Rivals in the Mist

Colton Darling and Noah King are the only two farriers in Darling, Montana, and have been at odds for fifteen years. Colton, deeply rooted in his family ranch and the rhythms of rural life, sees Noah as a constant thorn in his side—an interloper who steals clients and disrupts his peace. Noah, meanwhile, is equally entrenched in his work and his loyalty to his uncle, Walter, who raised him after his parents' deaths. Their rivalry is legendary, fueled by misunderstandings, pride, and a stubborn refusal to back down. Both men are respected in their craft, but their animosity is as much personal as professional, each blaming the other for slights real and imagined. The Town of Darling, and their families, watch the ongoing feud with a mix of amusement and exasperation, wondering if the two will ever find common ground.

The King and the Darling

Colton's life revolves around the Darling Ranch, his close-knit family, and the horses he cares for. He's fiercely loyal, a homebody who finds comfort in tradition and routine. Noah, by contrast, is a bit of an outsider, having moved to Darling as a teenager after tragedy struck. He's built a life with his uncle, but always feels the weight of being the "other" farrier in a town that reveres the Darlings. Both men are shaped by loss—Colton by the death of his mother, Noah by the loss of both parents—and their families are both a source of strength and a reminder of what's at stake. Their rivalry is as much about protecting their own as it is about business.

Sparks and Spite

The rivalry intensifies as Colton loses clients to Noah, and both men engage in increasingly petty acts of one-upmanship. Colton's resentment simmers, fueled by Noah's calm competence and the way he seems to fit in everywhere except with Colton. Noah, for his part, is tired of being the town's scapegoat and resents Colton's privileged position. Their interactions are laced with sarcasm, barbed comments, and a tension that neither can quite name. The town's annual events, like the Blossom Bash, only serve to throw them together, forcing them to confront the reality that their animosity is as much attraction as it is anger.

Festival Tensions

At the Blossom Bash, Colton and Noah's rivalry spills into public view. Colton's farrier demonstration draws praise—and Noah's attention. Their banter is sharp, but beneath it lies a grudging respect and a growing curiosity. When Colton confronts Noah about a stolen client, the exchange is charged, almost physical. Both men are left rattled, questioning why the other gets under their skin so deeply. The festival becomes a turning point, as the line between hate and something else begins to blur.

Obsessions and Denials

Colton finds himself unable to stop thinking about Noah, his irritation morphing into obsession. Every encounter, every slight, every accidental touch lingers. He tries to distract himself with work, family, and fleeting romantic encounters, but nothing shakes the image of Noah from his mind. Noah, too, is unsettled, his usual stoicism cracking as he wonders what it would be like if things were different. Both men are haunted by what-ifs, their rivalry becoming a mask for something neither is ready to admit.

Barroom Challenges

A chance encounter at the local bar leads to a heated confrontation and a challenge: a Shoein'—a public horseshoeing competition, winner-takes-all. The stakes are raised when Noah ups the ante: the loser must get the winner's name tattooed on their ass. The tension between them explodes outside the bar, culminating in a kiss that is as much a battle as it is a surrender. Both men are left reeling, their worldviews upended by the intensity of their attraction.

The Kiss That Changed Everything

The aftermath of the kiss leaves Colton in turmoil. He questions his sexuality, his feelings, and his sanity. The idea that he might want Noah—his enemy, a man—throws his sense of self into chaos. Noah, too, is shaken, forced to confront desires he's never acknowledged. Both men retreat into themselves, trying to rationalize what happened, but the memory of the kiss lingers, electric and undeniable.

Confusion and Curiosity

Colton's confusion leads him to experiment, first alone and then with Noah. Their encounters are fraught with tension, a push-pull of dominance and surrender that neither fully understands but both crave. Colton's family, especially his brother Remi, becomes a sounding board as he grapples with his identity. Noah, meanwhile, is both patient and relentless, pushing Colton to confront what he wants while offering the safety to explore it. Their physical connection deepens, even as their emotional walls remain high.

Crossing Lines

As their secret trysts continue, Colton and Noah begin to let down their guards. Vulnerability seeps in alongside desire, and moments of tenderness punctuate their rough encounters. The Shoein' arrives, and the whole town watches as their rivalry plays out in public. Noah wins by a hair, and Colton, true to his word, gets Noah's name tattooed on his ass. The act is both a defeat and a declaration, a mark of ownership and a symbol of something deeper.

