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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

Back in the saddle is marketed towards Elsie Silver fans, but personally I think this novel has managed to capture a different view that Elsie silver hasn’t, if not only has whitty and quick conversations (customary for a cowboy book of course) but also a ability to make the reader really connect with the characters.

Back in the saddle is marketed towards Elsie Silver fans, but personally I think this novel has managed to capture a different view that Elsie silver hasn’t, it not only has whitty and quick conversations (customary for a cowboy book of course) but also a ability to make the reader really connect with the characters. I especially really connected with the MMC, Hunter. My only criticism is that it felt more like a novella than a full length novel, I read it very fast and didn’t feel like it quite had enough.

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!

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!

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.

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.

I'm an absolute sucker for a cowboy romance so I had to snatch this one up. Maggie definitely tries to make you go through the wringer as far as emotions go, between her divorce, Hunter's dad's cancer, and the deep emotional connections between the MC's. Caroline moving from Scotland to a small town in Oklahoma is QUITE the change, and we got to experience her try to navigate that huge change while simultaneously coping with her divorce. In walks Hunter, though, who falls head over heels even though he's determined not to need anyone in no time. There is a lot of will they or won't they in this story,y coupled with all the emotions and plenty of sultry spice.

In my cowboy era and this didn't disappoint at all!
It hits all the right spots and if you're a fan of cowboys and amazing writing, this book is for you!

if you have read and loved elsie or lyla, you're going to want to saddle up! 🤠

4.5 ⭐️ to maggie. this is an exceptional novel, especially for a new author. I really appreciated the mention of specific songs throughout the book. it was so fun creating my little playlist and coming along for the ride of hunter & caroline's dual pov romance.

there are some quite spicy scenes, but this is for the girls that love a deep emotional connection. both love interests have their own storyline and challenges. starting this story out in a whiskey bar really set the tone.

thank you, avon & net galley, for allowing me to read an arc of back in the saddle by maggie eckersley in exchange for my honest review. I will definitely be reading more by this author in the future, and I can't wait to see her grow!

Oh Maggie, I loved this!

We follow heartbroken Caroline, a junior doctor who travels from Scotland to Oklahoma to re-evaluate her life. When one night at a bar, she drunkenly kisses devastatingly handsome Hunter Jackson. Both sworn off love, but when worlds collide, who can resist the temptation?

This is what I love and needed in a ‘Cowboy Romance’. I laughed, I cried with sorrow and happiness. It’s not a light and fluffy read due to heavy themes of illness and disease. It’s an emotional ride with all the feels.

Thankyou Netgalley and Avon Books for the eArc in return for my honest review.

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.

This author is new to me, but I will be keeping an eye out for anything else they publish. I loved the story and the characters. The pacing of the story was great and the characters were relatable.

First of all thank you for approving my request!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The authors writing style had me hooked throughout this book.

I didn't want it to end, a book I really couldn't put down.

I am in my cowboy era he-yah

This will be as spoiler free as possible

First of all a huge thank you to Avon books for asking me to review the book it was such fun .

The story starts with the character Caroline who is starting over after a not so nice divorce,she meets Hunter hello hot stuff,my new favourite cowboy .
The book is full of emotion heartwarming moments and also felt very cosy . the feeling of starting over i thought was scary yet refreshing at the same time .
now you spice queens i know your waiting to know if there are spicy bits Yes ,there are happy days I loved the romance to the story perfect in every way .

i loved the plot the writing was so on point It was very well paced It was just what i needed ,and the setting of my gosh ,I would not mind moving there .

i think Maggie has brought us such a brilliant cowboy romance i will be rereading again thank you for bringing such a fun cowboy romance to life i am giving the book 5 steamy cowboy romance stars

