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𝘐𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 want 𝘕𝘢𝘴𝘩 𝘊𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘳, 𝘐'𝘥 𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘮𝘺 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘭 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘩𝘪𝘮 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘯𝘰𝘸. ⁣
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This is my first book by this author, and I loved it! Brothers best friend is a favorite trope of mine, and this one hit all the marks. ⁣
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Nash Carter is a recently retired hockey star and wears a lot of hats in Laurel Creek. He's also an eternal bachelor. CeCe Ashby is back in town after escaping a toxic relationship and needs to find a job. Look no further than Nash Carter for help. These two can't seem to keep their eyes off each other! ⁣
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I loved Nash and CeCe! Nash is one of the dirtiest talking part-time cowboyspart-timeI think I've read 🥵 CeCe is so sweet with her mom and niece, and she has the funniest group of girlfriends. ⁣
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This was a great introduction to the Ashby siblings and the ranch, and I can't wait for more! ⁣
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Thank you, @randomhouse & @netgalley , for the ARC!
10w

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy!!

I love a cowboy and small town romance! This one had all the best aspects that I love in a romance book. The setting was one of my favorite parts, the found family and Cece discovering herself again back in her hometown. I LOVED Nash, one of my favorite book boyfriends. The scenes with him protecting Cece from her ex were everything. I loved the brother best’s friend trope and of course a romance with a cowboy (who was a former hockey player). This was a really strong debut and I am excited to read the next book!

Thanks again NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy!

3.5-4?!

I think this may have just been too spicy for what I was in the mood for.

•small town
•cowboy
•fwb to lovers
🌶️🌶️🌶️

“I knew what this was when it started but some way, somehow it’s me who’s breaking the rules, not only her no feelings rule, but all my own rules”

💚brother’s best friend
🩷small town
💚found family
🩷spicy
💚age gap
🩷fmc returning home
💚retired nhl player
🩷man obsessed

Everything I need and want from a small town romance! She moves back home after a break up (ex not wanting to let her go), he’s a retired nhl playboy, she’s had a lifelong crush on him, his best friend’s little sister, around and around we go. I’m always here for it. Give me all the Silver Pines stories!

💜 great debut!
💜 Small Town
💜 Cowboy
💜 Brothers best friend
💜 He falls first
💜 Loved the audio

Loved this! The spice, the emotions, the girl gang 😍

Thank you netgalley for this ARC!

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

If you’re in the mood for a slow-burn romance filled with second chances, small-town charm, and just the right amount of horse ranch drama, Holding the Reins delivers in spades. Paisley Hope spins a heartfelt tale about starting over, finding yourself, and, of course, falling in love when you least expect it. This book had me smiling, swooning, and occasionally shouting, “Just kiss already!”

CeCe Ashby is the kind of heroine you can’t help but root for. She’s coming out of a toxic relationship, and you can feel her mix of relief, trepidation, and hope as she returns to her family’s equestrian ranch. Watching her rediscover her strength and passion for life was one of my favorite parts of the book. Enter Nash Carter—hockey superstar turned local business owner, who also happens to be her brothers’ best friend and her childhood tormentor. Naturally, sparks fly, and not all of them are friendly at first.

The chemistry between CeCe and Nash is chef’s kiss. Their banter is sharp, occasionally playful, and always laced with that electric tension that makes you grin like an idiot. Nash’s journey from protective big-brother figure to swoon-worthy love interest is seamless, and it’s clear early on that his teasing comes from a place of affection. CeCe’s guarded heart and Nash’s reluctance to risk his friendship with her family add just enough angst to keep things interesting.

Favorite moments? There are so many. The scene where CeCe takes the reins—literally—on the ranch and impresses everyone with her horse-handling skills? Iconic. Nash seeing her in that moment, fully herself, is a turning point in their relationship. And don’t even get me started on the scene where they’re forced to muck stalls together—it’s equal parts hilarious and steamy, proving that romance can bloom even in the most unglamorous settings.

The small-town vibe in Laurel Creek is another highlight. From the tight-knit Ashby family dynamics to the townspeople who always seem to know everyone’s business, it’s impossible not to feel like part of the community. The equestrian setting adds a unique touch, grounding the story in a world of hard work, tradition, and a little Kentucky magic.

