By the Bootstraps by Alexa Martin: Luna Starr has always believed in happily-ever-afters. Fueled by a lifelong love of romance novels, she decides the best way to move forward after a 
devastating loss is to start over in Celestial, Texas, where she purchases a small farm and sets out to build the life she’s always imagined. Unfortunately, her new property needs far more work than she anticipated. Enter Tate Jacobs, the town’s handyman, football coach, and resident cowboy skeptic. As Luna tackles renovations and adjusts to small-town life, Tate reluctantly steps in to help, and the more time they spend together, the harder it becomes to ignore the growing connection between them.
BY THE BOOTSTRAPS by by Alexa Martin was a warm, uplifting romance about embracing change and finding happiness in unexpected places. The small-town setting, the farm renovation project, and Luna’s journey towards building a new future delivered a story filled with heart, hope, and plenty of charm.
Beneath Luna ‘s optimism and love of romance novels was a woman trying to move forward after loss while figuring out what she wanted the next chapter of her life to look like. Watching her slowly find her footing, gain confidence, and create a life that truly felt like her own made her journey especially rewarding.
The chemistry between Luna and Tate was warm, playful, and full of charm. What made their relationship work so well was the way they showed up for each other. As Luna rebuilt her home and started creating a new life for herself, Tate became a steady presence she could rely on. He supported her dreams without taking over, and Luna challenged some of the walls Tate had built around himself. The easy comfort between them and the way Tate encouraged Luna to believe in herself made this romance especially satisfying to watch unfold.
With its hopeful message, lovable characters, and romance built on trust and encouragement, this was the kind of story that left me smiling long after the final page and wishing I could spend a little more time on Luna’s farm in Celestial, Texas.
Tropes
🤠 Small-town romance
🏠 Home renovation
💞 Opposites attract
🛠️ Handy hero
🌾 Farm life
💛 Healing after loss
Book Info:
Publication: Published: May 26, 2026| Berkley | Starlight Ridge
Fueled by a love of romance novels, Luna Starr was destined for a life with her head in the clouds. Her delusional tendencies serve her well…or at least they used to. When life throws her a curveball, she decides it’s time to turn her cowboy fantasies into reality and purchases a tiny farm in Celestial, Texas. After all, don’t all heroines try to outrun grief?
Tate Jacobs hates cowboys, which is a small problem, considering his family happens to own the largest ranch in Celestial. Life might not have gone the way he wanted, but as head coach at his old high school and the town’s best (and only) handyman, he’s figured out how to stay busy and keep his head down—until the new girl in town shows up. Luna’s new property is a bad accident waiting to happen unless someone helps her with her DIY home renovations.
As Tate and Luna spend more time together fixing up her house, unexpected feelings and undeniable chemistry bubble to the surface. Luna might’ve moved to Celestial to make her cowboy dreams come true, but somewhere beneath the vast Texas skies, she discovers that love in the real world can be far better than she imagined.
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