Back in the Saddle

It’s been a long time since Colt Stafford shrugged off his cowboy legacy for shiny Manhattan loafers and a promising career on Wall Street. But when stock market manipulations leave him financially strapped, the oldest son of legendary rancher Sam Stafford decides to return to the sprawling Double S ranch in Gray’s Glen, Washington. He’s broke, but not broken, and it’s time to check in with his ailing father, and get his legs back under him by climbing into the saddle again.

He doesn’t expect to come home to a stranger pointing a loaded gun at his chest— a tough yet beautiful woman that Sam hired as the house manager. Colt senses there’s more to Angelina Morales than meets the eye and he’s determined to find out what she’s hiding…and why.

Colt’s return brings new challenges. Younger brother Nick has been Sam’s right-hand man at the ranch for years and isn’t thrilled at having Colt insert himself into Double S affairs. And the ranch’s contentious relationship with the citizens of Gray’s Glen asks all the Stafford men to examine their hearts about what it truly means to be a neighbor. And as Wall Street recovers, will Colt succumb to the call of the financial district’s wealth and power—or finally the courage to stay in the saddle for good?

My thoughts: This is the first time I have read one of Ruth's books, so I wasn't sure what to expect. I fell in love with the characters and ranch! Her characters are well developed and I like that there is a lot going on with all of the characters, setting it up to be an interesting series. I enjoyed the peak at ranch life that this story provides. My favorite part about the book is the message behind the story, that it is never to late to make amends and live the life you should of been living all along.
I received this book from Litfuse in exchange for my honest review.

Kissed by a Cowboy

Cassidy was looking for a home and a place to belong . . . not for a cowboy to steal her heart.

Having lived through her parents’ endless string of “matrimonial bliss gone wrong,” Cassidy Starr knows when the odds are not in her favor. Divorced and humiliated, her faith on rocky ground, Cassidy is through with love. She’s been bucked off that horse far too many times. Instead, she returns to Wishing Springs, Texas, and the rundown farm she’s inherited from her great aunt Roxie. She’ll reopen the strawberry farm and a bed & breakfast and follow in her aunt’s footsteps, remaining forever-independent, happy . . . and single.

Rancher Jarrod Monahan’s hands are full running the ranch, looking after his ailing grandfather, and chasing down a group of rustlers on the loose. He’s pushed his longing for a family to the bottom of his list of priorities. Besides, he was in love once but ran scared and lost his shot at happiness. But suddenly, the biggest regret of his life has moved in next door with a wounded heart, determined to become a spinster . . . and that’s a challenge that Jarrod can’t pass up.

Jarrod sets his mind to breaking down the walls around Cassidy’s stubborn heart. How can he show her that a cowboy’s kiss lasts forever? For the good folks of Wishing Springs, falling in love has never been so much fun to witness.

My thoughts: I loved returning to this series! The town that it is set in is full of some fun, quirky characters.;)
I seem to have a thing going for books about couples who should of got together when they were young, but didn't.:) I didn't do that on purpose! This one was a bit different than Change of Heart, since the couple were actually a couple before circumstances pulled them apart. Now that they both have some hurts and regrets behind them, they are trying to start anew. It is a fun story of unlikely second chances! The only sad thing about this book is that it is the final one in the series.
I received this book from Litfuse in exchange for my honest review.

A Love like Ours

Former Marine Jake Porter has far deeper scars than the one that marks his face. He struggles with symptoms of PTSD, lives a solitary life, and avoids relationships.

When Lyndie James, Jake’s childhood best friend, lands back in Holley, Texas, Jake cautiously hires her to exercise his Thoroughbreds. Lyndie is tender-hearted, fiercely determined, and afraid of nothing, just like she was as a child. Jake pairs her with Silver Leaf, a horse full of promise but lacking in results, hoping she can solve the mystery of the stallion’s reluctance to run.

Though Jake and Lyndie have grown into very different adults, the bond that existed during their childhood still ties them together. Against Jake’s will, Lyndie’s sparkling, optimistic personality begins to tear down the walls he’s built around his heart. A glimmer of the hope he’d thought he’d lost returns, but fears and regrets still plague him. Will Jake ever be able to love Lyndie like she deserves, or is his heart too shattered to mend?

My thoughts: With A Love Like Ours, Becky Wade brings readers another heartwarming story of love. I would almost call it an impossible love story, since Jake is dealing with his scars from his days as a Marine and time has separated he and Lyndie, who were best friends in childhood. When Lyndie shows up looking for a job, she must work hard to find the young boy she remembers from childhood in the scarred young man before her. I love the message of hope and love that is in the story! Two thumbs up!
I received this book from Lit Fuse in exchange for my honest review.