What do you think?
Cadence Creek Cowboys #6
Her Rancher Rescuer\Her Secret Cowboy\Blame It on the Rodeo\Second Chance Family
Her Rancher Rescuer by Donna Alward
Her Secret Cowboy by Marin Thomas
Blame it on the Rodeo by Amanda Renee
Second Chance Family by Leigh Duncan
Her Secret Cowboy by Marin Thomas
Blame it on the Rodeo by Amanda Renee
Second Chance Family by Leigh Duncan
896 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2010
About the author
Donna Alward
296 books694 followersSince 2006, New York Times bestseller Donna Jones Alward has enchanted readers with stories of happy endings and homecomings that have won several awards and been translated into over a dozen languages. She’s worked as an administrative assistant, teaching assistant, in retail and as a stay-at-home-mom, but always knew her degree in English Literature would pay off, as she is now happy to be a full-time writer. Her new historical fiction tales blend her love of history with characters who step beyond their biggest fears to claim the lives they desire.
Donna currently lives in Nova Scotia, Canada, with her husband and cats. You can often find her near the water, either kayaking on the lake or walking the sandy beaches to refill her creative well.
Find out more at www.donnajonesalward.com
Donna currently lives in Nova Scotia, Canada, with her husband and cats. You can often find her near the water, either kayaking on the lake or walking the sandy beaches to refill her creative well.
Find out more at www.donnajonesalward.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
April 9, 2019
"So there's nothing here at all?" He moved his finger back and forth, gesturing between the two of them.
She hesitated. "You want the truth or a lie?"
His lips twitched. "The truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth."
"The truth is you're a nice guy and a great kisser, but I have bigger fish to fry at the moment. If you're worried about me getting all clingy and having expectations or something... don't." pg. 44
So. Alward wrote a book I actually liked.
Amy Wilson has been meandering through Alward's books about Cadence Creek. She has a big heart and a big mouth. She's labeled as a gossip, a man-chaser, a sad pathetic creature who runs after men, loves too hard, and makes a fool of herself when things come to an end. They don't use the word "slut" in the book, but it's strongly implied that is what the townspeople label her as.
SIDE NOTE: I wish there were more romance novels that featured promiscuous women. Romance novels love to pretend men have a huge amount of sexual partners and women always have two or less. It's getting a little ridiculous. I'd love to read about a heroine who had racked up some numbers and was unashamed and unapologetic about her varied sexual history. That would be GREAT. Unfortunately, that seems to be frowned upon. I thought perhaps Amy was going to be the rare promiscuous heroine, but it's revealed on page 65 that's she's only had one sexual partner in her entire life.
There's nothing WRONG with that. There's nothing ABNORMAL about that. But I'm a little sick of men in romance novels being hugely experienced and women being virgins or, if they are non-virgins they've only slept with one man ever. It's getting a little tired.
ANYWAY.
Alward's characterization of Amy just leaps off the page. I can picture this woman. Insecure, eager to please, desperate for a man's love and attention. Knowing that every action she takes is digging her hole deeper, but unable to stop. Someone with a big mouth and a big heart who loves hard.
The book opens smack-dab in the middle of a scene from a previous book, in which Amy overhears Rhys saying she's the last person in the world he'd ever want to date. She runs off into the bathroom to have a good cry. Jack Shepard follows her in.
Jack is only in town for the wedding, and he offers to salvage Amy's pride by dancing with her and ends up taking her home. They don't have sex. They sit around drinking with his parents in the living room. Jack is a little bossy, I can't stand bossy men, and he was rubbing me the wrong way. But to be fair, from the beginning Amy was willing to stand up to him and would flat-out call him smug and bossy.
After Christmas, Jack offers Amy a job. Come away with him to Montana and work on his ranch-resort. Jack is a billionaire, but this really isn't a billionaire book, if that makes any sense. They don't focus on his money and his being a billionaire a lot.
Amy takes the job.
"I don't want to be this person anymore," she whispered. "For years I've done exactly what my mother has done - accepted my lot in life and one a fair bit of complaining about it. It's not enough. Rhys said I was the last woman in the world he'd want to date. I don't want to be "the last woman in the world" for anything or anyone. I want to DO something. I want to learn how. I would give anything to have the confidence and competence of someone like your sister. I've got to start somewhere." pg. 45
Of course, saying is easier than doing and there's no magic button she can push to suddenly become "strong."
She goes to the ranch and works as head of hospitality there, filling in for Rosa who is out sick. Jack and her have a lot of chemistry and he obviously wants to take her to bed.
She fucks up sometimes, but mostly she handles the job great. She is unsure and hesitant to go to bed with Jack, though.
One thing leads to another. Some things happen that are unfortunate.
But what is surprising is that the book does a switcho-chango. Amy finds her spine, much to Jack's surprise. She refuses to take any of his shit. She takes control of her life. Jack is flabbergasted.
This book is mostly about people's expectations of you and how those expectations shape you. Amy lives in a small town where everyone knows her and has an idea about her and dismisses her as silly, desperate and man-chasing. Everything she does ends up cementing people's ideas of her.
