This was a quick/cute romance. I loved the Cowboy theme. If you love something, let it go, and if it is meant to be, it will come back to you. I listened to this on audio, and the narration was superb. I very much enjoyed listening to this audio book. Thank you to the publisher and author for the ARC of this audio!

The poor narration didn’t help this already okay book. The narrator’s pacing was slow, and she often sounded like she’d reached the end of a line and forgot to read the next word. I sped it up to 1.2x, but the pauses were still really noticeable.

With shorter books, it can be tough to really get to know the characters, and that was definitely the case here. The female lead’s main trait was being upset that her love interest left, while he remained distant and uncommunicative. There just wasn’t enough depth to bring them to life.

To start the audiobook was well done and added to the story.
This book had a lot of promise. The prologue starts with a brothers best friend and high school romance where they share a kiss for the first time. Then we are suddenly four years later and they are not together and have not talked in a long time. I had wished that we got to see more of them together before the split as it would help with the developed feelings and animosity after the breakup. I also struggled with the MMC feeling the need to distance themselves from the FMC because he wanted her to follow her dreams but he wouldn't listen to what her dreams actually were. Overall it was a sweet story but definitely left something to be desired.

𝟐 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬 .𐦍༘⋆
it was okay.
i’m trying not to be too critical because this is a book from 2015 being re marketed so i mean of course the work is dated. that being said i feel like they could have reread and improved the story.

i genuinely think that if it were longer my rating would go up. i feel like we didn’t really get to meet the characters in depth and get to know them super well outside of their obvious plot necessary traits and because of this i wasn’t super interested in the plot or their relationship.

i feel like they also could have just communicated from the start where each other’s mind was at, considering that they’re adults and not children. like yes i get that it would be awkward at first, but you’re going to be seeing each other quite a bit.

also i am yet again begging authors to stop bringing up hints of the characters getting married or wanting to get married. its just such a boring cliche way to wrap up a story.

Ugh. I hate this. I hate not giving 5 stars. The book is well written but I can't get past the MMC and his BS.

I really did NOT like the way Brent forced her to make an uncomfortable choice because he was bullied into the same choice. He didn't like it when his dad did it to him and then he goes and guilts her into doing the same thing? It feels icky and I really wish it would have backfired on him. Kendall could not have been more clear about her feelings and why does he feel like he knew better than her. Then in the end he was still an annoying idiot. (view spoiler)

I'm glad this was just a Novella. I've read another book by this author and enjoyed it so I don't think this is an overall problem. Jessica Preddy did really well narrating this book.

Thank you to NetGalley, Bolinda Audio, and the author for the opportunity to read and review this story.

Thank you to Belinda Audio & NetGalley for an ALC of this book, in exchange for my honest opinion.

I didn’t realize this was the second book in a series, and while it could be read as a SA technically; it seemed like I missed a lot of back story on the characters because this book just jumped right into it.

Honestly not much happened, there wasn’t any build up to any of the plot points. The MMC was pretty annoying, and forced the FMC to make uncomfortable decisions for herself, just to deal with his insecurities. There was also no chemistry at all between them, and then boom they’re engaged.

This book just wasn’t for me.

Thank you Netgalley and Bolinda Audio for the alc. My opinions are being left voluntarily. I was so lost for this audiobook I am not sure if it was lackluster or just not in the mood to read it. A tell of mine is when I constantly check if it's done or not is my level of enjoying it.... the more I check the less I wanna listen....

3.5/5☆

Short and sweet. Lots of mutual pining. This was a quick read and would be a perfect palate cleanser in between books with more substance or if you are looking for a heartfelt western romance.

Jessica Preddy does a great job with the audio narration.

Thank you NetGalley and Bolinda Audio for access to the ALC in exchange for an honest review.

Childhood sweethearts, Kendall and Brent, lose contact when Brent moves away. But Brent is back because his mom had fallen ill. This is a sweet novella romance.

Many thanks to Net Galley and Bolinda Audio for an audio ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I really liked this book and the FMC.
The epilogue had me fully invested.
It was all the tropes! Childhood love, friends, to lovers, brothers, best friend, best friends, little sister, grumpy sunshine on top of cowboy!
So going from that to them not being together was kind of baffling and you have to go a bit into the book to find out exactly what happened.
And then you’re stuck. Feeling absolutely terrible for both of the characters as they try to navigate life thinking they can’t have the one person they love.
Heartbreaking!
I will say that with the MMC, I wish we knew more of WHY he act the way he acts the way he does. How it came to be is explained but the why he does things isn’t explained. I feel like he must have some kind of underlying anxiety disorder that he’s dealing with or even depression; maybe because he’s been through a lot? But I still don’t necessarily understand his actions in a lot of ways.
I guess it’s a good thing. I’m not the FMC because she understands fully and accepts him the way he is. She doesn’t try to change him or fix him. Simply allows him to be everything that he is. I’m not sure anyone could ask for more for their child!
Mostly as much as the parents are nice, I truly dislike them. Overhearing in such a gaslighting way. How is that possible? You’ll see!

I’ve only listened to a few audiobooks before, so I didn’t really know what to expect as far as the voice acting goes.
But after this one, I can see why they call it voice acting because the narrator definitely put their heart into the words and the feelings. It was as, you were reading their mind’s inner dialogue. It gives you all the feelings.

This is not the first in the series, and I will definitely be going back to read the first now!

First thing’s first: thank you Netgalley for the ALC of this book!
Hold Me Cowboy by Alissa Callen was a sort-of second chance romance between Kendall and her long time cowboy crush, Brent.
It was actually difficult to focus on the story because of the swallowing noises that whoever edited this audiobook left in. The narrator did a good job, don’t get me wrong! Everyone has to swallow and make mouth noises while they’re reading out loud. I was just very confused and distracted by the choice to leave them in the finished product.
This was a fairly short book (fortunately for my ears) but it didn’t feel particularly rushed. Not a lot actually happened in this book, just a bunch of mutual pining and arguing with themselves about why they can’t have each other. This was pretty cozy and cute enough, but I will forget everything in this book immediately upon finishing it, I fear.
2.75⭐️