Unfortunately this one didn’t work for me. Initially I was intrigued by the concept but I found the execution lackluster at best.

I really struggled to connect with the characters and just wasn’t all that interested the storyline. It didn’t feel like we really got to know these characters. Their interests, likes, etc. While I did relatively enjoy their romance something just didn’t quite click for me.

I also wasn’t a fan of the pacing in this book. It just felt a bit off. I found the characters to be a bit frustrating (at times) because they just wouldn’t talk to each other. Plus there could’ve been more buildup and tension between our two leads. When they got together it felt a bit anticlimactic.

I did really like how this book wrapped up. Eric and Amelia had a very sweet ending to their story.

This was a very easy and relatively cute read. If you’re looking for a closed door cowboy romance among those lines then check this one out.

Special thanks to netgalley, publishers, and Waitlyn Andrews for providing me with an eARC. As always, all thoughts are my own and are in no way influenced by early access to this title.

I loved the synopsis and the book!!

I did have have file issues which is why I did not get to this sooner/by the release date but I still loved it!!

Nothing is better to me than a good cowboy romance. I really loved the journey Mia took from California to Colorado. Whole I feel like a lot of her “research” and revelations was mostly to explain to us, readers, what was going on, it was helpful until it became like a good chunk of the book. Nothing wrong with explaining certain terms but breaking down each definition was a little annoying.

Mia is an okay character, not one who’s super unique and she finds herself in a lot of trouble that adds to her “I’m not like the other girls” vibe. She’s so kind in wanting to help out the family and her whole family issues were another thing. I didn’t love her but she was fun to have the main perspective be. Those red notes were so perfect I loved them as much as she did.

Eric - I’m not sure if i loved him. He was alright but like his trauma from his sport injury was definitely affecting him and the back and forth of I want her and I need to do this for me was a bi frustrating. Like he was nice to her in one chapter and then completely absent in another. The latter half he was decent if not a little overbearing for someone who was supposed to be a grumpy but romantic character

I feel like most of the side characters were my favorite. I liked Christine and Trevor and of course Penny and Dean. The relationship between Roper and Eric as more solid than the romance between him and Mia at one point

Overall not bad for a good cowboy romance. I think it had a few too many chapters but it was enjoyable

I really liked this book! I enjoyed that the book was being told from an author’s point of view about a story she was writing. Plus, I’m a sucker for romance novels about cowboys so this story hit all the points.

I enjoyed the slow burn between the main characters while watching the show that was Dean and Penny. The characters felt real to me, not over the top, like actual people with personal dramas that gave them setbacks to having a relationship with each other.

I loved when Eric realized that Amelia was it for him and watching him try to show her in her ways that what they could have, was real. That they could overcome the challenges that lay before them and that he was willing to wait for her to figure out but not give her so much space that she could run away.

I did feel like the story moved kind of slow, that it did take awhile for the development and storyline of the characters to move along, but still really liked this book.

I will definitely be recommending this book to my romance, book-loving friends that are looking for an easy to read cowboy romance novel. Easy 4 stars for me.

This book was exactly what I wanted in a book. First of all the cover is so cute! And I have been looking for a closed door small town book. And this one was perfect!

*thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book*

As I was a fan of Andrew’s debut novel, I was excited to read this one. And while I thoroughly enjoyed many aspects of the story, there were a few things that didn’t sit well with me.

To start of with the positives, I did really enjoy how our story takes places in the more peaceful quiet side and how we get a look into the life of those who work on a ranch and a really cute family dynamic. I also enjoyed seeing the author’s take on a grumpy x sunshine trope with Mia and Eric’s dynamic being some of my favorite parts of the novel. I also loved learning about Saddle Bronc and how it was highlighted instead of the more infamous bull riding.

I also really enjoyed seeing Amelia stand up for herself when it came to confronting her past. Her past is a big part of her deeply rooted issues with trust and seeing her confront it head on while still being mature was a really satisfying thing to read. I loved seeing a really mature but headstrong moment from the heroine.

It also worth noting this book takes many, many liberties with the work of ranchers as well as the publishing process so if you’re put off by inaccuracies like that, this book may not for you.

