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4.28 AVERAGE
4.28 AVERAGE
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
lighthearted
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
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Another smashing success from Emmy Sanders. This was a great follow up to Sweet Like Whiskey. A true enemies/rivals to lovers with double bi-awakening. Those first few times they crash together are definitely hate smex. And phew is it hot!! I really enjoyed the Shoein’ scenes and the treasure hunt. I devoured this book, and can’t wait for Lawson’s. I really hope Remi gets one too!!!
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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
Safety info, content warnings and tropes down below.
ARC review.
This book managed to do something very few books have done before it — made me like it after making me dislike it.
Once I start being annoyed by a character or a plot, there’s usually no going back, and the characters and plot in this annoyed me plenty. There’s something about grown men being rivals for no good reason that is annoying more than the funny and endearing it’s supposed to be. Like, just grow up, right? Both MCs take turns being dickheads and generally unpleasant people — until they suddenly aren’t. I can’t pinpoint exactly where, when or why the shift happened. I’m not a fan of little boys in the school playground teasing and pushing the girls or boys they like, and I’m not a fan of adult men doing the same thing — which is what a lot of this book felt like.
“I’m thirty-eight years old, Colt,” I say with a huff. “I’m tired of bickering like kids.”
I’m tired of it too, y’all.
Even though I’m (surprisingly) giving this four stars, it’s not a very complimentary review. I liked it more and more as the book went on and thought it ended strong. There was enough drama and a touch of angst to keep me invested even through a slump, and the dynamic between Colton and Noah was amazing once it fell into place. It was really nice to see that slow shift from heated tension and lust to caring and love. It actually felt believable, which is so important with enemies to lovers.
“I want to hate you.” “I know.” “I don’t want to hate you at all.” My heart kicks. My cock, too. “I know, baby.”
The author also made me tear up on Colton’s behalf while I was actively complaining about him in the group chat, which impressed and annoyed me in equal measure.
This one took me on a personal emotional roller coaster, and even tho I had complaints, I really did end up enjoying it. I will never be the target audience for rivals/enemies to lovers, and I’m a difficult and unsympathetic reader, so the fact that I went from nearly hating Colton to really liking him deserves some sort of award.
It also made me laugh with this scene:
“You know…boyfriends or whatever.” He looks downright amused at my sour expression. “Does it pain you to say that?” “You know damn well it does. Number one, I’m thirty-fucking-seven, thank you. The word feels ridiculous. Number two…it’s you.” “Mhm,” Noah hums, sliding our plate out of the way. “My salami,” I mumble.
Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Rivals to lovers
Farriers
Small town
Cowboys
Double sexual awakening
Loves being manhandled
Tattooed MC
Hand-collaring
Root vegetable violation
Lotsa hand-on-dick action
Dom/brat vibes
Spitter
Only one horse
Jealousy and possessiveness
Flip-fucking
Multiple orgasms
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Mentions of death of parents (past)
Alcohol consumption
Explicit sexual content
Shoving between MCs
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: Both MCs go to a gay club — separately — after their first hookup. Colton is there to see if he’s attracted to other men. Noah’s intentions aren’t mentioned. He’s got someone else’s hand up his shirt when they see each other in the club. There’s a few scenes with MCs being hit on by women, and some that cause jealousy, but it’s lighthearted and the MCs aren’t interested in anyone else.
Breakup: Almost
POV: 1st person, dual
Genre: Contemporary romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile
Main characters’ age: 37 and 38
Series: Interconnected standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 315
Happy ending: Yes
Jackson scowls, and Ash laughs, reaching up to pull my brother down into a quick kiss. It’s so cute I want to fling myself into the fire.
Relatable.
“Colt,” he says in warning. “I want to know why you’re stuck in my head. In my life,” I growl, shoving the man again. “I want—” Noah grabs my arm and spins me bodily into his workbench. I scramble to grab ahold of it, catching my weight, the wooden edge digging into my ass as Noah’s hand grips the front of my throat.
“I don’t like you,” I remind him. “You don’t have to. Not for this.”
“I like that moment you give in,” he practically whispers. “When you stop fighting yourself.”
“No running,” I remind him, brushing his hair back, letting my thumb stroke down his cheek to his jawline. I pluck up his chin, raising an eyebrow. He swallows, but he doesn’t look away, and, slowly, I bring my mouth to his.
ARC review.
This book managed to do something very few books have done before it — made me like it after making me dislike it.
Once I start being annoyed by a character or a plot, there’s usually no going back, and the characters and plot in this annoyed me plenty. There’s something about grown men being rivals for no good reason that is annoying more than the funny and endearing it’s supposed to be. Like, just grow up, right? Both MCs take turns being dickheads and generally unpleasant people — until they suddenly aren’t. I can’t pinpoint exactly where, when or why the shift happened. I’m not a fan of little boys in the school playground teasing and pushing the girls or boys they like, and I’m not a fan of adult men doing the same thing — which is what a lot of this book felt like.