This is a small-town cowboy romance with soooo much heart! Maggie has created characters that embody such depth that I genuinely felt like they were real. It’s refreshing to read a romance book that embodies the messy struggles of life. And when I tell you I loved the ending…
Caroline is looking for answers to life when she flees her Scottish hometown, ending up across the ocean in Oklahoma. Keen to escape the fallout of her marriage, she happens upon a hunky cowboy in a bar and the chemistry is instantly off the charts.
Hunter has swagger, charm and most importantly, a tonne of depth. I loved his character and how earnest he seemed. He’s dealing with the ongoing health issues of a loved one; attempting to plan for an unknown future; all whilst also trying to come to terms with a years’ old heartbreak that altered his outlook on life.
Throughout Caroline and Hunter’s journey, we explore attraction, loss and what living a purposeful life really looks like. Their story is a testament to two humans muddling through the chaotic aspects of adulthood whilst still managing to find joy in one another’s company.
I also can’t write a review and not mention Finn! At the start of the book, I was confused about how I felt about him. His relationship with Caroline had been (and continued to be) special, so I think I was looking for someone to blame for the breakdown of their marriage. But the reality is, sometimes things are complicated and by the end of the book, I had nothing but respect for him. He’s a brave soul in many ways.
This story is obviously rooted in romance - but it’s also about lost love, familial love and self-love.
Thank you so much Maggie and Avon books for an advanced e-copy. I really enjoyed this!

After Ransom Canyon (!!!) I needed a cowboy romance fix, and Maggie did NOT disappoint with Back in the Saddle!

Where do I even begin? Probably with Hunter. From Chapter One I fell in LOVE with his character. He's such a charming and yet soft-hearted family man, and as you read Maggie unveils his personality in these layers of emotional complexity that work SO well (and they just make you love him even more).

Caroline, like Hunter, has some baggage to work through, and initially, thinks of this as "just a fling." But watching her slowly fall for him was such a sweet progression! While I felt like some of that progression happened very fast toward the last bit of the book, she was an incredibly strong, hardworking, and driven character I couldn't help but root for. I love that she regained passion for medicine throughout this story, too. The career development! We love to see it!

The ranch setting, the medical backdrop, the little things--i.e. hiking date and rodeo photo booth--all truly stole my heart with this one! But what I found captured my attention was the depth Maggie writes this with. She delivers a cowboy romance coupled with beautiful emotional vulnerability, and I found those raw emotions to be what fleshed the characters out so well and pulled me into the world of Back in the Saddle. While heavy at times, as someone who has worked in end-of-life care the discussions surrounding it in this novel are absolutely heart-wrenching yet important in their own right. Everyone's journey through grief is so different, as Caroline mentions in the book, and this book captures it movingly while never losing grasp of the romance thread.

Hold onto your hats, because Back in the Saddle truly takes you for a wild ride (and one I know I'll be thinking about for a long time)!

My cowboy dream lol while I will say the way the arc downloaded was very contested and made it hard to read the story was still very good. I’ll be picking this up for sure

Thank you Netgalley and publisher for allowing me to read this advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

The synopsis for this book is everything that I love and more!

⭐️ 2nd chance love story
⭐️ slow burn
⭐️ spice
⭐️ Cowboys

It is written really well, I found the characters relatable and they had great chemistry! BUT that first smutty scene had me pulling faces with the way it was worded. Just didn't hit the mark for me and felt very clinical. But the rest of the story was amazing.

Caroline flees to USA on the break-up of her marriage .Romance is the last thing on her mind. then she meets ranch owner, Hunter. Back in the saddle for romance or horse riding? An entertaining read, perfect for holidays or wet weather .

Firstly, thank you so much for letting me read Back In The Saddle.
Caroline has only been with the one guy - her childhood sweetheart however, their marriage was not what they hoped for.
To find who she is again, Caroline moves to America to her auntie's home.
Enter Hunter, a sexy cowboy. They both agree they are after nothing serious.
I loved this so much! Right person, wrong location