Now onto the things I didn’t enjoy as much:

tw: mentions of assault

There was a scene in the story where the main character speaks about a popular book she didn’t like and it is explained that said part she didn’t like was actually meant to symbolize sexual assault. While there’s a whole different conversation to be had about how certain themes can be misinterpreted or misread by readers, something I didn’t enjoy was how the main character saw it was a serious reference and then seemingly brushes it off? Sexual assault is a serious topic and I didn’t appreciate her almost implying that said character that was assaulted “could have done something to prevent it”. That’s incredibly victim shaming of this character and that was not a nice addition.

Another thing I didn’t love as much was how the story tackled Amelia’s reciprocation of Eric’s feelings, or more so seeming lack of it. I understand Amelia deals with many issues and it doesn’t come as naturally to her, but it felt like the novel went a bit too long with her not really affirming her love back to him. I would loved to see a scene of her telling him and watching their dynamic grow now that they’ve both affirmed their love for one another instead of her professing her love and then immediately getting to the epilogue.

As much as Eric’s patience and steady assurance of his love for her was a nice part of the story, part of me just wished it felt more evened out on Amelia’s part. While it is clear to the reader she felt it and she showed it in some of her actions, verbally affirming it sooner would have just felt a lot nicer.

Closed door romance & HEA with city girl author researching her failed book rewrite and grumpy, golden retriever, rodeo cowboy aiming to win big. A lot of cliches but executed differently, example: single bed, not a problem, cuddles up on the sofa with a cat. The chemistry is fast but the romance slow with both characters being well fleshed out. Rare in a romance that the FMC is so tangible. The end note by the author was adorable, she found her Eric.

4.5 stars!! ⭐

This was exactly the kind of book I needed right now - a heartfelt, charming cowboy love story that pulled me in. Although it took a bit to settle into the story, once it clicked, I found myself completely engrossed. The slow-burn romance and well-paced storyline made the wait worthwhile.

The main characters, Amelia ‘Mia’ and Eric, were such a joy to follow. Their relationship developed naturally, with no rush or forced moments, which made it feel incredibly real and relatable. I especially loved Eric's patience with Mia. Their character development, particularly Mia's, felt well-earned, and I loved watching the transformation.

I also loved watching Dean and Penny's relationship bloom, it was so sweet!!

My favourite quote from the book was: “You don't have to let go of you to be mine.” - the way I gasped! This is one of the best lines in a book that I’ve ever read.

I would like to thank NetGalley and the author for providing me with an eArc of this book in exchange for an honest review. <3

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me an ARC of this book 🫶🏻

Riders Block by Waitlyn Andrews is one of the sweetest books I’ve read in a long time. I loved every second of it. From the setting, to the dialogue, to the characters themselves, this was such a sweet book.

I love that Amelia had such a go get ‘em attitude towards everything and wanted to learn as much as she could about ranch and rodeo life for her book.
Eric was a precious man. In a world where every cowboy romance MMC is a massive grouch and all look like Rip from Yellowstone, it was refreshing to have Eric not be such an ass all the time.

This is a closed door romance so if you’re expecting any “spice” this isn’t the book for you. But if you want to read something where a man is so down bad after laying eyes upon a girl once? This is the book for you.

I could not get enough of this story! What a great, clean, uplifting romance. I feel like this could be turned into a series, and I would be the first one in line to get it. I loved how each chapter started with a country song that hinted towards what was to come, and (spoiler alert) I loved that there was not the typical romance trope of a fall out between the love interests. Life can cause enough drama as it is without all that negativity. Just a good, heartwarming read!

I didn’t end up finishing this book. I I stopped when the main character was speaking badly about a popular book which in generally i don’t feel is necessary. but the thing that really put me over the edge to not finish, was when the main character was saying that she felt victims of sexual assault could have done more to prevent it, and the actual author of this popular book wrote that part of that book to talk about male sexual assault. I’m very honestly just not going to continue a book or reading an author when any type of victim blaming is accepted.

I was sooo excited to read this book. Thank you so much to the author and publisher for the ARC!

Rider’s Block has so many amazing features. A fun, rowdy, dreamy setting, well rounded characters, and a FMC who’s feisty and also human. I absolutely loved the friendships and found family aspects as well, and of course all of the horses. Really the only thing that fell flat for me was the shift in the romance. I don’t think anything was done wrong at all, I understand why the author chose to build the relationship the way the she did, it just didn’t hit this time for me. I was obsessed with the build up but then once that pivot moment happened it just felt flat until the very end. That being said, I did think the stories each main character was experiencing was important for their individual characters.

