Tag Archives: Victoria James

Wishing for a Cowboy by Victoria James – a Review

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Wishing for a Cowboy by Victoria James – a Review

 

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Description:
Janie Adams has been a single parent to her nephew since he was a baby. Fifteen years later, she’s finally found out who his father might be, so the two of them travel across the country to find him. She’d do anything for this kid. But when they arrive in the small town of Wishing River, Montana, and Janie finally meets the ruggedly handsome cowboy she’d been told had abandoned his son, his shocked response changes everything.

Aiden Rivers can’t dispute this is his kid when he sees his own features staring back at him, but he had no idea Janie’s sister was pregnant when she left him. He didn’t even know she had a sister—clearly they’d all been lied to. Now he has fifteen years of fatherhood to make up for and no idea how to be a dad. This was never in his plans.

Janie sticks around to help him ease into parenting, everything from showing him how to lure a sulky kid out of his bedroom to keeping up with the latest teen-speak. Together, they surprisingly make a good team, this city girl and country boy. But when the past catches up with them, Aiden and Janie must decide what’s best for the boy who’s connecting them, not only for each other…which could mean splitting them apart.

Each book in the Wishing River series is STANDALONE:
* The Trouble with Cowboys
* Cowboy for Hire
* Wishing For A Cowboy

 

Review:

I really enjoyed Wishing for a Cowboy by Victoria James.  I found it to be a fast read but with a very good pace.  It was a sweet, charming and emotionally charged story between Aiden, Janie and Will.  Ms. James did a wonderful job with this story. The characters were very well written and just seemed to compliment each other. The secondary characters were used in just the right way with scenes that helped propel Aiden and Janie’s romance along, as well as the parenting storyline. 

The emotion that flows off the pages between Aiden and Will in learning they are father and son, trying to cope and deal with this new reality is very real and heartfelt. The same goes for Aiden and Janie’s romance.  The emotion and chemistry between the two characters is noticeable from the very beginning and just continues to grow throughout the their story.  One of the things I really liked is the fact that Ms. James never rushes or pushes Janie and Aiden together, it just happens and we get to see both sides of their stories, how both got to be where they are, and all the sacrifices they’ve made along the way to get to this point.  Neither Janie nor Aiden had an easy life, and it isn’t until they meet, spend all this time together with Janie helping Aiden and Will become father and son that they realize they are better because of the other one in their life now.  Both Janie and Aiden realize their life is complete when they are together and with Will.  They make an adorable family and the scenes with just the three of them are wonderful to read and just add that little extra to the story. 

As much as this was a very emotional and heartfelt read, Ms. James does write some well timed light hearted and easy going moments to compliment everything else going on in the story.  Including some well timed drama and intrigue when Janie’s sister, who is Will’s MIA “mom” shows up to disturb the peace in all their lives. What a train-wreck she is, and I was glad to see her drama induced part of their story was short lived, and Janie and Aiden with the help of Will were able to overcome Maxi’s hurtful intentions and find their HEA.   

As I said at the beginning of my review, I really enjoyed this one.  However, I didn’t realize this was the third story in her Wishing River series. I have a feeling I will be on the lookout for the previous two and any future books in this series.  If you’re looking for a quick read with a handsome cowboy, an emotional, yet charming romance then this one’s for you.

Until next time, happy trails to you.… oops, I meant happy reading everyone!!  😉  

Reviewed by Marcie

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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The Boyfriend Contract by Victoria James – a Review

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The Boyfriend Contract by Victoria James – a Review

 

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Description:
Emily Birmingham has had it up to here with men.

Growing up with an overbearing father and then her brother inherits everything she’s worked her whole life to build. Now she’s living in her grandmother’s dilapidated house in the middle of nowhere Canada, jobless, and dealing with the most annoyingly sexy contractor on the planet. Exactly when did her life become an anti-Hallmark movie?

Cooper Merrick learned the hard way that love is definitely not worth the risk. He’s happy running the family contracting business alongside his well-meaning but overly-opinionated brothers…happy enough until polished and perfect Emily enters his world. Nothing prepared him for the ways she turns his life upside down and reaches the parts of himself he’s closed off from the world.

But when he finally gets up the nerve to ask Emily out, she says her next date will need to come with a written contract and some very particular ground rules. Yeah, it sounds crazy, but why does he find himself wanting to sign on the dotted line?

 


Review;

I think it’s safe to say I’ve become a fan of Victoria James novels and thanks to The Reading Café I’m able to review another well written story by her. 

