Unmasking the Maverick - Teresa Southwick (HSE #2647 - Oct 2018)

Series: Montana Mavericks: Lonelyhearts Ranch (Book 4)
            Montana Mavericks (Book 118)

Releasing his inner cowboy

Rust Creek Ramblings

Rugged ex-marine Brendan Tanner and his muscles recently took up residence at the Stockton ranch, presumably for a short-term stay. Could Fiona O’Reilly make him rethink his wandering ways? The sparks between those two could light up all of Rust Creek Falls, if only they weren’t so darned wary of falling in love. Bundle up, dear readers, and warm your hearts as Fiona and Brendan try to find their way home -- to each other!

Sweet story with just enough sparks to heat it up. Brendan is a former Marine who has come to Rust Creek Falls to make some decisions about his life. He had a career he loved with the Marines, but he went home to Texas to take care of his dying father. After his father's death, Brendan was at a crossroads - should he re-enlist in the Corps, and go back where he felt a part of something, or stay out and find something else to do? Offered a place at Sunshine Farm, Brendan has found a purpose providing repair services for the town, but is it enough to keep him there?

Fiona is the oldest of her sisters and the only one still not married. She thought she was well on the way to her own happy-ever-after until her boyfriend left town and got another woman pregnant. While her pride was more damaged than her heart, she was resigned to being the spinster aunt. Having grown up in Rust Creek Falls, most of the single men are more like brothers than potential mates.

I liked the development of the relationship between Fiona and Brendan. From the moment they met, there were sparks between them, but they were wary. Brendan was sure he was going back to the Marines as soon as he was back in shape, so getting involved with Fiona would not be fair to her. He's also cynical about the whole idea of love, having seen what happened to his father when Brendan's mother left them. Fiona doesn't want to risk her heart on another man who will leave. In spite of their reasons to avoid each other, neither Brendan nor Fiona can stay away. I liked seeing the two of them get to know each other, first developing a good friendship. It was sweet to see Brendan's reaction when she told him about her ex, and I loved Fiona's efforts to show Brendan that he wasn't responsible for his mother's leaving. I liked seeing them try to keep their growing relationship "under the radar" which was impossible in the small town. As they continued to grow closer, Fiona realized that she had fallen in love with Brendan, and hoped that he would decide to stay, but was afraid to tell him so. I ached for Brendan, who realized that his feelings for Fiona had grown, but panicked because he equated love with pain and loss. I loved how both received advice that helped them face their fears and go after what they wanted. The epilogue was terrific.

One of the things I liked best about the book was Luke Stockton's ideas for Sunshine Farm. It was terrific to see how he found Brendan's strengths and used them to draw him into life in Rust Creek Falls. I especially enjoyed all of Luke's little nudges meant to make Brendan see that he had a place there. I loved seeing the support that all the veterans showed each other, and was especially moved by Brendan's encounter with Vietnam vet JT Halstead. I look forward to seeing more from Luke and Brendan in the future.

 

Bring Me a Maverick for Christmas! - Brenda Harlen (HSE #2659 - Dec 2018)

Series: Montana Mavericks: Lonelyhearts Ranch (Book 6)
            Montana Mavericks (Book 120)

LASSOING SANTA!

Rust Creek Ramblings

With Christmas right around the corner, grumpy cowboy Bailey Stockton is getting grumpier by the minute, even though he’s wearing a Santa suit. We here at the Gazette think adorable veterinary technician Serena Langley could be the one to rescue Bailey from his holiday funk. Trouble is, they’ve each got more baggage than Kris Kringle lugs on his sleigh. So deck the halls, dear readers, and see if Santa can deliver a happy ending!

Terrific book. Bailey is one of the older Stockton brothers who left town right after their parents died in a drunk driving accident, with no intention of ever coming back. But after a dozen years, he decided it was time to try to reconnect. He showed up in Rust Creek Falls just in time for brother Dan's wedding (The Maverick's Return). He made it clear that he didn't intend to stay, but a year later he was still there. However, he is still cynical and grumpy, and truly lacking in Christmas spirit, to the point where his sister-in-law calls him "Grooge," a combination of Grinch and Scrooge. Bailey wasn't too happy when Annie shanghaied him into filling in as Santa when her husband came down with the flu. The only thing that saved him was the presence of "Mrs. Claus," vet tech Serena.

Serena was more than happy to help out her friend Annie. She likes all the hoopla surrounding Christmas, from the tree decorating to the Candlelight Walk to helping with the Presents for Patriots drive. She likes to stay busy because it keeps her mind off the less pleasant parts of her past.

