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Montana Mavericks: 20 Years in the Saddle #1
Million-Dollar Maverick
Finding true love: priceless
Rush Creek Ramblings
People say that the odds of finding your perfect partner are rather like the odds of hitting the lottery: slim to none. It's hard to believe, faithful readers, but Nate Crawford may just have accomplished both. We have the scoop on Rust Creek Falls' best-kept secret: our former mayoral candidate is now a very wealthy man! Yet he is going out of his way to make sure no one finds out. The question is, why?
Insiders whisper that Nate is also keeping another secret from his new girlfriend, nurse Callie Kennedy - a big one - and it could be a game changer. Place your bets, dear readers! What will she do when she learns her "regular guy" boyfriend is really a maverick millionaire?
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
44 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
About the author
Christine Rimmer
724 books429 followersNew York Times bestselling author Christine Rimmer has written more than one hundred contemporary romances for Harlequin Books. She has won Romantic Times BOOKreview’s Reviewer’s Choice Award for best Silhouette Special Edition. She has been nominated seven times for the Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA award and five times for Romantic Times Series Storyteller of the Year.
A California native who first longed to be an actress, Christine earned her theater degree from California State, Sacramento and then went to New York to study acting. Later, she moved to Southern California, where she began her writing career with short stories, plays, and poems. Her poems and short stories were published in a number of small literary journals. Her plays were produced at The Back Alley and Group Theaters in Southern California and have been published by Dramatists Play Service and West Coast Plays.
She now lives in Oregon with her family and two very contented cats named Tom and Ed.
A California native who first longed to be an actress, Christine earned her theater degree from California State, Sacramento and then went to New York to study acting. Later, she moved to Southern California, where she began her writing career with short stories, plays, and poems. Her poems and short stories were published in a number of small literary journals. Her plays were produced at The Back Alley and Group Theaters in Southern California and have been published by Dramatists Play Service and West Coast Plays.
She now lives in Oregon with her family and two very contented cats named Tom and Ed.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 31 reviews
June 27, 2014
Million Dollar Maverick ( Montana Mavericks #) by Christine Rimmer is a 2014 Harlequin Special Edition publication. I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Nate is in a somber, reflective mood when he sees a motorist standing in the rain apparently having run out of gas. The moral code instilled in him simply couldn't leave a woman alone in that situation. That fateful day would change his life forever.
Callie is determined to start her life over in Montana. She is a nurse, has spunk, really cares for people and despite the nasty comments Nate throws at her about not being capable of lasting through one single Montana winter, she fits right into Rust Creek Falls. That's more than Nate can say at the moment since he has solidified his reputation as a love 'em and leave 'em cowboy, but also a man that shamed himself by playing really dirty pool in the last mayoral race. When Callie calls on Nate a year after he rescued her by the side of the road, to sort of let him know she was tougher than he thought, the two find themselves feeling a little awkward with one another. There is definitely an attraction between them, but Nate is more than a little reluctant to pursue it. Why? Well, unbeknownst to most people in Rust Creek Falls Nate has suffered an unimaginable loss. A loss so profound he may never be able to move past it. But, he is trying to make up for his past transgressions and the big secret he is keeping from everyone is helping him accomplish that.
Dark brooding cowboys are a guilty pleasure for me and Nate fit that role perfectly. Callie comes along and blindsides him. As for Callie she really is perfect for Nate. Smart, dedicated, outgoing, and full of life and is usually really upbeat and optimistic. She knows Nate better than most and believes in him. But, Nate's fears, which are legitimate, and to me understandable, could prevent him from having all the things he thought he had lost.
Nate and Callie make a good match even if Nate is still dealing with all the issues in his life. This is a realistic look at the realities of living with such an incredible heartbreak and being haunted by it daily. Nate wanted to change, wanted to be happy, wanted to be with Callie but he is going to have to dig deep and work very hard to overcome his issues. Callie is the perfect person the help him through that. The money part of the story was not as prominent as you might think. I did like the maturity Nate showed in dealing with his windfall. Instead of living the party life, Nate stayed in his home town and started paying it forward.
So, this is a really sweet small town love story that will touch your heart and leave you will feeling of satisfaction knowing that everything is looking up for Nate and Callie as well as all of Rust Creek Falls.
This one gets 4 stars.
Nate is in a somber, reflective mood when he sees a motorist standing in the rain apparently having run out of gas. The moral code instilled in him simply couldn't leave a woman alone in that situation. That fateful day would change his life forever.
Callie is determined to start her life over in Montana. She is a nurse, has spunk, really cares for people and despite the nasty comments Nate throws at her about not being capable of lasting through one single Montana winter, she fits right into Rust Creek Falls. That's more than Nate can say at the moment since he has solidified his reputation as a love 'em and leave 'em cowboy, but also a man that shamed himself by playing really dirty pool in the last mayoral race. When Callie calls on Nate a year after he rescued her by the side of the road, to sort of let him know she was tougher than he thought, the two find themselves feeling a little awkward with one another. There is definitely an attraction between them, but Nate is more than a little reluctant to pursue it. Why? Well, unbeknownst to most people in Rust Creek Falls Nate has suffered an unimaginable loss. A loss so profound he may never be able to move past it. But, he is trying to make up for his past transgressions and the big secret he is keeping from everyone is helping him accomplish that.
Dark brooding cowboys are a guilty pleasure for me and Nate fit that role perfectly. Callie comes along and blindsides him. As for Callie she really is perfect for Nate. Smart, dedicated, outgoing, and full of life and is usually really upbeat and optimistic. She knows Nate better than most and believes in him. But, Nate's fears, which are legitimate, and to me understandable, could prevent him from having all the things he thought he had lost.
