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Sunshine
Friday Night Lights meets Yellowstone in this scorching new romance series about a fictional small town in East Texas and a lawless family of ranchers who are hellbent on pushing back against the people who fear them.
Layla Hayes never wanted love. With eyes full of stars, she’s always dreamt of leaving Saddlebrook Falls in the dust, determined to escape her small town and the “traditional” future her mother has planned for her. But then she falls for her town’s golden boy—the older, gorgeous starting quarterback, Jason Moore—and her dreams of living life for herself begin to disappear like smoke. Still, despite planning her forever with Jason, she’s intent on chasing her own dreams and heads to NYU for college.
When a devastating loss forces her to return to her hometown, Layla must reconsider everything she thought she knew about herself. It doesn’t take long for her to realize the future she craves may have been right in front of her all along.
Layla Hayes never wanted love. With eyes full of stars, she’s always dreamt of leaving Saddlebrook Falls in the dust, determined to escape her small town and the “traditional” future her mother has planned for her. But then she falls for her town’s golden boy—the older, gorgeous starting quarterback, Jason Moore—and her dreams of living life for herself begin to disappear like smoke. Still, despite planning her forever with Jason, she’s intent on chasing her own dreams and heads to NYU for college.
When a devastating loss forces her to return to her hometown, Layla must reconsider everything she thought she knew about herself. It doesn’t take long for her to realize the future she craves may have been right in front of her all along.
398 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 30, 2024
About the author
Michaela Jean Taylor
5 books101 followersMichaela is the author of heartwarming contemporary romance novels featuring diverse characters with strong emotional development. Don’t worry - there’s always a HEA (and plenty of spice).
When she’s not reading or writing she’s usually with her family and dogs, enjoying the desert in Arizona.
CONNECT WITH MICHAELA 👇🏼
NEWSLETTER: www.michaelajeantaylor.com/newsletter
INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/michaelajeanbooks
TIK TOK: www.tiktok.com/@michaelajeanbooks
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/michaelajeantaylorau...
WEBSITE: www.michaelajeanbooks.com
When she’s not reading or writing she’s usually with her family and dogs, enjoying the desert in Arizona.
CONNECT WITH MICHAELA 👇🏼
NEWSLETTER: www.michaelajeantaylor.com/newsletter
INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/michaelajeanbooks
TIK TOK: www.tiktok.com/@michaelajeanbooks
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/michaelajeantaylorau...
WEBSITE: www.michaelajeanbooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 217 reviews
September 10, 2024
This book destroyed me in the best way. I fear it has altered my brain chemistry and ruined me for eternity
August 20, 2024
4.5/5
This book may have a really cute cover, but it is so much more than a cute book.
I have to start off by saying that Wells is a new book boyfriend. He’s one of those guys that is always taking note of your favorite things or when you feel uncomfortable and making sure that you feel safe. He is the guy that you know will always be there for you.
I love how this book alternated between the past and the present. It helped add so much to the book and let you understand everything the characters had gone through up to this point.
The beginning of the book really hurt my heart for Layla. I enjoyed watching her grow and come into who she truly was and what she needed as a person as the book went on. She found out that there was love and hope after heartbreak and grief.
This book may have a really cute cover, but it is so much more than a cute book.
I have to start off by saying that Wells is a new book boyfriend. He’s one of those guys that is always taking note of your favorite things or when you feel uncomfortable and making sure that you feel safe. He is the guy that you know will always be there for you.
I love how this book alternated between the past and the present. It helped add so much to the book and let you understand everything the characters had gone through up to this point.
The beginning of the book really hurt my heart for Layla. I enjoyed watching her grow and come into who she truly was and what she needed as a person as the book went on. She found out that there was love and hope after heartbreak and grief.
August 24, 2024
I want to thank the author for the arc, I loved reading end game so I was so excited to discover sunshine!🥰
I don’t usually read cowboy romance books, and I honestly loved the vibes in this one! the story was easy to read, and I really enjoyed the way it was paced with the dual timeline. layla grew so much throughout the story, and I loved how wells really understands her. also, the way he was a simp from the start was the cutest thing ever! I’m very intrigued by all the bennett family drama going on (especially with rhett) and I really hope we’ll get to find out more about them!!
overall, sunshine was a very good read, it was sweet but also very touching🫶🏼
I don’t usually read cowboy romance books, and I honestly loved the vibes in this one! the story was easy to read, and I really enjoyed the way it was paced with the dual timeline. layla grew so much throughout the story, and I loved how wells really understands her. also, the way he was a simp from the start was the cutest thing ever! I’m very intrigued by all the bennett family drama going on (especially with rhett) and I really hope we’ll get to find out more about them!!
overall, sunshine was a very good read, it was sweet but also very touching🫶🏼
August 28, 2024
4.5 stars rounded up
Tropes-
Cowboy romance
Dual timeline
Small town
Boyfriend's best friend
Slow Burn
One Bed
It's always been you
Nicknames
“I’m right here, in your arms, and there’s nowhere else in the world I’d rather be.”
"I want to spend the entire day figuring out how I can make you smile, because when you do it’s like a drug, and I get so fucking high from it.”
✨️My bestie, @readswith_marissa, were both fortunate enough to get this ARC. We made it a bit of a buddy read. It was nice to be able to message her to discuss. Especially because of all of the emotions this book put me through.
I was angry, felt gut punched, cried, laughed, and everything in between. Michaela put me through the ringer. But, I enjoyed every minute of it. I highly recommend you give this book a read if you are a fan of a small town or cowboy romance. Oh, and Wells Bennett is one of my new favorite book boyfriends.
I can't wait to read the next book in the Saddlebrook Falls series!!
Thank you for allowing me to read and review!
This book will be released August 30th! Be sure to give it a read ❤️❤️❤️!
