Maggie Gates

This was one of those books that was a pleasant surprise.

New York city girl and a cowboy. Cassandra goes a ranch to work on some development ideas for the ranch. There she meets a broody, grumpy sunshine, single dad cowboy. There Cassie, gets a full glimpse of the rural life and the ins and outs of the ranch. She meets his children and learns that it’s now always where you are in life… it’s who you spend it with.

I really adored our surly ranch hand Christian. He was honestly adorable show more and his love for his children was so admirable that it made me love him even more. This man loves his family; his kids, and his ranch. And he is the epitome of a southern gentleman… SWOON! Our heroine started out maybe a little as an aggressive go-getter. That’s great because her ‘girl boss’ attitude came in handy several time. But the ranch life soon smoothes her edges and she fits in the ranch life like the perfect pair of cowboy boots. Honestly, loved seeing their dynamic together and how they evolved and progressed in the story.

Narration was a dual POV. I loved the narrators. The male narrator gave Christian that gruff voice that truly embodies a cowboy. Audiobook length was approx 10 hrs.

Tropes: slight enemy to acquaintances to lovers, single dad, cowboy, found family, later in life love, second chances.

Since I’ve finished I have looked at the author’s other works. I will be adding them to my TBR and looking for more cowboy romance. show less

Ok look. Meredith Blake just wanted to marry the vineyard owner and was surprised with twin girls who hated her. I respect the hustle.

This gal though in comparison. She’s dumped here on this beautiful ranch, is super resentful, the girls think she’s the coolest thing ever and she just simply hates EVERYONE and isn’t quiet about it. I would actually like her more if she was conniving but she’s just horrible.

I’m stopping this book at 15% because you’ll never be able to convince me show more that she’s going to fall in love with those girls too so she can fit into this family. show less

In this audiobook, Samantha Brentmoor and Bryant Walker bring the small town of Falls Creek to life with their excellent narration. Officer Callum Fletcher needs a fake fiancée, and Layla Mousavi, a smart and sassy flight nurse, reluctantly steps into the role. Their chemistry shines as the fake engagement stirs up town gossip, but the emotional depth grows as real feelings emerge. The narrators capture the humor and heart of this slow-burn romance, making each character feel distinct and show more authentic. Brentmoor’s portrayal of Layla is vibrant and engaging, while Walker perfectly embodies Callum’s gruff but vulnerable nature. Together, they make this heartfelt, witty love story an enjoyable listen. show less

Sweet book. Very smalltown romance, everyone in everyone else's business. Old folk swearing. Lot's of policemen, firemen, etc. But interesting in terms of the FMC having lupus and how that impacts her life. I liked the way she expressed herself at the end, no mucking about.

I gathered that the MMC was in a number of other books and never got the girl - so there was a fair bit of musing on that. But as I haven't read any of the others it was all lost on me...