The Boyfriend Contract by Victoria James is everything I now come to expect from one of her stories.  Yes it’s a quick read, but it’s fun, and flirty with just the right amount of drama and backstory to bring depth and substance to her story.  I really enjoyed the main couple of Emily and Cooper from their first appearances in the story. Both characters are down to earth, real and easy to relate too.  They make it very easy to read, become attached that you don’t want to put the book down as you follow along on their adventure.  Added to the mix is a nicely rounded out batch of secondary characters in Cooper’s family with his brothers, sister and parents. I just loved the family dynamic there.  They are a close-knit family who love to joke with each other, aggravate one another etc, but in the end they love one another and will always have each other’s backs.  It’s because of that family dynamic they were able to welcome Emily in with open arms and root for Cooper and Emily to get together. I loved the way his sister and brother’s bugged and heckled him over his feelings for her, it was just sweet sibling love coming through. 

Of course it wouldn’t be a true romantic read without some drama to wreck a little havoc with the main couple. We learn of Cooper’s past with his wife, and that she died of cancer at a young age. It’s taken him five years to finally come to terms with everything and finally move on and want to start over again with Emily.  It wasn’t  easy for Cooper to navigate but thanks to the support of his family he was able to do just that and find love again with Emily.  Cooper wasn’t the only one dealing with life altering events.  Emily is still grieving that death of her parents thanks to a car accident a year ago, and how her older brother who wasn’t very nice to her growing up and still isn’t nice to her, inherited the family business that she loved. However, she inherited her grandmother’s old family house in Maple Hill and it brings her to Cooper and his family.  Their romance is very slow to build, but not too slow, just slow enough to appreciate the build-up and enjoy their slow fall into love with one another. I enjoyed their romance even with all it’s ups and downs, humour and all around charming appeal.  Victoria James has another hit on her hands I’d say and I look forward to reading more from her, hopefully with Cooper’s siblings having their own romances.

Until next time, happy reading everyone!

Reviewed by Marcie

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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The Trouble With Cowboys by Victoria James – a Review

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The Trouble With Cowboys by Victoria James – a Review

 

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Description:
Eight years ago, Tyler Donnelly left Wishing River, Montana, after a terrible fight with his father and swore he’d never return. But when his father has a stroke, guilt and duty drive him home, and nothing is as he remembers––from the run-down ranch to Lainey Sullivan, who is all grown up now. And darn if he can’t seem to stay away.

Lainey’s late grandma left her two things: the family diner and a deep-seated mistrust of cowboys. So when Tyler quietly rides back into town looking better than hot apple pie, she knows she’s in trouble. But she owes his dad everything, and she’s determined to show Ty what it means to be part of a small town…and part of a family.

Lainey’s courage pushes Ty to want to make Wishing River into a home again—together. But one of them is harboring a secret that could change everything.

 

 

Review;

The Trouble with Cowboys by Victoria James is a heart warming story that wraps you up from beginning to end making you wish you can just make everything right between Tyler Donnelly and Lainey Sullivan.  Both are characters who are still dealing with a tremendous loss in both of their lives and are afraid to truly let someone else in for fear of the other thinking they are broken and can’t be fixed.  Tyler and Lainey’s back story made my heart hurt for both of them, but as their journey continued I just knew that in the end they would overcome what they needed to find their HEA together. 

Miss James writes this one so beautifully and makes you root for the underdog, in this case both Lainey and Tyler.  They are a couple that had the chemistry needed between a couple to hold your interest, but it was the slow build of their romance, trials and tribulations of life that really pull you in, keeping you reading from beginning to end, hating to put the book down.  They are a couple that can be addicting because you want to find out more about them both individually and as a growing couple.  You want to see Tyler and his father repair their relationship, Tyler and his friends Cade and Dean make up and become friends again all the while restoring his family’s ranch.  For Lainey you can’t help but want to see her dream of studying art in Italy and becoming an artist come true, while at the same time continuing to run her late grandma’s family diner.  Oh and of course for Tyler and Lainey to get their HEA together. 

I really liked the pace of this romance/story.  Miss James knew it was one not to be rushed and brings you the reader along this adventure on a comfortable pace filled with loss, pain, frustration, but also fun, flirty, charming and even comical events throughout Lainey and Tyler’s journey.  I found she balanced the fun with the serious just right.  Everything about The Trouble With Cowboys just falls into place creating a beautiful and heart-felt read.  For anyone who loves small town cowboy filled stories then this one’s for you and you won’t be disappointed one bit.  You’ll fall in love with this story just like I did.