Nate and Callie make a good match even if Nate is still dealing with all the issues in his life. This is a realistic look at the realities of living with such an incredible heartbreak and being haunted by it daily. Nate wanted to change, wanted to be happy, wanted to be with Callie but he is going to have to dig deep and work very hard to overcome his issues. Callie is the perfect person the help him through that. The money part of the story was not as prominent as you might think. I did like the maturity Nate showed in dealing with his windfall. Instead of living the party life, Nate stayed in his home town and started paying it forward.
So, this is a really sweet small town love story that will touch your heart and leave you will feeling of satisfaction knowing that everything is looking up for Nate and Callie as well as all of Rust Creek Falls.
This one gets 4 stars.
June 17, 2014
3 Stars
Wow I really like Nate now. Changed my opinion on Nate just like he changed a lot of people in Rust Creek. I was surprised how Christine made Nate change and how believable it is. We learn more about Nate's past and the struggle he has made this past year. It was not easy for Nate to make the changes and it shows.
Callie Kennedy is a nurse who moved into Rust Creek. Nate rescued her first day almost to Rust Creek. Nate does not believe she will stay after her first winter in Rust Creek. Callie has made friends in Rust Creek and it is what she has wanted to have for a long time.
There are a lot of old friends from previous books who make a appearance in Million-Dollar Maverick. It is fun to get to see them and what they are up to now.
Nate is hiding that he won a fortune from lottery win. He is helping those in Rust creek through a trust so no one will know. Even his family doesn't know. He has told them that some investments have really done well. Nate is helping because he can. He is keeping it a secret so people can accept without thinking they owe him anything.
That has always been a fantasy of mine to have loads of money that you can help people in secret and make a big difference.
I really like the plot, characters and setting. Did not like all the love scenes. I admit that I skipped over them.
I was given this ebook to read and in return agree to give honest review of it by Netgalley and Harlequin.
July 7, 2014
Christine has wrote another spectacular story. It was so hard to put this book down especially when it was time to go to work. Nate's story makes you think about how even when you lose your way it is possible to find it. Nate and Callie really compliment each other. If you want a great read this is the book to get. You may need some tissues though.
September 21, 2018
Love it
January 3, 2022
This was a quick read.
July 6, 2024
cute, quick read.
January 23, 2016
Book Info
Paperback, 224 pages
Expected publication: June 17th 2014 by Harlequin
ISBN 0373658230 (ISBN13: 9780373658237)
other editions None found
Source:Netgalley EARC
Book Buy Links
Amazon
B&N
Finding true love: priceless;
RUST CREEK RAMBLINGS;
People say that the odds of finding your perfect partner are rather like the odds of hitting the lottery: slim to none. It's hard to believe, faithful readers, but Nate Crawford may just have accomplished both. We have the scoop on Rust Creek Falls' best-kept secret: our former mayoral candidate is now a very wealthy man! Yet he is going out of his way to make sure no one finds out. The question is, why?;
Insiders whisper that Nate is also keeping another secret from his new girlfriend, nurse Callie Kennedy a big one and it could be a game changer. Place your bets, dear readers! What will she do when she learns her regular guy & boyfriend is really a maverick millionaire?
Rust Creek Fall’s Montana is a small town which had some really horrific flooding a year prior to this storyline, not only were there businesses affected but local residents had significant amounts of damage to their homes and property as well. That catastrophe has brought a population growth as people have moved to the area to help the town rebuild.
Callie Kennedy spent time in Rust Creek as a young girl and never forgot how much she loved it there, now as an adult she has come back with a job as Nurse Practicioner with the local clinic and also to serve as Midwife for those who prefer home births rather than hospitalization.
Nate Crawford born and raised in Rust Creek Fall’s was once the golden boy of both his family and the townspeople, after some bad decisions on his part his halo is bent and tarnished but in mid thirties he is trying to make a fresh start. Meeting Callie Kennedy on the way to his yearly trip to Bismark Dakota started off their relationship with a bit of strain as she was a new resident from Chicago who Nate was convinced would never last past her first Montana winter.
This is a lovely story of two people whose past taught them to be wary of forming new attachments, this translates into months of basically avoiding one another in a town that is too small for them to have 100% success.
Throw in a meddling mother whose fondest wish is for her oldest son to settle down in Rust Creek permanently, the enterprising mayor and his brother who Nate has finally made his peace with and who want him to spearhead a new venue for the town and Nate has an interesting dilemma that is only compounded by his growing feelings for Callie.
This tale touches on several intense subjects that will make your heart bleed for Nate, make you cheer for his attempts to change and make you hopeful that he and Callie find a way to make things work between them so they can both find lasting happiness!
Heart wrenching at times it ends on a positive note with Callie and Nate's future looking bright!
It may be short but this is a story jam packed full of revelations about so many things that it will have you engrossed from beginning to end and wishing for more when it is over.
Paperback, 224 pages
Expected publication: June 17th 2014 by Harlequin
ISBN 0373658230 (ISBN13: 9780373658237)
other editions None found
Source:Netgalley EARC
Book Buy Links
Amazon
B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS
Finding true love: priceless;
RUST CREEK RAMBLINGS;
People say that the odds of finding your perfect partner are rather like the odds of hitting the lottery: slim to none. It's hard to believe, faithful readers, but Nate Crawford may just have accomplished both. We have the scoop on Rust Creek Falls' best-kept secret: our former mayoral candidate is now a very wealthy man! Yet he is going out of his way to make sure no one finds out. The question is, why?;
Insiders whisper that Nate is also keeping another secret from his new girlfriend, nurse Callie Kennedy a big one and it could be a game changer. Place your bets, dear readers! What will she do when she learns her regular guy & boyfriend is really a maverick millionaire?