Tropes-
Cowboy romance
Dual timeline
Small town
Boyfriend's best friend
Slow Burn
One Bed
It's always been you
Nicknames
“I’m right here, in your arms, and there’s nowhere else in the world I’d rather be.”
"I want to spend the entire day figuring out how I can make you smile, because when you do it’s like a drug, and I get so fucking high from it.”
✨️My bestie, @readswith_marissa, were both fortunate enough to get this ARC. We made it a bit of a buddy read. It was nice to be able to message her to discuss. Especially because of all of the emotions this book put me through.
I was angry, felt gut punched, cried, laughed, and everything in between. Michaela put me through the ringer. But, I enjoyed every minute of it. I highly recommend you give this book a read if you are a fan of a small town or cowboy romance. Oh, and Wells Bennett is one of my new favorite book boyfriends.
I can't wait to read the next book in the Saddlebrook Falls series!!
Thank you for allowing me to read and review!
This book will be released August 30th! Be sure to give it a read ❤️❤️❤️!
August 30, 2024
this book!!!!!! i’m going to scream forever about how much i loved this book, wells is the perfect book boyfriend and i love him and Layla so much!!!
special thanks to the author for the arc! 💛
special thanks to the author for the arc! 💛
August 30, 2024
This is one of those cases where I wonder what I did to be lucky enough to get the chance to read a book in advance. I'm telling you...Sunshine is sooo goooood!
I was hooked from the dedication and I loved everything about this book.
The dual timeline was divinely written. While reading, I could not wait to find out what happened in the past and, at the same time, I could not wait for the present story to unfold.
The protagonists of the story are instantly relatable and lovable. Layla is a free spirit, an indipendent girl that can't be tamed, and I just admire her so much. Wells is the taciturn and apparently grumpy guy who actually has a heart of gold. I voted him best book boyfriend of the year in like one second. I immediately identified and empathized with them both and I just love them so much!
Layla and Wells have an undeniable chemistry. Their love story is tortuous, unpredictable, complicated and, above all, it is meaningful and beautiful. Trust me when I say it is impossible not to root for them from the start! The tension, the desire, the angst, the romance, and the spice (according to me, Michaela writes some of the best spicy scenes ever!)... everything about this book is sublime!
My advice to you is to go into this story as blindly as possible. Loose yourself in this so well built small town world, and let yourself be carried away by all the plot twists of this amazing love story. Trust me, it's worth it!
Ps: Can't wait to go back to Saddlebrook Falls with the other books of the series!
I was hooked from the dedication and I loved everything about this book.
The dual timeline was divinely written. While reading, I could not wait to find out what happened in the past and, at the same time, I could not wait for the present story to unfold.
The protagonists of the story are instantly relatable and lovable. Layla is a free spirit, an indipendent girl that can't be tamed, and I just admire her so much. Wells is the taciturn and apparently grumpy guy who actually has a heart of gold. I voted him best book boyfriend of the year in like one second. I immediately identified and empathized with them both and I just love them so much!
Layla and Wells have an undeniable chemistry. Their love story is tortuous, unpredictable, complicated and, above all, it is meaningful and beautiful. Trust me when I say it is impossible not to root for them from the start! The tension, the desire, the angst, the romance, and the spice (according to me, Michaela writes some of the best spicy scenes ever!)... everything about this book is sublime!
My advice to you is to go into this story as blindly as possible. Loose yourself in this so well built small town world, and let yourself be carried away by all the plot twists of this amazing love story. Trust me, it's worth it!
Ps: Can't wait to go back to Saddlebrook Falls with the other books of the series!
August 28, 2024
“Having you like this . . . it’s like touching the sunrise. You might pull me in so deep that I burn to ashes, but I don’t care. It’s already worth it.”
💭Thoughts💭
THIS BOOK 😮💨 I have never felt so many whiplash emotions as this author made me feel throughout the entirety of this book.
The grief, the trauma, the mental health struggles, THE LOVE, there was definitely so much of that. You literally feel all of these emotions with the characters. The author did such a great job making it all relatable, believable and truly enjoyable all the way until the end.
To say that Wells is one of my top 3 favorite book boyfriend cowboys is an understatement. 🤠🥵
“None of them are as brave as you, my sunshine girl.”
I recommend this to all of my book besties who are also in their cowboy romance era and have no plan on returning to normal life books. 😘
Thank you to Michaela Jean Taylor for the ARC of this book! 💗
💭Thoughts💭
THIS BOOK 😮💨 I have never felt so many whiplash emotions as this author made me feel throughout the entirety of this book.
The grief, the trauma, the mental health struggles, THE LOVE, there was definitely so much of that. You literally feel all of these emotions with the characters. The author did such a great job making it all relatable, believable and truly enjoyable all the way until the end.
To say that Wells is one of my top 3 favorite book boyfriend cowboys is an understatement. 🤠🥵
“None of them are as brave as you, my sunshine girl.”
I recommend this to all of my book besties who are also in their cowboy romance era and have no plan on returning to normal life books. 😘
Thank you to Michaela Jean Taylor for the ARC of this book! 💗
August 31, 2024
Such a beautifully written story about love and loss.
This might be Michaela Jean Taylor's best book yet! If you like cowboy love stories, you’ll enjoy this one, but it doesn’t shy away from difficult topics—those trigger warnings are there for a reason.
☀️dual timelines
☀️cowboy MMC
☀️small town
☀️spicy
☀️He falls first
☀️shared grief
The alternating timelines between past and present bring extra depth, letting you step into FMC Layla’s memories and allow for them to be reconsidered from a different perspective. Ultimately this leads Layla to our MMC Wells. Where Wells is earnest, caring and respectful, we slowly find that perhaps Jason, her boyfriend and possible future husband was perhaps not.