I liked the first encounter between Serena and Bailey. They've met briefly before, but this was their first time spending any time together. I loved how Serena's knowledge of most of the kids made it easier for Bailey to pull off his Santa gig. There were also some serious sparks between the two of them, though both tried to resist. Bailey was married before, with the marriage not ending well, which left him believing that he was not cut out for relationships. He also still carried a lot of guilt over his parents' deaths, adding to his feelings of not deserving happiness. Serena's had a few unsuccessful relationships and was wary of risking her heart again. I liked seeing the two of them commit to friendship first. I loved how easy they found it to talk to each other, sharing things they hadn't discussed with anyone else. Neither one could stop thinking about the other, and they found many reasons to spend time together.

 I liked how Bailey and Serena's relationship progressed from friendship to more. The attraction that simmered between them came to a boil pretty quickly. Their connection was deeper than either was comfortable with at the beginning, but neither could find the willpower to pull back. I liked how well Bailey did at sensing when Serena had a hard day. He really won my heart the day he provided comfort and support when one of her animal patients died. There was a very caring man under that Groogey exterior. I also liked how Serena was tuned into Bailey. She gave him some excellent advice about dealing with his feelings about his marriage. I ached for her as she realized that she was falling for him and tried to keep her heart safe. In the meantime, Bailey fought hard against his growing feelings for Serena. There was a painful scene on Christmas Eve, as a secret came out and ran up against Bailey's issues of not having control of his life. I ached for him and his feelings of being manipulated, but I also wanted to shake him for the things that he said. I cried for Serena as she ran from her heartbreak. I loved Bailey's big moment as he admitted his insecurities and confessed his feelings.

I loved all the fun and confusion of Christmas Day at Sunshine Farm. The overflowing love was fantastic, and I loved catching up with earlier couples. There was a surprise for the Stockton family that I hope will be expanded on in the next Montana Mavericks series. I ached a bit for Serena and the loss she and her mom still feel during the holidays. I would love to see that get a happy resolution too.

 

The Maverick's Christmas to Remember - Christy Jeffries (HSE #2653 - Nov 2018)

Series: Montana Mavericks: The Lonelyhearts Ranch (Book 5)
            Montana Mavericks (Book 119)

All She Wants for Christmas is a Cowboy!

Rust Creek Ramblings

A few weeks ago, local wedding planner Caroline Ruth took a tumble off a ladder, and when she came to, she believed Thunder Canyon cowboy Craig Clifton was her boyfriend. Trouble was, they’d never met before. What was an upstanding rancher to do? Now, until Caroline’s memory returns, Craig is acting as reluctant faux fiancé. But with Christmas around the corner, dear readers, we’re hoping for a real-life happy ending for this unexpected couple!

Good book. Caroline is a perky, positive-attitude wedding planner. She has a knack for working with difficult clients. She has been living in Rust Creek Falls for a couple of years and loves the small town life. The only thing that has been a downer has been the lack of romance. After encountering the local psychic, who told her she'd be engaged by her twenty-fourth birthday, she has been hopeful of finding her true love. She was thinking about this prophecy when her next clients arrived, bringing some friends with them. Precariously perched on a chair as she tried to reach something, the last face she saw as she fell was that of Craig Clifton.

Craig was visiting from Thunder Canyon and hanging out with his friends. He was there when Caroline fell and caught her before she hit the floor. Unfortunately, she banged her head on the shelf on the way down. When she came to, she thought Craig was her fiancé. When the doctor at the hospital suggested going along with it until Caroline's memory returned, Craig reluctantly agreed.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Caroline and Craig. There was no doubt about the connection between them from the very start. That connection freaked Craig out a bit, especially when Caroline seemed to know things about him that there was no way she should know. I liked his protectiveness toward this woman he didn't know, and his willingness to go along. He is a good man, and I thoroughly enjoyed the way he took care of her. He didn't expect to develop feelings for her, especially since he has resisted falling in love since the tragic death of his first love.

I loved how Caroline was absolutely convinced of her engagement to Craig. She was a little disturbed that she could remember so much of her life but drew a blank regarding the details of their relationship. She simply chalked it up to her injury and rolled on with her life as she believed it to be. She was shocked when her memory came back and she realized she didn't know the man she was kissing. She also knew she was already falling for Craig and was afraid that if she told him she would lose her chance to make him fall in love with her.

Though I wasn't thrilled with her deception, I was glad to see that she felt some guilt over it. Craig also felt some guilt over not telling Caroline the truth, but he told himself he was following the doctor's orders. There were some really sweet scenes of the two of them together. I especially enjoyed the trip to Thunder Canyon for Thanksgiving and seeing Caroline with Craig's family. The parts with his grandparents were fantastic, and I loved seeing how well Caroline fit in with his family. It was great to see how much Craig grew to like being with her, and that he started to think about a future with her. There's a pretty big obstacle to that dream though, as the truth about their engagement stands between them. When and how that truth comes out is a very emotional scene. I understood Craig's feelings of hurt and betrayal, and Caroline had a few choice things to say, too. I loved how they were finally able to be honest with each other, and that their love was able to overcome the rocky start. The epilogue was terrific, and I loved Craig's big moment at the school play.

