•spoilers• 

Noah and Colton are two rival farriers in small town Darling. When their heated tension comes to a head, the unexpected happens. One kiss becomes more as the former adversaries come to terms with their past and new budding feelings. 

I thought this was a sexy and fun story, but it didn't knock my socks off. I liked Noah, he's a no nonsense kinda guy who never takes family for granted after his tragic childhood losses. Colton was more just okay for me. I thought he was a bit childish, just hating on Noah for doing simple things like running a business? He got better as the book went on and I did really like their dynamic. Their hatred fueled tension crackled into this off the charts chemistry, an undeniable push and pull that keeps them coming back for more. Once they get past their issues, they are really pretty similar. They both love their family, their town, and can't help but have a sweet spot for one another. 

One thing I just didn't get was why they hated each other. For 85% of the book it didn't make any sense to me so it felt like they were being a bit immature about it all - it's been fifteen years and you're almost 40, like let's move on. We finally get a reason for why Noah hated Colton and while in hindsight I could see it being alluded to once or twice, I wish it was brought up sooner. More for my sake as a reader because I just spent almost the whole book thinking their hatred was a bit ridiculous. 

Still a good time all around. I liked the ending when the pace picked up a bit and I'm a sucker for a big old dramatic love confession. I love the small town setting and cowboy vibes, with some extra horse-y moments this time around. The Darling family wasn't quite as involved as in the last book, but I'm really looking forward to Lawson's and Remi's stories! 

Read if you like:

• rivals to lovers

• small town romance 

• sexual awakening 

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