Can I just say I really did like the premise for this story. I love an intelligent FMC and her job as a research assistant at the cancer center was very cool and new! Sometimes I feel like alot of MMCs and FMCs end up with the same 4 jobs in books so I like that this felt very fresh! Hunter and Caroline were complete opposites which I also liked. I will say it’s hard for me to get into books where it’s in third person. I like knowing what’s going on in the main characters head. But for a debut novel I truly did have a great time! Hunter’s family was amazing, everything with his dad was truly heartbreaking and poor Hunter and his whole family were really going through it. They both had their own issues and the communication at times was hard to get through but they’re only human! I also liked the age gap, I love an older woman in books. Overall I have it 4 stars because I truly did have a good time. I’m sure

Such a fun read! Not only was this fun, it hit some really tough subjects and thought it was handled incredibly well. What a great addition to the contemporary cowboy genre

Back in the Saddle is described as a "small town cowboy romance" and is said to perfect for "fans of Lyla Sage". This was all I needed to know to realize that I wanted to read this one. I enjoyed it. I wasn't surprised by much, but I didn't really expect to be. I knew what I was in for and got exactly what I expected...an enjoyable read.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced digital review copy.

Back in the Saddle was a great addition to the contemporary cowboy genre. It dealt with real and deep issues in a compelling and mature way. I found both Caroline and Hunter to be extremely likeable main characters whose flaws were understandable once you learned about the root of them. However, I did have two issues with the story. The first was the length- I found the length of book to be much too long. By about the 200 page mark, I was honestly surprised I had yet to reach the 50% mark. While I did enjoy getting to see Caroline and Hunter grow together through their different dates, I think that the length could have been shortened drastically by cutting several scenes regarding Caroline and her time at the cancer research center. I found the that trying to keep track of lots of medical jargon or jargon specific to those types of conferences took away my ability to enjoy the book fully. I was too busy trying to remember what things stood for or fully comprehend what a "congress" was and if it was just another way to say conference.

My second issue with the book is on a much more personal level- I genuinely believe there either should be a trigger warning or at least passing mention that a large part of the book deals with a character losing a parent actively to cancer. As someone who had their own grandparent pass away around Thanksgiving from cancer, reading this in the book was extremely upsetting and I wasn't really prepared to read just that much about characters experiencing loss of family to cancer. I'm not saying that this needs to but totally cut, but I think that readers are done a disservice by not going into the book knowing this from the start. Based solely on the synopsis given, I had no way of knowing just how much of the plot this would be.

Overall, I found the book enjoyable and would it give a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars

What a fun and emotional read. I know you’re thinking those two feeling polar opposites? Well yes! But a book can take you on an emotional journey and still make you smile.
You could see how much the author cared for her characters! Yeehaw to this debut!

This was a very deep and emotional story. It took me a while to get into it because of how slow it was in the beginning, but I actually ended up enjoying it. The banter was wonderful between our main characters, which was definitely a plus for me. I did really like the side characters as well!
The cover art is gorgeous, and I would definitely read more from this author.

Back in the Saddle by Maggie Eckersley is a heartfelt and emotionally rich small-town cowboy romance that explores themes of second chances, healing, and unexpected love. The story follows Caroline, a strong and witty doctor from Scotland, who moves to Oklahoma after a painful divorce, hoping to rebuild her life. There, she meets Hunter, a dedicated cowboy fighting to save his family’s ranch. Their connection begins as a clash of personalities but slowly develops into a tender and passionate romance. Eckersley does a fantastic job crafting relatable characters with emotional depth, and the slow-burn chemistry between Caroline and Hunter is both authentic and captivating. Readers have praised the book for its blend of sass, sweetness, and small-town charm, noting that it holds its own alongside the works of authors like Lyla Sage and Elsie Silver. With its sharp dialogue, genuine heart, and emotionally satisfying arc, Back in the Saddle is a standout debut for fans of contemporary romance

Maggie Eckersley will tear your heart apart and then tape it back together in this beautiful story about love and loss. I couldn't get enough of the chemistry between Caroline and Hunter. I loved everything about this - the banter, the angst, and the spice will keep you turning the pages.

This was a little bit slow going at the beginning but I ended up really enjoying it. The book mixes romance and the topics of grief really well.