Sunshine was equally as heart wrenching as it was uplifting. Wells never puts his own needs first, even when he’s struggling. Layla’s happiness and dreams always have and will come before his, and despite how hard it is, he remains true to that.
I cannot wait for the next instalment of the Saddlebrook Falls series! This one ended on a cliffhanger and I’m dying to know what happens next!!!
* A big thank you to Michaela and Bookfunnel for the opportunity to read this ARC
This might be Michaela Jean Taylor's best book yet! If you like cowboy love stories, you’ll enjoy this one, but it doesn’t shy away from difficult topics—those trigger warnings are there for a reason.
☀️dual timelines
☀️cowboy MMC
☀️small town
☀️spicy
☀️He falls first
☀️shared grief
The alternating timelines between past and present bring extra depth, letting you step into FMC Layla’s memories and allow for them to be reconsidered from a different perspective. Ultimately this leads Layla to our MMC Wells. Where Wells is earnest, caring and respectful, we slowly find that perhaps Jason, her boyfriend and possible future husband was perhaps not.
Sunshine was equally as heart wrenching as it was uplifting. Wells never puts his own needs first, even when he’s struggling. Layla’s happiness and dreams always have and will come before his, and despite how hard it is, he remains true to that.
I cannot wait for the next instalment of the Saddlebrook Falls series! This one ended on a cliffhanger and I’m dying to know what happens next!!!
* A big thank you to Michaela and Bookfunnel for the opportunity to read this ARC
September 2, 2024
I was so excited to read this book when I saw the tropes and I have to be so careful with my review because the author has done an amazing job at marketing it so carefully.
This book grabbed me from chapter one and held on so tight. The emotional rollercoaster that was this book. It was phenomenal and it kept you needing more. Putting this book down to do something else was next to impossible! Michaela Jean Taylor, I am in awe of you.
I really can’t tell you anything about this book but if you’re on the fence, just read chapter one. Just do it. Then make your decision.
Amazing amazing amazing I’m obsessed. Please be prepared to be sick of me because I am going to love this book forever and annoy everyone till they read it.
5⭐️ | 2🌶️
This book grabbed me from chapter one and held on so tight. The emotional rollercoaster that was this book. It was phenomenal and it kept you needing more. Putting this book down to do something else was next to impossible! Michaela Jean Taylor, I am in awe of you.
I really can’t tell you anything about this book but if you’re on the fence, just read chapter one. Just do it. Then make your decision.
Amazing amazing amazing I’m obsessed. Please be prepared to be sick of me because I am going to love this book forever and annoy everyone till they read it.
5⭐️ | 2🌶️
September 17, 2024
I've seriously been considering Kindle Unlimited like bad, indie books that just shouldn't be published (but are). BUT Sunshine kind of changed my mind.
This was not earth shattering, this did not change the chemicals in my brain, I did not cry and this isn't one I carried with me for days after - but - for a free book, it was good.
I liked the way the story toggled back and forth, I liked the slow reveal of the past and how it got Wells and Layla to the point they're at now. I did find some of the details about Layla and Jason to be a bit boring, her relationship with her mother was tired and unsurprising. I think when I write the book, I'm looking for that big "stand up" moment where she walks away from her family - I don't think necessarily going back to where she was before (college - or whatever) necessarily fulfilled that (for me) but it was a decent read!
This was not earth shattering, this did not change the chemicals in my brain, I did not cry and this isn't one I carried with me for days after - but - for a free book, it was good.
I liked the way the story toggled back and forth, I liked the slow reveal of the past and how it got Wells and Layla to the point they're at now. I did find some of the details about Layla and Jason to be a bit boring, her relationship with her mother was tired and unsurprising. I think when I write the book, I'm looking for that big "stand up" moment where she walks away from her family - I don't think necessarily going back to where she was before (college - or whatever) necessarily fulfilled that (for me) but it was a decent read!
September 2, 2024
I read this book during my 12 hour flight home from South Korea, and finished it 5 hours in. It was just that good that I could not put it down in favor of sleeping, but it was well worth it. This book took me for a trip and back, pulling on all the angsty heart strings that hurt so good and the right amount of cliche fluff I needed. The plot was unique, with the essence of both a second chance romance and a long slow burn between two people who felt like they had an invisible string tying them to one another. the topics of grief and anger, and navigating that grief while also being angry at someone who you’ve loved is so intricate and confusing and well written.
August 29, 2024
This was a really good and emotional read that dives into the grief journey and healing from that. I loved Wells so much, and I would have LOVED some chapters from his POV. Layla had pretty solid character growth and enjoyed watching her evolve from being what a man wanted her to be to feeling like she could be her own person. The book ends on a cliffhanger but it’s related to other family members and the main characters have their HEA 🩷
August 20, 2024
ARC Review
Sunshine ☀️
Author: Michaela Jean Taylor
Release date: AUGUST 30, 2024
Oh. My. Goodness! This book was one of the best reads I’ve read in a long time. I am a sucker for small town romance and this just gave me alllll the feels. You go through sooo many emotions with Layla on this book. The book has a dual timeline so just when you’re on the edge wanting to know what happens next you’re taken to another place in time, which makes “one more chapter” turn into 6!😂 I cannot wait for book #2 in this series and I really hope it’s sooner rather than later!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sunshine ☀️
Author: Michaela Jean Taylor
Release date: AUGUST 30, 2024
Oh. My. Goodness! This book was one of the best reads I’ve read in a long time. I am a sucker for small town romance and this just gave me alllll the feels. You go through sooo many emotions with Layla on this book. The book has a dual timeline so just when you’re on the edge wanting to know what happens next you’re taken to another place in time, which makes “one more chapter” turn into 6!😂 I cannot wait for book #2 in this series and I really hope it’s sooner rather than later!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 20, 2024
Glad I went in blind! (& as an ARC reader) this is my first dual timeline book and I couldn’t tell you what timeline I liked more! It’s also crazy to me that the “then” timeline spans almost 6 years and the “now” timeline spans a few weeks until one of the last few chapters. This book was great and other than it being a cowboy romance (what sparked my interest to read) I didn’t know what to expect but it surpassed all my expectations. This is definitely a book I’ll be buying so I can have it on my shelf anytime I want to take a trip to Saddlebrook Falls!