The Maverick's Baby-in-Waiting - Melissa Senate (HSE #2635 - Aug 2018)

Series: Montana Mavericks: Lonelyhearts Ranch (Book 2)
            Montana Mavericks (Book 116)

A millionaire…and baby booties?

Rust Creek Ramblings

Pretty-and-pregnant Mikayla Brown is Rust Creek Falls’ newest resident. Poor as a church mouse, she is determined to make it on her own, so what is she doing with Tulsa billionaire Jensen Jones? Everyone knows that the cowboy-booted businessman doesn’t “do” commitment -- and Mikayla is in no position (literally!) to do casual. Yet our sources suggest Jensen may be Mikayla’s Prince Charming in disguise. Could our expectant, independent Cinderella have finally found her perfect match?

Terrific story. Mikayla moved to Rust Creek Falls from Cheyenne after her boyfriend made it plain he had no interest in being a father to their baby. She's living at Sunshine Farm with Eva and Luke Stockton while she gets her feet under her. She may be alone in the world and as poor as can be, but she's determined to be the best mother she can be.

Jensen Jones is one of the Jones brothers from Tulsa. Three of his brothers have met and fallen in love with Rust Creek Falls women, relocating from Tulsa to Montana. This has irritated their father, who has made it plain to Jensen that he's to finish his business in town and get back to Tulsa ASAP. Jensen is in town to purchase some property for a crisis distribution center, but the owner of the land he wants refuses to sell. Jensen is determined and won't give up.

I loved the development of the relationship between Jensen and Mikayla. Both of them are wonderful people. Mikayla is kind, sweet, and independent. She absolutely refuses to let her circumstances get her down, and for the most part, keeps a very positive outlook. She had her heart stomped on by her ex, which has made her wary, but she hasn't given up on love entirely. Jensen is an all-around nice guy. He was badly betrayed by his fiancée, who had purposely gone after him because of his money and his name. Then she ran up huge debts by opening credit cards in his name. Now Jensen is convinced that he's not cut out for love and family, so he limits his relationships to those who don't expect commitment.

I loved the meeting between Mikayla and Jensen. He took one look at her and knew that he wanted to get to know her better. His flirtatious advances were over-the-top, but also kind of cute. Mikayla was surprised, a bit intrigued, and also somewhat amused because she knew something he did not. His shock was clear when she stood up and he discovered that she was pregnant, and he rapidly retreated. But he couldn't keep her out of his mind and counted it a blessing when he met her in the local baby supply store. I loved how easily they were able to talk to each other, and how she helped him out. It was sweet to see the way he reacted to what he overheard, and that he couldn't resist playing fairy godfather. Of course, that didn't set well with Mikayla's independence, and I loved seeing her stand up to him, something he doesn't experience very often. It was fun to see how that affected him and made him all the more determined, to the point of proposing a two-week, "no strings" fling.

After some debate with herself, Mikayla agreed. There were many sweet scenes as the two of them spent time together. Though there were plenty of sparks between them, I really liked the way they just spent time together. I loved seeing how much enjoyment Jensen got out of finding ways to spoil Mikayla, from meals out to simple picnics. I especially liked how they were honest with each other about their expectations, and could talk to each other about their pasts. It was clear that their feelings were changing, but both tried to resist. Mikayla knows that Jensen will be leaving, but she can't help wishing that things could be different. I ached for her as she realized that she had fallen hard for him. She knew he wasn't going to stay, but she couldn't help that kernel of hope that she felt. Jensen fought really hard against his feelings. Every time that he found himself thinking about her, or about a future together, he had to remind himself that he was a "no commitment" guy. His behavior in Vegas showed how much he was afraid of his feelings.  The ending was terrific. His eye-opening advice came from an unexpected source, and just in time. His big moment at the end was sweet and emotional, perfect for him.

Part of the book was the story of why Jensen was in Rust Creek Falls. It was interesting to see how, at the beginning, Jensen was sure that it was a case of finding the right amount of money to convince Barnes to sell his land. I loved seeing how spending time with Mikayla changed his outlook. His conversation with Barnes at the end of the book was heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time.

I also loved how the book spotlighted how much Jensen loves his family. He is bothered by the rifts between his brothers and their father and is determined to change it. In this book and previous ones, the senior Jones comes across as a man who puts his business above everything else. I wasn't at all surprised by his behavior when he first arrived in Rust Creek Falls. The scene between him and Jensen at the party was fantastic and gave excellent insight into both him and Jensen. I also enjoyed the relationships between Walker, Hudson, and Jensen. The changes in Walker and Hudson since their arrivals in Rust Creek Falls are profound and quite surprising to Jensen. I especially liked their clear-eyed, experienced view of what was happening between Jensen and Mikayla, and how they tried to make Jensen see the truth.