“I’m thirty-eight years old, Colt,” I say with a huff. “I’m tired of bickering like kids.”
I’m tired of it too, y’all.
Even though I’m (surprisingly) giving this four stars, it’s not a very complimentary review. I liked it more and more as the book went on and thought it ended strong. There was enough drama and a touch of angst to keep me invested even through a slump, and the dynamic between Colton and Noah was amazing once it fell into place. It was really nice to see that slow shift from heated tension and lust to caring and love. It actually felt believable, which is so important with enemies to lovers.
“I want to hate you.” “I know.” “I don’t want to hate you at all.” My heart kicks. My cock, too. “I know, baby.”
The author also made me tear up on Colton’s behalf while I was actively complaining about him in the group chat, which impressed and annoyed me in equal measure.
This one took me on a personal emotional roller coaster, and even tho I had complaints, I really did end up enjoying it. I will never be the target audience for rivals/enemies to lovers, and I’m a difficult and unsympathetic reader, so the fact that I went from nearly hating Colton to really liking him deserves some sort of award.
It also made me laugh with this scene:
“You know…boyfriends or whatever.” He looks downright amused at my sour expression. “Does it pain you to say that?” “You know damn well it does. Number one, I’m thirty-fucking-seven, thank you. The word feels ridiculous. Number two…it’s you.” “Mhm,” Noah hums, sliding our plate out of the way. “My salami,” I mumble.
Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Rivals to lovers
Farriers
Small town
Cowboys
Double sexual awakening
Loves being manhandled
Tattooed MC
Hand-collaring
Root vegetable violation
Lotsa hand-on-dick action
Dom/brat vibes
Spitter
Only one horse
Jealousy and possessiveness
Flip-fucking
Multiple orgasms
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Mentions of death of parents (past)
Alcohol consumption
Explicit sexual content
Shoving between MCs
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: Both MCs go to a gay club — separately — after their first hookup. Colton is there to see if he’s attracted to other men. Noah’s intentions aren’t mentioned. He’s got someone else’s hand up his shirt when they see each other in the club. There’s a few scenes with MCs being hit on by women, and some that cause jealousy, but it’s lighthearted and the MCs aren’t interested in anyone else.
Breakup: Almost
POV: 1st person, dual
Genre: Contemporary romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile
Main characters’ age: 37 and 38
Series: Interconnected standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 315
Happy ending: Yes
Jackson scowls, and Ash laughs, reaching up to pull my brother down into a quick kiss. It’s so cute I want to fling myself into the fire.
Relatable.
“Colt,” he says in warning. “I want to know why you’re stuck in my head. In my life,” I growl, shoving the man again. “I want—” Noah grabs my arm and spins me bodily into his workbench. I scramble to grab ahold of it, catching my weight, the wooden edge digging into my ass as Noah’s hand grips the front of my throat.
“I don’t like you,” I remind him. “You don’t have to. Not for this.”
“I like that moment you give in,” he practically whispers. “When you stop fighting yourself.”
“No running,” I remind him, brushing his hair back, letting my thumb stroke down his cheek to his jawline. I pluck up his chin, raising an eyebrow. He swallows, but he doesn’t look away, and, slowly, I bring my mouth to his.
4.5 stars
Very good enemy to lovers!
Colton is one of the Darlings brother, he's a farrier and over the last fifteen years he's hated his rival and competitor, Noah King.
They've been antagonising each other at the point that they can't be in the same place without bickering until things become a little physical: Colton starts being confused about his own reaction to Noah's proximity and when they kiss for the first time, everything they knew about themselves shatters.
I really how the author described their double bi awakening: their conflicted emotions, the discovery of enjoying new things, Colton confiding in Remy, Noah's possessiveness, the marking. I also really appreciated that the sexual exploration was not rushed at all and that they never lost their banter.
What prevented me from giving a higher rate
I feel like the romance came too late in the story.
I adored Noah and his uncle Walter's relationship and, of course, all the Darlings brother (Remy is still my favourite).
I'm very much eager to read Lawson's story, especially after the author left things for him in this book.
Very recommended.
I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
Very good enemy to lovers!
Colton is one of the Darlings brother, he's a farrier and over the last fifteen years he's hated his rival and competitor, Noah King.
They've been antagonising each other at the point that they can't be in the same place without bickering until things become a little physical: Colton starts being confused about his own reaction to Noah's proximity and when they kiss for the first time, everything they knew about themselves shatters.
I really how the author described their double bi awakening: their conflicted emotions, the discovery of enjoying new things, Colton confiding in Remy, Noah's possessiveness, the marking. I also really appreciated that the sexual exploration was not rushed at all and that they never lost their banter.
What prevented me from giving a higher rate
I feel like the romance came too late in the story.
I adored Noah and his uncle Walter's relationship and, of course, all the Darlings brother (Remy is still my favourite).