Loved this so much that I read it in two sittings as I just couldn't put it down!!
This book made me fall in love with Colorado despite having never been to the US and now really want a pair of red cowboy boots.

I'm getting more and more into cowboy romance, and I really like it. The author does a great job capturing cowboy culture, and you get the chance to learn more about it. I loved the family dynamics and all secondary characters, including the other couples.

I had some issues with the FMC at times, but I understand her insecurities. The main couple is cute, but there was something missing in their dynamic to make them truly memorable. There were also some plot points unresolved. I was really into the book until about 60%, but then the pace slowed down. The story had a lot of potential.

Still, I recommend this book. It showcases a variety of green flag relationships. There's no third act breakup. The writing is good, and you'll enjoy the read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Amelia is a successful romance writer who lives in South California and who has had her latest manuscript rejected by many publishers. She has decided to try a new genre for that manuscript and the problem is that she didn’t do a proper job at research, you shouldn’t write a book about the ranch and cowboy culture if you’ve never lived it. Luckily her best friend, Olivia, has relatives in the Colorado planes and through her she manages to spend a summer with the Randall family. The eldest of the sons, Eric, is a grumpy man and unfortunately he’s also the first person he meets, after she has a tyre puncture in the middle of nowhere.

Of course it’s Amelia’s and Eric’s love story but there’s so much more to this book. I don’t know how I ended up liking it because Amelia is so stupidly blind it’s not even funny (it’s not stubbornness, trust me). Eric is so clear, so straightforward and so honest about his feelings for her and telling her about them time and again that I felt that the poor guy would need to get a tattoo on his temple saying “I love you”! Actually, and because of Amelia’s voice, I wasn’t liking the book and I almost abandoned it. She is the sole narrator in the first person of the story, we only hear her thoughts and sometimes it was annoying. We never see Eric’s point of view. Also there were many moments that felt too convenient and some others that had no purpose but to add drama (the last encounter with her father could have been deleted and it would change nothing).

But I fell in love with with the Randalls and another positive aspect of the book is that I learnt a lot about ranches, cowboys and rodeos, which for me, being from outside of the USA is rare and unique. About the second half the book picked up and became more enjoyable.

If you’ve ever wondered what happens when a big city author crashes headfirst into cowboy country, Rider's Block by Waitlyn Andrews is the hilarious, heartwarming answer! Packed with witty banter, slow burn romance, and one very grumpy cowboy, this book takes "research trip" to a whole new level.

Amelia Greene, a successful author with nearly a dozen books under her belt, is trying to break into a new genre. The problem? Her attempts keep getting rejected. (And no, she’s not being dramatic when she says aggressively rejected…okay, maybe a little dramatic). To win this publishing battle, Amelia knows she has to go all in. So off she goes, leaving the city behind for three months of “immersive learning” in the heart of cowboy country. And by immersive, I mean living with actual Rodeo Royalty, cue the dusty boots and grumpy cowboys.

Enter Wyatt, a cowboy who seems to have the permanent setting of “annoyed,” especially when it comes to city slickers like Amelia. The tension between them is undeniable from the start. Amelia knows she’s imposing, and Wyatt knows it too, and he’s not afraid to remind her at every turn. But when you’re stuck living under the same roof for three months, things are bound to get... complicated. Like, whiskey-fuelled confessions of attraction complicated.

This is an enemies-to-lovers rom-com that will have you laughing out loud as Amelia tries (and often fails) to blend into ranch life, while Wyatt, despite his best efforts, can’t seem to avoid falling for her. Andrews delivers all the banter, from Amelia’s sassy inner monologue to Wyatt’s gruff retorts. It’s clear from the get-go that these two are made for each other, even if they refuse to admit it.

And let’s not forget the horses, ranch shenanigans, and, of course, the sizzling chemistry that builds and builds until it finally breaks through Wyatt’s gruff cowboy exterior. This is the kind of slow-burn romance that will leave you grinning like an idiot and cheering for these two to figure out their feelings already.

If you love enemies-to-lovers, grumpy-sunshine pairings, and a hearty dose of cowboy charm, Rider's Block is the perfect escape. Packed with humour, heart, and just the right amount of heat, this book will rope you in from page one and leave you wishing you could extend your own trip to Cowboy Country.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for allowing me to share my honest review on this ARC read!

