I absolutely ate this book up! I loved that it combined hockey and cowboys. This was soooo cute. sweet, spicy and swoony! I just wanted to give poor Nash a hug. Brothers best friend and small town are two of my favorite tropes. the writing was great, the spice was great. I cant wait to finish the series and read the new MC romance by this author too !!!!!

After finally leaving her cheating fiancé, Cecilia “CeCe” Ashby finds herself back in her small Kentucky town, living in a cabin on her family's equestrian ranch. CeCe is unsure of what to do now and is in dire need of direction, so when Nash Carter offers her a job, she can't refuse. As a retired hockey star, Nash has become somewhat notorious around town. Whether it's helping teach kids at the state-of-the-art sports complex he built, slinging sangria over at the only good bar in town, or for the gaggle of women throwing themselves at him. Nash has been best friends with CeCe's brothers for years, so he thinks nothing of offering her a job, but the more time they spend together, the more Nash starts to view CeCe as more than the annoying young girl he used to tease. The pair know getting together would be a bad idea, but neither can deny the spark and maybe love is worth the risk.

I've been in my small-town romance era this year, and this sounded too good to pass up. I thought the characters and setting made the story. CeCe was fun and feisty, and I liked how she stood up for herself. Nash was commanding and vulnerable, and I'm always a fan of an MMC who is gone for the FMC. He had some demons from his past, but he put the work in to become the man CeCe needed, and I liked watching their relationship blossom. As mentioned, I also loved the setting. It felt like your stereotypical small Southern town where everyone is in everyone's business, and gossip spreads like wildfire, but it was so fun. Hope's writing felt similar to Tessa Bailey's in that it was both raunchy and ridiculous in equal measure. Some moments felt a little clunky, but you can tell there's real potential, and I'd recommend checking it out if you're a fan of the brother's best friend trope. While it's not a new favorite, I'm excited to check out the rest of the series.

Closer to a 3.5 - I look forward to more books from Paisley Hope and believe that as she grows as an author, her books will address some of my issues with this one.

But first, what I liked:
- Hope spent time establishing the town and characters (clearly looking to build out future parts of this series) but in doing so helped bring the over all story to life
- The overall plot was easy and enjoyable
- Some of the side characters were delightful (e.g., Mama Jo)
- Nash’s dirty talk was top notch

A few pieces that weren’t my favorite:
- There was a lot going on and, unfortunately, that lead to some loose threads in the story that were never clarified nor completed (e.g., why Cece stayed with Andrew for months after realizing he was cheating on her)
- Some of the exchanges felt at odds with the character that was being portrayed (e.g., Cece being a ‘wild’ child but then getting embarrassed by jokes about sex with her friends)
- In the third act miscommunication, I felt like Cece was really harsh and lacking in empathy to Nash’s trauma (I.e., he acknowledged he is struggling from the trauma of losing his parents and she basically says that’s life)

Thank you to NetGalley, Paisley Hope, and Random House Publishing for providing me with an advanced reader copy.

I ate this up. 👏👏👏

"what even is feminism when i'm naked with Nash Carter?"

The tropes, the romance, everything was everything small town romance but you don’t leave disappointed. It's straightforward in a way that you know will be enjoyable and easy to read. If you want an entertaining, spicy read this one is for you.

Chapter 41 had me 🥵. I'm a goner for Nash Carter.

✅ cowboy
✅ retired hockey player
✅ dirty talking
✅ brother's best friend
✅ so. much. spice.

3.25 ⭐️ A quick and fun read that was exactly what I needed, I liked the main characters enough but nothing much beyond that, what I really loved was the family. I feel like this book is gonna be one of those cases where I think the first book is ok but I love the others (especially knowing that the next one is Wade & Ivy 🙂‍↕️) tbh I saw more positive points than negative ones, but what made me lower my rating a lot were the spicy scenes, I found some lines a little bit ew??? 😭 Despite everything, if you like cowboy(ish) romance, small town, etc etc I highly recommend it!!

<i>Thank you Netgalley & Random House for sending me an arc copy in exchange for an honest review :)</i>

Paisley did an absolutely stunning job crafting genuine characters with heart, epic banter that had me rolling, and spice that was SPICIN’. How she was able to craft a MMC who is the brothers best friend, the bar owner, a retired NHL player, AND a part time cowboy with such authenticity I just don’t know. Add in a fierce and incredible female cast too? Whew! Perfection. The whole cast is lovable and authentic, with maybe just one exception but you’ll know who that is.