If I had one critique, it’s that the conflict toward the end feels a bit rushed. There’s a misunderstanding that causes some temporary friction, and while it’s resolved quickly, I would’ve liked to see a bit more depth in how CeCe and Nash navigate it. Still, it doesn’t take away from the overall charm of their love story.

Holding the Reins is ultimately about letting go of the past and finding the courage to embrace the life—and the love—you deserve. It’s warm, witty, and packed with all the feels. Whether you’re a sucker for small-town romances, best-friend’s-sibling tropes, or anything involving horses, this one is a must-read. Grab a cup of sweet tea and settle in—you’re going to love the ride.

5 Stars for this Small town ex hockey player turned bar owner romance. I love Nash and CeCe's story.

This was such an easy, enjoyable read. A hockey player and a cowboy? Literally my two favorite things combined—I’m obsessed. It’s a solid start to the series, and I’m so ready to dive into the sequel.

The spicy scenes? Amazing. And THE WAY HE CRAWLED TO HER? I was done. CeCe was such a great character, but I can’t lie, Nash had some red flags that made me pause. Like that chapter where he showed up in Seattle after she specifically said she needed to go alone? Even though her ex, Andrew, ended up playing her, it still gave major stalker vibes.

Also, I could’ve done without the epilogue. It felt a little too corny and predictable for my taste.

Buckle up, cowgirls this one is for all the cowboy loving romance readers. Whew, can Paisley Hope write a fantastic cowboy romance. Seriously, this series is top notch and one of my absolute favorites this year. She quickly has become one of my absolute favorite authors. Her plot and characters are just so perfect and I adore every word of her writing. And how perfect are her covers? It just fits the whole vibe.

Quick Summary: A small town, forbidden love romance

My Review: Holding the Reins by Paisley Hope is book #1 in the Silver Pines Ranch romance.

About the Book: "Cecilia “CeCe” Ashby is finally escaping the toxic relationship that has consumed her entire adult life.. She returns to her hometown of Laurel Creek, Kentucky..."

In My Own Words: A woman returns to her hometown and finds everything she ever wanted. She didn't expect her forever to be linked to her "brother" from another mother.

My Final Say: This was a great forbidden love story. The whole "like a brother" angle worked well. The tension between CeCe and Nash was easy to pick up on from the start. Their conflict points were realistic. The support of their family and friends helped to move the story along and provided good texture. (I cannot wait to read the stories of the other characters. They were introduced in such a way that it was easy to see how their stories might unfold.)

Other: This story had so many levels of heat that I didn't quite know how to rate it. It was pretty darn intense. It went in a direction I did not expect, at times.

Rating: 4.25/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Status/Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Chemistry: Yes
Tension: Yes
Conflict: Yes
Heat/Spice: Yes
Series: Yes

Appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Dell), and to NetGalley. Thank you for the opportunity to review this title. The words I have shared are my own.

I first read this book on Kindle Unlimited and fell in love with these characters. I didn't realize until its re-release how much I really loved this story. This series is the perfect combo of small town, sports romance and workplace romance, all in one. The perfect amount of plot and spice to keep you equally excited about the love story and falling even harder for the MMC when he's in the bedroom! I highly recommend this book and I can't wait to read the rest of this series and any series Paisley Hope writes in the future!

Thank you so much for the ARC!

This was a cute and sexy romance. If you like the Rebel Blue Ranch series, I am sure you will like this book.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for my honest review.

I’m always going to be down for a cowboy romance. But can we TAKE A MOMENT for the MMC! Okay Nash! The setting was great and I can’t wait to see more from Paisley!

I am definitely in my cowboy romance era again and boy did this one hit the mark! I loved that the chapters were short because I found myself saying “one more chapter” and then was somehow halfway through the book 😂 excited to go back to silver pines for book 2!

DNF - there were just tropes in this one that I can't abide by. I cannot deal with "she is gorgeous and everyone knows it except for her", there were too many times in his POV where we are told that he is well endowed, and I really had enough of the best friend's sister/off limits romances. Was not for me.

