Alive and Wells Book Review - No Spoilers
This morning we woke up to a heavy rainstorm. The kind of weather that makes everything feel uncertain and a little bit scary. But by afternoon the clouds cleared and the sun came out, reminding me that storms always pass eventually. That's what Alive and Wells by Bailey Hannah is about. This emotional cowboy romance shows how people can find safety and love after surviving their own storms.
Plot Summary
Cecily Kennedy never expected to end up on a cattle ranch. She's a city girl through and through. But when her marriage takes a violent turn, she needs to escape. A kind friend offers her a job and refuge at Wells Ranch. It's a fresh start, even if ranch life is completely foreign to her. The only problem is her new boss. Austin Wells is the ranch owner and he's making her life difficult. He sends mixed signals. One moment he seems interested, the next he's cold and distant. Cecily can't figure out if he wants her or hates her. But she can't risk getting involved with her boss anyway. She has nowhere else to go. Getting over her ex by getting under Austin isn't worth losing her safe haven. Austin regrets letting his head cook hire her own help. As far as he's concerned, Cecily won't stick around. Nobody ever stays at Wells Ranch. People come, they get what they need, and they leave. He's learned that lesson the hard way. The indent still visible on her ring finger tells him she's definitely more trouble than she's worth. But despite his better judgment, Austin finds himself drawn to Cecily. They go on trail rides together. They have late-night conversations. Somewhere between teaching her ranch work and watching her adjust to this new life, she's gotten under his skin. When Cecily's troubled past threatens her safe haven, Austin realizes something important. She's branded herself on his heart. He desperately wants her to stay. But first, he needs to keep her safe from the danger that's followed her to Wells Ranch.
Why I Love This Book
I love how Bailey Hannah handles the serious subject matter. This book deals with domestic violence and abuse. Cecily is recovering from trauma and the story treats that with respect. Her healing isn't instant. She has realistic fears and triggers. I appreciate that Austin gives her space while still being protective. The ranch setting is well-drawn. You get a real sense of what daily life is like at Wells Ranch. The work is hard but there's also beauty in it. Austin is a compelling hero. He's grumpy and guarded because people have left him before. When he finally lets Cecily in, you understand why he was so resistant. His protection of her feels earned, not possessive. The slow burn is excellent. These two circle each other for a while before finally giving in. The chemistry builds gradually through their interactions. When they finally come together, the spice is volcanic. The intimate scenes are detailed and hot. This book doesn't shy away from explicit content. The found family aspect at the ranch adds warmth. The ranch hands and staff become important to Cecily's healing.
Who Will Like This Book
This book is perfect for readers who love cowboy romance with emotional depth. If you enjoy grumpy/sunshine pairings where the hero is resistant but falls hard, this delivers. The boss/employee dynamic adds tension. Fans of protective heroes will appreciate Austin. The book handles trauma and healing thoughtfully, so if you want romance that addresses serious issues with care, this works. The spice level is high with very explicit scenes. The slow burn makes the payoff worth it. If you like ranch settings with authentic details about ranch life, this provides that. This is the first book in the Wells Ranch series. Be aware that this book contains depictions of domestic violence and abuse. Check trigger warnings before reading if those topics are difficult for you.
Trigger Warnings: Domestic violence and abuse (on-page and discussed), physical violence, past child abuse (discussed with detail), alcoholic parent, parental death, parental abandonment, troubled parent-child relationships, explicit sexual content including cum play, sex toys, degradation, breeding, hand necklace
Tagged As
Cowboy Romance, Ranch Setting, Boss/Employee, Grumpy/Sunshine, Protective Hero, Escaping Abuse, Slow Burn, He Falls First, City Girl/Country, Contemporary Romance, Spicy Romance, Emotional Romance, Found Family