Until next time, happy reading everyone!!

Reviewed by Marcie

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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A Christmas Miracle for the Doctor by Victoria James – a Review

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A Christmas Miracle for the Doctor by Victoria James – a Review

 

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Description:
Children’s bookstore owner Addie Mayberry believes in the magic of Christmas. Or at least, she used to. So when a young customer needs some seasonal optimism, Addie sets out to give the vulnerable, heartbroken little girl the best Christmas ever. Which means helping the hottest man in Shadow Creek, Bella’s surgeon father, find his holiday spirit. Addie’s up to the challenge, but between tree decorating and late night talks, she realizes she’s starting to fall hard for the one man she definitely shouldn’t. 

Drew Barrett drastically changed his fast-paced life when he moved back to Shadow Creek, but it was all worth it to give his daughter a better life. He wasn’t exactly winning dad-of-the-year awards before, so he’s determined to make it up to Bella. And with Addie’s help, he’s slowly repairing his relationship with his daughter. The last thing he wants is to fall in love, since that road only leads to pain, but he can’t stop thinking about Addie. Not only is she gorgeous, sweet, and great with Bella, she fills something in him he never knew was missing. But Addie wants forever, which is more than Drew can offer

 

Review;

A Christmas Miracle for the Doctor by Victoria James is your go to quiet Sunday holiday read.  It has everything a holiday story should have in my opinion.  Ms. James brings in nostalgia, the magic of the holidays, the importance of family, small town life and romance all wrapped up in a neat little Christmas package. 

This is a quick read, but has you falling in love fast with the main characters of Bella, Addie and Drew.  Bella steals your heart from the get go, and propels Addie and Drew’s story from the first scene.  Watching these characters grow and become a little family from beginning to end is heart-warming and sweet.  I loved the scenes with Bella and her father as they learned how to function as father and daughter, then later with Addie as their friend and soon to be more was just as cute.

Everything about these three characters just made my heart melt so many times throughout this book.  From Addie overcoming her fear from her figure skating days to skate in the Christmas Festival with Bella, to Drew taking Bella to work with him and Bella acting all doctor like with one of his patients had me chuckling and loving how she was teaching her dad just what it meant to be a father finally.   The way Ms. James wrote each of these scenes was with such care and creativity that it flowed from one page to the next effortlessly and allowed us to fully understand each character, where they were coming from, and why they had this reluctance to fully open their hearts to other people.  Once Bella finally convinces her father to go after Addie and not worry about her because she knows she has his love forever had me cheering that little girl on and thinking how insightful she is for a child of her age.  I loved how she told her father just what he needed to do to win Addie over. 

It was the perfect ending to a sweet and charming holiday read.  Ms. James definitely hits all the right buttons for this holiday story.  For anyone whose looking for a fast, yet charming holiday read then A Christmas Miracle for the Doctor is a must for you. 

Until next time, happy holidays and happy reading everyone!!

Reviewed by Marcie

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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The Baby Bombshell by Victoria James – a Review

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The Baby Bombshell by Victoria James – a Review

 

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Description:
Lily Cookson has a few rules for the New Year, the most important being don’t fall for Jack Bailey. The gorgeous, rugged man returned with a new look and a determination to win her back, catching her off guard. After a forbidden night in his arms, she vows never to let it happen again. But when morning sickness kicks in a few weeks later, Lily realizes staying away from Jack just got a whole lot harder.

Jack Bailey left Shadow Creek behind five years ago when his world imploded around him, knowing it would be best for everyone if he was gone…including Lily. It took him a long time to get his life back on track and grow into the kind of man she needs him to be. Now he’s determined to prove to Lily that he’s back for good and ready to commit, but the secrets she’s holding onto are nothing compared to the bombshell he drops…

Review:

The Baby Bombshell by Victoria James is a well written, emotionally charged and heart-warming read.  The issues at hand for Jack and Lily are real and believable causing the emotion these characters bring to the story to just flow off the pages and into the reader.  Jack and Lily’s story had me tied up in knots, and shedding a few tears over the pain the two of them have gone through for the last five years they’ve been apart.  You can’t help but root for them and want to see them put the past to rest and be together like they were meant to be. 

“Five years, Lil.  I’ve been faithful to the memory of what we had and what we could be. There has been no one. I never stopped loving you.”

