Emma Slate: Huckleberry Hill

 https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/235731168-huckleberry-hill

Book Blurb:

When my fiancé leaves me because I can’t have children, I do the only thing I can think of . . .

I run away to my family’s ranch in Idaho to hide from my feelings and nurse my wounded heart.

I expect the comforts of home, the solitude of the mountains, and long horseback rides through the forest.

What I don’t expect is my father’s new ranch hand.

Declan Brewer.

Tall. Dark. Rugged.

And he looks just as delicious on a horse as he does a Harley.

He’s got a wicked smile full of promises . . .

Our chemistry is undeniable, and in one forbidden moment, we combust. But instead of burning out, our energy rages into a passionate inferno.

Between bouts of pleasure in Declan’s arms and the laughter we share in his bed, he chips away at the armor I’ve erected around my heart.

Declan is everything I’ve ever wanted, but I’m scared he won’t stay when he finds out the truth . . .

I’m broken, and I don’t know if love will be enough.

*Cowboy romance  *Small town  *strangers --> more  *banter  *Rom-com *forced proximity

*Infertility *insta lust/love  *surprise pregnancy  *state challenge Idaho *close family

*Dark Star Romance ALC 2026 *forbidden romance *boss's daughter *whirlwind relationship 

*Cinnamon Roll MMC  *Cozy read *green flag book boyfriend *Sassy Grandma

*small town gossip *Age Gap 

Thoughts:

Hadley (FMC) returns home to her family ranch after her engagment breaks off suddenly first night at home she runs into the new ranch hand Declan who is super hot and shirtless... well now this return visit just got interesting.

Not wanting to jump into anything after just getting out of a long term relationship Hadley struggles with her growing attraction towards Declan and also knows that her dad wouldn't like her snuggling up with his new employee... in fact it's something her father would fire him over, but her dad just might be keeping his own secrets.

Hadley has a strong group of friends including her twin sister and other two room mates that were all living together in New York City (until recently when she returned home to have some time for self reflection).  She is dealing with another big blow not just the loss of her relationship but also the news that she recently learned of her infertility.

Declan is handsome, charming and caring he's hardworking and pretty much the best book boyfriend ever it's easy to see how Hadley was drawn to him to the point of not being able to resist any longer.  After some discussions with her friend group who are all for her getting over her last guy by getting under a new one she decides to throw caution to the wind... all caution and goes for it where our couple ends up sneaking around (but not as well as they thought since it's a small town and word travels fast... lets just hope for Hadley's sake no one tells her dad before she can.

Hadley has some decisions to make too is she returning to the big city or staying home?  What will happen when she tells her dad about the relationship with Declan, is it a situationship?  or more because she certainly wasn't planning on starting anything new while coming home to get over her ex.

This was a cute cozy read, I loved Hadley's relationship with her family and her girlfriends and that coming home was a real eye opener to finding out who she was as a person now without her friend group and her ex fiance in the mix she's always been a people pleaser and maybe it's time for her to do something she wants to do... as soon as she figures out what that is!  Declan was a strong steady support system for Hadley and was there when she needed him... even saving her from a bear.  

I loved Hadley's grandma she was sweet and sassy!  I'm also hoping that the rest of the series is about Hadley's friend group also finding their own sweet cowboy... even her twin who is reluctant to ever leave the big city and return home.  

I did think that this was more of an insta love and everything moved pretty fast without them really knowing much about each other… but I guess sometimes love happens fast.  

This was a multicast audio book and everyone did a great job bringing these sweet characters to life thank you to the author and Dark Star Romance for this ALC