 

The Maverick's Midnight Proposal - Brenda Harlen (HSE #2588 - Dec 2017)

Series: Montana Mavericks: Great Family Roundup (Book 6)
            Montana Mavericks (Book 113)

Should Old Acquaintance Be Forgot?

Rust Creek Ramblings

Sighting confirmed! That handsome, brooding cowboy about town is Luke Stockton -- Rust Creek Falls’s long-lost son. It’s been over a decade since his parents’ tragic death…and Luke’s sudden departure. Our guess is he’s here to reconnect with his estranged siblings. Why, then, is Luke spending so much time at Daisy’s Donut Shop? The coffee’s great but…

Perhaps beautiful baker Eva Armstrong has him in her thrall! Careful, Eva, you’ve had enough heartbreak. Despite the sizzling kisses, Luke isn’t the marrying kind. Still, we encourage a little mistletoe mischief…after all, Christmas is the season of love. Perhaps Luke and Eva will “ring” in the New Year together. Get it? All we want for Christmas is a happily-ever-after!

Good book. Luke is the oldest of the seven Stockton siblings, and one of the three who left Rust Creek Falls after the deaths of their parents. No one has seen or heard from him in twelve years - until the PI hired by Hudson Jones tracked him down. But it wasn't until Luke found out that Hudson is married to Luke's sister, Bella, that Luke returned to Rust Creek Falls. He's willing to spend some time reconnecting with his siblings, but then he plans to high-tail it back to Wyoming. They wouldn't want him around anyway if they knew what he'd done. But if he's planning to leave, why can't he stay away from Eva?

Eva is one of the baker's at Daisy's Donut Shop and caught Luke's eye when he first arrived. He caught hers, too. But Eva hasn't had much luck in the romance department, most lately being one of Zach Dalton's potential brides, and losing out to Lydia Grant (The Maverick's Bride-to-Order). In spite of everything, she hasn't let it get her down. She still believes that there is someone out there for her.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Luke and Eva. There's no doubt about the attraction between them. Luke keeps finding his way back to Daisy's Donut Shop to spend time with Eva. She's easy for him to talk to, and a good distraction from the awkwardness of being back in town. He can't resist when she invites him to dinner, and the way they connected over that meal was undeniable. But Luke is wary of getting involved and makes it plain that he isn't staying past Christmas, and he doesn't do relationships. On the other hand, Eva has no problem making her interest in him clear. I enjoyed the way she made the first move and the heat that flared between them. I also liked Luke's surprise at her offer of friendship and "hanging out" together while he was in town. Eva knows that there's a good chance that she'll end up with a broken heart, but that doesn't stop her. Over the next couple of weeks, they spent a lot of time together. Sure enough, Eva falls hard for Luke and finds herself hoping that he'll change his mind and stay in Rust Creek Falls. Luke is more and more tempted to stay but is haunted by his past and certain that his family wouldn't want him around if they knew. I loved seeing Luke get more involved with his family, and closer to Eva. Seeing him open up to her about what drove him away, and her understanding and sympathy gave me great hope for them. It was going beautifully until the arrival of a surprise guest at Danny's wedding. I ached for Luke as he suddenly had doubts about both his feelings and Eva's, and allowed his fears to pull them apart. I loved seeing Eva stand up for herself and her feelings. It took a bit for Luke to come to his senses, but he definitely redeemed himself at the end. His big moment was romantic and reminded me of my own engagement, which also happened on New Year's Eve.

Another big part of this book was the importance of family. There has been a lot written over the past several books about the fracturing of the Stockton family. I have enjoyed seeing the efforts to find the missing siblings and reunite the family. I loved the acceptance and support that Luke received, and his eventual realization that love was what was most important. I would have liked a bit more interaction and resolution between Luke and Jamie, but hopefully, that will be addressed in a later book. I am looking forward to getting the stories for the other two siblings, Bailey and Liza.

The Maverick's Snowbound Christmas - Karen Rose Smith (HSE #2582 - Nov 2017)

Series: Montana Mavericks: Great Family Roundup (Book 5)
            Montana Mavericks (Book 112)

COZYING UP WITH THE COWBOY

Rust Creek Ramblings

Aah, wintertime in Rust Creek Falls! It's the perfect time of year to snuggle up by the fireplace and indulge in some juicy gossip. Speaking of snuggling, did you hear that Eli Dalton and Hadley Strickland were forced to spend the night together in an abandoned barn during our recent snowstorm?

While it may have been a horse in distress that brought the lovely veterinarian out to the Circle D, we're betting handsome, steady Eli will draw her back. We believe the rancher could melt fair Hadley's frozen heart -- if she can find the courage to reveal her past. So hang the holly, dear readers, and remember that this is the season for miracles. Could a holiday proposal soon be in the works?

