REVIEW: Live, Ranch, Love by Emma Lucy

Live, Ranch, Love by Emma Lucy: Rory is living her best wellness influencer life, things are going great for her… well that is until she walks in on her boyfriend with another woman after attending a family funeral! Talk about less than ideal, now in need of a bit of a reset, Rory retreats to her great aunts ranch in Colorado. What was supposed to be a bit of a reset escape to fix up the old ranch before she puts it on the market, soon turns into a clash with the broody cowboy that calls the ranch his home. The last thing that Wyatt wants is to hand over the reins to some wellness retreat princess that doesn’t know the first thing about ranch life. Soon Rory and Wyatt find themselves clashing over the ranch’s future but somewhere between it all sparks begin to ignite between them, forcing both of them to question if fighting is actually worth it or could working together solve both of their problems?

I am a huge sucker for a small town romance and this is exactly what we got from Live, Ranch, Love. I went into this book expecting a light cowboy romance but what I got was a mix of small town charm, healing and just the right dose of grumpy meets sunshine chemistry. This book was everything that I didn’t know I needed from the cute grumpy cowboy trope and so much more. With two main characters that were easy to love and laugh at, this book had me hooked pretty fast.

Rory was a darling leading lady, she might have been all zen quotes and inspiration on the surface but the more we got to know her the more apparent it became that she was actually dealing with a lot of grief and really just trying to figure out who she was without all the filters and glam. There was something very genuine to her character growth, we get to see her for more than her brand and the way she is trying to balance the influencer Rory with her real life version. The thing that I really liked about Rory’s journey was that we get to see her realise that it is okay to not always be okay, having down moments are normal and how to embrace these moments. Wyatt on the other hand is the definition of a broody cowboy, he is all gruff, rooted and not exactly thrilled about this influencer waltzing into his world. But watching his walls slowly come down and seeing the two of them challenge and balance each other, well that was where the romance really worked for me. I really found my heart melting when it came to Wyatt, his devotion to the ranch and his desire to for some form of stability made him feel just a bit more loveable and relatable.

I loved the chemistry between these two, while they might have been completely opposite to each other on the surface, they actually had more in common that they first realised and this is what I loved seeing in their relationship. I don’t think it would be fair to say this was so much an enemies to lovers situation, as it was an opposites attract dynamic between Rory and Wyatt. There really was never any major dislike between the two of them, more just irritation that came from having to deal with each other. But this only made their interactions all the more delicious to see unfold, as they went from annoyance to attraction. Overall I really enjoyed getting to see them help each other break down their own walls, learn to give in to the messy unpredictable kind of love and just live.

I have to take a moment to talk about the ranch itself, Sunset Ranch was beautiful. I loved the rustic feeling to the ranch and the relaxed slower pace of life. Truly it was the perfect place for a wellness retreat.

Live, Ranch, Love was exactly what I wanted in a sweet, slow burn, small town read. There was heart, loveable characters and cozy small town vibes. If you are looking for a feel good read then this is a definite must read!

Book Info:

Publication: September 3, 2025 | Avon | Willow Ridge #1

She’s here to sell my ranch, but now I think she might steal my heart.

Rory Jones prided herself on the successful life she’d built as a wellness influencer and author – until she walked in on her boyfriend with another woman after a family funeral. Forced to run away to her late great aunt’s ranch in Colorado, Rory’s hoping that fixing up and selling the place will help her find her confidence and inspiration to write again.

But Wyatt Hensley, the grumpy head rancher, isn’t willing to hand over the reins to the job he gave everything up for. Especially not to a yoga-loving, manifestation guru who doesn’t even know how to ride a horse. Yet, with a past that’s taught him to not bother dreaming anymore, even Wyatt knows he can’t hold on forever.

Until one day they strike a deal that might just save both of their careers – help Rory turn the ranch into a wellness retreat and Wyatt can stay.

With Rory’s shattered self-confidence and Wyatt’s last drop of hope also on the line, staying professional is a must. But can they ignore the sizzling tension growing between them that could jeopardise it all?

Especially when the rocky path ahead seems a lot easier with the other riding beside them.