The Shoein' Showdown

The Shoein' is a spectacle, drawing the town together and forcing Colton and Noah to confront their feelings under the harsh light of public scrutiny. The competition is fierce, but Noah's last-minute showmanship wins the day. Colton is devastated, his pride wounded, but the experience also strips away the last of his defenses. The tattoo becomes a turning point, a physical reminder of the bond they can no longer deny.

Aftermath and Vulnerability

In the wake of the Shoein', Colton comes out to his family as bisexual. Their support is immediate and unconditional, giving him the courage to pursue what he wants with Noah. Noah, too, opens up to his uncle, sharing the truth of his feelings and the history that has shaped him. Both men begin to imagine a future together, even as old wounds threaten to resurface.

Secrets in the Barn

A chance conversation reveals that the source of their original animosity was a misunderstanding dating back to high school—a prank gone wrong, a friendship lost before it began. The realization is both painful and liberating, allowing Colton and Noah to finally see each other clearly. They start over, choosing to build something new on the ashes of their rivalry.

Testing Boundaries

With the truth out in the open, Colton and Noah allow themselves to be vulnerable, exploring the depths of their connection. Their physical relationship becomes a space of trust and surrender, each learning to give and receive in ways they never have before. The barn, once a symbol of their feud, becomes a sanctuary where they can be themselves.

Jealousy and Realizations

Jealousy rears its head as both men navigate the new terrain of their relationship. Colton's possessiveness surprises him, while Noah's steady devotion grounds them both. They begin to appear together in public, their relationship an open secret that the town greets with warmth and humor. The rivalry that once defined them becomes a running joke, a reminder of how far they've come.

Family, Fears, and Coming Out

Colton and Noah's families become intertwined, their support a foundation for the life the two men are building together. Old fears resurface—of loss, of not being enough, of being left behind—but are met with reassurance and love. The couple learns to lean on each other, to ask for what they need, and to accept that happiness is something they deserve.

The Truth of the Past

A final reckoning with the past brings closure and healing. Noah forgives Colton for a hurt he never caused, and Colton forgives himself for the years lost to misunderstanding. They choose each other, not in spite of their history, but because of it. Their love is forged in fire, tested by time, and made stronger by every battle fought and won.

Starting Over

Colton and Noah start over, this time as equals and partners. They move in together, blending their lives and their families. The ranch and the town become the backdrop for their love story, a place where they can be themselves without fear or shame. Their relationship is marked by laughter, passion, and a deep sense of belonging.

Claiming and Healing

The couple's love becomes a source of joy for those around them. They support each other through challenges—family illness, work stress, the ups and downs of daily life—always returning to the foundation they've built together. Their commitment is celebrated by the town, their story a testament to the power of forgiveness and the possibility of second chances.

Love, Laughter, and Legacy

Colton and Noah's journey culminates in a public proposal and a wedding surrounded by family and friends. Their rivalry is now a cherished memory, a story to be told around bonfires and at family gatherings. They continue to work side by side, raising horses, building a life, and loving each other fiercely. Their legacy is one of resilience, humor, and the kind of love that endures—brim over boot.

Characters

Colton Darling

Colton is the heart of the Darling Ranch, a man defined by his loyalty to family, tradition, and the land. He's stubborn to a fault, slow to trust, and quick to defend those he loves. His rivalry with Noah is both a shield and a challenge, masking a vulnerability he's reluctant to show. Colton's journey is one of self-discovery—coming to terms with his sexuality, his desires, and his capacity for forgiveness. His relationship with Noah forces him to confront his fears and embrace the possibility of happiness, even when it means letting go of old grudges. Colton's development is marked by a gradual softening, a willingness to be seen and loved for who he truly is.

Noah King

Noah is an outsider-turned-insider, a man who has built a life in Darling through hard work, skill, and devotion to his uncle. He's reserved, carrying the weight of past losses and the burden of being misunderstood. His rivalry with Colton is both a source of pain and a catalyst for growth, pushing him to confront his own desires and insecurities. Noah's psychological journey is one of healing—learning to trust, to forgive, and to claim the love he deserves. His steady presence and quiet strength anchor the relationship, providing the safety Colton needs to open up. Noah's tattoos, his craftsmanship, and his care for animals all reflect a man who finds meaning in creation and connection.

Remi Darling

Colton's younger brother, Remi, is Deaf and communicates primarily through ASL. He's a source of wisdom and humor, offering Colton both tough love and gentle guidance. Remi's own journey with identity and acceptance provides a mirror for Colton, and his unwavering support is crucial in helping Colton come out and embrace his relationship with Noah. Remi's presence underscores the importance of chosen family and the power of unconditional love.