Good story. Hadley is in Rust Creek Falls for the Thanksgiving holiday, spending time with family and friends. She also has to endure the gentle nagging about finding the time for marriage and family. When she gets a call from a local vet asking her to check on a horse, she jumps on the chance to escape for a little while. While large animals aren't her specialty, she knows enough to help and expects to be back before the incoming snowstorm gets too bad. Eli is grateful that Hadley is there, but also a bit disturbed by her presence. He's noticed her before is attracted to her. But he is also wary. Hadley is a career-minded and educated woman, just like the one that broke his heart years ago. He has avoided getting serious with any woman since then.

Hadley and Eli's initial time together was mostly taken up with the care of the horse, but it's also evident that there are sparks between them. Eli is truly intrigued by Hadley, and those feelings only increase when they find the kitten and mama cat. Hadley is just as attracted to Eli, but she has her own demons that have caused her to lock her emotions up when it comes to men. As they spent time together waiting for the foal to be born, it was interesting to see their interactions. Both of them are a little insecure in their own ways. I ached a bit for Eli when Hadley said something that he took wrong, thinking that she was looking down on him. Things became even more tense when they realized that they were snowed in at the barn. Hadley panicked because of her attraction to him, and her actions upset him again. I liked that she realized what she had done and took steps to fix it. As the evening went on, I liked the way that Eli worked to put Hadley at ease. There were several very sweet moments between them where the connection was obvious, but one or the other would panic over the closeness and pull back.

Once they were rescued, Hadley figures she's safe because she's not likely to see much of him during the rest of her stay. But fate and Eli have something else in mind. I liked seeing how their relationship developed. With Rust Creek Falls being a small town, it doesn't take much for them to encounter each other. Eli can't deny that there is something that pulls him toward her, even though he knows she won't be there for long. He can't stay away from her and often ignores the inner voice that reminds him how different they are. Hadley is equally drawn to Eli, but her past experience has colored her view of men. I liked how often she was surprised by something Eli said or did, and how it made her realize that he's different than most of the men she knows. It was clear that Eli was falling and falling hard, and also that Hadley was fighting it as hard as she could. I ached for both of them when Hadley's secret came out and she couldn't trust him or herself enough to tell it all, instead running away to protect her heart and her pride. I liked the support and advice she got from her sister that opened her eyes, and her determination to overcome it. I also liked that Eli didn't give up and was intent on fighting for her love. I liked the ending and how they worked through Hadley's revelations.

 

Mommy and the Maverick - Meg Maxwell (HSE #2564 - Aug 2017)

Series: Montana Mavericks: Great Family Roundup (Book 2)
            Montana Mavericks (Book 109)

And Daddy Makes Five

Rust Creek Ramblings

In a town as small as Rust Creek Falls, it would be hard not to notice the new millionaire on Main Street, even if he wasn't drop-dead gorgeous. But bachelor Autry Jones does not disappoint -- he's every bit as handsome as his settled-down brothers Walker and Hudson. However, this business-minded CEO not only shies away from commitment, he's also heading for Paris in a month. So why is he keeping company with Marissa Fuller, a young widow with three daughters?

Marissa and Autry have made a "no-strings/just friends" agreement, but Abby, Kiera and Kaylee clearly have other ideas. Can a dedicated tycoon find happiness with a mom and her kids? We here at the Gazette are hopeful. Some contracts were made to be broken!

Good book. Autry is the third of the Jones brothers to come to Rust Creek Falls. His brothers Hudson (The Maverick's Holiday Surprise) and Walker (Maverick vs. Maverick) have already left the big city for life in small-town Montana, motivated by the love they found there. Autry is the jet-setting brother, who travels the world carrying out the family business. He's come to Montana for a couple of reasons. One, he has some vacation time and wants to use it to spend some time with his brothers. They haven't been close and he has come to regret that and would like to change it. Two, his father has charged him with getting Walker and Hudson back to Tulsa "where they belong."

It was interesting to see Autry's first impressions of Rust Creek Falls. He doesn't understand the appeal of the town, or what kind of hold it has on his brothers, but he's determined to find out. He's especially confused about their involvement in the daycare business. He's a little freaked out when he arrives at the daycare to meet his brother, as he has cut the possibility of kids out of his life. After a bad breakup with a woman who had a child, one that he had come to love, Autry has decided that there will be no more single moms in his dating future. Having missed his brother at the daycare, he arrives at the Ace in the Hole just in time for the premiere of the reality show The Great Roundup, where his attention is grabbed by Marissa Fuller.

