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author2223's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Mental illness
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Abandonment, and Panic attacks/disorders
emilywemily6's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Sexual content, Toxic relationship, and Cursing
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, and Abandonment
Minor: Alcohol, Blood, Death of parent, and Medical content
a_libra_library's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I loved Ada and Wes so much that I read this book in a week!
Audiobook was stunning and I fell in love even more with the town of Meadowlark.
Ada is a big city gal looking for her big break to do more work in her field of interior design and working on a huge project for the Rebel Blue Ranch is the perfect opportunity to flex more of her talent. Only true obstacle is she didn't think her boss to be the charming cowboy she just meet in the local bar and can't stop day dreaming about.
Wes Ryder is the middle Ryder and has spent his entire life looking for his place in the families legacy, he decides that blazing his own path is the only way to do it which means no getting distracted by his heart or the painfully familiar tug Ada seems to have on it.
I think the character were even more fleshed out and brought to life in this book. I related to Ada so much I found myself annotating and crying at times.
Also Wes's relationship with his depression and how he treats and talks about it was BEAUTIFUL.
Tropes:
Small town
forced proximity
work place-ish romance
Big city girl small town boy
Black cat/ golden retriever
Anxiety rep
Depression rep
This is a 10/10 in my book
Moderate: Abandonment, Cursing, Emotional abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Panic attacks/disorders, and Sexual content
idktheyear's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Wes really is like sunshine! I appreciated the nod and acknowledgement of his mental health, but that it didn't take over the plot line or his personality. He is so thoughtful and sweet.
Ada isn't your typical sweetheart. She's grown and has trauma and is trying to work through it. I loved the girls night scene and the healing that starts stemming from that for her!!
I have mixed feelings about Ada's divorce. I feel like it was a big part of the story and the resolution at the end wasn't enough for me. I understand why the ending was the way it was, and it could be argued it was true to Ada's character, but I felt like I was left hanging a little.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. Ada is a city girl with a cold exterior but sweet on the inside, and Wes is a lovable, sensitive, patient cowboy. It's fun to fall into their story.
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Toxic relationship
Minor: Gaslighting, Death of parent, and Panic attacks/disorders
fivecatsinacoat's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
While this is the second book in the series, it stands on its own well. I have not yet read Done and Dusted (but I'll be looking to read it now!), but it does feature the same characters and continues their story arcs, so if that is important to you, read Done and Dusted first.
It is so wonderful to see more accurate representations of mental health in romance books lately. As someone who struggles daily with anxiety and depression, I understand the toll it can have on your life. Including and discussing mental health issues as they relate to the characters really makes for a more authentic and honest narrative. I have never really felt more close to characters as I did in this book, and I honestly think the discussion and inclusion of anxiety, depression, and self-worth helped me to feel seen and respected.
In a way, I'm kind of mad that this book is fiction. I want to be at Rebel Blue Ranch. I want to spend the night in Baby Blue. I want to walk the trails and meet Waylon the dog and Loretta the calf. I want to feel the sunshine on my face.
Also, I will be purchasing physical copies of these books because that cover? Perfection. I need it on my shelves.
Graphic: Sexual content, Mental illness, Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Death of parent and Injury/Injury detail