When Jack speaks these words to Lily I knew I was a goner for him, heck I was a goner for him the minute he was introduced to us in the story. There’s just something about a tortured hero I love.  However, that statement along with countless others he speaks to Lily has the reader falling deeper and deeper in love with him and wanting desperately to find out why he stayed away so long.  Once we learn the truth, and the hell Jack went through trying to deal with the death of his twin brother and nephew one fateful night, things start to fall into place for the reader.  We see more into Jack’s psyche, where his head was at, at that time, and how he was only trying to protect those he held dear.  He didn’t want to drag them down into the dark depression he found himself in, especially Lily.  Jack felt dead inside and didn’t want that for Lily, so he does what he thinks is best, leaves town to try and fix himself so he can be the man he feels Lily deserves.  As commendable and noble a gesture that is on Jack’s part, it’s also a devastating blow, filled with hurt and a feeling of abandonment on Lily’s part.  As much as I felt for Jack there were times I wanted to hit him for what he put Lily through, but I completely got where he was coming from, was able to see his side of the situation and wanted nothing more then to console him myself.  These were also the moments I wanted to shake Lily senseless and tell her to just forgive him, get the truth from him and end his suffering.  However, it’s easy to see her side of the story too, feeling left behind and abandoned by the man she loves and wanted forever with.  It’s as plain as day that these two are meant to be, that there is no one else for either of them.  It isn’t until Jack completely opens himself up to Lily, baring his soul through the letters he wrote her over the last five years that helped him get through his depression that Lily finally sees where Jack’s head was at, at that time, and the flood gates opened up on me.  No dry eyes at this point.  His letters are poignant, heartfelt, honest, and full of every ounce of emotion he was going through in his healing process to get back to her.  The emotional journey he went on to find his was back to Lily is heart wrenching, yet full of love, compassion, and loyalty.  Jack truly loves Lily and won’t ever be complete without her.  He makes for one very swoon-worthy tortured hero.

Victoria James has once again written another winner and delivered on this one. Even though she had me in a constant state of emotional overload, there were also some cute, funny and charming scenes to balance out the emotional upheaval the characters were dealing with. 

The Baby Bombshell is a well written story, with a solid, real-life plot, brought to life by two solid and believable characters in Jack and Lily.  It’s also a story of loss both in love and through death, despair and depression but finding the strength to battle back and be with the one you were meant to be with, and getting that second chance at love.  Just make sure you have a box of Kleenex on hand for this one, because you will more then likely need it.

Until next time, happy reading everyone!!

Reviewed by Marcie

Copy provided by Publisher

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The Rebel’s Return by Victoria James – a Review

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Rebel’s Return by Victoria James – a Review

 

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Description:
Natalia Puccini has spent her entire life playing by her overbearing but well-intentioned Italian family’s rules…except the one time she took a chance on a bad boy and fell hard. She’s worked to get her life back on track so when Aiden McCann comes sauntering back into town with his heart-stopping smile, Natalia vows not to fall for him again. There’s no way she’ll let him mess with her perfectly planned life…and there’s no way she’ll let him near her heart again…

Now reformed and a self-made success, Aiden is tormented by regrets and secrets. He left Red River years ago filled with anger and resentment and a promise to never come back. But when his ill father needs help, Aiden knows it’s time to face the mess he left behind, and face the one woman he never got over. It doesn’t matter how beautiful or intriguing she is, though, because he’ll never be able to give her what she needs. As soon as his father is healthy, Aiden is leaving Red River…for good.

 

Review:

Two thumbs up for The Rebels Return by Victoria James.  I absolutely loved Aiden McCann, he just stole the story for me.  As all of you know I love a good story where the hero is the town bad boy with a checkered past and Aiden fell into that category for me.  From his first appearance in the story I knew I’d be a gonner for him and Ms. James proved me right.  Aiden’s past broke my heart and made me want to make everything better for him.  He’s the type of hero you can’t help but root for and want to see get his HEA that he’s denied himself all these years.  Every time I learned a little bit more about Aiden and his brother Dylan’s past, and why he left Red River in the first place broke my heart even more for him.  However, even though I was sympathetic to Aiden and wanted him to be happy, he caused me much frustration at times.  I wanted to shake him silly and tell him to just spit it out, the whole reason as to why he lied to Natalia and broke her heart before leaving Red River.  I had an idea about the why, I honestly thought it was going to be Nat’s brother who cheated on someone, or was having an affair with someone and Aiden to protect Nat’s brother took the downfall, but I was wrong.  I was correct in that it did involve Natalia’s brother, only he told Aiden to never see his sister again and to leave town or else, so Aiden did just that, rather then face his screwed up life and figure out a way to fix it.  Thankfully by books end he finally grows a pair and tells Natalia the truth in front of pretty much the whole town.  That scene had me cheering and shedding a few tears at the same time.  Yes Aiden and his brother’s life went to hell after their mother passed and their father couldn’t deal with it and raise his sons, but Aiden didn’t need to go down the wrong path either. If it hadn’t been for Natalia then he really would’ve been lost.  She helped him stay somewhat on the straight and narrow, but it’s because of her that he leaves town to figure out his life and straighten it out, make something of himself and hopefully finally be worthy of her.           