Also, can someone make this into a movie please? K, thanks.
Also, can someone make this into a movie please? K, thanks.
August 26, 2024
this book destroyed me and then brought me back together :')
August 27, 2024
This was my first ARC and it did not disappoint‼️ the author has you so hooked at the end of each chapter it makes it hard to put down. I went into it blind and I’m glad I did. If you can help yourself, don’t read the summary and just dive right in.
September 2, 2024
Rating: 9/10⭐️
Spice: .5/5🌶
Tropes: duel timeline; small town; slow burn
Favorite Quote:
This book hurt but gosh did I love it SO MUCH from the first chapter I was HOOKED
BUT, let me tell you... I went into this book thinking one thing and in the first chapter i was like OMGOSH WHAT IS GOING ON? I was thrown for a LOOPPPP and I wasn't mad at it. I don't want to give to much away because i felt like going into this book completely blind made the experience so I will just tell you this... you will not regret reading this book! it was so so good & gave PERFECT Friday Night Lights meets Yellowstone vibes. The duel timeline was done SO WELL and made the book so easy to binge because you felt like you were completely immersed into two different love stories. the burn in this book was SO SLOW and it was SO ANGSTY & I ate that ish up.
Spice: .5/5🌶
Tropes: duel timeline; small town; slow burn
Favorite Quote:
This book hurt but gosh did I love it SO MUCH from the first chapter I was HOOKED
BUT, let me tell you... I went into this book thinking one thing and in the first chapter i was like OMGOSH WHAT IS GOING ON? I was thrown for a LOOPPPP and I wasn't mad at it. I don't want to give to much away because i felt like going into this book completely blind made the experience so I will just tell you this... you will not regret reading this book! it was so so good & gave PERFECT Friday Night Lights meets Yellowstone vibes. The duel timeline was done SO WELL and made the book so easy to binge because you felt like you were completely immersed into two different love stories. the burn in this book was SO SLOW and it was SO ANGSTY & I ate that ish up.
August 20, 2024
3.75⭐️ rounded up!
All I knew going into this was “Friday night lights meets Yellowstone” and that it had a yellow cover and it was enough to apply for the ARC of it.
It 100% grabbed my attention from the beginning, I really enjoyed it, definitely a perfect summer read.
I don’t personally enjoy dual timelines that jump back to high school only because it feels a little cringey at times, so thats the ONLY reason this wasn’t rated higher. But it was important for the storyline. Sunshine showed a dynamic that unfortunately a lot of girls deal with. Giving up so much of themselves for someone else.
I definitely wanted more Wells! I’m hoping the next books are about all the Bennet brothers because that ending?!?!
All I knew going into this was “Friday night lights meets Yellowstone” and that it had a yellow cover and it was enough to apply for the ARC of it.
It 100% grabbed my attention from the beginning, I really enjoyed it, definitely a perfect summer read.
I don’t personally enjoy dual timelines that jump back to high school only because it feels a little cringey at times, so thats the ONLY reason this wasn’t rated higher. But it was important for the storyline. Sunshine showed a dynamic that unfortunately a lot of girls deal with. Giving up so much of themselves for someone else.
I definitely wanted more Wells! I’m hoping the next books are about all the Bennet brothers because that ending?!?!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 3, 2024
“I’m going to make a mess of this.”
“Make a mess of me, then.”
Sunshine by Michaela Jean Taylor is both the first book I’ve read from this author and the debut novel in her new series, A Saddlebrook Falls Romance.
Read this if you enjoy:
🌆 Small-town Texas
🤠 Rodeo Cowboy MMC
❤️ "It’s Always Been You"
🔥 Slow burn romance
🤫 Secret pining
💔 Love triangle
🔄 Dual timelines
4.5⭐️ | 2 🌶️
“I want to spend the entire day figuring out how I can make you smile, because when you do it’s like a drug, and I get so fucking high from it.”
As a lover of small-town romances, I was eager to read this book. And while love triangles usually aren’t my favorite, I found this one to be well-executed.
The story follows Layla, who has always longed to escape her small town and her mother’s traditional plans for her. In high school, she falls for Jason, the town’s star quarterback, and begins to sacrifice her dreams for his. Jason claims to love her, but football is his true priority, and red flags appear throughout their relationship. She becomes someone she never wanted to be, while Jason’s best friend, Wells, is always there for her. Layla starts spending more time at Wells’ family ranch, which quickly becomes her refuge.
“Layla, I’m learning that when it comes to you, I don’t know what I’m capable of.”
Jason struggles with drinking in high school, and it’s Wells who steps in to help Layla when Jason can’t. He consistently puts her first in a way Jason never does. After tragedy strikes, Layla and Wells grow closer, and she finally realizes the depth of Wells’ feelings for her. She comes to understand that everything she truly wants has always led her back to Wells, not Jason.
Wells, a rodeo competitor and football player, has long harbored feelings for Layla but kept them hidden while she was with Jason. He’s kind, supportive, and always puts others before himself. It’s only after the tragedy that he confesses his feelings, and Layla starts to see that he’s been there for her all along. Their romance unfolds slowly, with Wells encouraging Layla to follow her dreams and prioritize herself, something she never did with Jason. Therapy also helps Layla process her grief and clarify her emotions.