When Jack comes into town, he doesn't see her that way because he doesn't know her and he doesn't live there. That's freeing for her. When she decides to leave Canada for Montana, it further opens up her self-image and her self-esteem. Here, no one knows her. She can be capable, confident, and strong because no one has any preconceived notions that she's any other way.
When she comes back to Canada, she starts making huge changes in her life. She realizes she doesn't have to stay in her small town and she doesn't have to accept people's assessment of her and her life.
Best of all, she doesn't take any shit from Jack, and trust me, he tries to snow her A LOT. She actually has made the transformation and become a strong woman.
But Alward takes care to reveal that Amy is still vulnerable and a sensitive person. It's not like she's morphed into a hardened badass. She's just making better and more difficult decisions now.
She sighed, looking into his ever-so-handsome face. Jack was gorgeous. Rich. Successful. Funny. And for the first time in her life she realized she deserved better. pg. 166
WHAT ABOUT JACK?
Yes, he has a tragic backstory which is supposed to explain to us why he's fucked up about women and love. I'm not going to go into it. I found it less interesting than Amy's character arc.
HOW'S THE SEX, CARMEN?
Off-page.
"I'm sure," she whispered, nodding. "Very, very sure."
The only light in the room was the bedside lamp, casting a soft glow over the bed. Amy bit down on her lip. With the light on he would see everything. She would see everything... and yet asking to turn the light off seemed silly.
He must have followed the direction of her gaze because he looked back at her and smiled. "Do you want it off?"
"Maybe... no... whatever you want."
She sounded pathetic. He was going to regret this. What if he backed away, changed his mind?
Instead he merely reached over and pushed the switch, casting the room into darkness. pg. 154
I have no idea if this man is good in bed or not, but I DO know he uses a condom. Which is good.
TL;DR Surprisingly good story by Alward. Strong characterization with Amy and I liked her story arc. I wish someone could commit to writing a woman who had a lot of sexual experience, and who was comfortable and familiar with casual sex. I haven't read one like this since I used to read YA. Of course, I am in the wrong line. Harlequin American Romance is not the place to find sexually promiscuous heroines. Maybe I should try Blaze.
It's also a great winter book to read. Lots of snow, hot chocolate, snowshoeing, dog-sledding etc.
ROMANCE CATEGORIES:
Contemporary Romance
Cowboy/Western Romance
Millionaire/Billionaire Romance
Non-Virgin Heroine
He's a CEO and a rancher, and a former Olympic skier; She's a Florist with aspirations of Hospitality
NAMES IN THIS BOOK
She hesitated. "You want the truth or a lie?"
His lips twitched. "The truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth."
"The truth is you're a nice guy and a great kisser, but I have bigger fish to fry at the moment. If you're worried about me getting all clingy and having expectations or something... don't." pg. 44
So. Alward wrote a book I actually liked.
Amy Wilson has been meandering through Alward's books about Cadence Creek. She has a big heart and a big mouth. She's labeled as a gossip, a man-chaser, a sad pathetic creature who runs after men, loves too hard, and makes a fool of herself when things come to an end. They don't use the word "slut" in the book, but it's strongly implied that is what the townspeople label her as.
SIDE NOTE: I wish there were more romance novels that featured promiscuous women. Romance novels love to pretend men have a huge amount of sexual partners and women always have two or less. It's getting a little ridiculous. I'd love to read about a heroine who had racked up some numbers and was unashamed and unapologetic about her varied sexual history. That would be GREAT. Unfortunately, that seems to be frowned upon. I thought perhaps Amy was going to be the rare promiscuous heroine, but it's revealed on page 65 that's she's only had one sexual partner in her entire life.
There's nothing WRONG with that. There's nothing ABNORMAL about that. But I'm a little sick of men in romance novels being hugely experienced and women being virgins or, if they are non-virgins they've only slept with one man ever. It's getting a little tired.
ANYWAY.
Alward's characterization of Amy just leaps off the page. I can picture this woman. Insecure, eager to please, desperate for a man's love and attention. Knowing that every action she takes is digging her hole deeper, but unable to stop. Someone with a big mouth and a big heart who loves hard.
The book opens smack-dab in the middle of a scene from a previous book, in which Amy overhears Rhys saying she's the last person in the world he'd ever want to date. She runs off into the bathroom to have a good cry. Jack Shepard follows her in.
Jack is only in town for the wedding, and he offers to salvage Amy's pride by dancing with her and ends up taking her home. They don't have sex. They sit around drinking with his parents in the living room. Jack is a little bossy, I can't stand bossy men, and he was rubbing me the wrong way. But to be fair, from the beginning Amy was willing to stand up to him and would flat-out call him smug and bossy.
After Christmas, Jack offers Amy a job. Come away with him to Montana and work on his ranch-resort. Jack is a billionaire, but this really isn't a billionaire book, if that makes any sense. They don't focus on his money and his being a billionaire a lot.
Amy takes the job.
"I don't want to be this person anymore," she whispered. "For years I've done exactly what my mother has done - accepted my lot in life and one a fair bit of complaining about it. It's not enough. Rhys said I was the last woman in the world he'd want to date. I don't want to be "the last woman in the world" for anything or anyone. I want to DO something. I want to learn how. I would give anything to have the confidence and competence of someone like your sister. I've got to start somewhere." pg. 45
Of course, saying is easier than doing and there's no magic button she can push to suddenly become "strong."