I am a SUCKER for the details in a story like this. The use of music, food, and small gestures that are BIG gestures because they are what build the intimacy and make stories come alive. Paisley had this in SPADES. Whether it’s remembering her coffee order or discussing her father, Nash puts in the effort to connect with CeCe and you see their bond strengthen with each chapter. With such a strong and organic connection between them, the spice was PERFECT. “Never be embarrassed with me” is one of the hottest lines I’ve ever read. That and the whiskey. 😘

I adored both MCs and how much love and respect they had for each other. She sees and respects all he does for her family and their community. He loves how incredibly intelligent and talented she is. We see both of them working through things independently and together in a really beautiful way. I LOVED the 3rd act, I’ll leave it at that.

I officially declare 2024 as the year of the cowboy romance. I don’t know that I’ve seen as many cowboy romance books in bookstores as I have this year, with Holding the Reins soon to join the masses.

CeCe Ashby has been going through it. After breaking up with her cheating fiancé and losing her father, she returns home to Laurel Creek, Kentucky, to quietly pick up the pieces of her life. When her brother’s best friend and retired NHL star, Nash Carter, hires her to manage his skating rink’s financial accounts, the two move from family friends, to coworkers, to something a little more.

Holding the Reins has some of my very favorite tropes: small town romance, brother’s best friend, and work place romance. I enjoyed the dual points of view as well, and felt like it gave more depth to the characters, particularly Nash. I have a feeling more books will come in this series and am keeping my fingers crossed for one featuring Cole and Ginger (if you know, you know). There were definitely cringy moments and dialogue, but it was a fun read overall. If you’re in the market for a “cowboy-esque” romance with lovable characters, this is the one for you!

Thank you to Netgalley and Dell Books for the ARC!

Thank you Netgally for providing me with an E- ARC for my honest review!

Super cute small town cowboy romance! Throw in an ex hockey playing brother’s best friend from your childhood… perfection!!
This book had me giggling constantly, absolutely loved the banter. Great side characters that I am hoping we get to see more of!
Nash…. Whew, the mouth on this man is scorching…
I ate this one up in a couple days. Definitely recommend.

4/5 Stars

Thank you to Dell Romance for providing me with an e-arc to read.

I absolutely love a good small town cowboy romance and add in the fact he also is an ex-hockey player and I was sold. This book was a fun take on ex playboy hockey player and brother’s best friend trope with our fmc who just got out of a long term relationship and has returned home. I can’t wait to continue this series as I really loved the cast of characters.

CeCe Ashby is finally returning home to escape her toxic relationship that has consumed most of her adult life. She isn’t sure what her future holds but she knows it can’t be with her ex and it was time to come home. Nash Carter, is a retired hockey player and CeCe’s brother’s best friend and overall he has been unofficial adopted into the Ashby family. It has been years since they last were really together but now there is undeniable chemistry between CeCe and Nash and they don’t really want to fight it when they could jump off the deep end together.

I loved how into CeCe, Nash was the entire time. Whenever she would be at the bar he worked at he would basically scare of men that likely wanted nothing more than her body and he was protective even if he didn’t realize why. CeCe is just coming out of a long term relationship but she had known for months it was over she just had to find a way to leave. She never expected the playboy brother’s best friend to be the one she catches feelings for but she can’t deny what she feels. I loved their relationship and I really liked the conflict towards the end and how it was handled.

Overall I can’t wait to continue this series soon and I recommend this one if you want a spicy small town cowboy romance who also is a retired hockey player. It was really fun and a solid read.

The premise of this sounded fun to me but the execution didn’t quite work in my opinion. The attraction between CeCe and Nash seemed purely physical and the intimate scenes were centered on Nash’s pleasure and his demands. I didn’t really understand or get to know CeCe at all other than what we’re told - she’s super hot and amazing at her job. I’m not sure how Nash is able to juggle the million jobs he seems to have either.

Anyway, while this wasn’t for me, I think readers who like cowboy/hockey/forbidden romance may enjoy this.

Thank you to Random House Ballantine and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a copy.