This book handles sensitive mental health issues with care, weaving themes of self-discovery and personal growth into the love story. Layla’s relationship with Wells is a healing one, and their journey together is as much about finding themselves as it is about finding love.
“You brought me back to life, Wells.”
While I would have loved more focus on Layla and Wells in the present, rather than so much of her past with Jason, I understand the backstory’s importance. Layla’s mother holds outdated views about her daughter’s future, while Jason struggles with mental health issues and turns to drinking under pressure. Unfortunately, he never seeks help from either Layla or Wells.
“Promise me that this is forever,”
“I promise, sunshine. I’m yours forever.”
Despite tackling serious topics, the romance is sweet, and Wells truly shines during the more intimate moments. If you’re in the mood for a small-town romance that explores grief, personal growth, and rediscovery, Sunshine is a great pick.
“Make a mess of me, then.”
Sunshine by Michaela Jean Taylor is both the first book I’ve read from this author and the debut novel in her new series, A Saddlebrook Falls Romance.
Read this if you enjoy:
🌆 Small-town Texas
🤠 Rodeo Cowboy MMC
❤️ "It’s Always Been You"
🔥 Slow burn romance
🤫 Secret pining
💔 Love triangle
🔄 Dual timelines
4.5⭐️ | 2 🌶️
“I want to spend the entire day figuring out how I can make you smile, because when you do it’s like a drug, and I get so fucking high from it.”
As a lover of small-town romances, I was eager to read this book. And while love triangles usually aren’t my favorite, I found this one to be well-executed.
The story follows Layla, who has always longed to escape her small town and her mother’s traditional plans for her. In high school, she falls for Jason, the town’s star quarterback, and begins to sacrifice her dreams for his. Jason claims to love her, but football is his true priority, and red flags appear throughout their relationship. She becomes someone she never wanted to be, while Jason’s best friend, Wells, is always there for her. Layla starts spending more time at Wells’ family ranch, which quickly becomes her refuge.
“Layla, I’m learning that when it comes to you, I don’t know what I’m capable of.”
Jason struggles with drinking in high school, and it’s Wells who steps in to help Layla when Jason can’t. He consistently puts her first in a way Jason never does. After tragedy strikes, Layla and Wells grow closer, and she finally realizes the depth of Wells’ feelings for her. She comes to understand that everything she truly wants has always led her back to Wells, not Jason.
Wells, a rodeo competitor and football player, has long harbored feelings for Layla but kept them hidden while she was with Jason. He’s kind, supportive, and always puts others before himself. It’s only after the tragedy that he confesses his feelings, and Layla starts to see that he’s been there for her all along. Their romance unfolds slowly, with Wells encouraging Layla to follow her dreams and prioritize herself, something she never did with Jason. Therapy also helps Layla process her grief and clarify her emotions.
This book handles sensitive mental health issues with care, weaving themes of self-discovery and personal growth into the love story. Layla’s relationship with Wells is a healing one, and their journey together is as much about finding themselves as it is about finding love.
“You brought me back to life, Wells.”
While I would have loved more focus on Layla and Wells in the present, rather than so much of her past with Jason, I understand the backstory’s importance. Layla’s mother holds outdated views about her daughter’s future, while Jason struggles with mental health issues and turns to drinking under pressure. Unfortunately, he never seeks help from either Layla or Wells.
“Promise me that this is forever,”
“I promise, sunshine. I’m yours forever.”
Despite tackling serious topics, the romance is sweet, and Wells truly shines during the more intimate moments. If you’re in the mood for a small-town romance that explores grief, personal growth, and rediscovery, Sunshine is a great pick.
September 9, 2024
3.25/5
my obsession with cowboy romances with cute covers will never be topped, but maybe i should start doing some research...
one person on tik tok made a video about liking this book and i read the summary, which seemed very angsty, and downloaded it immediately. this was a very odd book, our main character is a college student who has to come home because of a tragedy and she falls in love with someone new. this book was told in then and now timelines which i loved but the now was kinda bland. with a story like this there should be more tension or angst, layla didn't really struggle to fall for someone new. i get that there were reasons why she shouldn't care but she wasted no time which was surprising to me. i just think that with a little more buildup for the platonic relationship, the romantic relationship would've hit harder.
(some spoilers below)
wells was okay, that was another reason this book felt meh. i wanted him to serve bad boy cowboy, not bland boy cowboy. that was an awful joke, i'm sorry. anyway he was just kinda there, he had some good lines but ultimately i didn't care that much about him. which is why the "cliffhanger" pissed me off. it's just annoying that he's keeping secrets from her which we know she hates and the secret has nothing to do with them as a couple.
two other small points before i end this review. layla coming home at the end was annoying. she has spent her whole life trying to get out of texas, then she gets a better boyfriend and decides that she should just live on the ranch??? jason's death also annoyed me because i totally thought we were gonna get more explanation. he was drunk driving and they were all acting shocked and confused about why he died???
this was very middle of the road for me but i feel sort of inclined to read the next one... maybe... melody better not fucking die...
my obsession with cowboy romances with cute covers will never be topped, but maybe i should start doing some research...
one person on tik tok made a video about liking this book and i read the summary, which seemed very angsty, and downloaded it immediately. this was a very odd book, our main character is a college student who has to come home because of a tragedy and she falls in love with someone new. this book was told in then and now timelines which i loved but the now was kinda bland. with a story like this there should be more tension or angst, layla didn't really struggle to fall for someone new. i get that there were reasons why she shouldn't care but she wasted no time which was surprising to me. i just think that with a little more buildup for the platonic relationship, the romantic relationship would've hit harder.