My Thoughts
Rust Creek Fall’s Montana is a small town which had some really horrific flooding a year prior to this storyline, not only were there businesses affected but local residents had significant amounts of damage to their homes and property as well. That catastrophe has brought a population growth as people have moved to the area to help the town rebuild.
Callie Kennedy spent time in Rust Creek as a young girl and never forgot how much she loved it there, now as an adult she has come back with a job as Nurse Practicioner with the local clinic and also to serve as Midwife for those who prefer home births rather than hospitalization.
Nate Crawford born and raised in Rust Creek Fall’s was once the golden boy of both his family and the townspeople, after some bad decisions on his part his halo is bent and tarnished but in mid thirties he is trying to make a fresh start. Meeting Callie Kennedy on the way to his yearly trip to Bismark Dakota started off their relationship with a bit of strain as she was a new resident from Chicago who Nate was convinced would never last past her first Montana winter.
This is a lovely story of two people whose past taught them to be wary of forming new attachments, this translates into months of basically avoiding one another in a town that is too small for them to have 100% success.
Throw in a meddling mother whose fondest wish is for her oldest son to settle down in Rust Creek permanently, the enterprising mayor and his brother who Nate has finally made his peace with and who want him to spearhead a new venue for the town and Nate has an interesting dilemma that is only compounded by his growing feelings for Callie.
This tale touches on several intense subjects that will make your heart bleed for Nate, make you cheer for his attempts to change and make you hopeful that he and Callie find a way to make things work between them so they can both find lasting happiness!
Heart wrenching at times it ends on a positive note with Callie and Nate's future looking bright!
It may be short but this is a story jam packed full of revelations about so many things that it will have you engrossed from beginning to end and wishing for more when it is over.
[EArc from Netgalley in exchange for honest review]
June 25, 2014
" Million Dollar Maverick" is a second chance at life story written By Christine Rimmer. It is one of the Montana Mavericks: Twenty years in the Saddle! Tales. The story takes place in the little town of Rust Creek, Montana, where if readers follow the series they will remember that Rust Creek was flooded last year on the Fourth of July. Because of the flood, there has been an influx of people who have come to Rust Creek to help clean up the town or start new positions such as Callie Kennedy who is looking for a fresh start as Rust Creek's new nurse practitioner/midwife. She is originally from the Chicago area and has sworn off men due to a recent break-up. However, on her first day in town, she runs out of gas and meets former villain Nate Crawford as he was out of town on his annual reflection on the day he lost everything. The day develops new meaning as Nate first meets Callie and then he wins a huge amount in the Montana lottery. His luck seems to be changing in all aspects of his life.
There are several things that I like about Nate. First of all, he can recognize that he has done some things wrong in his past. Secondly, that he is trying to rectify those things by anonymously giving back into the community and going straight to the people he did wrong for a personal apology. Nate even waits to proceed in his romance with Callie until he has set the apologies in motion. Thirdly, Nate has a weakness and fear because of all that he has lost in the past. He doesn't feel that loving him is a safe bet.
I love Callie's sass and wit. She has comeback for Nate. When she told him on that first day, she would last the Winter, she meant it. And she does! Callie is a great friend but she doesn't let her friends ideas about Nate dictate her thoughts or feelings for him. She finds herself drawn to Nate despite everything she has heard or saw about him. Callie is the first one to recognize what good Nate is actually doing for Rust Creek. She understands that he has done things in his past but believes good resides in him as well. Callie can not help herself as she falls for Nate.
In this book, Nate struggles with the demons of his past but also a huge void in his heart when he lost his wife and child. It almost causes him to walk away from Callie. He loves her but he doesn't feel like he deserves a chance to love someone like Callie. Nate finally wakes up when he totals out his vehicle after leaving Callie. He didn't know it but she had no intention of letting him go and was close on his heels.
Christine Rimmer has a way of weaving stories so that the reader gets a bird's eye view of the depth of emotion that the character is feeling and their emotions are often multidimensional. Sometimes the most beautiful things life has to offer are when a person is snapping back from the brink's of hell. However, sometimes people don't believe themselves deserving of a another chance.. In Nate's case, he decides not only love Callie but get help by seeking counseling. There is nothing more sexy than a man that can admit that he needs help. It's okay for our knights to have a few chinks in their armor, this shows they have depth and character. Ms. Rimmer did a fabulous job with this story by showing us that good things do come to those that wait and are willing to get up and try again. I encourage you to read this book as part of your Summer reading... Thank you again, Christine Rimmer for bringing it home, touching our hearts and maybe encouraging us to look for our rainbow after the storm and correct our wrongs and hopefully make them right.
There are several things that I like about Nate. First of all, he can recognize that he has done some things wrong in his past. Secondly, that he is trying to rectify those things by anonymously giving back into the community and going straight to the people he did wrong for a personal apology. Nate even waits to proceed in his romance with Callie until he has set the apologies in motion. Thirdly, Nate has a weakness and fear because of all that he has lost in the past. He doesn't feel that loving him is a safe bet.
I love Callie's sass and wit. She has comeback for Nate. When she told him on that first day, she would last the Winter, she meant it. And she does! Callie is a great friend but she doesn't let her friends ideas about Nate dictate her thoughts or feelings for him. She finds herself drawn to Nate despite everything she has heard or saw about him. Callie is the first one to recognize what good Nate is actually doing for Rust Creek. She understands that he has done things in his past but believes good resides in him as well. Callie can not help herself as she falls for Nate.