“𝑵𝒂𝒔𝒉 𝒄𝒂𝒏’𝒕 𝒔𝒆𝒆𝒎 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒆𝒚𝒆𝒔 𝒐𝒇𝒇 𝒐𝒇 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒃𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒇𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒅’𝒔 𝒎𝒖𝒄𝒉 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓, 𝒗𝒖𝒍𝒏𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒕𝒍𝒆 𝒔𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒊𝒕 𝒔𝒆𝒆𝒎𝒔 𝒔𝒉𝒆’𝒔 𝒃𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒃𝒂𝒄𝒌.”

A retired hockey player turned part-time cowboy AND the brother’s best friend trope? PLS I'M HERE FOR IT! 🏒🤠

This book gave me everything I needed and more!! The author did NOT hold back she gave us bread and left NO BREAD CRUMBS!

The story follows CeCe, who returns home after leaving her fiancé to start fresh in the small town where she grew up. And guess who’s still around? Her brother’s best friend, Nash Carter a recently retired hockey player who now helps out at the family ranch. He’s been like family for years, but with time as they both age like fiiiiine wine, CeCe starts to wonder if there’s something more between them. DUUUH THERE’S A TON MORE. 😏🔥

I’m obsessed with cowboy romances🤠 , and this book just proved why. Nash is the ultimate small-town protector who will do anything to keep CeCe safe even if it means throwing punches at her ex-fiancé (which was tooootally necessary, btw). Both CeCe and Nash have that "I’m trouble" vibe, and their chemistry made this such an entertaining read. The banter? Yes. The tension? IMMACULATE. And let’s not forget the classic “touch her and you’ll regret it” moment; a classic trope that never gets old! 🥵

Holding the reins isn’t just about their sizzling attraction; it’s also about digging into their pasts, facing old wounds, and navigating the complexities of falling for someone who’s technically off-limits. Their romance is messy, layered, and anything but simple and that’s EXACTLY why I loved it.
💗🌾🐴

Tropes
✨ best friend's little sister
✨ small town
✨ cowboy romance
✨ found family
✨ secret hookups
✨ boss x employee (ish)

Thank you DellRomance & Netgalley for giving me an eARC in exchange for my honest review!

CeCe Ashby has returned to her family’s ranch in Laurel Creek, Kentucky, after breaking her engagement and leaving what had become a toxic relationship. Almost as soon as she returns, she runs into her brother’s sexy best friend, Nash Carter, the newly retired superstar of the Dallas Stars hockey team. Nash is a hometown hero, local business owner, and a notorious bachelor. He and CeCe immediately hit it off and when he learns she is back for good and in need of a job, he hires her.

This was a super spicy western romance! It was a lot of fun watching CeCe and Nash get to know each other as something more than the brother’s best friend dynamic that they had both grown up with, and oh boy, the spice was definitely spicing the more they got reacquainted! I also loved the small town vibes, the secret dating, and of course, that there’s my favorite trope of all, found family, and that it’s so well done.

Holding the Reins is the first installment in the Silver Pines Ranch series and it’s Paisley Hope’s debut. I look forward to reading more from her.

This is a new author for me but I’ve enjoyed this taste of her voice. Characters are solid, could use more originality or depth. Plot was promising and intriguing, could be refined a bit more. Romance was a balance of emotional and realistic! This was a beautiful book! Looking forward to more!

Cute spicy ranch novel! When CeCe returns to her family's ranch in Kentucky after breaking off her engagement in Seattle, she decides she's taking time to focus on herself. Although, being back is difficult since her dad passed away a few years prior.
Nash is a full time resident in town after a successful NHL career. Best friends with CeCe's brothers, like another son to her mom, and hero to residents and hockey fans- Nash bought and renovated the hockey center into a modern marvel. He also helps run the local bar, and works on the ranch. One other catch... he's CeCe's new boss.
Working together and seeing each other on the ranch every morning wears the sexual tension thin between CeCe and Nash. Her bothers would flip if something happened between them. Maybe just once to get out of their system? What's the worst that could happen?

A steamy tropey read that's just fun. Cece's come home, as has Nash, a retired NHL player. Sparks fly almost immediately. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Not deep (not at all) but entertaining.