This was different to what I was expecting. It had much deeper themes then I thought but it was well done. I like the element of Caroline being a fish out of water in Oklahoma and seeing it through her eyes. The chemistry between the two main character was enjoyable to read. I wasn't the biggest fan of how the story panned out in the third act (no spoilers) but it redeemed itself in the final parts for me.

Overall, a nice read if you fancy a cowboy themed romance!

**DISCLAIMER: I WAS PROVIDED WITH A FREE ARC VIA NETGALLEY IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW**

This was my first cowboy romance, so I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect — but Back in the Saddle turned out to be a heartwarming and emotionally layered surprise.

The setup is instantly compelling: Caroline, a doctor navigating the aftermath of a mutual divorce, finds herself in small-town Oklahoma, where she crosses paths with Hunter — a guarded, quietly charming cowboy who’s suddenly responsible for his family’s ranch. Their connection is immediate, but what I really appreciated was the emotional depth both characters brought into the relationship. They’re messy, complex, and trying to find their footing — which made their journey feel honest and grounded.

The romance is slow-burn and full of sweet, intimate moments, but the pacing in the middle did lag a little. Miscommunication becomes a major hurdle, and there were times I found myself wishing they’d just talk it out already. Some of the heavier themes — grief, guilt, anxiety, loss — were introduced thoughtfully, but I do think they needed a bit more breathing room in the narrative.

One thing that pulled me out of the steamy scenes was the overly clinical language — terms like “labia majora” and “clitoral hood” felt more suited to a textbook than a romance, and it dulled the tension quite a bit.

Still, this is a strong debut with a lot of heart. The writing shows real promise, and I’m hopeful that with more experience, Maggie Eckersley will only continue to grow. I’ll definitely be on the lookout for whatever she writes next.

Thank you to NetGalley, Maggie Eckersley, and Avon for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Overall 3.5 stars. I liked the chemistry between Caroline and Hunter, and the science aspect with her work as a doctor was interesting. The miscommunication lingered too long for me. Hunter keeping his past a secret seemed to have no good reason behind it.

The family aspects were good and a lot of the secondary characters were well fleshed-out. I did feel some of their actions didn’t always align at times.

Caroline and Hunter were best when they were together and being open with each other.

Back in the Saddle is an emotional romance between Hunter, a man carrying the burdens of his family and Caroline, a woman who is trying to find herself amongst career identity crisis and divorce.

I enjoyed this book, and there was a lot going on. Caroline is an oncology research assistant and Hunter's father is dying of melanoma. There is a lot of content about grief and cancer. This gave a very real depiction of what cancer treatment is like and what families must navigate.

Caroline and Hunter have great chemistry from their first meeting and I loved them together. It was a little frustrating that Caroline specifically wouldn't have an open conversation with Hunter about her feelings etc. It does have a happy ending, but the way they get to it was not my favorite.

This is not a light cowboy romance, it is emotional and meaningful. I recommend if you enjoy an emotional romance with darker themes and medical/cowboy romance!

Thank you NetGalley and Avon for the ARC!

Not your usual cowboy romance! I absolutely devoured this book, it was so good! I loved the main characters, both dealing with grief in different ways. I loved how their fate intertwined in different ways, there were some heartbreaking moments that made me tear up, but everything was well in the end!
Absolutely wonderful read!

I LOVED THIS. I'm on such a cowboy kick right now--this was such a fun read. I've never read from Maggie Eckersley before, and I can definitely agree with the comp of Lyla Sage. The writing isn't too much, too prose-y, and I enjoyed the speed that allowed me to speed through it.

A runaway Scottish doctor, a broody Oklahoma cowboy, and one whiskey-fueled kiss that unravels all their careful plans. Back in the Saddle is a heartfelt, slow-burn small-town romance packed with emotional baggage, sizzling chemistry, and second chances. Perfect for fans of Elsie Silver and Paisley Hope—this one’s got grit, heart, and just the right amount of heat. Giddy up.

A moving cowboy romance for those who love Lyla Sage and Elsie Silver books. It was emotional, cute, and funny in places.