In this book, Nate struggles with the demons of his past but also a huge void in his heart when he lost his wife and child. It almost causes him to walk away from Callie. He loves her but he doesn't feel like he deserves a chance to love someone like Callie. Nate finally wakes up when he totals out his vehicle after leaving Callie. He didn't know it but she had no intention of letting him go and was close on his heels.
Christine Rimmer has a way of weaving stories so that the reader gets a bird's eye view of the depth of emotion that the character is feeling and their emotions are often multidimensional. Sometimes the most beautiful things life has to offer are when a person is snapping back from the brink's of hell. However, sometimes people don't believe themselves deserving of a another chance.. In Nate's case, he decides not only love Callie but get help by seeking counseling. There is nothing more sexy than a man that can admit that he needs help. It's okay for our knights to have a few chinks in their armor, this shows they have depth and character. Ms. Rimmer did a fabulous job with this story by showing us that good things do come to those that wait and are willing to get up and try again. I encourage you to read this book as part of your Summer reading... Thank you again, Christine Rimmer for bringing it home, touching our hearts and maybe encouraging us to look for our rainbow after the storm and correct our wrongs and hopefully make them right.
August 3, 2014
Loved this! In last year's Montana Mavericks books Nate was definitely the one everyone loved to hate. He was arrogant, thought he knew what was best for everyone, and pulled some really dirty tricks during his campaign for mayor. At the beginning of this book he's headed out of town when he comes to the rescue of a stranded motorist. He's not in the best of moods thanks to it being the anniversary of the day he lost his wife and baby and Callie's perkiness rubs him the wrong way. After finding out that she's new to town, he bets her that she won't last the winter. Then he continues on his trip, one that ends up changing his life in a big way.
I loved seeing the new Nate. Instead of blowing his winnings by partying, he is using them to help people in his hometown. He is doing it anonymously, not wanting any recognition for doing what he feels is the right thing. He is also finally starting to come back to life after the loss of his family ten years earlier, thanks to the attraction he feels for Callie. I loved seeing him open up to her about his past and his fears, something he hasn't been able to do with anyone else. He takes a really big step in trying to move forward by getting involved with her and things are looking very hopeful. Trying to be worthy of Callie also has him going to Collin and Sutter Traub and apologizing for what he did during the election. I loved seeing his nervousness and how he was still fighting against the habits of years. I also enjoyed then seeing as the Traubs worked to get Nate involved in their plans for the town, and he tries resisting. Just when it feels like Nate is finally going to get his happy future, his fears come roaring back and send him running. Fortunately Fate steps in and keeps him from getting too far before he realizes that there are no guarantees in life and he has to be willing to take a chance on happiness.
Callie was wonderful also. She had left everything behind in Chicago to start a new life in Montana. She is a person with a positive attitude and a truly caring personality. It doesn't take long for her to fit in. She also has no trouble going after what she wants, and has her heart set on buying the house next to Nate's. I loved seeing the way she talked him into selling to her. She had no plans to get involved with him when she arrived in town, but her attraction to him wouldn't be denied. Even when her friends tried to warn her against him, she had the confidence to trust in her own feelings. One of the things I loved about her was her patience and understanding of his fears. Even when his fears sent him running, she had enough love and confidence to go after him. I also enjoyed her quick wits and the way she figured out his big secret. Her love for him grew even stronger when she found out what he was doing and why.
I really liked seeing previous characters make return appearances. After the problems of last year's elections I loved seeing Nate own up to his mistakes and end up with the beginnings of a friendship and business partnership with Collin and Sutter. I look forward to seeing what comes of it. Nate's mom also had a part to play in this book as she continues her interfering ways in trying to get another one of her children settled. It was rather satisfying to see her have to face up to her own mistakes.
I loved seeing the new Nate. Instead of blowing his winnings by partying, he is using them to help people in his hometown. He is doing it anonymously, not wanting any recognition for doing what he feels is the right thing. He is also finally starting to come back to life after the loss of his family ten years earlier, thanks to the attraction he feels for Callie. I loved seeing him open up to her about his past and his fears, something he hasn't been able to do with anyone else. He takes a really big step in trying to move forward by getting involved with her and things are looking very hopeful. Trying to be worthy of Callie also has him going to Collin and Sutter Traub and apologizing for what he did during the election. I loved seeing his nervousness and how he was still fighting against the habits of years. I also enjoyed then seeing as the Traubs worked to get Nate involved in their plans for the town, and he tries resisting. Just when it feels like Nate is finally going to get his happy future, his fears come roaring back and send him running. Fortunately Fate steps in and keeps him from getting too far before he realizes that there are no guarantees in life and he has to be willing to take a chance on happiness.
Callie was wonderful also. She had left everything behind in Chicago to start a new life in Montana. She is a person with a positive attitude and a truly caring personality. It doesn't take long for her to fit in. She also has no trouble going after what she wants, and has her heart set on buying the house next to Nate's. I loved seeing the way she talked him into selling to her. She had no plans to get involved with him when she arrived in town, but her attraction to him wouldn't be denied. Even when her friends tried to warn her against him, she had the confidence to trust in her own feelings. One of the things I loved about her was her patience and understanding of his fears. Even when his fears sent him running, she had enough love and confidence to go after him. I also enjoyed her quick wits and the way she figured out his big secret. Her love for him grew even stronger when she found out what he was doing and why.
