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4.01 AVERAGE
4.01 AVERAGE
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Thank you so much to the author for the gifted eARC. My opinions are my own.
Synopsis: Welcome to Rainbow Ranch where Boone is cooking up a storm and Wylie is there to help a horse.
Read this for:
- queer cowboys
- lots of tasty sounding food
- no third act breakups
- tender loving care
- found family
- miniature horse shenanigans
My thoughts: I wanted to wrap Wylie up in a big blanket of comfort after reading about his family. And I wanted to taste Boone’s cooking because I was constantly hungry from everything sounding so good. I adored the ranch and the family dynamics. The horses were amazing and I love that Wylie was so tender to them. I can’t wait to read more of the series, releasing later in July from some of my fave indie authors Clio Evans, Max Walker and Ashley Bennett.
Highly recommend for a cozy low stakes queer joy romance.
Synopsis: Welcome to Rainbow Ranch where Boone is cooking up a storm and Wylie is there to help a horse.
Read this for:
- queer cowboys
- lots of tasty sounding food
- no third act breakups
- tender loving care
- found family
- miniature horse shenanigans
My thoughts: I wanted to wrap Wylie up in a big blanket of comfort after reading about his family. And I wanted to taste Boone’s cooking because I was constantly hungry from everything sounding so good. I adored the ranch and the family dynamics. The horses were amazing and I love that Wylie was so tender to them. I can’t wait to read more of the series, releasing later in July from some of my fave indie authors Clio Evans, Max Walker and Ashley Bennett.
Highly recommend for a cozy low stakes queer joy romance.
Stirring Spurs packs so much sweetness and heat in a novella! M.A. Wardell is a favorite of mine (you’ve read his Teacher in Love series, right????) and his book in the Rainbow Ranch series is a wonderfully inclusive visit into the Cowboy/rodeo world. With Boone, the ranch ‘cookie’, and Wylie, a traveling horse whispering ranch hand have a touch of insta-love and it’s so sweet to read! The found family in this book is unmatched and I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the books in the series later this summer.
I received an advanced reading copy, receipt of which did not impact my review.
I received an advanced reading copy, receipt of which did not impact my review.
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Grey Promotions, thank you for the ACR and the opportunity to read this sweet cowboy book.
I loved everything about Boone Adams and Wylie Anderson; the instant connection and chemistry between them was written amazingly as the author layered it with being emotional and physical. The scenes with Boone and Wylie interacting with all the different characters were great and the dialogue was even better, reminding me of when I lived in the South.
It was a little insta-love, but I quickly moved past it with their strong connection and how well-written their interactions were when they shared personal details and there was such a strong emotional intimacy between the two. I loved all of the characters, and the details of the food left me hungry to have a plate of Boone's cooking.
I loved everything about Boone Adams and Wylie Anderson; the instant connection and chemistry between them was written amazingly as the author layered it with being emotional and physical. The scenes with Boone and Wylie interacting with all the different characters were great and the dialogue was even better, reminding me of when I lived in the South.
It was a little insta-love, but I quickly moved past it with their strong connection and how well-written their interactions were when they shared personal details and there was such a strong emotional intimacy between the two. I loved all of the characters, and the details of the food left me hungry to have a plate of Boone's cooking.
The perfect summer read!
Queer friendly ranchers, close knit family, swooning and sexiness. Stirring Spurs is a superb story that will make you smile and melt your heart the whole way through.
Boone is the ranch's Cookie and a super sweet and sunny guy who spends his days showing love through his cooking. Making sure everyone is cared for and nourished. His heart practically glows.
Enter the lonely travelling cowboy, Wylie. Broody, closed off and running from his pain, he was unprepared for the openness and kindness of Rainbow Ranch. And especially one particular twin.
It’s such a feel-good story. Really was wonderful.
✨ Review: Stirring Spurs by M.A. Wardell
⭐️ 4.5/5
This book had me full-on grinning and kicking my feet the entire time. Boone and Wylie are such soft-hearted, swoony men that I basically melted into a puddle. Their gentle flirting, the way Wylie slowly found his place on Rainbow Ranch, the undeniable chemistry—I ate up every word.
And can we talk about Dennis?! Tiny horse, massive attitude, instant favorite. He may not have had many lines (LOL), but his presence was felt. 🐴
The whole vibe was soft, cozy, and spicy in all the best ways. There’s just something about a cowboy romance that knows how to balance emotional depth and flirty tension. (Leaving the boots and hat on? Yes. Always. 🔥)
The Adams family brought so much warmth too—the kind of loving support system that makes you want to crawl into the book and stay awhile. This story wasn’t just about falling in love—it was about finding your place and the people who make it feel like home.
I’m absolutely feening for more Rainbow Ranch stories. If you love big-hearted cowboys, found family, and slow-burn charm with a spicy payoff, this one needs to be on your radar.
⭐️ 4.5/5
This book had me full-on grinning and kicking my feet the entire time. Boone and Wylie are such soft-hearted, swoony men that I basically melted into a puddle. Their gentle flirting, the way Wylie slowly found his place on Rainbow Ranch, the undeniable chemistry—I ate up every word.
And can we talk about Dennis?! Tiny horse, massive attitude, instant favorite. He may not have had many lines (LOL), but his presence was felt. 🐴
The whole vibe was soft, cozy, and spicy in all the best ways. There’s just something about a cowboy romance that knows how to balance emotional depth and flirty tension. (Leaving the boots and hat on? Yes. Always. 🔥)
The Adams family brought so much warmth too—the kind of loving support system that makes you want to crawl into the book and stay awhile. This story wasn’t just about falling in love—it was about finding your place and the people who make it feel like home.