She goes to the ranch and works as head of hospitality there, filling in for Rosa who is out sick. Jack and her have a lot of chemistry and he obviously wants to take her to bed.
She fucks up sometimes, but mostly she handles the job great. She is unsure and hesitant to go to bed with Jack, though.
One thing leads to another. Some things happen that are unfortunate.
But what is surprising is that the book does a switcho-chango. Amy finds her spine, much to Jack's surprise. She refuses to take any of his shit. She takes control of her life. Jack is flabbergasted.
This book is mostly about people's expectations of you and how those expectations shape you. Amy lives in a small town where everyone knows her and has an idea about her and dismisses her as silly, desperate and man-chasing. Everything she does ends up cementing people's ideas of her.
When Jack comes into town, he doesn't see her that way because he doesn't know her and he doesn't live there. That's freeing for her. When she decides to leave Canada for Montana, it further opens up her self-image and her self-esteem. Here, no one knows her. She can be capable, confident, and strong because no one has any preconceived notions that she's any other way.
When she comes back to Canada, she starts making huge changes in her life. She realizes she doesn't have to stay in her small town and she doesn't have to accept people's assessment of her and her life.
Best of all, she doesn't take any shit from Jack, and trust me, he tries to snow her A LOT. She actually has made the transformation and become a strong woman.
But Alward takes care to reveal that Amy is still vulnerable and a sensitive person. It's not like she's morphed into a hardened badass. She's just making better and more difficult decisions now.
She sighed, looking into his ever-so-handsome face. Jack was gorgeous. Rich. Successful. Funny. And for the first time in her life she realized she deserved better. pg. 166
WHAT ABOUT JACK?
Yes, he has a tragic backstory which is supposed to explain to us why he's fucked up about women and love. I'm not going to go into it. I found it less interesting than Amy's character arc.
HOW'S THE SEX, CARMEN?
Off-page.
"I'm sure," she whispered, nodding. "Very, very sure."
The only light in the room was the bedside lamp, casting a soft glow over the bed. Amy bit down on her lip. With the light on he would see everything. She would see everything... and yet asking to turn the light off seemed silly.
He must have followed the direction of her gaze because he looked back at her and smiled. "Do you want it off?"
"Maybe... no... whatever you want."
She sounded pathetic. He was going to regret this. What if he backed away, changed his mind?
Instead he merely reached over and pushed the switch, casting the room into darkness. pg. 154
I have no idea if this man is good in bed or not, but I DO know he uses a condom. Which is good.
TL;DR Surprisingly good story by Alward. Strong characterization with Amy and I liked her story arc. I wish someone could commit to writing a woman who had a lot of sexual experience, and who was comfortable and familiar with casual sex. I haven't read one like this since I used to read YA. Of course, I am in the wrong line. Harlequin American Romance is not the place to find sexually promiscuous heroines. Maybe I should try Blaze.
It's also a great winter book to read. Lots of snow, hot chocolate, snowshoeing, dog-sledding etc.
ROMANCE CATEGORIES:
Contemporary Romance
Cowboy/Western Romance
Millionaire/Billionaire Romance
Non-Virgin Heroine
He's a CEO and a rancher, and a former Olympic skier; She's a Florist with aspirations of Hospitality
NAMES IN THIS BOOK
January 20, 2014
I really loved this story. While Alward does paint her small town universe with the requisite charm, I love how in this story the heroine realizes she needs to get the heck out of said town if she wants to move forward with her life. I also LOVED, LOVED, LOVED that the heroine didn't fall into old patterns once she developed feelings for the hero. That she realized that she had enough on her plate with fixing herself, she didn't want to waste her time fixing him - especially if he was not inclined to give her the steady, solid, committed relationship she deserved.
June 20, 2023
Donna Alward’s ‘Her Rancher Rescuer’ is a sweet small-town romance with many, can I say it… romantic moments, which will put a smile on your face as you read them.
“I'm just saying that you deserve someone who wants to be with you. Only you. Who can't go on another day without you.”
I really enjoyed this story and found that I could relate to Amy, and I see some of myself in her. When I was younger I would have loved to drop everything and go be the events coordinator at an existing corporate retreat ranch or better yet, to be part of a team that started one from scratch. The icing on the cake would have been to have a handsome millionaire like Jake as my boss.
I look forward to reading more by Donna Alward.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
“I'm just saying that you deserve someone who wants to be with you. Only you. Who can't go on another day without you.”
I really enjoyed this story and found that I could relate to Amy, and I see some of myself in her. When I was younger I would have loved to drop everything and go be the events coordinator at an existing corporate retreat ranch or better yet, to be part of a team that started one from scratch. The icing on the cake would have been to have a handsome millionaire like Jake as my boss.
I look forward to reading more by Donna Alward.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 28, 2017
Nice reads. Four complete books in a set. The first one's a little fluffy, but all are entertaining.
February 25, 2014
Lovely conclusion to the Cadence Creek series. Amy is tired of being the focus of everyone's scorn and gossip and just wants to get away. When she finds out that Jack needs a temporary assistant at his guest ranch, she offers her services. She's attracted to him but she has plans for her future and he's not part of them. Meanwhile, Jack is just as attracted but he doesn't do relationships so he's going to try to keep his distance.