I really liked seeing previous characters make return appearances. After the problems of last year's elections I loved seeing Nate own up to his mistakes and end up with the beginnings of a friendship and business partnership with Collin and Sutter. I look forward to seeing what comes of it. Nate's mom also had a part to play in this book as she continues her interfering ways in trying to get another one of her children settled. It was rather satisfying to see her have to face up to her own mistakes.
April 30, 2014
I have been on a serious Western kick lately, and this book definitely falls into this category for me. If I had to pick my dream place to live it would be on a ranch in Montana in some kind of log cabin type house curled up with a good book day after day, so when I saw this book took place in Montana I was all in. I know this book is one within a series, and from what I could tell, there is a lot history with the character of Nate, it seems like he may have been the villain in a couple of earlier books. But this book definitely stands on its own, so I didn't need all of the backstory to enjoy the book, and what I did need to know, the author did a great job of filling me in on the details, without feeling too overwhelming.
So the book starts off with Nate, clearly on his way somewhere, and stopping to help a woman on the side of the road who ran out of gas. Their first interaction is interesting to say the least, Nate doesn't seem to be anything but annoyed by Callie and her predicament, in fact he goes so far as to bet Callie that she won't last long in Montana before she hightails it back to Chicago (where she was moving from).
Fast forward some time later and Callie comes to collect on winning the bet, she proposes that Nate allow her to buy the house next to his (he owned both), and he agrees. Before you know it the two of them find themselves coming together more and more. But there is a lot that Callie doesn't know about, it seems that Nate has an awful lot of things in his past that effect so much of who he is today.
Of course there is his town reputation of being a not so nice guy, and a guy who won't commit. But more than that, it turns out that Nate had some serious tragedy in his past that really affects the way he handles his relationship with Callie, and haunts him throughout his every day life. And then theirs his mysterious "investment" that paid off, or at least that's what he told the town, when reality was he won the lottery.
As characters I have to say I liked Callie a lot. She was a really caring person, a nurse by trade, and just in general a really good person, there for anyone who needed her. She also has a lot of patience for Nate, which is the only way the two of them could have worked. Nate, I didn't like as much. He didn't seem to have a lot of purpose in life, after all he is a rich man now who doesn't really do much from day to day, it made him come off as kind of a stagnant character. I felt like he needed a little bit more going on in his life, and the author did kind of handle that towards the end of the book which I appreciated.
The biggest complaint about the book is that the ending happened so quick! It was like, wham, bam, everything wrapped up in one character, I would have loved an epilogue or for the ending to be drawn out a little bit more. But other than that I would say I definitely enjoyed the book, without a doubt, and would recommend it to anyone.
So the book starts off with Nate, clearly on his way somewhere, and stopping to help a woman on the side of the road who ran out of gas. Their first interaction is interesting to say the least, Nate doesn't seem to be anything but annoyed by Callie and her predicament, in fact he goes so far as to bet Callie that she won't last long in Montana before she hightails it back to Chicago (where she was moving from).
Fast forward some time later and Callie comes to collect on winning the bet, she proposes that Nate allow her to buy the house next to his (he owned both), and he agrees. Before you know it the two of them find themselves coming together more and more. But there is a lot that Callie doesn't know about, it seems that Nate has an awful lot of things in his past that effect so much of who he is today.
Of course there is his town reputation of being a not so nice guy, and a guy who won't commit. But more than that, it turns out that Nate had some serious tragedy in his past that really affects the way he handles his relationship with Callie, and haunts him throughout his every day life. And then theirs his mysterious "investment" that paid off, or at least that's what he told the town, when reality was he won the lottery.
As characters I have to say I liked Callie a lot. She was a really caring person, a nurse by trade, and just in general a really good person, there for anyone who needed her. She also has a lot of patience for Nate, which is the only way the two of them could have worked. Nate, I didn't like as much. He didn't seem to have a lot of purpose in life, after all he is a rich man now who doesn't really do much from day to day, it made him come off as kind of a stagnant character. I felt like he needed a little bit more going on in his life, and the author did kind of handle that towards the end of the book which I appreciated.
The biggest complaint about the book is that the ending happened so quick! It was like, wham, bam, everything wrapped up in one character, I would have loved an epilogue or for the ending to be drawn out a little bit more. But other than that I would say I definitely enjoyed the book, without a doubt, and would recommend it to anyone.
July 1, 2014
Million-Dollar Maverick, Christine Rimmer
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Though Christine has written many, many novels this was my first read of hers. So I wasn't sure what to expect, but cowboy romances are a bit of a weakness of mine...so a trip to Rust Creek seemed in order.
So, what did I think? Well, its a sweet contemporary romance, well written, excellently plotted with no gaping holes – that's so annoying when you get to the end of a book and you're left wondering “ what happened to/ how did they do that/ where did that go?” Things like that. Thankfully I guess with all those books already written Christine has honed her craft finely and knows how to ensure everything ties up properly :-) Callie, a lovely female lead, sweet, new to Rust Creek, looking to settle down here, and then she meets Nate. Wow – cowboy hottie but with big, big secrets. He's looking to leave town at some point, though he seems to keep putting it off. Then they get together and sparks fly, steam sizzles, sexual tension can be seen by everyone, but he's hiding a huge secret and what's going to happen when Callie finds out? Can two people with opposite intentions find a way to be happy together? There are characters from earlier books taking secondary roles featured here. Then there's Nate's mum, what an interfering woman she is, best of motives but if I was him I’d be furious, really annoyed at her constant meddling. She treats him like he's a teenager or something!
Well, its a neat romance, no big drama, no emotion that made me tearful, just a sweet HEA gentle love affair. It was good but for me not great, I need a bit more of the high and low points, more depth to the story, more sadness and angst...but for those who want an easy to read, well written romance is perfect, its just that I need more.
