the main characters and enjoyed the premise of the book, but I wanted to learnt more about them! I felt like I couldn't get a grasp of who they were as people so I couldn't root for them as a couple as much as I wanted to. Very faced paced book in terms of plot - think certain events could have been fleshed out a little more.

Good text pacing 10/10. was given the opportunity to give an ARC review. I would recommend this novel to others as it portrayed the cowboy fiction text quite eloquently.

Riders Block hooked me with the setup already – combine two of my favourite things, literature and country life, and that might just make me want to read your book. Sometimes there also is a little bit of curiosity in it, if the life in rural areas is portrayed in a believable manner and this book definitely put gasoline on this little fire burning in me, by presenting me with a female main character whose book just got denied by every publisher because it clearly showed she had no clue of life in the countryside. Call me curious!
We follow Amelia, an accomplished author who is trying out new styles and genres to write, descend into the ranch life in Colorado including living on a farm with a friend’s family. Found family, a ton of new friends on two and four legs later, she does find a little more than she bargained for.
The male love interest is of the grumpy, silent sort, who has some hilarious slip ups and weaseled his way into my heart a lot faster than into Amelia’s, that’s for sure.
The reader gets a glimpse into the country way of life, including rodeos, the work and perils around a farm and of course the absolutely over-romanticised version of everything.
Granted, I’m not an American country gal, but having grown up on farms, around every barn animal you can think of and riding more than walking, there were some things I found to be a little too over the top, even for a romance that is just trying to get you to feel that cosy, home-y feeling. One of those things is claiming that sharing a saddle with two grown ass adults is any sort of comfortable. Let me tell you, it is not and that’s a hill I’ll gladly die on. Ditch the saddle and we’re talking, but no one in their right mind and over the age of … let’s say, 8 years old, will ever say this is a comfortable thing.
Another thing a little too on the nose for me personally was the avoidant behavior of the female main character, as, granted, she did struggle with a lot of past experiences and while I do get the hesitancy she showed towards the love interest, the back and forth of her mind gave me whiplash: Either the MMC was doing way too much for her liking or a few seconds later, did not even show difficulty saying goodbye, which subsequently was not enough for her taste. The repetition of the same struggles over and over again without resolving any of this got a little bit on my nerves.
Repetition is a good keyword, as some of the phrases the author (the real one, not the fictional one) used, were a little to frequent for my taste. At times scenes I would have loved to experience with the characters were just skimmed over by giving a tiny summary within an internal monologue or just in a paragraph instead of actually taking the reader there. Furthermore, the parts where the female main characters just voiced her thoughts in an internal monologue but just putting a ton of short sentences into a paragraph did hinder my immersion at times.
This is, overall, a very cute country romance without spice but with a ton of lovable characters that will take your heart with ease. The author wants to provide a safe space with her books, where you get exactly what you expect and for me, she nailed that home-y, found family feeling, even if some parts did not work out for me perfectly, I would pick up another book of hers, anytime.

This had so much cute factor that I loved! This was an incredibly wholesome cowboy romance that set the characters up to face challenges and overcome them as a found family!

I did wish there was more action involved... there were a lot of scenes that had a lot of potential for great action or romance to bloom but we seemed to move through the scenes too fast. I understand and appreciate the slow burn, but I feel like it could have been expanded on a little more.

Review posted to GoodReads 10/13 and @evelynlainebooks 10/13.