Bonus points for the beautiful artwork on the cover! Loved it :)

This book was a really enjoyable escape! Hunter and Caroline had this instant attraction and charming banter that pulled me right in. Their chemistry was just undeniable, and it was genuinely rewarding to see them work through their shared grief and healing. Caroline is basically my ideal romance heroine: super sharp, totally capable as a doctor, and realistically a bit guarded. Her starting fresh after a tough divorce really added some authentic emotion to the story, and I especially liked seeing an older female lead who truly knows who she is. Hunter, that classic broody cowboy with a surprisingly soft side, nailed that 'I don't have time for this' vibe that makes him finally catching feelings so satisfying. Their grumpy-sunshine dynamic kept things really captivating. The straightforward writing style was a big plus – it made this the perfect quick read to snap me out of my recent slump. A good cowboy romance always gets me back into reading! (Quick heads-up: the digital formatting was a bit wonky on Kindle, but it was much better once I switched to the Netgalley reader.)

🤠 Back in the saddle - Maggie Eckersley 🤠

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️

Release date - 3rd July 2025.

Thank you to @netgalley for the ARC of this cowboy romance….. I absolutely loved it!

Blurb ✍🏻 - Caroline swears she’s done with love. Fleeing her Scottish homeland with a broken heart for fresh start in Oklahoma is supposed to be smooth riding – until a whisky-soaked night at a local bar leads to a smouldering kiss with a devastatingly handsome cowboy. Hunter’s charm stirs something wild in her, awakening desires she thought she’d buried for good after her divorce.

Hunter has no time for distractions. With his family’s ranch on the line, he has enough on his plate. But then he meets Caroline, a sultry, sharp-tongued, whip-smart doctor. Their chemistry is electric, their connection undeniable – and that kiss? Unforgettable.

As their worlds collide, Caroline and Hunter find themselves drawn together in a whirlwind of passion and longing. But both are tied to the past and neither is ready to let go.

My thoughts 💭- I absolutely loved this one, I love a cowboy small town romance anyway and this one didn’t disappoint. I’d definitely check out some trigger warnings (such as cancer) before reading. I absolutely loved Caroline, she’s such a girl next door type of character who just feels somewhat lost in the world and done with love. Hunter was a little forward for me and I’d of preferred less of a slow burn but I do think it made for good reading 😂

So my cowboy romance/ small town romance girlies this is for you!

#netgalley #netgalleyreviewer #bookreviewers #bookreviewersofinstagram #arc #arcreader #backinthesaddle #smalltownromance #cowboyromance

The slow burn, the tension, the fate that they kept running into each other and that ending?! LOVED this book so much - what’s not to love about a cowboy romance really? This one was really well-written and kept me hooked throughout, loved that it touched on some more sensitive topics in a gentle way as well.
Thank you to the author and publishers for letting me read this one pre-release!

Thanks to Avon UK and NetGalley for this advanced copy. Back in the Saddle is a heartfelt "cowboy" romance. Knowing Maggie personally, I know how hard she's worked on this book and the amount of heart and soul she put into it. Caroline and Hunter are flawed, but beautiful, and just right for each other.

I really enjoyed this one! It’s got that small-town, slow-burn cowboy romance vibe that just hits sometimes, and I was hooked from the start. Caroline is such a solid main character—she’s smart, capable, and so easy to root for. I liked how mature she was, but also how vulnerable she felt after everything she’d been through. And Hunter? Ugh. Broody cowboy with a soft centre? Say less. I was obviously obsessed.

The chemistry between them was great—it built slowly but with just the right amount of tension (and spice, of course), and when it finally delivers, it’s so satisfying. I also loved how much heart this had. It wasn’t just surface-level romance—it touched on grief, healing, starting over… and it did it well without ever feeling too heavy.

It gave me big Elsie Silver / Lyla Sage energy, so if you’re into that kind of vibe, definitely pick this up. Warm, a little angsty, but ultimately really hopeful and romantic. Loved it!