“Where do you want me, Mr.Carter?” 🧾

“I’m starting to think I’d stay with CeCe as long as she let me” 🥃

ARC Review:

This book had all my favorite things! Hockey, cowboys, and brother’s best friend trope! These characters were so obviously obsessed with each other from the first chapter and watching them fight that was half the fun of reading this book. This book does a great job of showing grief in many forms and showing that you can still experience grief and guilt years after a traumatic event. I’m always appreciative of a story that holds truth behind it. I loved that Nash really proved that he wasn’t a player anymore, but you still saw the sexy side of him in the bedroom. I also loved that CeCe and Nash were vulnerable with each other! Once I really started reading this book I couldn’t put it down! Ginger and Olivia brought the comedic relief and Mabel was a shining star!! The spice was giving in this book and it was so expertly done that it made complete sense when it was included! I can’t wait read Paisley Hope’s next book!! 💚🫶🏻

This book releases on October 21st in North America and I will be preordering my copy ASAP! 🩷

I requested this because it felt like my vibe. I love a cowboy romance. Brother's best friend is a guilty pleasure. Protective MMC. It's sort of forbidden, but they can't stop thinking about one another. Holding the Reins had all the right ingredients for me, down to a gorgeous cover.

However, a book needs to be more than its tropes, and this wasn't that for me. The characters are flat. I found myself cringing most of the time. HTR felt like a wishlist of tropes with characters that annoyed me more than they entertained me. This had potential, but it wasn't met with the final draft. I had to force myself to reach 50% of this book before accepting it's not for me.

Thank you, Random House for this e-arc in exchange for an honest and free review!

If you need me, I’ll be at Silver Pines Ranch with the Ashby’s and everyone else from Laurel Creek, Kentucky.

Cece returns home to her family ranch after ending an 8 year relationship. She’s ready to get back to her roots and start over, but she wasn’t ready for her brothers’ best friend and town golden boy, Nash Carter, to be who she wants to spend time with.

Did I mention he’s her new boss? YEAH.

Holding the Reins is a fast-paced romance that will have you laughing, crying, kicking your feet, and gasping (I’m looking at you, Nash Carter).

Read if you like:
🤎 Small Town Romance
🤎 Brothers’ Best Friend
🤎 Cowboy Romance (part time still counts😍)
🤎 Hockey Romance from the Part-Time Cowboy
🤎 BANTER
🤎 Found Family

I’m so happy this is going to be a series and cannot wait to see what happens with the next love story!

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review

I love the cover and the title! This is going to be a catchy series. The writing pulled me in from the start and I liked how the story unfolded. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

I am a sucker for a small town cowboy romance and I think Paisley Hope may just be a new favorite author for this ! Holding the Reins is book one of the series Silver Pines Ranch and I feel in love!

Cece Ashby is back at her family ranch after living away for almost a decade. She has just broken up with her fiancé and needs to be with her family in her small town.
“Note to self: you’re home now, where everyone will know everything you do before you even think of doing it.”

Nash is dedicated to work and being there for his pseudo family. The Ashby’s took Nash in when tragedy struck and he will forever be grateful for the life they gave him. But he isn’t prepared for when the youngest Ashby comes home and turns his world upside down.
“What’s slowly becoming apparent to me is what CeCe Ashby wants from me, she gets.”

Cece and Nash were a perfect one night stand that was destined to be so much more. They were great for each other in every way. The side characters of Cece’s brothers and her two best friends were also so fun. I’m excited for Wade Ashby’s story next!
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥: “Crawl to me, baby”

Holding the Reins has become one of my top favorite cowboy romances. The story follows our MMC Nash, a part time cowboy/ex NHL/businessowner/cinnamon roll and our FMC Cece, who works for Nash as his new accountant/administrator for one of his businesses. Cece is a strong and badass woman who had just recently broken off her engagement from her lying and cheating fiance. Nash and Cece are characters that are so beautifully written that you cannot help but root and cheer for them. Nash is understandbly going through some guilt and trauma that makes him very scared of commitment. Cece being fresh off of her relationship was not looking for anything serious. Of course as it always goes, nothing is casual and they both fall in love. I truly love the dynamics of their relationship. Nash and Cece have been together since childhood and Nash being her brothers' bestfriend has also caused some doubts and ripples in Nash's mind. I love how even though there is some miscommunication it all worked out in the end. I lloved their love story and was giddy throughout the book. The spicy scenes were also beautifully written. You could just feel the love they have for each other, not just in those scenes but in everything else outside of their bedroom. The other great thing about this book is the side characters. I wish all of them will have their own book, but I love Cece's friendship with the Not Angels. I especially loved Ginger and am very intrigued about Ivy. As for the boys, I love Wade and Cole and I'm so excited to read their books too. They are the best brothers for both Cece and Nash. Their Grandpa Dean was so funny! Lastly, I love Mama Jo. She is just that perfect mother that Cece and her family and eventually Nash needed.