Natalia was a breath of fresh air in an emotionally and angst filled story. She brought light and laughter to Aiden’s life and to the story.  She’s that quirky girl next door that’s sweet as pie and can charm the socks off the grumpiest senior in town.  Natalia balances out Aiden’s bad boy persona and brings out another part of Aiden he’s never showed to anyone but her.  With Natalia he can truly be Aiden, let his vulnerability and insecurities show and she never judges him for it.  If anything she loves him all the more when he’s like this, able to let his guard down and just be Aiden.  Their scenes are funny and sweet at times, while others are full of emotion that pours off the pages and makes your heart ache for this couple.

The Rebel’s Return is a fast paced read, packed full with emotional angst, regrets, lost love with the hope for future love, all set in the charming little town of Red River, with it’s cast of quirky fun characters that only add to the charm of this beautifully written story. 

Until next time, happy reading everyone!!

Reviewed by Marcie

Copy provided by Publisher

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Falling for the P.I. by Victoria James – a Review

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Falling for the P.I.  by Victoria James – a Review

 

Falling for the PIAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM

Description:
She could never trust a cop…

Teacher Kate Abbott’s fresh start in Still Harbor was the beginning of the life that she and her two best friends always imagined for themselves. Still, being a working single parent of a special needs daughter hasn’t exactly improved Kate’s love life. But Kate’s preference for nachos over men quickly disappears when she meets the oh-so-sexy Matt Lane.

Until she finds out he’s a cop.

Matt is a former cop-turned-private investigator, and he knows fear when he sees it. A cop clearly spooked Kate…or hurt her. Still, something about the gorgeous professor catches his attention, and despite his “no settling down” policy, he can’t resist her. But all of the attraction in the world won’t be enough to overcome Kate’s past…

 

Review:

I just loved Falling for the P.I. Victoria James had me falling in love with Matt from the get go, and loving the budding romance between him and Kate. They were just perfect for one another. This was a story with plenty of emotion, learning to trust, letting another into one’s life, and believing in love and the good guy. It was a lovely feel good read for me.

Ms. James does a wonderful job with her character and plot development. She brings us along slowly allowing the reader to meet her star couple and learning who they are and what shaped them into the people they’ve become. The story was very realistic, down to earth, with real issues and drama’s that take place in people’s everyday lives. You could feel the family dynamics between Kate, her sisters and the their kids, as well as, the relationship that is continually growing between Kate and her daughter and Matt. Those scenes with Matt, Kate and her daughter were so sweet they had my heart melting with each interaction. Considering Matt never saw himself having a family after everything that happened to him prior to Kate, just made it all the more special watching him with Kate’s daughter. They make for a very cute family.

The issues and struggles that Kate has with starting a relationship and trying to trust Matt are real and believable. It was very easy to see her side of the big picture and understand where she was coming from, but we could also see Matt’s views on the situation and understand where he’s coming from. There were so many times I wanted to try and solve their dilemma’s for them, but at the same time I was sitting on the edge of my seat waiting to see how they would solve it themselves. In the end, I couldn’t have asked for a better ending. Everything just came together perfectly for me, and judging by the epilogue of the story I can see why this is book 1 of the Still Harbour Series. I’m looking forward to having Kate’s sisters stories told and meeting the men that will give them their HEA.

Until next time, happy reading everyone!!

Reviewed by Marcie

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Rescued by the Rancher by Victoria James – a Review

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Rescued by the Rancher by Victoria James – a Review

 

Rescued by the RancherAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM

Description:
Starting over and starting a whole lotta trouble…

Meredith Anderson left her difficult past behind to create a new life for herself in Tall Pines-where she can be the independent, confident woman she always dreamed of being. Now she’s a partner in her sister’s wedding planning business, helping brides realize their happily-ever-afters…even as she promises herself to never fall in love.