I'm very much eager to read Lawson's story, especially after the author left things for him in this book.
Very recommended.
I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
Phew. Another good one from Emmy.
Who knew that rival ferriers in a small town with a double bi awakening and a sexually charged shoein' could be a good time? (Emmy did. So she wrote it.)
If you were a Horse Girl™️ (gender neutral) like I was growing up, this was a fun ride. (Lol, ride.)
Definitely read book 1 so you know the whole family and get all the vibes for the buildup between Colton and Noah. 🙏
Who knew that rival ferriers in a small town with a double bi awakening and a sexually charged shoein' could be a good time? (Emmy did. So she wrote it.)
If you were a Horse Girl™️ (gender neutral) like I was growing up, this was a fun ride. (Lol, ride.)
Definitely read book 1 so you know the whole family and get all the vibes for the buildup between Colton and Noah. 🙏
I absolute love Emmy Sanders' book but unfortunately this isn't one for me.
It's an Enemies-to-Lovers but for a very long time we have no idea what Colt's problems are and why Noah is not making any attempts from his side to sort this out.
The angry sex is hot but it just takes too long until the story develops to a point where I feel I can get a grip on both characters.
I just can't see any chemistry between Colt and Noah for a very long time, they don't speak, they either get each other off or they insult each other.
There are some tiny things where you may think "Oh, that's how Colt ticks" but then they are gone again and just not followed up.
Then suddenly we have the "only one horse" scenario and yes - they finally talk, they finally work together and try to understand each other.
The other thing which bugs me, Noah lives in Darling for 15 years and only now their feud intensifies? Noah has no circle of friend, it feels he is an isolated being in a small town. That doesn't really add up.
And then the small drama which feels like done for the sake of it.
I love Remy, I can't wait for his story.
It's an Enemies-to-Lovers but for a very long time we have no idea what Colt's problems are and why Noah is not making any attempts from his side to sort this out.
The angry sex is hot but it just takes too long until the story develops to a point where I feel I can get a grip on both characters.
I just can't see any chemistry between Colt and Noah for a very long time, they don't speak, they either get each other off or they insult each other.
There are some tiny things where you may think "Oh, that's how Colt ticks" but then they are gone again and just not followed up.
Then suddenly we have the "only one horse" scenario and yes - they finally talk, they finally work together and try to understand each other.
The other thing which bugs me, Noah lives in Darling for 15 years and only now their feud intensifies? Noah has no circle of friend, it feels he is an isolated being in a small town. That doesn't really add up.
And then the small drama which feels like done for the sake of it.
I love Remy, I can't wait for his story.
Back to Darling, Montana we go! It’s a great place to escape for family shenanigans, small town vibes, cowboys and falling in love in unexpected places.
Colton Darling and Noah King are rival farriers in their small town and are constantly at each other’s throats, have been for years. They’re always at odds with each other…until they’re all of a sudden not? The change seemed a bit abrupt to me. Colt starts to realize that he’s been a little over the top over the years when it comes to Noah and Noah starts to see Colt for who he really is underneath his prickly exterior he wears around him.
The back and forth between these two and their chemistry was undeniable, it just took a minute for them to realize there was more there than hate. Maybe a bit too long for my liking - I just wanted them to have a real conversation so much earlier. They’re not young kids, so even though they were still figuring things out, it felt a little juvenile to go with total avoidance. But once they started talking things out, learning more about each other and allowing each other to see who they really are, things picked up for me and made me fall for these two. They’re so sweet once they let their guards down and I loved Noah’s patience with Colt and his quiet encouragement to embrace what he felt made me smile.
I’m so excited for Lawson and Remi’s stories - all the Darling brothers deserve to find their person and I can’t wait to read about it!
Colton Darling and Noah King are rival farriers in their small town and are constantly at each other’s throats, have been for years. They’re always at odds with each other…until they’re all of a sudden not? The change seemed a bit abrupt to me. Colt starts to realize that he’s been a little over the top over the years when it comes to Noah and Noah starts to see Colt for who he really is underneath his prickly exterior he wears around him.
The back and forth between these two and their chemistry was undeniable, it just took a minute for them to realize there was more there than hate. Maybe a bit too long for my liking - I just wanted them to have a real conversation so much earlier. They’re not young kids, so even though they were still figuring things out, it felt a little juvenile to go with total avoidance. But once they started talking things out, learning more about each other and allowing each other to see who they really are, things picked up for me and made me fall for these two. They’re so sweet once they let their guards down and I loved Noah’s patience with Colt and his quiet encouragement to embrace what he felt made me smile.
I’m so excited for Lawson and Remi’s stories - all the Darling brothers deserve to find their person and I can’t wait to read about it!
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Absolutely love this book. I love everything Emmy writes - but this has moved to top 2 (Malibu still has my heart). I just loved Noah so much. I especially loved their origin story - which was unexpected and late in the book. I cannot wait for Remi’s book.