(some spoilers below)
wells was okay, that was another reason this book felt meh. i wanted him to serve bad boy cowboy, not bland boy cowboy. that was an awful joke, i'm sorry. anyway he was just kinda there, he had some good lines but ultimately i didn't care that much about him. which is why the "cliffhanger" pissed me off. it's just annoying that he's keeping secrets from her which we know she hates and the secret has nothing to do with them as a couple.
two other small points before i end this review. layla coming home at the end was annoying. she has spent her whole life trying to get out of texas, then she gets a better boyfriend and decides that she should just live on the ranch??? jason's death also annoyed me because i totally thought we were gonna get more explanation. he was drunk driving and they were all acting shocked and confused about why he died???
this was very middle of the road for me but i feel sort of inclined to read the next one... maybe... melody better not fucking die...
September 8, 2024
saddle up and get ready for a wild ride!!! (in the best way possible). wow. what a gut wrenching yet heart warming book this was😭 it definitely stands out from any other cowboy romance i’ve read yet and i cannot stop thinking about it.
tropes:
- cowboy romance
- small town texas
- “friday night lights” vibes
- dual timelines
- slow burn
- “it’s always been you”
i honestly don’t want to say much because i HIGHLY recommend going into this one blind for the best experience possible! this book hooked me in right from the get-go and was simply unputdownable after that. the dual timelines were executed perfectly and i felt that they really added that extra layer of depth to both characters.
“it’s always been you” is one of my all-time favourite tropes and i love that i actually got to see on-page how much this was true!!! this man was PINING for her for YEARS and i truly couldn’t get enough. i could FEEL his love for her and that he believed she was and always has been his person🥹
even though there were a lot of heavy topics discussed in this book, i felt so much lighter when it ended as it wrapped up perfectly. it was very raw, relatable, and realistic and that’s what i always crave in romance books the most. if you’re looking for a cowboy romance that will make you feel alllll of the feels and keep you on the edge of your saddle, this one is definitely for you!!!
a huge thank you to Michaela for an ARC in exchange for an honest review🫶🏻
theme song: i love you, i’m sorry - gracie abrams
fave quotes:
“i f*cking know you Layla. i know you by heart.”
“i want to spend the entire day figuring out how i can make you smile, because when you do it’s like a drug, and i get so f*cking high from it”
“none of them are as brave as you, my sunshine girl.”
tropes:
- cowboy romance
- small town texas
- “friday night lights” vibes
- dual timelines
- slow burn
- “it’s always been you”
i honestly don’t want to say much because i HIGHLY recommend going into this one blind for the best experience possible! this book hooked me in right from the get-go and was simply unputdownable after that. the dual timelines were executed perfectly and i felt that they really added that extra layer of depth to both characters.
“it’s always been you” is one of my all-time favourite tropes and i love that i actually got to see on-page how much this was true!!! this man was PINING for her for YEARS and i truly couldn’t get enough. i could FEEL his love for her and that he believed she was and always has been his person🥹
even though there were a lot of heavy topics discussed in this book, i felt so much lighter when it ended as it wrapped up perfectly. it was very raw, relatable, and realistic and that’s what i always crave in romance books the most. if you’re looking for a cowboy romance that will make you feel alllll of the feels and keep you on the edge of your saddle, this one is definitely for you!!!
a huge thank you to Michaela for an ARC in exchange for an honest review🫶🏻
theme song: i love you, i’m sorry - gracie abrams
fave quotes:
“i f*cking know you Layla. i know you by heart.”
“i want to spend the entire day figuring out how i can make you smile, because when you do it’s like a drug, and i get so f*cking high from it”
“none of them are as brave as you, my sunshine girl.”
August 21, 2024
ARC review!
Sunshine is a beautiful story of loss, grief, and healing--and realizing that the love you deserve was in front of you all along.
Without spoiling much, Sunshine had me so emotionally invested! Many aspects of Wells' and Layla's story remind me of my relationship with my boyfriend. He lives on his family's ranch, and I had zero understanding of the ranch life before I started dating him! While his family no longer keeps horses, they have a cattle herd that I have grown so fond of. I cry and take lots of pictures every time new calves are born. Ranches are amazing, and I love that Layla loves them like I do. I resonate with her journey through college, working to gain independence and find her place in the world while being hours away from the people she loves. Also, like Layla, I love journalism! I took a journalism class in high school and now study communication/media at my college. Is Layla actually me???!! Turning it over to Wells, he is amazing. I could rattle forever about this guy, but I just love him. He is so considerate, respectful, and understanding, and I am so glad he and Layla reconnected and were able to navigate their grief together. I wish I could give this book all the stars!! Thank you to the author for providing me an ARC!! I look forward to the next installment in the Saddlebrook Falls series.
Sunshine is a beautiful story of loss, grief, and healing--and realizing that the love you deserve was in front of you all along.
Without spoiling much, Sunshine had me so emotionally invested! Many aspects of Wells' and Layla's story remind me of my relationship with my boyfriend. He lives on his family's ranch, and I had zero understanding of the ranch life before I started dating him! While his family no longer keeps horses, they have a cattle herd that I have grown so fond of. I cry and take lots of pictures every time new calves are born. Ranches are amazing, and I love that Layla loves them like I do. I resonate with her journey through college, working to gain independence and find her place in the world while being hours away from the people she loves. Also, like Layla, I love journalism! I took a journalism class in high school and now study communication/media at my college. Is Layla actually me???!! Turning it over to Wells, he is amazing. I could rattle forever about this guy, but I just love him. He is so considerate, respectful, and understanding, and I am so glad he and Layla reconnected and were able to navigate their grief together. I wish I could give this book all the stars!! Thank you to the author for providing me an ARC!! I look forward to the next installment in the Saddlebrook Falls series.
August 22, 2024
Sunshine had me emotional from the first chapter!! This tear jerker romance will have you grabbing the tissues and have your heart skipping a beat! I absolutely swooned 💗
Sunshine is a cowboy and football romance?! Yeehaw 🤠
This whole love story has me hooked!! With the timeline bouncing back and forth I just keep needing to read one more chapter to see what happens next!! I don’t remember the last time I was this excited about a book and this immersed in the story!