Walter King

Noah's uncle and surrogate father, Walter is a grounding force in Noah's life. He provides both practical support and emotional wisdom, encouraging Noah to pursue happiness and connection. Walter's own experiences with loneliness and regret serve as a cautionary tale, motivating Noah to seize the love he finds with Colton. His acceptance of Colton is immediate and genuine, reinforcing the theme of found family.

Jackson Darling

Colton's older brother, Jackson, is a steady presence on the ranch and in the family. He's quick to offer advice, sometimes bluntly, and serves as a sounding board for Colton's struggles. Jackson's own relationship with Ash provides a model of queer love and acceptance, helping Colton see that happiness is possible.

Ash

Ash is Jackson's partner and the ranch's cook, bringing both culinary skill and emotional intelligence to the family. He's a source of comfort and humor, often diffusing tension with a well-timed joke or a plate of food. Ash's chronic pain adds depth to his character, highlighting themes of resilience and adaptation.

Lawson Darling

The eldest Darling brother, Lawson is navigating the aftermath of divorce and the challenge of starting over. His struggles with loneliness and identity mirror Colton's, providing a parallel arc of healing and self-discovery. Lawson's journey is one of learning to ask for help and to accept love in unexpected forms.

Marigold and Hank Darling

Colton's parents are pillars of the Darling family, offering both support and occasional exasperation. Their own relationship is marked by quirks and bickering, but their love for their children is unwavering. Marigold's wisdom and Hank's humor provide a backdrop of stability and tradition.

The Town of Darling

The town itself is a character, shaping and reflecting the lives of its inhabitants. Darling is a place where everyone knows everyone, secrets are hard to keep, and support is always close at hand. The community's acceptance of Colton and Noah's relationship underscores the book's themes of belonging and chosen family.

Clementine and Hazel

Colton's horse, Clementine, and Hazel, the horse Noah adopts, are more than animals—they are extensions of their owners' hearts. Their care and presence symbolize the healing and growth that come from nurturing and being nurtured.

Plot Devices

Enemies-to-Lovers

The central device is the transformation of a bitter rivalry into passionate love. The slow burn of animosity, laced with attraction, creates a dynamic tension that propels the narrative. Their competition—both professional and personal—serves as a crucible, burning away pretense and forcing both men to confront their true feelings.

Misunderstanding and Revelation

A long-standing misunderstanding from their youth is the root of their animosity. The eventual revelation that Colton was not responsible for the hurt Noah carried is a turning point, allowing them to forgive and start anew. This device underscores the theme that healing requires both truth and vulnerability.

Physical Symbolism

Physical marks—Noah's tattoos, Colton's branded tattoo, the bruises they leave on each other—serve as symbols of their journey from pain to possession to partnership. The act of marking and being marked is both literal and metaphorical, representing trust, surrender, and the claiming of love.

Public Competition

The public horseshoeing competition is both a literal and figurative battleground, forcing Colton and Noah to perform their rivalry for the town and, ultimately, for each other. The outcome is less important than the vulnerability and growth it demands.

Family and Community

Family and community are ever-present, shaping the protagonists' choices and providing both obstacles and support. The town's gentle meddling, the family's unconditional love, and the presence of chosen family all reinforce the book's message that love is both personal and communal.

Narrative Structure

The story unfolds through alternating points of view, allowing readers to see both the internal and external struggles of Colton and Noah. The slow-burn pacing mirrors the gradual thawing of their animosity and the deepening of their connection.

Humor and Banter

Witty banter, running jokes, and moments of levity balance the story's emotional intensity. Humor becomes a way for the characters to connect, to heal, and to express affection.

Analysis

Brim Over Boot is a masterclass in the enemies-to-lovers trope, using the world of rural Montana and the craft of farriery as both setting and metaphor for transformation. Emmy Sanders crafts a story that is as much about healing as it is about romance, exploring how misunderstandings, pride, and fear can keep people apart—and how vulnerability, forgiveness, and community can bring them together. The book's strength lies in its deep psychological insight, its nuanced portrayal of masculinity, and its celebration of queer love in a traditional setting. The narrative is both steamy and heartfelt, using physical intimacy as a vehicle for emotional growth. Ultimately, Brim Over Boot is a testament to the power of second chances, the importance of chosen family, and the enduring truth that love—like a well-fitted horseshoe—requires both strength and flexibility to last.

Last updated: June 13, 2025