I can't even begin to describe how much I loved this read! ❤️ Peak cowboy romance, and an immediate addition to my favorites.

It was the cutest read, and a perfect start to the month ❤️ I knew I'd love it even from the fifth chapter. I was absolutely hooked to the story. I couldn't let go of this for a whole day, and ended up finishing 36 chapters amidst my busy day.

The romance between the characters was slow burn in its finest, I couldn't have asked for more. I loved Eric and Mia, but also Dean and Penny, and literally the whole family plus the horses ❤️ I was so immersed in all their stories, and didn't even prefer one to the other.

I loved this so much, I can't believe it's a standalone book. This would be so good as a series for all the brothers ❤️ I highly recommend this for readers who want a cute cowboy romance story with tropes such as forced proximity, one bed, and a secret softie MMC.

A good, cute romance about cowboys & rodeos. I love a good romance, and this one did not disappoint, no break-ups, just a good HEA. I also learned a lot about rodeos & cowboys that I didn't know which is always plus. This is a no spice book in case that is or isn't your thing. It definitely makes me want to read her other book.

Thank you to the author for my advanced copy! All thoughts are my own.

I love a cowboy romance and a book about writers, so when I saw this cover it was an immediate yes for me. This is a book that you just need to enjoy the ride and meet the characters where they are. I think I had a bit too high of expectations, especially not having read this author before, so it’s not a new favorite of mine but I I did enjoy a lot of aspects of it.

Synopsis:

“You’d think after nearly a dozen successful books under my belt I’d know better than to write about a location sight unseen. My attempt to break into a new genre gets denied. A lot. Aggressively? Exaggerating, sure, but it feels personal. The gauntlet has been thrown, and I can no longer avoid a trip to Cowboy Country. I will get this book published.

Heading to Colorado for three months of research was not on my bingo card for the year, but I somehow find myself in the home of Rodeo Royalty. Ideal for immersive learning, but a little less than ideal when I have a propensity to piss off the grumpiest cowboy in 100 miles. I know I’m imposing, he knows I’m imposing, but if I can just make it through the next three months without ticking him off further, that’d be great. And if we could make it through the summer without him drunkenly confessing his attraction to me—again—that’d be even better.

 Serves him right for drinking my whiskey.” —NetGalley

What I Liked:

The Setting—I’ve been reading a lot of western/cowboy romances in the last year but have yet to travel to Colorado in one! I grew up skiing out west so it was so fun to return to the area and see it from a new perspective.

The Characters—I love a meddling family and a big cast of characters. I loved them all!

The Happiness—This book was fun, joyful, and a low stakes read. Sometimes, those are so necessary.

What Didn’t Work for Me:

The Pacing—While I loved the vibes of this book, the execution didn’t work for me. I felt like the pacing was all off so that we were on a rollercoaster of emotions for the sake of it, rather than for deep character reasons. It didn’t give fun “will they or won’t they” energy, it just felt like we were holding out for no reason. There were so many moments that felt like they came too soon at the top of the book and too late at the end. The tension was there but the reasoning for it wasn’t.

Character Authenticity: 3/5 Spice Rating: 0/5 Overall Rating: 2.5/5

Content Warnings:

parental abandonment, injury

Rider's Block is a sweet, feet kicking and giggling cowboy romance that sweeps you off your feet.
The book opens with Amelia, a best selling author who is struggling to get her book published. She heads to a ranch in beautiful Colorado to get a better perspective of what Colorado really is. What she finds there is quality research and wonderful experiences, in more ways than one. She is tempted with a hot cowboy, whose attitude leaves much to be desired.
The story is about trust and growth and how not every journey will go as planned. Common themes in the book are success, family, and friendship.
I enjoyed this book because the witty banter, the family dynamic and the classic 90's vibe. I love when a book pulls into the real world by mentioning real movies and books that the reader can relate to.
The author really makes the characters so personable it feels like we are part of the book.
Tropes:
Love at first sight
HEA
Cowboy
He falls First

Rider's Block is a cowboy-writer cliche romance set in Colorado.
This is all you need, if you're into something quick to read, found family, instalove, and warm small town ambiance with cowboys🤠

My issues with the book are that I just love slow burn and they are falling in love pretty instantly, and I need to see the FMC actually do write more about her book since she's a writer

☆☆☆/5

Thanks to NetGalley for providing me an E-ARC in exchange for honest review!