In this steamy cowboy romance, a woman returns to her family's ranch after a broken engagement and finds herself falling for her brother's best friend—the first novel in the Silver Pines Ranch series.
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 hockey 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, but with 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.
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"A lot of banter between the two main characters. Good story line kept me interested in the slow burn parts. Will be reading the next book for sure."
— Farmgirlreads (5/5)
Your Next Fun Cowboy Romance
"What a FUN read! For my country/small town/cowboy romance lovers out there, this one is not one to miss. If I could describe this book and the reading experience of it in one word, it would be the word ""fun"". I can't help it. There was some sadness and grief intertwined in the storyline which added to the overall story's depth but even with that, it was just a good ol' time. Girlies, guys, whatever and whomever you are: pick this up if you want a fun palette cleanser that will have you feeling all the feels whether it be you kicking your feet with giddiness or fanning yourself down over a golden retriever cowboy. PSA: don't be deceived by the cutesy and demure cover that I personally love. If you prefer your romance reads to have a ""closed door"", maybe reconsider reading this one. The door has been obliterated with not a scrap in sight."
— @brooklynnnnereads (4/5)
Not sure what to think.
"I am really enjoying this book. Its a easy read but so good i have trouble putting it down."
— Melissa (4/5)
Ooo girl
"Now this book had me at the edge of my seat. Love the characters. Love the plot and the spice, woah! Totally recommend this book!"
— LovingViper (5/5)
Spicy Cowboy Romance
"J’ai adorée ce livre, « spicy cowboy romance ». Il est facile de se projeter au Silver Pines Ranch, entourée de la famille Ashby. Le premier tombe d’une série de 4, la description des personnages est précise et bien écrit. Je donne la note de 5/5, et j’ai acheté les deux tombes suivant, en attendant avec enthousiasme le quatrième tombe."
— Chloé (5/5)
No sure…
"Hard to get into, I set it aside. Seemed scattered and almost spastic, and so very similar to other books. I will give it a try it again later."
— Hbmackay (3/5)
Very sexy book
"This book would be great for someone who likes a lot of steamy love scenes in their romance novels. For me personally, the intimate moments in the book were too much. In this romance novel, the focus was more on sex and less on the story. All depends on what you like."
— Jaime (3/5)
A good small town romance
"The romance in Holding the Reins is sweet and lighthearted, with moments of genuine connection between the main characters. While their chemistry is enjoyable, the romance sometimes feels predictable and could have been explored more deeply. The emotional stakes aren’t as strong as they could be, making it a pleasant but not deeply impactful love story. Overall, it’s a cute and easy read, but the romance didn’t fully stand out."
— Liliane (3/5)
Loved it!
"Holding the Reins is such a fun read! I loved this small town, brother's best friend, secret dating, and found family romance so much."
— Sarah W. (5/5)
Lovely!!!
"Really good book, it was a cute easy read. Super cute romance, I do love a good cowboy romance book!! Definitely worth the read and the money"
— Emma (4/5)
Q&A
Published date: Oct 28, 2025
Language: English
No. of Pages: 480
Publisher: Penguin Canada
ISBN: 9781037800085
Dimensions:
4.14" W x
0.98" L x
6.74" H
PAISLEY HOPE is an avid lover of romance, a mother, a wife and a writer. Growing up in Canada, she wrote and dreamed of one day being able to create a place, a world where readers could immerse themselves, a place they wished was real, a place they saw themselves when they envisioned it. She loves her family time, gardening, baking, yoga, and a good cab sav.
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