A review by thespicyshybrarian
Stirring Spurs by M.A. Wardell

hopeful inspiring 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? No

5.0

“Ah, we don’t fix anyone. Nobody’s broken.”

This quote, from Chapter 2, is the moment I knew this book was going to be everything I wanted. And it was.

Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ / 5

Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5 / 5

Y’all. Y’ALL. This was the sweetest, schmoopiest, most adorably wonderful read. Boone and Wylie are national treasures and must be protected at all costs. It’s so easy to root for them. So easy to believe in their love story from beginning to end.

The pace and setting–slice of life on a queer-affirming working ranch–are nothing short of delightful. I loved so many of the heartfelt little moments between the side characters and our leads. We learn so much about Boone and Wylie from them, but we learn even more (particularly about Boone) of their depth from the rest of this beautiful found family. The lack of angst or drama around queerness was so welcome, too.

As the cook and (barely) second eldest sibling, Boone takes such thoughtful care of everyone on the ranch. He’s truly sunshine personified in just about every way. And Wylie may seem a grump in the first couple chapters, but that melts away SO fast. He’s less grumpy and more stoic and emotionally blocked. And watching Boone gently clear that blockage and wrap Wylie in the love, support, and unassuming care he deserves? Ugh, the feels!

And, of course, the spice is spicing. Once these two come together it’s pure fire everywhere it counts.

As a lifetime equestrian, there were certainly things to nitpick, but did I care? NOT AT ALL. I can ignore the stumbles for something so feel-good and unputdownable.

Especially now, I take great pleasure in reads that feel like a warm hug. This is one of them. Somehow, the Rainbow Ranch crew reach through the pages to tell their readers, “You matter. You’re valid. You’re seen, loved, and celebrated.” I wish the whole series was out so we could rush right from Pride into the kind of affirmation everyone in the queer community deserves.

Highly recommended for fans of K. M. Neuhold, Saxon James, Onley James, and similar low angst MM authors. I’m so ready for the next one in the series (and I’m also diving into Wardell’s backlist with gusto!).

📚Fast facts📚

✨ Stoic cowboy x sunshiney ranch cook

✨ Forced proximity

✨ Instant attraction

✨ Cake. Just…cake.

✨ Found family

✨ Healing from loss

✨ Animals in starring (and snarky side character) roles

✨ Consent. As. Foreplay. *swoon*

✨ No / low angst

✨ Open door

✨ Contemporary MM novella

✨ First standalone in a shared universe series

✨ First person, dual POV, present tense

I am so grateful to the author and Grey’s Promotions to have received an advanced copy of this story! This is my honest and unbiased review.