Stars: three, as a said a good read just not one that moved me.
ARC supplied via Netgalley.
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Though Christine has written many, many novels this was my first read of hers. So I wasn't sure what to expect, but cowboy romances are a bit of a weakness of mine...so a trip to Rust Creek seemed in order.
So, what did I think? Well, its a sweet contemporary romance, well written, excellently plotted with no gaping holes – that's so annoying when you get to the end of a book and you're left wondering “ what happened to/ how did they do that/ where did that go?” Things like that. Thankfully I guess with all those books already written Christine has honed her craft finely and knows how to ensure everything ties up properly :-) Callie, a lovely female lead, sweet, new to Rust Creek, looking to settle down here, and then she meets Nate. Wow – cowboy hottie but with big, big secrets. He's looking to leave town at some point, though he seems to keep putting it off. Then they get together and sparks fly, steam sizzles, sexual tension can be seen by everyone, but he's hiding a huge secret and what's going to happen when Callie finds out? Can two people with opposite intentions find a way to be happy together? There are characters from earlier books taking secondary roles featured here. Then there's Nate's mum, what an interfering woman she is, best of motives but if I was him I’d be furious, really annoyed at her constant meddling. She treats him like he's a teenager or something!
Well, its a neat romance, no big drama, no emotion that made me tearful, just a sweet HEA gentle love affair. It was good but for me not great, I need a bit more of the high and low points, more depth to the story, more sadness and angst...but for those who want an easy to read, well written romance is perfect, its just that I need more.
Stars: three, as a said a good read just not one that moved me.
ARC supplied via Netgalley.
September 15, 2014
I found this to be a nice story of finding ones way, getting over the past and learning to be who you were meant to be. I found it to be a touching, learning and reminding us story.
Nate has lost so much, his whole family and that isn’t easy to get over not when you blame yourself. He is on his way out of town when he sees a lady alongside the road who needs help. The man in him wouldn’t let me go past without leaning a head, the last thing he wanted on this day was to help a women. He had places to be and memories to remember. Nate was the man everyone disliked but he has much to learn and when Callie comes to town learn he does. When he bets her she can’t last the cold winters she said she would take that bet but money isn’t everything and she would choice her prize. Nate moves on and his life changes in a blink of an eye, he wins big with a lottery ticket but not wanting anyone to know he doesn’t goes nuts in spending it but uses it to help the town without them knowing it. He pulls a lot of stuns to become mayor but learns something just is not as you want them, and want them he does so he must change his ways.
Callie is a sweetie, she is caring, loving and gives of herself. A wonderful nurse that everyone loves, she plans to stay and get her winnings. It has been many long cold months but the wait is over. She decides what she wants as her winnings and goes after it, along the way she gives Nate life new meaning and he opens up to her about his past. This is a very touching story which will make you rethink things in life.
I did find this book to be a little slower pace and found myself lost at times. It does pick up and turned out to be a wonderful lovely read. As with most Harlequin it gets right to the heart of things and reminds us what is important in our lives. If you are looking for a sweet read with lessons to learn this is the book for you.
Nate has lost so much, his whole family and that isn’t easy to get over not when you blame yourself. He is on his way out of town when he sees a lady alongside the road who needs help. The man in him wouldn’t let me go past without leaning a head, the last thing he wanted on this day was to help a women. He had places to be and memories to remember. Nate was the man everyone disliked but he has much to learn and when Callie comes to town learn he does. When he bets her she can’t last the cold winters she said she would take that bet but money isn’t everything and she would choice her prize. Nate moves on and his life changes in a blink of an eye, he wins big with a lottery ticket but not wanting anyone to know he doesn’t goes nuts in spending it but uses it to help the town without them knowing it. He pulls a lot of stuns to become mayor but learns something just is not as you want them, and want them he does so he must change his ways.
Callie is a sweetie, she is caring, loving and gives of herself. A wonderful nurse that everyone loves, she plans to stay and get her winnings. It has been many long cold months but the wait is over. She decides what she wants as her winnings and goes after it, along the way she gives Nate life new meaning and he opens up to her about his past. This is a very touching story which will make you rethink things in life.
I did find this book to be a little slower pace and found myself lost at times. It does pick up and turned out to be a wonderful lovely read. As with most Harlequin it gets right to the heart of things and reminds us what is important in our lives. If you are looking for a sweet read with lessons to learn this is the book for you.
July 23, 2014
Nate Crawford is a sad guy. All he wants is to be alone. When he leaves before dawn one cold January day he just wants to get to Bismark and do what he has to do there. His mama raised him to help people though and when he sees a person flagging him down on the side of the road he stops and he meets Callie. He doesn't want to like her but he does.
Callie is on her way to Rust Creek Falls for a fresh start. When she met Nate she was drawn to him but she didn't see him very much since that cold morning. After he said that she wouldn't make it the winter she didn't much want to. On June 1st she knocks on his door, she made it through the winter and wanted him to know it. People have warned her about him and she's off men anyway so why does she have to worry?
Nate can't avoid her when he sells her the house next to his. Their quasi friendship turns to more when he starts to open up to her and let her in. He tells her all about his past and begins to hope for a future. Sometimes though, the past is too much to get over.
I have been reading books by Christine Rimmer for many years and I love her writing style. I read this one in a matter of hours and didn't even realize it. It was a smooth and fluid read. Nate was a bit of a jerk but his past and the demons he held inside were the cause of that. Once he started to make amends, he became so much more likable. Callie was so easy going, she didn't get mad about much and that was a bit hard to take, no one can be that easy going all the time. In the end I enjoyed the book and I'll continue to read Christine Rimmer's books for years to come!