This is just as good as Elsie silver I loved it it's going to be upcoming for sure, I loved everything about this book quick from the beginning and enough detail for characters and plot

This book made me laugh, cry, and feel all the emotions. It's written with such empathy and care, while also being an incredibly hot and sexy romance. My favorite romance reads are ones where the love interests grow/develop separately beyond merely falling in love, so I appreciated that both Caroline and Hunter grapple with their careers, grief, and past relationships with fully realized arcs of their own. I never considered myself a cowboy fan before this book, but by the end I was head over heels for Hunter!

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Smart, heartfelt and healing!

This debut cowboy romance is filled with a deep emotional journey for both the main characters and is packed with sizzling chemistry.

It explores grief, starting a new chapter, and the challenges of life unexpectedly changing course.

Caroline is smart, endearing and relatable, and Hunter is swoon-worthy, loyal and better yet, he knows how to admit to his mistakes.

I loved this story and experiencing different parts of the world through Caroline and Hunter’s eyes. It also made me want to start drinking whisky!

I’m missing the ranch already and can’t wait to see what comes next in this series!

This book was so great! It was well written and the characters were so relatable. I really enjoyed it and will definitely recommend it to others!

3.5 ⭐️ Can we take a moment for the cover of this book yall! 10/10!

This story was cute and the characters stories were definitely heart wrenching but I just felt like this book was missing something. It was a cute and easy read but something about it just fell a little flat for me.

I think I'm in my cowboy romance era!

Back in the Saddle was just perfect.

Entertaining from start to finish.

With a great mix of emotion, saucy moments and humour, this is a love story with a difference.

Spoiler Alert

I really like the fact the protagonist didn't want children. Showing it's ok to not want to go down the children route of marriage and kids.

The age gap between the characters was a great add too.

Refreshing.

I will definitely be reading more books by this author!

Thanks Netgalley for the arc.
This was so enjoyable! I love a cowboy romance and of course this one I loved.

Caroline is on an exchange program from Scotland for one year to study at a cancer research center in Oklahoma, when she meets a handsome stranger in a bar and dares him to kiss her. Hunter more than lives up to the challenge and wants more, but what he doesn't know is that Caroline is still married, even though she plans to sign the divorce papers as soon as she gets back to Scotland. They kiss is seared into both of their brains and they keep thinking about each other, and Hunter even returns to the bar a few times hoping for another chance encounter with Caroline. Finally, he runs into her at the cancer center where she works and his father is a patient.. Then when Caroline's aunt takes her for horse riding lessons, Hunter is the instructor and sparks fly all over again. She helps hims navigate his grief as he deals with his father cancer. Small town rowmane and cowboy lovers, this one is for you.

Back in the Saddle was such a fun surprise! If you're like me and in your cowboy romance era, this one totally hits the spot. Caroline, a doctor starting over in small town Oklahoma, and Hunter, the hot cowboy with a guarded heart, have instant chemistry that pulls you in from the beginning. You can feel the tension between them, but what I really liked was how they each brought their own emotional baggage into the mix because it gave their connection depth.

The story has a great balance of steamy moments (yes, it definitely gets spicy 🔥), sweet interactions, and just the right touch of drama without going overboard. It’s one of those feel good reads that’s easy to follow and leaves you smiling. Plus, horses. That’s always a win.

If you’re a fan of Elsie Silver or Lyla Sage, you’ll definitely want to give this one a go. It’s a little lighter, more heartwarming than angsty, and just perfect for when you want a story about second chances, healing, and cowboy charm.

Would absolutely read more from Maggie Eckersley!

Thank you to NetGalley, Maggie Eckersley, and Avon for the eARC of this book.

4 stars – A heartfelt, small-town second chance romance with charm and depth.

*Back in the Saddle* by Maggie Eckersley is everything I love in a small-town romance: witty banter, complex emotions, and a couple with undeniable history and chemistry. This isn’t just a fluffy cowboy romance—it’s a story about forgiveness, growth, and the vulnerability it takes to come home again.

The main characters are both flawed in the best way—real, relatable, and emotionally layered. Their second-chance dynamic is filled with tension, old wounds, and sparks that never quite died out. Eckersley writes with warmth and humor, but she doesn’t shy away from the hard stuff either—family expectations, past mistakes, and the courage it takes to move forward.