Overall, such an amazing read. I love all the tropes. I love how it showed more than the love story of Nash and Cece but also how they dealt with heartbreak, grief, doubts and anxieties. The family and friendships dynamic in the book worked so well in the book too! 5⭐️ and is definitely high recommended.

Thank you to the author Paisley Hope, her publisher and NetGalley for this copy. I am looking forward to Taming The Heart. ❤️

⭐⭐⭐⭐ This was a solid brother's best friend romance, which is one of my favorite tropes! Also love the small town vibes and all the shenanigans that come with it. Our MMC, Nash, was everythingggg. He was definitely giving "touch her and die" vibes. Also, the fact that he was a reformed playboy and even tried to deny his connection to CeCe by going on another date was *chef's kiss* 👌👌👌. CeCe, the FMC, was learning to rebuild herself now that she was single, and it was giving *queen*. I loved that Nash took care of her and she deserved it. Overall, a solid cowboy/small town romance that I'd recommend to others.

This review has been published on Goodreads, 19th September 2024.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6861340036

I really wanted to love this book, because the premise sounded quite interesting, and I really tried, don't believe I didn't, but I'm sorry to report this book wasn't for me.

I have to give props to the author for keeping this book country, because I believe sometimes, even when it implies the book is *country* the essence gets lost in translation. However, that and the cover might be the only things I liked about this book.

Let's start with my main issue: this book was pretty uneventful all throughout. I felt like even as I reached the 45€ mark, nothing had happened yet, and on top of all that I could not fell a single ounce of connection betweeen the main characters, other that a s*xual one, because oh boy do they have s*x.

I have to say, the only portray of southern people I have comes from southern charm, and it’s not like they behave that well—if you know, you know— but I don’t really think they act the way the author portrayed them (feel free to correct me if I'm wrong).

One aspect of the premise that made me want to read this book was the age gap. I normally don’t have trouble with age gap—unless one of them is older by a mile and they knew the other MC when this one was a baby—, but for some strange reason, I din't feel entirely confortable with that. What do you mean he grew up with her brothers, acting like another brother when she was just a kid?

Maybe I've reached the point in my reading journey where reading books with smut is not the main attraction anymore, but must there be so much s*x? It’s like they were constantly having some sort of s*xual encounter, and it made it uncomfortable to read. Also, CeCe, honey, if you are old enough to have s*x, you are old enough to call a dick exactly that, because what to you mean she was calling it a freight train? *eye roll accompanied by a gag*
*Come, little queen, soak my face. Baptize me…and then, I’ll fuck you like the king that owns this pussy.* no words, but not in a good way

They got engaged way too fast imo, like I don't think this couple has what it takes to put in the work and have a happy life, or maybe I'm wrong and they'll be misserable together forever.

A note · His nickname for his daughter is little tendy, and all i could think about was chicken tenders; also, their baby boy is called Rex—like a dinosaur.

Thank you to Paisley Hope, Random House Publishing, and NetGalley for the review copy of Holding the Reins!

Thank you NetGalley & Dell Romance for allowing me access to this ebook!
Holding The Reins by Paisley Hope will be released on October 22. It's a cowboy romance where Cecilia "CeCe" Ashby returns to her family’s ranch in Laurel Creek, Kentucky, to rebuild her life after leaving a toxic relationship. Nash Carter, a recently retired hockey star and long-time family friend, can’t help but notice that CeCe is no longer the little sister he once teased.
Read this if you want a cowboy romance with a former hockey player (!!), plenty of smut, dual POV and little sister best friend who is off limit!

This felt like a lot...like from the dedication up to the first chapter I knew it was going to be a wild *literally* ride. This is definitely a quick, spicy, comfort read with a whole lot of tropes. Thanks for the ARC!!