I liked Amy and Jack, though each of them irritated me at different times. Amy has the reputation of being a flirt, flighty and fast. Her father left them when Amy was small and her mother has been depressed and withdrawn ever since. Amy seems to be desperate to find someone who will love her and has dated almost every man in town. While at a wedding she hears yet another person make an unkind comment about her and runs away in tears. Jack comes to her rescue, taking the time to tell her that she is a better person than they give her credit for. A couple weeks later she has taken his words to heart and made the decision to change her life by going to school. When she finds out he is in a bind and needs some help at his ranch, she offers to help out. She knows she can do a good job for him if she can just keep her mind on the job and off her attraction to him. I loved seeing her really get into the job. It was obvious that she was really good at it and once she got over her fear of making mistakes she enjoyed it. She also discovered that the millionaire CEO was a whole different person when they were there, and that he was very hard to resist. Spending time with him and getting to know him, she begins to fall for him, even though he's made it very clear that he isn't relationship material. I loved the growth she showed as she finally began to trust herself and stop letting the past rule her. I really liked seeing her stand up for her own needs and believe that she deserved someone who wanted her and needed her for herself. There was one place that had me in tears as she made the decision to move on and then again as they finally found their HEA.
Jack is in Cadence Creek for his brother's wedding when he comes to Amy's rescue. Because he doesn't know her he isn't aware of her reputation until he hears the comment that upsets her. Jack takes the time to talk to her, find out a little bit about her and show her that she's more than what they think she is. When he comes back to town a couple weeks later he shares his dilemma with her and is surprised by her offer to help. Having noted their attraction to each other, he makes sure she knows that he doesn't do relationships, but that he is happy to have her help. Once they've arrived in Montana he is amazed by how different she is and seriously impressed by her abilities. He begins to regret his insistence that they not get involved, especially when he has such a good time showing her how to have fun. Jack was terribly hurt years earlier when he fell in love with a woman who then broke his heart. He's been afraid ever since then to trust another woman with his heart. Being around Amy makes him think of things that he hasn't considered in a long time, but he just can't let go of his fears. By the end of two weeks I just wanted to kick him in the butt and tell him to suck it up. After the night they had together he treated her so badly I thought he was lucky she didn't run him over with a large vehicle. Even after she left he couldn't bring himself to admit how he felt about her, and made things even worse later on. I completely loved seeing his brother tell him what a complete idiot he had been. I loved it when he said "Get out of here. Your romantic woes are annoying my cows."
I loved the depth of emotion throughout the book. I could feel Amy's hurt at the wedding, her embarrassment when she got lost in Montana, her happiness and then disappointment after New Year's Eve, and then her steely determination to get on with her life. Each one was appropriate to the scene, and fully believable. Meanwhile, I could appreciate Jack's encouragement of Amy at the wedding, and his attraction to her at the time was obvious but controlled. It wasn't until they got to Montana that his vulnerability became more obvious. He was desperately fighting his growing feelings for Amy. His deep seated hurt over the tragedy of his past was truly heartbreaking, and his bone deep fear was paralyzing for him. It definitely made the ending that much more satisfying.
I liked Amy and Jack, though each of them irritated me at different times. Amy has the reputation of being a flirt, flighty and fast. Her father left them when Amy was small and her mother has been depressed and withdrawn ever since. Amy seems to be desperate to find someone who will love her and has dated almost every man in town. While at a wedding she hears yet another person make an unkind comment about her and runs away in tears. Jack comes to her rescue, taking the time to tell her that she is a better person than they give her credit for. A couple weeks later she has taken his words to heart and made the decision to change her life by going to school. When she finds out he is in a bind and needs some help at his ranch, she offers to help out. She knows she can do a good job for him if she can just keep her mind on the job and off her attraction to him. I loved seeing her really get into the job. It was obvious that she was really good at it and once she got over her fear of making mistakes she enjoyed it. She also discovered that the millionaire CEO was a whole different person when they were there, and that he was very hard to resist. Spending time with him and getting to know him, she begins to fall for him, even though he's made it very clear that he isn't relationship material. I loved the growth she showed as she finally began to trust herself and stop letting the past rule her. I really liked seeing her stand up for her own needs and believe that she deserved someone who wanted her and needed her for herself. There was one place that had me in tears as she made the decision to move on and then again as they finally found their HEA.
Jack is in Cadence Creek for his brother's wedding when he comes to Amy's rescue. Because he doesn't know her he isn't aware of her reputation until he hears the comment that upsets her. Jack takes the time to talk to her, find out a little bit about her and show her that she's more than what they think she is. When he comes back to town a couple weeks later he shares his dilemma with her and is surprised by her offer to help. Having noted their attraction to each other, he makes sure she knows that he doesn't do relationships, but that he is happy to have her help. Once they've arrived in Montana he is amazed by how different she is and seriously impressed by her abilities. He begins to regret his insistence that they not get involved, especially when he has such a good time showing her how to have fun. Jack was terribly hurt years earlier when he fell in love with a woman who then broke his heart. He's been afraid ever since then to trust another woman with his heart. Being around Amy makes him think of things that he hasn't considered in a long time, but he just can't let go of his fears. By the end of two weeks I just wanted to kick him in the butt and tell him to suck it up. After the night they had together he treated her so badly I thought he was lucky she didn't run him over with a large vehicle. Even after she left he couldn't bring himself to admit how he felt about her, and made things even worse later on. I completely loved seeing his brother tell him what a complete idiot he had been. I loved it when he said "Get out of here. Your romantic woes are annoying my cows."