Callie is on her way to Rust Creek Falls for a fresh start. When she met Nate she was drawn to him but she didn't see him very much since that cold morning. After he said that she wouldn't make it the winter she didn't much want to. On June 1st she knocks on his door, she made it through the winter and wanted him to know it. People have warned her about him and she's off men anyway so why does she have to worry?
Nate can't avoid her when he sells her the house next to his. Their quasi friendship turns to more when he starts to open up to her and let her in. He tells her all about his past and begins to hope for a future. Sometimes though, the past is too much to get over.
I have been reading books by Christine Rimmer for many years and I love her writing style. I read this one in a matter of hours and didn't even realize it. It was a smooth and fluid read. Nate was a bit of a jerk but his past and the demons he held inside were the cause of that. Once he started to make amends, he became so much more likable. Callie was so easy going, she didn't get mad about much and that was a bit hard to take, no one can be that easy going all the time. In the end I enjoyed the book and I'll continue to read Christine Rimmer's books for years to come!
June 15, 2014
Nate Crawford has, a few months earlier, pretty well torched his former good boy reputation with the dirty tactics he used while losing the campaign for mayor of Rust Creek Falls, Montana. When on an icy January morning, he meets nurse Callie Kennedy on her way into Rust Creek Falls to be a part of the rebuilding after the big flood, he has no idea his life is about to change in some remarkable ways. He pretty much seals his fate and hers when he makes a bet with her that she'll be gone in six months.
This is a category romance, and as such the characters are likable and just complex enough to be engaging. There's a little added depth in the fact that this is the latest in a loose series using the same setting and other local residents as main characters.
Callie Kennedy has her own sympathetic background of getting suckered by a guy back in Chicago who was too much like her money-focused absent father, discovering the truth, and setting out to use her professional skills as nurse-practitioner and midwife in a close-knit small town she remembers from a childhood visit. She and Nate are both smart, loyal, and practical in their idealism.
A fun, light romance, and recommended on that basis.
I received a free electronic galley of this book from the publisher via NetGalley.
This is a category romance, and as such the characters are likable and just complex enough to be engaging. There's a little added depth in the fact that this is the latest in a loose series using the same setting and other local residents as main characters.
Callie Kennedy has her own sympathetic background of getting suckered by a guy back in Chicago who was too much like her money-focused absent father, discovering the truth, and setting out to use her professional skills as nurse-practitioner and midwife in a close-knit small town she remembers from a childhood visit. She and Nate are both smart, loyal, and practical in their idealism.
A fun, light romance, and recommended on that basis.
I received a free electronic galley of this book from the publisher via NetGalley.
February 6, 2017
"-La gente no cambia. En realidad no.
-Puede que no. Pero a veces pierden el rumbo, y algunos vuelven a encontrarlo. Yo te creo Nate... creo que, aunque una vez te equivocaras, has vuelto a encontrar tu camino."
Me encantan estas historias de romance a primera vista. Muchas veces necesitamos leer algo tan cursi y tan cliché como lo es una de HQÑ.
En esta ocasión tenemos a un sexy vaquero que conoce a una atractiva enfermera que ha llegado al pueblo de Rust Creek Fall.
El destino parece estar de su lado, pues a pesar de haber quedado totalmente impregnado por ella, se niega a acercarse a la mujer. Sin embargo, por que así está decidido, ambos no pueden evitar frecuentarse, por lo que los sentimientos confusos que sienten cada vez se irán resolviendo por si solos.
-Puede que no. Pero a veces pierden el rumbo, y algunos vuelven a encontrarlo. Yo te creo Nate... creo que, aunque una vez te equivocaras, has vuelto a encontrar tu camino."
Me encantan estas historias de romance a primera vista. Muchas veces necesitamos leer algo tan cursi y tan cliché como lo es una de HQÑ.
En esta ocasión tenemos a un sexy vaquero que conoce a una atractiva enfermera que ha llegado al pueblo de Rust Creek Fall.
El destino parece estar de su lado, pues a pesar de haber quedado totalmente impregnado por ella, se niega a acercarse a la mujer. Sin embargo, por que así está decidido, ambos no pueden evitar frecuentarse, por lo que los sentimientos confusos que sienten cada vez se irán resolviendo por si solos.
June 10, 2014
Million Dollar Maverick is the first time I have read a Christine Rimmer book and now I am hooked on what she writes. I love books that start and end in the same place. In Million Dollar Maverick the book begins as Nate Crawford stops to help when Callie Kennedy runs out of gas and it ends as he finds what he really wants to do after wrecking his truck at the same place he stopped to help months ago. Nate is trying to recover from two things. Fear of loving again (It has been seven years since his wife died) and the dirty trick he pulled last year when he ran for mayor (he lost and the dirty trick backfired). I loved Callie and how she stood up for what she believed and I respected Nate as he acknowledged how he tried to wrong his opponent in the election. The title – Nate won a very large powerball jackpot and is keeping it secret while doing good deeds for Rust Creek Falls, Montana. Nate and Callie are two great characters who have a very interesting journey to their HEA. I recommend this for anyone who likes small town and western romances. This is part of a long running series but works very well as a stand-alone.