The setting is vividly drawn, with all the charm and complications of a tight-knit rural community. And the dialogue? Sharp, heartfelt, and sometimes laugh-out-loud funny.

If you’re looking for a romance that balances emotional depth with a satisfying, swoon-worthy payoff, *Back in the Saddle* will absolutely deliver.

A more modern western romance with a bit more depth to it. It drew me in more than I thought it would considering it's old-fashioned cover. Loved the main characters and their history. A good read.

I couldn’t be more in love with this story if I tried. 5/5 stars and so.many.tears. What an incredible read!

i love a cowboy romance! and I love a smart FMC working in STEM. two of my favorite things, packed into one?

this was quite an emotional romance both because of the FMC starting over after divorce and the MMC being kind of a grump. i really loved this and would definitely recommend to anyone who loves these kinds of romances! a little formulaic which is why i'm giving it 4 stars - however i've never minded formulaic and if it works, it works!

the ARC file formatting did not display very well on the kindle app and at times made this a bit difficult to read, so i feel like my reading experience may have also felt a bit more disjointed than maybe it would have if i waited until the release date when the e-book file was formatted and complete. i'll definitely take a second read of this upon release!

Honestly, we need a moment for this cover - it is absolute perfection.

A divorce doctor and a cowboy saddle up in this sweet but emotional romance!

What’s to love…
- STEM (MD currently working as cancer researcher) FMC
- divorced FMC + younger MMC
- small-town romance
- slow burn
- packs an emotional punch
- chemistry 🔥
- emotional

What’s not to love…
- the pacing was my biggest issue with this. At times we were chugging along, others it felt slower than molasses, and the ending was quite rushed.
- there was a bit too much miscommunication for my taste.

🌶️ - Only a few explicit scenes starting around ch 29. Honestly the proper/technical terms really through me off in this one.

Back in the Saddle is a slow, steady story about starting over. Caroline has left her marriage and is trying to rebuild her life in Oklahoma while on an exchange program from the UK as a doctor. Maggie Eckersley writes about grief and anxiety in a way that feels respectful and real - there’s no magical fix, the healing process is messy and hard and can come up when you least expect it.

The romance is very understated, which I liked. It felt grounded and not rushed, which makes sense given everything Caroline is going through. I loved everything about Hunter - our consent king! They were such a good match together.

The pacing is a little on the slower side, especially in the middle, and I wish some of the side characters had been fleshed out a bit more. Still, it’s a great read if you’re in the mood for something emotionally grounded with a strong focus on personal growth. It hurt a little bit to get there but the conclusion was incredibly satisfying.

Thank you Avon Books UK and Netgalley for the advanced review copy.

Such a fun and lighthearted read, perfect for fans of Elsie Silver and Lyla Sage! Can't wait to see what Maggie releases in the future.

Love a book that can make you laugh and also get you in your feels! This was fun and sweet but also emotional and I felt so connected to the characters! It had more depth than a lot of cowboy romances I've read recently and definitely excited to read more from this author

Who doesn’t love a good cowboy romance? This book was brilliant and ticked all the boxes of what you want in a book like this, a great plot amazing characters, some cowboy love. Absolutely brilliant and funny read

Cowboy romances are by far my favourite romances to read! This one was so cute, I loved the longing, the slow burn and the atmosphere. I loved both the FMC and MMC and how they were written. I can’t wait to read more from this author!!

A really interesting story, with the heroine from Aberdeen transplanted to Oklahoma for a year's internship. Fun for anyone who has ever considered abandoning a rainy Scotland to find a spur-clad Cowboy from Oklahoma once in a while

Currently living and loving the cowboy era! I really enjoyed this book, and found the 3rd person style writing to be a lovely change from what I usually read. The characters are great and I loved the setting of the book!!

I am currently loving the cowboy romance era! This was such a cute and fun read with relatable characters. Thank you to Netgalley for this e-arc! Can't wait to read more by this author.