I loved the depth of emotion throughout the book. I could feel Amy's hurt at the wedding, her embarrassment when she got lost in Montana, her happiness and then disappointment after New Year's Eve, and then her steely determination to get on with her life. Each one was appropriate to the scene, and fully believable. Meanwhile, I could appreciate Jack's encouragement of Amy at the wedding, and his attraction to her at the time was obvious but controlled. It wasn't until they got to Montana that his vulnerability became more obvious. He was desperately fighting his growing feelings for Amy. His deep seated hurt over the tragedy of his past was truly heartbreaking, and his bone deep fear was paralyzing for him. It definitely made the ending that much more satisfying.
June 18, 2023
This is a sweet small town romance story with a little bit of everything, starting with a meet cute and going from there. A little bit of the typical push, pull; will he, won’t he; will she, won’t she… a great beach read even though it’s set in winter. A nice, charming ‘escape real life’ read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 4, 2018
Love this book love heart Alpha Cowboys can't wait to read more books by this author
July 17, 2023
My first book by this author and I was impressed. This storyline had all the feels. A slow burn for the main characters. Amy was tired of the people making fun of her at her expense and offered to help out Jack the CEO of a sporting Goods empire. It was an emotional read because both of them had trust issues. Jack had a mile high wall around his heart. Well developed characters that you can’t help falling in love with. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 15, 2023
Donna Alward has done a great job with this latest addition to the Cowboy Collection. The characters were endearing while the story line was engaging and kept me coming back.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 13, 2023
This is a story of starting over, learning to trust yourself and love again. This was a well written, well plotted story. I loved the slow burn between the two main characters. It's an easy read with the perfect amount of romance and sweetness. A highly entertaining, heartwarming book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 24, 2014
I grabbed Her Rancher Rescuer on NetGalley because of a good review I read, and the other night when all my paper books were out of reach I fired it up. I read it in about 24 hours and I have to say it was worth it. This one was really worth your purchase.
Amy has always lived in the same small town, and always had a reputation as someone who can’t keep a man. She’s prone to diving in heart first and then getting hurt when things don’t turn out. Having grown up under the shadow of her father’s abandonment, she’s finally ready to break away from the town and become more than what people expect. After yet another humiliation at a wedding Amy hides in the ladies room, only to be rescued by handsome millionaire Jack Shephard. Jack was an Olympic skiing hopeful, who had his dreams shattered after a crash, and now owns a successful sporting goods chain and ranch/retreat center. He is in a bit of a bind as his resort manager has fallen and broken her hip, and Amy sees her chance to get out of town with an offer to help him. Of course they are crazy attracted to each other, so what’s gonna happen when they are cooped up in a house together?
Here’s why this was great, despite the millionaire premise- both main characters are flawed. Both have made mistakes. The growth that they both do thru the course of the story is real and believable. Amy has to learn to see herself as worthy in and of herself and not just as half of a relationship. She’s always been on the search for a man to bring her happiness after seeing her mother so devastated by her father’s desertion. Amy realizes after the wedding that she has to get out of town and make a success of herself or she’s going to always be the same old predictable, lonely Amy. Once she realizes that she’s fallen for Jack, she’s still willing to walk away and not throw herself after him (so long as she believes he isn’t in love with her too, anyway.)
Jack himself has an incredibly scandalous past. His skiing career ended on a terribly after he tried too hard to rescue someone who didn’t want rescued. He is terrified to open up again, because of way the old relationship ended. He has to learn that he can trust a woman with his heart, and he has to learn to risk himself for happiness. Jack may be a millionaire hotshot, but he really felt like an ordinary guy. He is successful in business, but has this big glaring hole in his life. He tries to do the right thing by Amy, but there are so many little moments where it’s obvious that he is scared and clueless on what he should do. He messes up in the end, of course, but never comes off as a heartless jerk.
The story itself is just really well written. There is a ton of tension, despite being PG in nature. Amy and Jack are both vulnerable but not stupid, and you can see the affection and respect between them. The ranch setting is there, but doesn’t play a huge role in the story, beyond a reason to get her out of town. If you are a fan of Harlequin romances, this is one I would highly recommend. If you are on the fence about them, this would be a good one to test out. I ended the book with a smile on my face and the desire to find more books by Alward
Amy has always lived in the same small town, and always had a reputation as someone who can’t keep a man. She’s prone to diving in heart first and then getting hurt when things don’t turn out. Having grown up under the shadow of her father’s abandonment, she’s finally ready to break away from the town and become more than what people expect. After yet another humiliation at a wedding Amy hides in the ladies room, only to be rescued by handsome millionaire Jack Shephard. Jack was an Olympic skiing hopeful, who had his dreams shattered after a crash, and now owns a successful sporting goods chain and ranch/retreat center. He is in a bit of a bind as his resort manager has fallen and broken her hip, and Amy sees her chance to get out of town with an offer to help him. Of course they are crazy attracted to each other, so what’s gonna happen when they are cooped up in a house together?
Here’s why this was great, despite the millionaire premise- both main characters are flawed. Both have made mistakes. The growth that they both do thru the course of the story is real and believable. Amy has to learn to see herself as worthy in and of herself and not just as half of a relationship. She’s always been on the search for a man to bring her happiness after seeing her mother so devastated by her father’s desertion. Amy realizes after the wedding that she has to get out of town and make a success of herself or she’s going to always be the same old predictable, lonely Amy. Once she realizes that she’s fallen for Jack, she’s still willing to walk away and not throw herself after him (so long as she believes he isn’t in love with her too, anyway.)
Jack himself has an incredibly scandalous past. His skiing career ended on a terribly after he tried too hard to rescue someone who didn’t want rescued. He is terrified to open up again, because of way the old relationship ended. He has to learn that he can trust a woman with his heart, and he has to learn to risk himself for happiness. Jack may be a millionaire hotshot, but he really felt like an ordinary guy. He is successful in business, but has this big glaring hole in his life. He tries to do the right thing by Amy, but there are so many little moments where it’s obvious that he is scared and clueless on what he should do. He messes up in the end, of course, but never comes off as a heartless jerk.
The story itself is just really well written. There is a ton of tension, despite being PG in nature. Amy and Jack are both vulnerable but not stupid, and you can see the affection and respect between them. The ranch setting is there, but doesn’t play a huge role in the story, beyond a reason to get her out of town. If you are a fan of Harlequin romances, this is one I would highly recommend. If you are on the fence about them, this would be a good one to test out. I ended the book with a smile on my face and the desire to find more books by Alward
July 10, 2023
This was a very sweet, romantic romance that was quite enjoyable to read over a relaxing weekend. I did find myself wondering when these two would finally get together, but the HEA in the end was completely worth the wait.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 2, 2023
Jack and Amy
A story of love, moving on, and becoming who you really are. Amy has been the source of much gossip in Cadence Creek. And at a wedding, when she thought she was helping two people find each other, became the target of humiliation. Jack can’t help but come to her rescue, and is knocked off balance with a kiss on the dance floor. When he needs to get back to his ranch in Wyoming, she offers to come along to help with household/office tasks while his injured manager heals from an accident.
This sweet read is very enjoyable as Jack and Amy realize the baggage they carry can impede their future happiness and work to overcome it. I enjoyed the way Donna Alward brought these two together and how they opened up while getting to know one another. This slow-burn, forced-proximity relationship has moments of surprise as these two reveal their past pains and uncover who they really are. It’s a quick and entertaining read. I received an arc of this book from Booksprout, and this is my honest review.
A story of love, moving on, and becoming who you really are. Amy has been the source of much gossip in Cadence Creek. And at a wedding, when she thought she was helping two people find each other, became the target of humiliation. Jack can’t help but come to her rescue, and is knocked off balance with a kiss on the dance floor. When he needs to get back to his ranch in Wyoming, she offers to come along to help with household/office tasks while his injured manager heals from an accident.
This sweet read is very enjoyable as Jack and Amy realize the baggage they carry can impede their future happiness and work to overcome it. I enjoyed the way Donna Alward brought these two together and how they opened up while getting to know one another. This slow-burn, forced-proximity relationship has moments of surprise as these two reveal their past pains and uncover who they really are. It’s a quick and entertaining read. I received an arc of this book from Booksprout, and this is my honest review.
February 19, 2014
Amy Wilson has learnt the hard way that you can never escape small town gossip. She's not loose with her favours, or stealing attached men. She just dated a lot in Cadence Creek, hoping that each man would be the right one. She's still single. At a wedding she overhears a thoughtless comment and runs to weep in the ladies' room.
Jack Shepard, here for the wedding, thinks that this lovely lady deserves better than humiliation. He invites her to dance before driving her home. Amy recalls that Jack, a former ski champion, owns a sporting goods empire in Montana as well as a ranch. Being seen with him won't do her any harm. Still, most men don't give two hoots for her feelings. Why should Jack be different?
Amy works in the flower shop and lives with her mother, whose husband left when Amy was young. The situation wrecked both of their confidences. Now Amy feels a resumption of strength after Jack's unquestioning acceptance, and decides she's going to go to college. This town is too quiet, and she wants more out of life. Jack visits family in town at Christmas and she tells him of her plan to study hospitality management. He's stressed because due to an accident, he's short staffed at his guest ranch. Maybe they could help each other out for a few weeks - but Amy knows there is no point in letting her attraction loose.
Not being told that Cadence Creek is located somewhere in Canada can make this book confusing, when Jack asks Amy if she has a US work visa. Once the reader catches on it makes sense, but the list of previous books set in this town by Donna Alward doesn't excuse the lack of clarity. There are many new readers for every book. I'd read one of hers before and not recalled that the town is over the border. There's a lot of modern westerns.
I liked that Jack has solar panels in his ranch home, to heat water and provide underfloor heating - and he cooks. Practical as well as chivalrous - what a great combination! Jack has had his romantic misfortunes splashed over the papers during his sports years. No wonder he's sympathetic.
I enjoyed seeing Amy grow stronger as a person, cope with new challenges and learn that she was as good as any of the ranch guests. Unusually we see dogsled adventure trails, this being the dead of winter. The food is scrumptious - bacon-wrapped jalapenos, roast tenderloin and garlic mashed potatoes! HER RANCHER RESCUER is an enjoyable read, a well-penned romance between adults but without strong bedroom action. I could read a lot more by Donna Alward.
Jack Shepard, here for the wedding, thinks that this lovely lady deserves better than humiliation. He invites her to dance before driving her home. Amy recalls that Jack, a former ski champion, owns a sporting goods empire in Montana as well as a ranch. Being seen with him won't do her any harm. Still, most men don't give two hoots for her feelings. Why should Jack be different?
Amy works in the flower shop and lives with her mother, whose husband left when Amy was young. The situation wrecked both of their confidences. Now Amy feels a resumption of strength after Jack's unquestioning acceptance, and decides she's going to go to college. This town is too quiet, and she wants more out of life. Jack visits family in town at Christmas and she tells him of her plan to study hospitality management. He's stressed because due to an accident, he's short staffed at his guest ranch. Maybe they could help each other out for a few weeks - but Amy knows there is no point in letting her attraction loose.
Not being told that Cadence Creek is located somewhere in Canada can make this book confusing, when Jack asks Amy if she has a US work visa. Once the reader catches on it makes sense, but the list of previous books set in this town by Donna Alward doesn't excuse the lack of clarity. There are many new readers for every book. I'd read one of hers before and not recalled that the town is over the border. There's a lot of modern westerns.
I liked that Jack has solar panels in his ranch home, to heat water and provide underfloor heating - and he cooks. Practical as well as chivalrous - what a great combination! Jack has had his romantic misfortunes splashed over the papers during his sports years. No wonder he's sympathetic.
I enjoyed seeing Amy grow stronger as a person, cope with new challenges and learn that she was as good as any of the ranch guests. Unusually we see dogsled adventure trails, this being the dead of winter. The food is scrumptious - bacon-wrapped jalapenos, roast tenderloin and garlic mashed potatoes! HER RANCHER RESCUER is an enjoyable read, a well-penned romance between adults but without strong bedroom action. I could read a lot more by Donna Alward.
February 8, 2014
I enjoyed this quick novel about Amy, a small-town woman too afraid to follow her big dreams, and Jack, a millionaire rancher too afraid to follow his heart. They fight their way through their fears and meet in the middle – in love.
When you read three or four books a week, it’s a welcome break to read a novel that is so well written it takes no effort at all to consume. The characters were straightforward with enough depth to make them seem real. The plot moved forward quickly and easily, and the dialogue was natural. I also like that Her Rancher Rescuer focused on two main characters and only touched on the secondary characters. I read this for the love story, and a beautiful one it was.
I realized I still have A Cadence Creek Christmas unread on my kindle. I’m going to rectify the unread status post-haste, despite the fact that I’ll be reading out of order.
Thanks to Ms. Alward for the A+ romance. I’ll be looking for more Cadence Creek in the future.
NetGalley provided an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
When you read three or four books a week, it’s a welcome break to read a novel that is so well written it takes no effort at all to consume. The characters were straightforward with enough depth to make them seem real. The plot moved forward quickly and easily, and the dialogue was natural. I also like that Her Rancher Rescuer focused on two main characters and only touched on the secondary characters. I read this for the love story, and a beautiful one it was.
I realized I still have A Cadence Creek Christmas unread on my kindle. I’m going to rectify the unread status post-haste, despite the fact that I’ll be reading out of order.
Thanks to Ms. Alward for the A+ romance. I’ll be looking for more Cadence Creek in the future.
NetGalley provided an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
December 8, 2013
Another book by Donna Alward that doesn't disappoint. This book is just what I needed in a romance. The characters are interesting: flawed in a very human way we can relate to and like. The heroine was mentioned in several of her other books but it's so nice to see a closer look at her and see her perspective on things. And then get the perspective of our hero as he gets to know and care for her. Reluctantly of course. True love never just happens smoothly. But we see such great times and the slow growth of caring for each other. It's nice to see a romance where the hero and heroine aren't at each other's throats the whole time. Their love for each other is believable. And the author gives us a nice long wrap up to the story. No rushed "I love you, and "I love you too' ending. Altogether, a book I would highly recommend to anyone looking for something sweet and well written.
February 14, 2014
I am an unabashed fan of Alward's category romance and count HOW A COWBOY STOLE HER HEART as one of my all-time favourites. HER RANCHER RESCUER is a slower book, with a less sympathetic heroine and super-likeable hero. And then, Alward, in her cleverness, turns the tables: Amy, our heroine, rises to the occasion from flirt and flighty to smart, mature, and interesting; our hero, Jack, falls in our estimation as he uses his penchant for "rescuing" maidens as an impenetrable shield from his heart. The narrative is a tad slow, but ... how they work all of this mess out in the last quarter of the novel is outstanding. (With the caveat that Amy's transformation is not totally convincing.) If you'd like to read a more thorough review, please follow the link:
http://missbatesreadsromance.com/2014...