Oh.. the ending?! NO!! I know it is setting up for the next book… but WHY?! I believe the next book will be in a different characters POV, based off how the book ended. So I think this will be an interconnected standalone series and I am absolutely SO excited for it!!! I need more of these cowboys!!!🤠
I am in an absolute chokehold over this book! I 10/10 recommend you immediately read this!! Idk what the author put in this book but I am addicted. I finished this book in less than a day!!
♾️/5⭐️
Tropes:
✨Cowboys
✨One Bed
✨Cute nickname
✨Boyfriends best friend
✨He is a grumpy cinnamon roll
✨Slow burn
✨Tension🔥
✨Small Town
✨Rodeo Cowboy
✨Dual Timeline
Sunshine is a cowboy and football romance?! Yeehaw 🤠
This whole love story has me hooked!! With the timeline bouncing back and forth I just keep needing to read one more chapter to see what happens next!! I don’t remember the last time I was this excited about a book and this immersed in the story!
Oh.. the ending?! NO!! I know it is setting up for the next book… but WHY?! I believe the next book will be in a different characters POV, based off how the book ended. So I think this will be an interconnected standalone series and I am absolutely SO excited for it!!! I need more of these cowboys!!!🤠
I am in an absolute chokehold over this book! I 10/10 recommend you immediately read this!! Idk what the author put in this book but I am addicted. I finished this book in less than a day!!
♾️/5⭐️
Tropes:
✨Cowboys
✨One Bed
✨Cute nickname
✨Boyfriends best friend
✨He is a grumpy cinnamon roll
✨Slow burn
✨Tension🔥
✨Small Town
✨Rodeo Cowboy
✨Dual Timeline
August 25, 2024
“He looks at me like I’m the only thing he’s ever loved, and it nearly brings me to my knees.” 💛
Layla is in New York for college but returns home after receiving a call with devastating news. The hits keep coming when she finds out more life changing information about what she thought her past was. Which brings her closer to her high school sweetheart’s best friend, who seems to be the only one who understands what she’s going through.
This was a much different story than I was expecting! I think it’s best to go in blind for this one, it was definitely much more fun reading as the shocks just kept coming. This is dual timeline, so we get the story from Layla’s perspective now and 6 years ago when she was in high school. We have a boy OBSESSED (who is also a cowboy, yes please) and an emotional journey to a beautiful happily ever after 🥹
Microtropes & moments I loved:
The secret spot
Past & present chapters
The hallway at the bar
“How long have you been looking at me like this?”
The nickname
The horse lessons
Tropes:
Small town
It’s always been you
Dual timeline
Cowboy
Grief journey
Layla is in New York for college but returns home after receiving a call with devastating news. The hits keep coming when she finds out more life changing information about what she thought her past was. Which brings her closer to her high school sweetheart’s best friend, who seems to be the only one who understands what she’s going through.
This was a much different story than I was expecting! I think it’s best to go in blind for this one, it was definitely much more fun reading as the shocks just kept coming. This is dual timeline, so we get the story from Layla’s perspective now and 6 years ago when she was in high school. We have a boy OBSESSED (who is also a cowboy, yes please) and an emotional journey to a beautiful happily ever after 🥹
Microtropes & moments I loved:
The secret spot
Past & present chapters
The hallway at the bar
“How long have you been looking at me like this?”
The nickname
The horse lessons
Tropes:
Small town
It’s always been you
Dual timeline
Cowboy
Grief journey
August 31, 2024
Thank you so much to Michaela Jean Taylor for the ARC!
Wow. This book. I'm in love. I was not expecting any of the things that happened in the book but I loved every minute of it. I truly did not know that this would be so emotional and heartfelt.
These characters. They felt so real to me. I felt like a fly on the wall in their lives. Everything they experienced and felt, I experienced and felt right alongside them. This was the ultimate slow burn of slow burns. It was so frustrating at times, but I understood why it was so hard for these characters to commit, considering all that they've been through. But when they let it happen, oh my gosh. It was so good. I fell in love with Wells right alongside Layla. And oh my, was Wells the most perfect book boyfriend. What a man. Do they make him in a factory or what? Cause I want one. BAD.
Overall, what a joy of a book. Everything flowed together so perfectly and the characters were so easy to live. I need to get my hands on a physical copy ASAP!!!
Wow. This book. I'm in love. I was not expecting any of the things that happened in the book but I loved every minute of it. I truly did not know that this would be so emotional and heartfelt.
These characters. They felt so real to me. I felt like a fly on the wall in their lives. Everything they experienced and felt, I experienced and felt right alongside them. This was the ultimate slow burn of slow burns. It was so frustrating at times, but I understood why it was so hard for these characters to commit, considering all that they've been through. But when they let it happen, oh my gosh. It was so good. I fell in love with Wells right alongside Layla. And oh my, was Wells the most perfect book boyfriend. What a man. Do they make him in a factory or what? Cause I want one. BAD.
Overall, what a joy of a book. Everything flowed together so perfectly and the characters were so easy to live. I need to get my hands on a physical copy ASAP!!!
August 18, 2024
Huge huge thank you to Michaela Jean Taylor for giving me the opportunity to be an ARC reader for this beautiful story!!
