REVIEW: Holding the Reins by Paisley Hope

Holding the Reins by Paisley Hope: CeCe Ashby is dealing with the aftermath of calling off her engagement to her no good cheating ex and what better place to regroup than at her family’s ranch in Laurel Creek, Kentucky. While she had hoped for a bit of time to chill and figure out her next move at the ranch, she definitely did not expect to be spending so much of time with Nash or for there to be so much of tension between them. After retiring from the NHL Nash decided to move back to his home town for a more quite life, now his days comprise of running a few business around town and playing cowboy with the Ashby brothers. While Nash might have grown up with CeCe -the girl he remembers is most definitely all grown up now and instead of wanting to tease her with silly taunts now Nash wants to do a whole other type of teasing with CeCe… is this connection that he feels with CeCe worth possibly losing a lifelong connection with the Ashby clan?

Holding The Reins was the cowboy romcom that I didn’t know I needed in my life. This book was cute, playful and had a bit of heart. If you are a fan of the brothers best friend trope then this book will definitely be right up your alley. When I first read the synopsis for this book, I had a feeling it would be a cute and fun read but I really did not expect to get so caught up in all the giggles that is a constant throughout this novel. Right from the very first chapter you will find yourself giggling at all the antics that CeCe manages to find herself tangled in, I mean that airport vibrator incident still has be cracking up.

I found myself really coming to like CeCe, while she might be a bit of a crazy wild child, she was also genuinely a good person. My heart did really hurt for her and having to see her struggle with the loss of her father and knowing this changes the family dynamic a lot. Though I have to say for the majority of the book she was a crazy bunch of fun, I loved her never back down spirit and the fact that she always took time to see situations from all perspectives. Another thing that I really liked about our girl CeCe was the fact that she knew that sometimes she has to be selfish and put herself first, this was refreshing to see. Now for our hero, well lets just say it now, who doesn’t love a cowboy? Nash was just something else entirely, this guy was the whole packages all wrapped up in s smoking hottie. I loved getting to see the protective side of Nash and the fact that he always had CeCe’s back even back when they were kids. Though my heart just broke when we learn the situation with his parents and the reasons he is so fearful of allowing happiness and people into his heart.

The relationship between CeCe and Nash was just perfection. Having known each other for so many years they already had that sense of comfort with each other that only helped further their relationship. Though the sneaking around and bit of forbidden romance element to them is what really sold me. I just ate up the chemistry between them and the fact that they had to hide their feelings and relationship for a bit. Truly I loved seeing this couple together, there is nothing more special than a couple thats love language is acts of service and that was so the case with these two. I just love the confrontation between Nash and Andrew, this was just the bit of drama that we needed and I loved seeing the protective side of Nash come out.

Aside from two amazing main characters, I just adored the entire Ashby family. The amount of love and support that this family had for each other was just beautiful. I really liked the sense of found family that the Ashby’s gave Nash and that even when his relationship with CeCe came to light things really didn’t change. I can not wait for each of them to get their own books and really getting to dive into more of their brand of crazy fun. Holding The Reins is a total must read, this forbidden, brothers best friend, cowboy romcom will have you giggling from start to end!

Book Info:

Publication: October 22, 2024 | Dell | Silver Pines Ranch #1

Take a deep breath and let go of the reins.

Cecilia “CeCe” Ashby is finally escaping the toxic relationship that has consumed her entire adult life. She’s returning to her hometown of Laurel Creek, Kentucky, and to her family’s equestrian ranch, unsure of what the future holds.

Nash Carter, the newly retired superstar of the Dallas Stars, is Laurel Creek’s hometown hero, local business owner, and notorious bachelor. He’s also the unofficial fourth sibling in the Ashby clan. It’s been years since his days of tormenting CeCe with her older brothers Wade and Cole. So, when CeCe needs a job, he feels drawn to help her.

Nash can’t seem to take his eyes off of his best friend’s sister, and it seems she’s been staring right back, not without animosity left over from his childish teasing back in the day. Despite their initial reluctance, the fire between them ignites and it isn’t long before they jump into the flames.