Marissa is a widow with three daughters, who moved in with her parents after her husband's death. Her girls are the center of her life. She is very independent and is sometimes frustrated by having to rely on her parents. She also has to deal with her nine-year-old daughter's frequent attempts to find her a boyfriend. The latest choice is the good-looking man who just entered the bar with Hudson and Walker Jones.

It was fun to see the immediate attraction between Marissa and Autry. She's embarrassed to be caught staring, while Autry is definitely intrigued. He has the idea that getting to know her would be a pleasant way to spend the next three weeks before he has to leave for Paris. He gets quite the shock the next day when he runs into her at the grocery store. Once he finds out she's the mother of three, his head tells him to back away slowly and leave. Instead, he finds himself accepting the little girl's invitation to their picnic. I loved seeing him with little Kaylee, where he shows himself to be a much nicer guy than I had expected. Autry's head continues to tell him to make the encounter short and quick, but he can't make himself walk away.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Autry and Marissa. Both of them admit to the attraction that has flared between them, but each is aware of the pitfalls of getting involved. Autry does not want to risk getting his heart smashed again by getting attached to the family. Marissa knows it would be all too easy to fall for Autry, then be brokenhearted when he left. But because they enjoy each other's company, they agree to be friends. I loved seeing how easily Autry fit into Marissa's life. He was fantastic with the girls. The way he jumped in to help Abby when she wanted to be in the kids' version of The Great Roundup was awesome, as were all his other sweet and thoughtful actions. Marissa loved having Autry around and seeing the happiness he brought to her daughters. But she also worried about what would happen if they got too attached and then had to see him walk out of their lives. She realizes that it's too late to protect her own heart when she gives in to the attraction between them. I ached for both of them because they knew what they wanted but couldn't figure out how to make it happen. I loved the bit of advice that Autry got from Travis and the effect it had on him. I liked Autry's big moment at the end and wasn't at all surprised by the solution he came up with. The epilogue was sweet.

 

The More Mavericks, the Merrier! - Brenda Harlen (HSE #2517 - Dec 2016)

Series: Montana Mavericks: Baby Bonanza (Book 6)
            Montana Mavericks (Book 107)

OH, BABIES!

Rust Creek Ramblings

We here at The Gazette just love a happy ending, and if anyone needs a little Christmas, it's Jamie Stockton. The stoic rancher has been raising his triplet babies alone since his wife died. Thanks to Rust Creek Falls's volunteer "baby chain," Jamie has had many helping hands. But his bed is still empty, and so is his heart.

Could family friend Fallon O'Reilly be the one to brighten his holiday? Babies Henry, Jared and Kate surely love having Fallon around, but their lonely dad may take a little more convincing. Hang the holly, dear readers, and deck the halls as our cautious cowboy rediscovers his Christmas spirit -- and the "girl next door" gets a present she will never forget!

Good friends to lovers story. Jamie is a widower and father of triplet babies. His wife died when they were born. The people of Rust Creek Falls came together to form a volunteer group that helps care for the babies. One of the members of that group is longtime family friend, Fallon. As Christmas approaches, Fallon wants to see Jamie enjoy the season with his children and attempts to push him out of the rut he is in.

Jamie's children are the center of his world. Though unknown to the general public, his marriage had not been everything he had hoped for. His wife had been unhappy living on the ranch. She hadn't wanted children and was angry when she got pregnant, even more so when it turned out to be triplets. She made Jamie's life miserable, and the only one he could confide in was his friend Fallon. He's not overly thrilled with Fallon's plans for the holidays, as he always feels that people look at him with pity when he's out with the kids, but eventually he gives in.

Fallon loves the triplets almost as much as she loves their father. She kept that love hidden while he was married. Now she can't help dreaming that he would wake up and see her as something more than a friend.

I enjoyed the progression of Jamie and Fallon's relationship. Jamie has always looked at Fallon as a friend he could depend on. He got quite a shock the day that he accidentally saw her changing her shirt and suddenly realized that his good friend was also a very attractive woman. But he's also very wary of doing anything about it. He's had so much loss in his life that the idea of doing something that could screw up his friendship with Fallon is something he doesn't want to think about. He tries very hard to forget about the feelings that she's stirred up, but he just can't do it. Fallon was surprised by what she had seen in Jamie's eyes that day, which gave her hope that maybe she had a chance with him after all. But after days of him treating her the same as always, she realized that she needed to do something to make Jamie see her as more than just his friend. It was fun to see his reaction to her makeover, especially when someone else started paying her attention. He still fought his attraction until he couldn't fight it any longer. I loved seeing them finally come together, and what they had was fantastic. But Jamie still has some deep-seated fears that cause him to pull back. I thought that Fallon was amazingly understanding, even through her hurt. I loved seeing Jamie finally realize the truth of his feelings. He had two big emotional scenes at the end; one when Fallon came back from her trip and the other at her parents' anniversary party. Fallon also provided a very interesting twist that made a huge impact on Jamie's life.