I went into this book completely blind and from the first chapter, I knew this was going to be unlike any other book I have read. The story follows Layla as she returns to her hometown of Saddlebrook Falls after she receives some truly devastating news. Upon returning home, and having her heart shattered all over again, she turns to Wells, her high school sweethearts best friend as she finds solace in him being the only one to truly understand what she is currently going through. As the story is told in two separate timelines, the present and from her high school years, we see just how much these two truly care for, and have always been there for each other in little ways. The events of the present timeline may feel hurried or rushed, which is why I feel the dual timelines in this story was so important to show how this ending was inevitable. Within both timelines, I found so many truly beautiful moments between the two, whether it be moments of friendship or moments of them both fighting the very clear pull between them. They both have a lot of guilt and grief to overcome in this story and once they do, the life they begin to build together is one that takes both of their hopes and dreams into consideration, which is all you could ever want for them!!
This book also did a good job of highlighting the pressure someone who seemingly “has it all” may be experiencing in their life and was a good example of the importance of spreading awareness for men’s mental health issues!
This is not a story I typically would go for, or would think I would like as much as I enjoyed this. I encourage people to give it a chance, I think it will surprise people!!!
I went into this book completely blind and from the first chapter, I knew this was going to be unlike any other book I have read. The story follows Layla as she returns to her hometown of Saddlebrook Falls after she receives some truly devastating news. Upon returning home, and having her heart shattered all over again, she turns to Wells, her high school sweethearts best friend as she finds solace in him being the only one to truly understand what she is currently going through. As the story is told in two separate timelines, the present and from her high school years, we see just how much these two truly care for, and have always been there for each other in little ways. The events of the present timeline may feel hurried or rushed, which is why I feel the dual timelines in this story was so important to show how this ending was inevitable. Within both timelines, I found so many truly beautiful moments between the two, whether it be moments of friendship or moments of them both fighting the very clear pull between them. They both have a lot of guilt and grief to overcome in this story and once they do, the life they begin to build together is one that takes both of their hopes and dreams into consideration, which is all you could ever want for them!!
This book also did a good job of highlighting the pressure someone who seemingly “has it all” may be experiencing in their life and was a good example of the importance of spreading awareness for men’s mental health issues!
This is not a story I typically would go for, or would think I would like as much as I enjoyed this. I encourage people to give it a chance, I think it will surprise people!!!
August 22, 2024
*ARC REVIEW*
WOW. This book is incredibly gripping from the moment you crack it open. Layla was an amazing narrator; she’s a loving, hard-headed, strong FMC who has such a realistic tenderness to her. Being able to see her growth throughout the book was incredibly vindicating and I loved her exploration into her own self-worth.
Wells was an amazing FMC. I mean, what a MAN! His acts of service were top tier and I loved his prioritization of Layla’s feelings. He was in her corner from day one and the way that’s established in the flash-backs makes you feel so much closer to his character.
I also loved the setting. Saddlebrook Falls felt so real and raw; growing up in a small town of my own, that feeling of suffocation and constant surveillance was so well-done and the football scenes made me nostalgic for my own friday night lights. Great setting and an amazing attention to detail.
Thank you so much to everyone who allowed me to read this ARC copy! What an amazing book with such clear love and care put behind it! <3
WOW. This book is incredibly gripping from the moment you crack it open. Layla was an amazing narrator; she’s a loving, hard-headed, strong FMC who has such a realistic tenderness to her. Being able to see her growth throughout the book was incredibly vindicating and I loved her exploration into her own self-worth.
Wells was an amazing FMC. I mean, what a MAN! His acts of service were top tier and I loved his prioritization of Layla’s feelings. He was in her corner from day one and the way that’s established in the flash-backs makes you feel so much closer to his character.
I also loved the setting. Saddlebrook Falls felt so real and raw; growing up in a small town of my own, that feeling of suffocation and constant surveillance was so well-done and the football scenes made me nostalgic for my own friday night lights. Great setting and an amazing attention to detail.
Thank you so much to everyone who allowed me to read this ARC copy! What an amazing book with such clear love and care put behind it! <3
August 24, 2024
This story got me out of a reading rut and I can’t be more thankful for it. The story was really entertaining. I enjoyed the dual timeline a lot which isn’t normally my favorite. But this was written really well. I’m a huge FNL fan and I saw so many little details that reminded me of different storylines that happened in the show. Tim Riggins was my favorite in FNL, so Wells became my favorite in this story right from the start. Layla was okay I guess I wanted more from her personality wise. I wanted to understand more about why Wells was so taken with her and the same with Jason. Jason was a brat. Sorry, but I said what I said. Even tho he’s the center of the story he’s was the worst. I kinda wish I felt the love triangle more in the then chapters to help build the tension. I think if the author would have made a few of those Wells and Jason’s POVs it could have helped create those feelings of wow what’s going to happen. Overall, this story was super easy to devour in one sitting and moved fast enough to keep you invested. It is emotional and does deal with tough situations so check triggers warnings. I can’t wait to see what the next book in the series holds!
August 23, 2024
Sunshine by Michaela Jean Taylor 5/5 stars
I just want to say how much I love this book! I devoured every page and certainly didn't want it to end!
The author took you through so many feelings, from sadness to uncertainty to happiness. The characters are perfect. Wells is one of the main male characters, and he is caring and loyal. Jason is also one of the main male characters, and I had mixed feelings about him. I disliked the decisions he made, but also felt incredibly sad for him. It was such a mix of emotions. Layla is the main female character. She is loving, strong, and is confused about her love for Jason and her friendship with Wells.
If you like a romance that causes a roller coaster of emotions, then this is the book for you!
I just want to say how much I love this book! I devoured every page and certainly didn't want it to end!
The author took you through so many feelings, from sadness to uncertainty to happiness. The characters are perfect. Wells is one of the main male characters, and he is caring and loyal. Jason is also one of the main male characters, and I had mixed feelings about him. I disliked the decisions he made, but also felt incredibly sad for him. It was such a mix of emotions. Layla is the main female character. She is loving, strong, and is confused about her love for Jason and her friendship with Wells.
If you like a romance that causes a roller coaster of emotions, then this is the book for you!
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