I’m absolutely feening for more Rainbow Ranch stories. If you love big-hearted cowboys, found family, and slow-burn charm with a spicy payoff, this one needs to be on your radar.
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A sweet and lighthearted cowboy romance. Boone and his siblings run a working ranch where he is the cook. He takes care of everyone else but doesn't spend a lot of time thinking about himself, and that includes matters of the heart. That changes when stoic and sexy cowboy Wylie starts working on the ranch. The sparks between them are instant and undeniable, but Wylie hasn't chosen to stay anywhere for long. I really liked this low-angst story. The spice level is great and starts pretty early on. The chemistry between the 2 MCs is a joy to read and I love the pet name "Cookie". I would totally recommend for a fun and light read.
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is my first book from M.A. Wardell and I definitely picked a great one! Stirring Spurs is sweet, funny, heartfelt and has plenty of steam to keep Boone Adams and Wylie Anderson as well as myself, very happy. It's a shorter story but still manages to offer up wonderful feels as these two get to know each other over a few weeks and find the other is exactly what they didn't even know they needed.
I love the idea of a Rainbow Ranch where those who feel like they don't belong will always have a place with the Adams siblings. They run the ranch like a well-oiled machine, each having their duties that showcase their strengths and include opportunities for displaced teens a place to be themselves. I found it very interesting that all 4 siblings are queer in one way or another and it was beyond heartwarming how accepting they are of those who decide they may want a chance at a new life where no one will care who or what they are.
As Wylie takes what he thinks will be a 6-week gig at the most before he moves on to the next job, he finds himself instantly enamored by Boone and the way he is not only a fantastic cook but how well he takes care of everyone who crosses his path. Wylie's shyness only makes him more attractive to Boone who can be a force of nature, no doubt about it. But they balance one another and as they start to spend time together and Wylie starts to use Boone's amazing cake to entice a skittish horse affectionately named Noodles, it's just a matter of time before they declare just how much they love and admire the other.
The Adams/Rainbow Rance family dynamic is just so much fun to witness. They tease each other always with love and the best intentions for one another. They cherish and respect their animals in not having a traditional monthly rodeo but instead one that allows these magnificent creatures to simply be themselves however that may look. And with the way Wylie manages to bring Noodles out of its shell is truly beautiful and only endears himself not just to Boone but to the entire Adams family, including twin brother Beau.
I'm so glad I picked up this book. It's the perfect respite between heavier and much longer reads and showcases Wardell's talent for crafting full stories without having to be overly detailed. Although there is clearly a shorter 'courting' period for Boone and Wylie, I never felt short-changed in grasping their inner thoughts and deep feelings for one another. There's just enough in terms of emotions and secrets revealed that showed what they were all about and what kind of men they both are. Which is why I fell hard for these characters and look forward to more in the Rainbow Ranch series of books.
4 huge stars!
I love the idea of a Rainbow Ranch where those who feel like they don't belong will always have a place with the Adams siblings. They run the ranch like a well-oiled machine, each having their duties that showcase their strengths and include opportunities for displaced teens a place to be themselves. I found it very interesting that all 4 siblings are queer in one way or another and it was beyond heartwarming how accepting they are of those who decide they may want a chance at a new life where no one will care who or what they are.
As Wylie takes what he thinks will be a 6-week gig at the most before he moves on to the next job, he finds himself instantly enamored by Boone and the way he is not only a fantastic cook but how well he takes care of everyone who crosses his path. Wylie's shyness only makes him more attractive to Boone who can be a force of nature, no doubt about it. But they balance one another and as they start to spend time together and Wylie starts to use Boone's amazing cake to entice a skittish horse affectionately named Noodles, it's just a matter of time before they declare just how much they love and admire the other.
The Adams/Rainbow Rance family dynamic is just so much fun to witness. They tease each other always with love and the best intentions for one another. They cherish and respect their animals in not having a traditional monthly rodeo but instead one that allows these magnificent creatures to simply be themselves however that may look. And with the way Wylie manages to bring Noodles out of its shell is truly beautiful and only endears himself not just to Boone but to the entire Adams family, including twin brother Beau.
I'm so glad I picked up this book. It's the perfect respite between heavier and much longer reads and showcases Wardell's talent for crafting full stories without having to be overly detailed. Although there is clearly a shorter 'courting' period for Boone and Wylie, I never felt short-changed in grasping their inner thoughts and deep feelings for one another. There's just enough in terms of emotions and secrets revealed that showed what they were all about and what kind of men they both are. Which is why I fell hard for these characters and look forward to more in the Rainbow Ranch series of books.
4 huge stars!
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
While this was a little bit lower angst and “cutesy” than I usually prefer, I really loved how it’s a queer normative ranch—a much needed escape from the shitty world right now.
Wylie and Boone have a grumpy/sunshine dynamic and seeing them come together and open their hearts was precious.
Recommend picking up if you’re looking for a quick read with found family and western vibes and full of lgbtqai+ characters.
Tropes:
♡ ranch/cowboys
♡ found family
♡ opposites attract
♡ queer normative
♡ emotional connection
♡ humorous
Thank you to GreysPromotion and the author for the eARC. Review is my honest opinion.
Wylie and Boone have a grumpy/sunshine dynamic and seeing them come together and open their hearts was precious.
Recommend picking up if you’re looking for a quick read with found family and western vibes and full of lgbtqai+ characters.
Tropes:
♡ ranch/cowboys
♡ found family
♡ opposites attract
♡ queer normative
♡ emotional connection
♡ humorous
Thank you to GreysPromotion and the author for the eARC. Review is my honest opinion.
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes