I received an early copy of this book via NetGalley. All opinions are my own .

This story is about a burnt-out junior doctor from the UK who during some time taken abroad to reconsider both her desire to practice medicine as well as her failed marriage finds a connection with a reluctant cowboy, who is in the midst of a family crisis due to his father’s cancer.

I wanted to love this, because the idea and theme of the storyline really resonated with me but unfortunately for a few reasons I just couldn’t connect as I’d hoped.

Firstly I think my copy of the story had formatting issues which caused flow issues whilst I was reading, but also there was so much genuine sadness that for me it was a struggle to enjoy. For reference I’m a HEA only reader and struggle with the more emotional reads. When I picked this up I wasn’t quite ready for the rollercoaster ahead.

Whilst a poignant story, with a kickass FMC and easy to love MMC at times sometimes the speech and wording used didn’t quite fit the characters in my opinion. I think if you like an emotionally charged ‘’will they, wont they’’ trope then this might be something you will love.

Firstly how gorgeous is this cover?!! this was a really cute and wholesome cowboy romance. I loved the descriptions of both Oklahoma and Scotland. I also really liked how grief was written, those scenes and descriptions felt very realistic. however I didn’t like a few things. one being the pacing, it started really well then some parts felt a bit repetitive and the last 20% felt very quick, it was just off. then the miscommunication between both characters was so annoying, things weren’t talked about or they would only tell parts of their own story and then make assumptions instead of telling the full story and I just know if they actually spoke to each other about everything then this book would properly be a bit shorter and it’s not even that long. Overall, I do think it was a great debut novel and I would recommend, I just didn’t LOVE it.

thank you to NetGalley and Avon UK for the arc!

Are cowboys in bars and a new setting for the main character going to hook you? YES! Fantastic ideas for an entertaining story, and Maggie executed it so well. I laughed and turned the pages quickly to see what would happen - so glad I read this and want more. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

2.75/3 stars

I enjoyed the concept of having a British FMC moving over to the states, as I haven’t read that scenario before. As well as there being a doctor/ cowboy dynamic.

Unfortunately I struggled to fully gel with the characters in this storyline and would have liked a little bit of more depth into their personalities in order to connect a bit more.

However if you’re looking for a palette cleanser and you like a cowboy romance this may be a one to pick up.

Unfortunately I gave up on this about 30% of the way thru. I just didn’t connect with the characters or writing style

3.75 stars

This was a cute cowboy romance about an irish woman who moves to the US for a year after separating from her husband and falls in love with a cowboy.

Although Hunter and Caroline had a cute love story it was just kind of boring. Neither of them were very good at communicating so they kind of went through a pattern of being really sweet and cute and then having some sort of misunderstanding followed by making up again. I just kept getting frustrated by the way they wouldn’t talk about anything and just kept making assumptions. Throughout the whole book you get snippets of the fact that hunter used to be engaged and that something happened but you don’t find out what it was until the end of the book and there was honestly no good reason for him to be keeping it a secret. I feel like this book would’ve been a lot better if the characters would actually talk about their feelings and their plan.

The beginning of this book was also very slow paced so it felt like it was dragging at times. For a lot of it not very much happened. It picks up towards the end and you get a lot more deep and emotional moments.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon UK for the ARC!

I want to start off by saying that while this book may not have been for me, I think it was a great concept. I was very excited to read this book when I read the synopsis because I love cowboy romance books. I also loved the idea of Caroline being from Scotland and moving somewhere completely different to start anew. Unfortunately it fell a little flat for me.

My positives: there were a lot of cute moments between the main characters, when they were happy, which I enjoyed. I also enjoyed that we got to see Caroline really put herself out there and be an independent woman. I really loved and appreciated the cancer storyline and awareness in the book as it felt close to home for me. The subject of illness and grieving people you love was very prominent in this novel but I think the authors tackled it in a great way.


My negatives: I think where this book fell a bit short for me stemmed from Hunter and Caroline’s relationship itself. It felt like both of them never actually really connected because they were both too focused on the ghosts from their pasts. I think they didn’t really have the ability to explore each other. They were a bit toxic in a way, never communicating their emotions, never having meaningful conversations and never wanting to discuss their issues. They would get mad when they weren’t serious about their feelings but also when they were too serious so it was throwing me for a loop. I also think the plot was slightly confusing and choppy because of all the time jumps. The book felt long at times and then was rushed at the ending, which disappointed me. Overall, I’m sad I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I wanted to but I’m glad Hunter and Caroline got their happy ending!

This book had me laughing and crying!! And God cost feel good about love kinda of book
Trigger warnings - loss and cancer

I have been waiting for a cowboy romance where the FMC is British and has moved to Cowboy central in the US and this is it!!! I was so excited and this didn't disappoint. An emotional read but still with some great cowboy spice. Spoiler but FYI for readers as a trigger warning this does contain a theme of Cancer so might be a difficult read if something you are currently dealing with IRL.

Back in the Saddle is a heartfelt, slow-burning romance that blends small-town charm with genuine emotional depth. Set against the dusty, golden backdrop of rural Oklahoma, it brings together two characters who are at a crossroads in their lives, both carrying the scars of the past and unsure whether to risk loving again.

Caroline, the whip-smart and fiercely capable doctor at the heart of the book, is everything I love in a romance lead. She’s emotionally guarded but never cold, and her determination to rebuild her life after heartbreak is both empowering and relatable. Her decision to swap her Scottish roots for a new beginning in the American Midwest adds a lovely layer of contrast and cultural tension.

Then there’s Hunter, the brooding cowboy who is all rough edges and hidden softness. His loyalty to his family’s ranch and his reluctance to open up give him that classic ‘grumpy but golden’ appeal. Watching him slowly fall for Caroline—despite his best efforts not to—is pure reading joy. The chemistry between them simmers from the start, with just the right amount of angst and unresolved tension to keep the pages turning.

This book captures that perfect grumpy-sunshine dynamic, with witty dialogue, slow-burning passion and plenty of heart. It’s not all light and breezy either—both characters are grappling with real emotional baggage, which gives the story weight and substance.

✨ Highlights:
• A competent, older heroine who knows her worth
• A rugged cowboy with a soft heart he tries to hide
• Beautiful Oklahoma ranch setting with a moody, grounded atmosphere
• Delicious slow-burn tension and a satisfying emotional arc

Back in the Saddle is a warm, romantic story about healing, second chances and finding the courage to love again. If you enjoy heartfelt stories with a strong heroine, broody cowboys and a dash of whisky-fuelled spark, this one is for you.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

Back in the saddle is an emotional romance story which heavily features themes of grief, cancer and the breakdown of marriage.

I love that Caroline is a smart, strong FMC and it’s so nice to have a FMC who’s in her early thirties.

If you’re looking for an emotional rollercoaster of a romance book with a cowboy then this is the book for you. Sadly it wasn’t quite the cute contemporary cowboy romance I’d expected from the cover/blurb. I didn’t really gel with the characters and I didn’t appreciate how Hunter always dealt with issues that came up in their relationship. Plus the pacing just felt a bit off for me, I’d have liked to see more of their second chance at love!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

Maggie Eckersley’s Back in the Saddle is a heartfelt journey that blends personal growth with the rustic charm of a life rediscovered. Eckersley’s writing shines with vivid descriptions and authentic character development, making it easy for readers to connect and empathize. The novel’s emotional honesty and engaging narrative make it a rewarding read. Overall, Back in the Saddle is an inspiring tale that resonates with anyone who has faced life’s uncertainties and found strength in unexpected places.

Back In The Saddle is a contemporary cowboy romance, but it wasn't quite what I expected from the blurb and the cartoony cover. Maybe there'll be trigger warnings in the book or in the retail descriptions that weren't in the ARC version but a lot of this book is about cancer and grief. Obviously getting into heavier subjects within a romance novel isn't a bad thing, but it just wasn't what I was expecting when I dived into it while in the mood for a cowboy romcom. Perhaps the blurb could be tweaked for release to give a better idea to the subject matter?

Going on what the book is though, rather than what I thought it was going to be, there's a really original story here, particularly to do with the circumstances of Caroline's impending divorce. It's not a subject that I've seen being explored in romances and I liked how it ended amicably between them, although still obviously awkward. Given lack of communication on both sides lead to that marriage breakdown, it is a shame that there was still miscommunication from both Caroline and Hunter in their new relationship. There's a lot to like here but I just don't think I fully clicked with them as a couple, particularly how Hunter treated Caroline sometimes and how she reacted to him in the aftermath of those moments.

3.5/5

Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy from NetGalley, but this is my voluntary and honest review.

This is a story about two people bought together by chance. Caroline is starting a new life in Oklahoma, when she sets her sight on Hunter you can feel the instant attraction between them both. But they both have things in their past they are trying to run away from. But can they both help each other to forget about the past and enjoy their future. I can almost imagine Hunter's character being the hot cowboy. It was fun and enjoyable read, it does get pretty steamy in parts but an easy read to follow along with. Light hearted and uplifting and some horses too. The perfect read.

Maggie Eckersley pairs the whimsical, Western charm of Elsie Silver with the empowered, headstrong FMC of an Ali Hazelwood novel and dazzles the reader in her new book "Back in the Saddle". I am so grateful to Avon Books UK for an advanced e-copy and am thrilled to give a review. I absolutely loved this book and cannot sing its praises loud enough!

I'm an Oklahoma girl so this book hit close to home - literally! Eckersley masterfully portrays the rugged beauty of this unique corner of the world. Caroline has faced unimaginable loss in her life and has chosen to let her experiences shape her future - she builds her life on helping people through heartbreaking pain. Hunter, our main man, is so unapologetically patient and gentle with Caroline as she processes big life decisions. Make no mistake, he may be dreamy but he's still an unwavering, strong and true Oklahoma cowboy. I think it's his 'built tough but chooses to be gentle' personality that makes him so charming.

This book drew out the best parts of romance - the slow burn, second chance, 'will-they-won't-they' steam is utter perfection! I'm amazed at the way Eckersley intertwines the lives of Caroline and Hunter and makes you fall in love with them almost faster than they fell for each other. And the ending - absolutely swoon-worthy! Saddle up for a fantastic and emotional ride that leaves you hopeful for second chances and true love!

This was such a great cure to tie me over from Lyla Sage and Elise Silver and I’m here for it. I love this so much and it is an excellent love story.

Back in the Saddle is a heartfelt, emotionally charged small-town cowboy romance full of longing, second chances, and slow-burn chemistry—and one unforgettable whisky-fuelled kiss. 🐎💋🌾

Caroline is everything I love in a romance heroine: whip-smart, fiercely competent in her role as a doctor, and emotionally guarded in a way that felt real and relatable. Watching her attempt a fresh start in Oklahoma after a painful divorce gave the story real emotional weight. I also loved seeing an older female lead who knows who she is and doesn’t fall easily.

Hunter is the broody, burdened cowboy with a soft heart he pretends not to have—and the “I don’t have time for this” energy that makes it so satisfying when he catches feelings. Their dynamic had grumpy-sunshine vibes, with delicious tension simmering beneath every conversation.

✨ Highlights for me:
• A heroine who’s smart, skilled, and unapologetically strong
• Cowboy + doctor? Highly underrated combo
• Gorgeous, moody Oklahoma ranch vibes

There were moments where I wished for deeper dives into both characters’ emotional pasts, but overall, this was a warm, satisfying read—with just enough angst, heart, and steam to keep me turning the pages.

And the cover? Absolutely stunning. Total shelf candy. 😍

Perfect for fans of:
🤠 Emotionally guarded cowboys
🩺 Brilliant, no-nonsense heroines
💘 Slow-burn romance
🌾 Second chances and fresh starts

Maggie Eckersley is one to watch—this book left me smiling, swooning, and definitely ready for more.

Touching, heartfelt cowboy romance! For anyone in their cowboy era looking for a deeply moving story, filled with emotions and romance.
The author’s experience in their professional field is reflected in the careful detail put into the medical aspects of the story which makes for a realistic reading experience.
The diverse characters add another layer of realism to the story, bringing a genre often full of stereotypes into the real world.
Hunter and Caroline were beautifully developed people and easy to love.

5/5 stars! I wasn't sure what to expect with this book. I was drawn to the cover and the premise sounded cute, so I figured let's see what happened. I'm so glad I did. This book was so sweet and sassy and can rival the Lyla Sage and Elsie Silver books out there. I am a sucker for COMPETENT FMCs and having Caroline be a bad-a** doctor was amazing to read. It makes complete sense why Hunter couldn't get enough of her. Desperately waiting for another book from this author.

Absolutely adored Back in the Saddle!
This book had me hooked from the very first page. Caroline and Hunter are such a compelling pair—both carrying emotional baggage, both strong in their own way, and the sparks between them are electric. I loved the small-town charm, the wit, the depth of emotion, and the way their story unfolds with such warmth and heart. It’s a slow-burn romance that feels so real and satisfying. Maggie Eckersley has crafted a beautiful, uplifting story about second chances, and I didn’t want it to end!