Review- Riding the High by Paisley Hope

Riding the High was my first experience with Paisley Hope’s writing, and while it definitely fits the current wave of small-town western romances—full of cozy settings, found family vibes, and tried-and-true tropes—unfortunately, it didn’t fully deliver the emotional impact I was looking for.

The premise sounded like a dream setup: a small-town single-dad sheriff? An accidental Vegas marriage? Friends-to-lovers tension? I went in expecting a swoony, slightly chaotic love story packed with heart. Instead, what I found was a story that leaned heavily on atmosphere (“vibes”) without enough narrative momentum (“stakes”) to keep me truly engaged.

Pacing:
The biggest challenge for me was the pacing. The plot moved very slowly, and much of the first half of the book felt like treading water rather than building momentum. Scenes often lingered longer than necessary, focusing on mundane interactions that didn’t move the story or emotional stakes forward. I kept waiting for that “turning point” moment—when everything would click into place—but it never fully arrived. Instead, the story maintained a steady but sluggish rhythm all the way through.

Characters & Chemistry:
Both Cole and Ginger are likable characters individually. Cole is the classic gruff but good-hearted single dad, and Ginger is spirited, kind, and trying to find her place. However, their romantic connection lacked the tension and heat I crave in a slow-burn romance. Their dynamic felt more like close friends than two people fighting an undeniable pull toward each other.

Where was the yearning? Where were the stolen glances, the lingering touches, the emotional vulnerability that makes slow-burn romances so addictive? Without those beats, their relationship felt a little too safe and predictable. I wanted more moments where you could feel the ache of them falling in love—even if they didn’t realize it yet. Instead, their connection stayed surface-level, which made the payoff of their romance feel muted rather than explosive.

Plot & Emotional Depth:
The setup—an impulsive Vegas marriage that becomes real in a small-town setting—had so much potential for conflict, humor, and heart. However, the story rarely leaned into the chaos or emotional vulnerability that could have made it stand out. Instead, it played out exactly as expected, without many surprises or standout moments.

That’s not inherently a bad thing—some readers love a cozy, low-angst romance where nothing too shocking happens. But for me, it felt a little too safe, lacking the deeper emotional stakes or unique twists that could have made it more memorable.

Final Thoughts:
Overall, Riding the High is an easy, low-drama read that will likely appeal to readers who want a sweet, familiar small-town romance without much angst or heavy conflict. It’s the kind of story that feels like curling up with a bowl of macaroni and cheese: comforting and predictable, but not necessarily something you’ll rave about afterward.

If you’re craving a deeply emotional, slow-burn romance with lots of chemistry and tension, this one might leave you wanting more. But if you’re in the mood for something light, gentle, and cozy, it could be a solid pick—just adjust your expectations accordingly.

Rating: 2.5–3 stars

Thank you to Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Tropes featured:
⤿ Small Town Romance
⤿ Friends to Lovers
⤿ Accidental Marriage
⤿ Single Dad
⤿ Slow Burn