There’s something about a low-angst romance that feels like a deep exhale. When the world feels overwhelming, (and when doesn’t it these days, amirite?) I want to curl up with a story where I know everything will be okay in the end—and that’s exactly what Rainbow Ranch delivers.

M.A. Wardell has long been one of my go-to authors for gentle, affirming love stories with plenty of heat to keep things interesting. When he announced he was part of a four-part novella series–each one focusing on one of the Rainbow Ranch siblings (and each written by a different author), I was immediately intrigued.

When I saw he was offering advance copies in exchange for reviews, I threw my name in the hat—never expecting to be picked. My bookstagram is…let’s just say modest. 😆 But I was thrilled when the ARC landed in my inbox!

Stirring Spurs by M.A. Wardell is releasing July 1, 2025!
Pre-order your copy today!

In a cowboy community that can often feel unwelcoming, Rainbow Ranch is a rare place that opens its doors to everyone. That sense of belonging runs through every page.

Stirring Spurs introduces us to Boone, the ranch cook who keeps everyone fed with his mama’s recipes and so much heart. I have a personal soft spot for boys who just want to make sure everyone is fed.
Boone is content with his quiet life until Wylie Anderson arrives–tasked with gentling Noodles, a guarded horse who isn’t too keen on letting anyone in. Watching Boone and Wylie find their own kind of peace together was such a joy.

If you’re wondering whether “low angst” means “fade to black,” let me reassure you: it does not. The love scenes here leave the door (when there is a door) wide open. It just means there’s no prolonged “will they, won’t they.” And honestly, sometimes you just need a story where love is allowed to unfold without constant drama.

One of my favorite surprises was Dennis, a tiny horse with an enormous attitude. He provides some genuinely hilarious moments that balance out the sweetness and spice perfectly.

If I had to come up with a complaint (the thing that knocked it down to a 4.5 for me)—it’s so minor that it’s probably not worth mentioning, but the way these siblings engage with one another is… 
Look, it’s fine, maybe some siblings are very casual and eager to intimately discuss one another’s sex lives while also smacking each other on the butt and kissing each other in greeting. Thats just not the relationship I have with my siblings and I found it very jarring. There’s one sibling wrestling scene that’s described in so much detail and with so much affection, it felt a lot like reading a love scene. That was a liiiiiittle much for me. But not enough to make me put the book down or anything. 

This is just the first installment—there will be four novellas in total, each exploring the story of a different sibling. I love the idea of seeing this world through multiple perspectives and authors’ voices.

If you’re craving a warm, inclusive cowboy romance that delivers big-hearted characters, open-door heat, and plenty of midwestern-er-southern? charm, I can’t recommend heading to Rainbow Ranch enough.

There’s even a Spotify playlist curated for this book, which I’ll link here if you’d like a soundtrack for your reading.

Stirring Spurs by M.A. Wardell is releasing July 1, 2025!
Pre-order your copy today!

Do you have a favorite western romance? I’d love to hear about it!