Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. The novel is built around popular romance tropes like “enemies-to-lovers” and “grumpy/sunshine.” How effective were these familiar structures in building the romantic tension between Mollie and Cash? Did their journey from animosity to love feel believable and engaging to you?

2. Jessica Peterson is known for writing interconnected series, like the Lucky River Ranch books. How does this format affect your reading experience compared to a standalone romance. Have you encountered similar series like Robyn Carr’s Virgin River? Does knowing that secondary characters will get their own stories make you more invested in the world of Hartsville?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Mollie initially sees Lucky Ranch as a business asset but eventually finds a deep sense of belonging there. Have you ever had a place transform from just a location into a true home for you? What do you think creates that feeling of belonging?

2. The novel suggests that physical labor can be a powerful tool for personal growth and healing. Can you think of a time when learning a new skill or taking on a physical challenge changed your perspective or helped you through a difficult period?

3. How does the novel’s depiction of a “found family,” as seen with the wider ranch community, resonate with you? Do you feel that the bonds we choose can be as powerful as the ones we’re born into?

4. The story highlights a significant cultural divide between Mollie’s life in Dallas and the community in Hartsville. Have you ever found yourself in a “fish out of water” situation where you had to adapt to a completely different set of social norms or values?

5. Cash feels a heavy responsibility to restore his family’s legacy at Rivers Ranch, while Mollie feels burdened by her father’s past. In what ways do your families’ histories and expectations shape your own ambitions and dreams?

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

1. The novel draws on the cultural friction between urban Dallas and rural Hartsville. Do you think this depiction feels authentic to the contemporary American landscape? Why do you think tensions often surface between urban and rural locales?

2. Mollie’s company, Bellamy Brooks, creates fashion-forward cowboy boots, capitalizing on a Western aesthetic for an urban market. Could this be considered a form of cultural appropriation? Do you think there are cases where attire associated with specific cultures should not be worn by those outside of that culture?

3. Mollie is ambitious and drawn to positions of power, such as founding a brand and becoming the owner of a ranch. What challenges do you think women face when pursuing ambitious dreams? Is it realistic for a woman to aspire to “have it all”?

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

1. The story is told from the dual perspectives of Mollie and Cash, a common technique in modern romance. How did this narrative choice compare to other dual-POV novels you may have read, such as Emily Henry’s Book Lovers? How does it create dramatic irony, especially when Mollie and Cash misinterpret each other’s motives?

2. What role do the shared meals in the ranch kitchen play in the story? How do these scenes help build community and mark Mollie’s gradual integration from an outsider to a family member?

3. How do supporting characters like Wyatt and Palmer function as foils? What do their distinct personalities and relationships with the protagonists reveal about Cash’s and Mollie’s core values and personal growth?

4. The novel unfolds in a fairly short time span. Discuss the pacing of the plot and the pacing of the relationship between Cash and Mollie. Is their rapid progression into emotional intimacy persuasive?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. Imagine a prequel recounting the relationship between Garett and Aubrey (Mollie’s parents). Could this prequel also be considered a romance? Can a love story still be romantic if it lacks a happy ending?

2. Mollie proposes merging the two properties under the name “Lucky Rivers Ranch,” combining their legacies. If you were to design a new logo for this merged brand, what elements would you include to symbolize their partnership and the fusion of their two families?