July 3, 2014
Christine Rimmer’s Million-Dollar Maverick is her contribution to the 20th anniversary of the Montana Maverick’s series. We are immediately introduced to Nate Crawford who is heading out of town and runs into Callie Kennedy who is stranded on the side of the road in the early morning hours of a very cold morning. He rescues her, takes her for gas and returns her to her car where he gives her a challenge. Six months later his life has drastically changed and he’s greeted by nurse practitioner Callie who wants to purchase a piece of property from him. We see the good side to Nate as he anonymously gives back to the community and rebuilds his life. He’s suffered a tragic loss over a decade ago and she helps him learn to love again. I love second chance books and Christine Rimmer is an expert at writing these stories. One feels all of the emotion that the characters are experiencing. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it. I’d like to disclose that I received a copy of Million-Dollar Maverick in exchange for a fair and honest review.
June 19, 2014
Shelly‘s review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
3 STARS
Review copy provided for an honest review.
Nate is heading out of town when he runs into Callie who is heading to a new town. When Nate offers Callie a bet some months later Callie comes to collect. Nate is a troubled soul doing good secretly, trying to make amends to things he has done in the past and get out of town. Callie is looking for a town to start her life and settle down. Once Callie finds out Nate’s true story she only falls further in love with him and the town and can’t help but love what he is doing with the money he has. Fate, faith and destiny play a lot in the romance that grows between Callie and Nate and sometime that is all it takes to find your true love.
3 STARS
Review copy provided for an honest review.
Nate is heading out of town when he runs into Callie who is heading to a new town. When Nate offers Callie a bet some months later Callie comes to collect. Nate is a troubled soul doing good secretly, trying to make amends to things he has done in the past and get out of town. Callie is looking for a town to start her life and settle down. Once Callie finds out Nate’s true story she only falls further in love with him and the town and can’t help but love what he is doing with the money he has. Fate, faith and destiny play a lot in the romance that grows between Callie and Nate and sometime that is all it takes to find your true love.
August 12, 2016
This book was ok, not exciting. I love cowboy, western, down home books. I thought that's what this was. But, it was a little boring. I loved Callie. She was a well written character. Nate was ok, but not the sexy awesome type I've come to expect from a book like this. The story itself was heartwarming, but there was nothing overly exciting to it. It just sort of fell flat for me. I loved the idea of someone with money helping the town without anyone knowing. But with all the build up, the end sort of just happened. It was too quick and clean for me. I would have preferred some more excitement. It's not a bad book, just slow.
July 7, 2014
Cowboys are always hot and also usually a tad bit stubborn but only because they are set in their ways. Sometimes, though, life throws in a curve ball, that makes them re-think those set ways. Rust Creek Falls has been rebuilding the town from the flood a year ago but is Nate ready to rebuild his life? I love a book with a great plot, strong characters with a few flaws and an amazing heroine. This book has it all. I highly recommend it as I really really loved it. This author just keeps amazing me and this time we even got Oreos.
August 10, 2016
First off if you cannot read the sex, skim over it. This is a good story.
It is about overcoming loss and being able to find love and yourself again.
Callie is special as she knows just what Nate needs. She knows compassion and falls in love with Nate when warned she shouldn't.
Grudges between families overcame with forgiveness. Forgiveness is shown in many different situations.
Callie is a Midwife and complications at end put her friend in hospital. It almost breaks Nate and Callie up. But love is strong and weathers it.
I would recommend the book.
It is about overcoming loss and being able to find love and yourself again.
Callie is special as she knows just what Nate needs. She knows compassion and falls in love with Nate when warned she shouldn't.
Grudges between families overcame with forgiveness. Forgiveness is shown in many different situations.
Callie is a Midwife and complications at end put her friend in hospital. It almost breaks Nate and Callie up. But love is strong and weathers it.
I would recommend the book.
Read
January 12, 2016"Rimmer’s fateful romance of heartache and hope is superb. Her complicated couple suffers from past ghosts and plays their roles exceptionally well. The small-town antics and big-sky setting suit the story. The lovemaking is heart-stopping, and the lottery windfall is perfect" (RT Book Reviews). 4 1/2 stars
Miniseries: Montana Mavericks: 20 Years in the Saddle!
Miniseries: Montana Mavericks: 20 Years in the Saddle!
July 3, 2014
love this book. I have no clue how Nate was able to keep his lottery winnings a secret, but it was very good thing he did by helping his hometown and giving to them. Callie cracked me up when they first met, I was glad that Nate was able to work through his troubles and realize that Callie would be there for him.
July 8, 2014
Christine Rimmer outdid herself with this latest book in the Montana Maverick's Series. I have fallen in love with Nate. Callie and Nate make a great couple. I wish the story would have gone on for several more chapters. I highly recommend you get this latest read from Christine. It is a real hard story to put down.
June 19, 2014
Nate Crawford had been through loss of his wife and child and but he won a million dollars and started a company called Brighter Horizons and met Callie who he was not planning on falling in love again but he did.
June 29, 2014
Christine Rimmer did not disappointment me with the heart felt story of a Cowboy not wanting to love again after a tragedy that took his family, Will he move forward to be able to love again or give it up.
June 30, 2014
"Oreos, did you say?" Like the cookies, this book was a definitely winner!!! It's sometimes hard to cheer for the bad guy, but I love Nate! It was great to be back in Rust Creek, but enough with the rain, I thought we were going to have another flood! This is a great read, go buy it!
July 25, 2014
Received in exchange for an honest review.
Typical Harlequin story.
Man helps woman. Go their separate ways. Meet again. Fall in love. The end.
Typical Harlequin story.
Man helps woman. Go their separate ways. Meet again. Fall in love. The end.
July 26, 2016
Another great read by Christine Rimmer. As usual, this book has taken its spot next to her others on the keeper shelf. I read it in one afternoon/evening. I loved this book.
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