The Maverick's Bride-to-Order - Stella Bagwell (HSE #2569 - Sept 2017)

Series: Montana Mavericks: Great Family Roundup (Book 3)
            Montana Mavericks (Book 110)

Single Cowboy Seeks Perfect Match!

Rust Creek Ramblings

Everyone knows Rust Creek Falls is a good place to find love, but handsome ranching man Zach Dalton is not leaving anything to chance. His classified ad in the Rust Creek Falls Gazette has the whole town buzzing. The offer? No less than lifetime commitment…for the perfect pie-baking, domestically inclined long-haired bride.

One woman who definitely does not fit the job description is Gazette assistant editor Lydia Grant -- curly-haired, independent and admittedly useless in the kitchen. Yet we here at the Gazette have seen definite sparks between the marriage-minded cowboy and the girl who is so not his "type." Could Zach Dalton have already met his Mrs. Right? Clear your calendars, dear readers. We're convinced there's another wedding on the way!

Good book, though there were times I wanted to smack both Lydia and Zach. Zach, his four brothers, and his father recently moved to Rust Creek Falls. They are looking for a fresh start after their mother died in a wildfire. For Zach, the only thing that he feels will fill the void is a wife and family of his own. Normal dating hasn't gotten him any closer to what he wants, so he decides to put a classified ad in the newspaper. He has very definite ideas of what he wants, and won't accept anything less.

I liked Zach. He is charming, sweet, and has that whole cowboy mystique going on. He is also a bit clueless when it comes to women. He's looking for a domestic goddess that will fulfill all his dreams of a wife like his mom had been. I had to laugh at his complete seriousness when he was dictating his ad to Lydia, and his surprise at her disbelief.

Lydia is the daughter of a single mom. Her father had deserted them when she was little, leaving her mom bitter about the uselessness of men. She's spent her entire life listening to her mother's opinions about how a man will let you down every time. Lydia sees herself as the woman that guys want to be friends with, but not the type they want to take out or marry. She sees herself as plain and doesn't see any sense in trying to pretend otherwise.

I enjoyed the development of Zach and Lydia's relationship. There's an instant connection when they meet, but since Lydia doesn't match any of his requirements, he treats her like a friend. Lydia, on the other hand, develops a quick crush on Zach but doesn't see any chance of something coming of it. I enjoyed seeing Lydia tease him about the boxes and boxes of responses he gets from his ad. Zach finds it incredibly frustrating that there are so many women that seem to fit his requirements exactly, but all he can think of is Lydia. Some of those dates were pretty amusing, and I kept waiting for someone to tear into him about his chauvinistic requirements. But the closest anyone came was the woman who thought he was kidding and just using the ad as a way to find women to date. It seemed as though every time Zach had one of those dates, he needed to spend time with Lydia to get over the frustration. I liked seeing them spend time together, and it was pretty obvious that he was falling for her and just couldn't see it. I ached for Lydia, who knew she was falling for Zach and could only see heartache in her future. It was very satisfying the night they were both at the bar watching The Great Roundup and Lydia had too much to drink. Zach got very protective of her and insisted on taking her home. At the same time, the alcohol loosened Lydia's tongue and she let him know what she really thought about what he was doing. Both of them were blown away by the kiss that followed, and the passion that exploded between them. The problem was, Zach's eyes were opened, but Lydia was determined to protect her heart. I felt like Zach got a bit of what he deserved, and I was happy to see that he had to work to make Lydia believe in his feelings. His big moment at the end was very well done and I loved how he pulled it off.

I also enjoyed the various reactions of family and friends. Zach got a boatload of teasing from his brothers, which makes me look forward to their stories. I ached for him when he didn't get the hoped-for support from his father. Some of the best parts were the various entries from the Rust Creek Rambler and the way they stirred up public opinion. Lydia wasn't entirely immune either. She had her own problems with her mother and her mother's attitude. I was happy to see their relationship start to improve by the end of the book.

 

The Maverick's Bridal Bargain - Christie Jeffries (HSE #2625 - June 2018)

Series: Montana Mavericks: The Lonelyhearts Ranch (Book 1)
            Montana Mavericks

Whose wedding is it, anyway?

Rust Creek Ramblings

Why is Cole Dalton planning a wedding? No one even knew the ex-Marine and rugged rancher was dating, and suddenly he has hired wedding planner Vivienne Shuster to coordinate his nuptials. Why has no one met his mystery bride? We here at the Gazette believe this engagement is fake. The sparks between Cole and his “wedding planner,” however, are strictly legit. Hang on to your invites, dear readers -- someone may still be walking down the aisle!