Meredith’s sweetness and vulnerability brings out the protective side of rancher Gage McAllister-even though their worlds are miles apart. All it takes is one night for desire to take hold of them both, a sizzling encounter that can only lead to the promise of more. But Meredith isn’t looking for more, and even if she was, Gage is set to leave Tall Pines behind him…

 

Review:

When I was asked to review the second book in the Tall Pines Ranch series, I had never read a book by Victoria James. Plus I tend to be one of those afflicted by the “must be read in order” syndrome, so I decided that to begin at the beginning with this series was the right approach. The Rancher’s Second Chance is Melanie and Cole’s story where the main characters of the second book, Gage Mackenzie and Meredith Anderson, first meet. Be assured that both books can definitely be read as standalones and it’s not necessary to read them in order of release either, but I’m glad that I did because both were delightful surprises.

My review won’t give away many of the story’s details that might detract readers from discovering their own pleasures as they read each page. And the blurb provides plenty enough info to grab a reader’s attention. Suffice to say that here you’ll find yourself on a beautiful Colorado ranch among charming characters in a captivating and well-written storyline.

It’s a clear cut case of opposites attracting. He’s country – she’s city – he’s had a far less-than-charmed life – and she’s had everything money can buy. But one night of dancin’ and drinkin’ at a cowboy bar called the Horseshoe leadstoa “friendly proposition” that might lend just the stroke of luck needed for a perfect blending of two hearts.

Rescued by the Rancher begins about a year after the first book ends. Meredith is living on the Forrester’s ranch where she and her sister Melanie are now business partners. Meredith left behind her lying, cheating, scumbag fiancé, parents that used guilt to control her, and a huge fortune when she set out to start a new life for herself. I love watching a character like Meredith mature and develop from a spoiled rich socialite into a strong and successful woman who has taken charge of her life with a few lingering insecurities. Meredith is also holding onto a heartbreaking secret and one that leaves her feeling certain she’ll never fall in love again. These blips really accentuated the depth and quality of her character. This girl has some sass and spunk – and there won’t be any boots walking all over her either. Cheering her on is an easy choice.    

Gage is Cole’s best friend and the Ranch Foreman for Forrester’s Tall Pines Ranch where he’s lived since he was a teenager. He loves Mrs. H’s chocolate cake, Sunday night television, and he hopes to have land and a home of his own in the near future. He’s ruggedly handsome, charming, smoking hot, and he’s got his choice of any woman around – but ever since Meredith literally fell into his arms a year ago, he wants only her but feels he can’t give her what she deserves. Gage is hiding secrets of his own that he’s ashamed for anyone to learn. He, too, carries a promise to never fall in love. Being raised by an unwed mother, who chose drugs and loser men over him, has left some dangling family issues that Gages feels a responsibility towards. He might be a little too good to be true – as he takes his responsibilities to new heights – even when he owes nothing but a swift kick in the derriere to some people.

Readers will find plenty of sizzling chemistry and combustion in the blazing relationship between Gage and Meredith before the door closes on fully explicit scenes. This may lead to disappointment for some, but I found each of those moments framed believably and quite moving in substantiating the intimacy and passion between Gage and Meredith.

The secondary cast, including reappearances by Melanie and Cole, is solid and strong. One particular secondary cast member, the matchmaking housekeeper Mrs. H, is a hoot and a sweetheart all rolled into one. She adds her own special touches with sweet treats, a few scolds here and there with the help of her trusty hand towel and, of course, her protective mama bear hugs that will surely steal your heart.

A cache of treasures can be uncovered in the bursts of humor and romance amid the complicated absurdities of life that takes place. Nobody escapes the hard knocks. There are enough ongoing family difficulties on both sides of the fence, along with matters of the heart, to keep momentum at a high. Parental issues abound – but among them, there is one gloriously notable surprise for someone who deserves it the most. I was brought to tears and admiration zoomed to a high point. Rest assured that the angst by no means unbalances the good times rolling onward.

Although I’m not a huge fan of this sub-genre, there are times when after a long line of darker and grittier reads, a dose of cowboy-sexy in butt-hugging jeans and boots fulfills a much needed change in pace, scenery and content. I also had my heart broken and pieced back together again, and in between found myself laughing out loud while also drying my sniffles, too.   It would be remiss if I didn’t mention how much I loved the well-chosen cover for RESCUED BY THE RANCHER – it provides an apt visual that sparks the good vibes and sizzling chemistry between the two main characters in this story.  

From start to finish, this is a quick and fun-filled few hours of reading that was a wonderfully entertaining installment to the Tall Pines Ranch Series!


Reviewed by: Anne 

Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

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