Terrific book. Viv is a wedding planner working for the boss from hell. The book opens as she has a meeting with Lydia and Zach (The Maverick's Bride-to-Order) to work on their wedding plans. She's just beginning to hear about a problem with choosing a best man when one of the candidates interrupts the meeting. Cole is the middle of the five brothers and is somewhat overprotective of his brothers. In this case, he had driven all the way from their ranch to where the meeting was, just because he had noticed that Zach's tire pressure was low and hadn't been able to reach him by phone.

I liked both Cole and Viv. Cole is a good guy who has always had a large protective streak, even as a kid. There were any number of stories about how he can't keep from stepping in when he thinks someone needs help. He is also carrying a pretty big load of guilty feelings because he blames himself for his mother's death. Viv is a woman who sometimes wonders about her work as a wedding planner. Her parents have always had a rocky relationship (married and divorced three times - to each other) which sometimes affects the way she looks at her couples. I really liked her attitude when she worked with the couples, as she did her best to provide what they wanted without forcing other things on them. This puts her at odds with her boss on a regular basis.

Cole and Viv struck sparks off each other from the moment they met. It was fun to see how distracted they'd get when they were near each other. As the plans went forward for Zach and Lydia's wedding, I loved watching Cole go from suspicious of Viv and her suggestions to respecting what she was able to do. I had to laugh at his amazement every time she was able to get people to cooperate with her vision or keep them from going overboard on something. When Cole witnessed the abuse that Viv had to take from Estelle, he just had to find a way to help. Hiring Viv to plan a wedding for him was his way of getting Estelle off her back. I couldn't help but laugh, because he had no idea what he was getting into. Between his brother's wedding and his fake one, Cole and Viv found themselves spending a lot of time together. With that time, the attraction between them continued to grow. Beyond the attraction, there was also a deeper connection. I liked the way that Viv came to understand what made Cole the way he was. Cole also understood the effect that her parents' relationship had on her ability to believe in happily-ever-after.

With as close as they were growing, it was only a matter of time before their deception blew up in their faces. I ached for Viv when it happened and really wanted her to sic Cole on Estelle. But she wasn't sure of his feelings for her, and her fears wouldn't let her be another of his rescues. Meanwhile, Cole thought that she was giving him the brush-off as he tried to figure out what his feelings for her were. I loved the discussion he had with his dad, giving him lots to think about when it came to his feelings for Viv. The ending was sweet and romantic, and I loved the way things worked out for them. There was a satisfying little twist in the epilogue that I really liked.

 

A Maverick To (Re)Marry - Christine Rimmer (HSE #2629 - July 2018)

Series: Montana Mavericks: The Lonelyhearts Ranch (Book 1)
            Montana Mavericks

Married -- and divorced! -- in secret…

Rust Creek Ramblings

Rust Creek Falls’ flirty cowboy and the shy, straight-A student -- a couple? We have it on good authority that not only were Derek Dalton and Amy Wainwright once an item, they were actually married! With Amy back in town for her friend’s wedding, how long before their secret past is revealed? Gather your rose petals, dear readers… We suspect these high school sweethearts may soon get a second chance at happily-wedded-after!

Very good story of second chances. Back in high school Amy and Derek had been a couple, then secretly married that summer. The marriage ended as quickly as it began, leaving both of them heartbroken before they moved on with their lives. Neither has forgotten the other, though each has coped in different ways. Derek has become something of a flirt, avoiding any hint of commitment. Amy threw herself into school, then her job in Colorado, and has avoided returning to Rust Creek Falls. Now her best friend's wedding has forced her back.

I enjoyed the development of Amy and Derek's relationship. I liked their first meeting. Though both had been dreading it, they behaved like adults since they had to work together for their friends' wedding. Things were still a bit rough at the beginning since both had to come to terms with seeing each other again. They continued to avoid each other until they realized they had to face their pasts. I loved how they opened up and talked honestly about what had happened and their feelings at the time. It also became clear to them that the attraction is still there also. I had to laugh a little at their plan to be friends again, with maybe a little more to it, and explore what was happening - and keep it a secret. They're in Rust Creek Falls, where people are observant and know everyone's business anyway.

I loved seeing Amy and Derek find the magic that had been there before. It was a terrific mix of old and new - I especially enjoyed the video game scene, as well as their more adult activities. But as their time grew shorter, some of their old doubts and fears started to creep in. I ached for both of them as those fears kept them from talking to each other about their plans. I wanted to shake Derek for acting on those fears, and I cried for Amy's heartbreak. I loved the support - and the lecture - that she received from her friends, opening her eyes to some things she hadn't thought of. I adored Derek's big moment. He was sweet and vulnerable and finally able to say the words that Amy needed to hear.

I also enjoyed the backdrop of Luke and Eva's wedding. It's always fun to revisit couples from earlier books. Even brief mentions of others brings back fond memories of their stories and gives the opportunity for a peek at their continuing happiness.