I am grateful to Harlequin Books for an e-ARC, via Netgalley, in exchange for these honest reviews.
http://missbatesreadsromance.com/2014...
I am grateful to Harlequin Books for an e-ARC, via Netgalley, in exchange for these honest reviews.
February 25, 2014
In Her Rancher Rescuer by Donna Alward, Amy Wilson has lived her entire life being judged in her small town, she was always found lacking in every way.
Now after basically being insulted and humiliated in front of all the guest at Avery and Callum’s wedding, Amy runs to the restroom to lick her wounds and plan her escape. Only as she is hiding there, some of the female guests go in there and begin to make fun of her making her feel even worse. Amy remains unmoving trying to remain unseen and plans to leave as soon as possible, but when she thinks the coast is free someone else walks in and knocks on her door and gives her a few tissues.
Jack overheard the cutting comments towards Amy and saw the hurt in her eyes right before she made a run for the restroom. And him having a bit of a hero complex, he could not let things lie still. Read More...
April 24, 2014
Amy was crying her heart out when Jack found her in the toilet. She heard a person who she thought her friend make an unkind comment about her at the wedding. She is known to babe a reputation of being a flirt and flighty and obviously, these have seems to haunt her now. Jack comes to her rescue and he even take the time to convince her that she is better than what she thought she is. She acknowledged that a change of scene would do goods to her and she decided to go back to school. When she found out that Jack needed help at his ranch, she offers to help. But the attraction between them threaten to come between them.
This is the final book to the Cadence Creek series and it was a lovely end to it. I like to read about the clash personality and how they comes to overcome their conflicts in the end. The characters are interesting, flawed in many ways that we can relate to. Overall, it is a well written story with tons of tension and conflicts in the plot.
This is the final book to the Cadence Creek series and it was a lovely end to it. I like to read about the clash personality and how they comes to overcome their conflicts in the end. The characters are interesting, flawed in many ways that we can relate to. Overall, it is a well written story with tons of tension and conflicts in the plot.
June 18, 2014
This was a good story. Amy Wilson lived in Cadence Creek all her life and being in a small town everyone knew everything about her. Jack Shepard was a self made millionaire visiting his sister for her wedding. When Amy is insulted and overhears the comment she runs to the restroom and cries. Enter Jack with tissues to try and calm her. Her ends up taking her back out of the restroom while everyone watches and dances with her. Jack owns a ranch and he is in a bind because his assistant was injured. Amy wants to go to college for Hotel management. She volunteers her services to Jack in exchange for some vacation time at his resort/ranch. He agrees. They do have a physical draw to each other, but Amy tries to fight it because she knows its only temporary. This is a sweet love story
February 2, 2014
Her Rancher Rescuer is the final book in Donna Alward’s Cadence Creek Cowboys series and Amy and Jack’s story is a great ending to the series. Both have events in the past could keep them from having a chance at a happy future. Amy plays a part that people expect of her and Jack helps her see she does not have to be that person. Jack on the other hand just can’t put a big mistake in his past where it belongs.
I loved how strong Amy was and how she took control of her life and refused to let the past rule her. On the other hand I wanted to give Jack a good strong kick where it would do the most good. Between Amy changing and Jack refusing to let go of past hurts the two had a tension filled journey to their HEA. All in all Her Rancher Rescuer is a very good finish to the series.
I loved how strong Amy was and how she took control of her life and refused to let the past rule her. On the other hand I wanted to give Jack a good strong kick where it would do the most good. Between Amy changing and Jack refusing to let go of past hurts the two had a tension filled journey to their HEA. All in all Her Rancher Rescuer is a very good finish to the series.
February 25, 2019
Amy Wilson is desperate to leave her home town, but what will happen to her depressed mother if she does so? Jack Shepard is a CEO who needs a temp at his resort-ranch. When Amy offers to help him out, she views her short time away as a kind of test--for herself and for her mother. But it soon becomes a test for Jack, too.
Can he keep his hands off Amy who attracts him as no one has since the tragedy that still haunts him. He makes clear he'll let her make that decision, knowing she's also attracted to him. Trouble is, he reacts badly after their assignation and she leaves early, determined to take control of her own life.
How all this plays out reveals how life-changing decisions don't always have to turn out badly.
Can he keep his hands off Amy who attracts him as no one has since the tragedy that still haunts him. He makes clear he'll let her make that decision, knowing she's also attracted to him. Trouble is, he reacts badly after their assignation and she leaves early, determined to take control of her own life.
How all this plays out reveals how life-changing decisions don't always have to turn out badly.
January 8, 2014
I always enjoy Donna Alward's books, and was eagerly waiting her next Cadence Creek story. It did not disappoint. It was a pleasure to visit with familiar characters and to meet new ones.
Amy and Jack are each carrying emotional baggage and dealing with it in separate ways. They know there are sparks between them, but are both being careful to protect themselves, convinced that a relationship is simply not possible.
Thoroughly enjoyed reading Amy's development from the flighty, somewhat unlikeable character in the prior Cadence Creek books to a confident woman.
Hoping that there will be more Cadence Creek books in the future :)
Amy and Jack are each carrying emotional baggage and dealing with it in separate ways. They know there are sparks between them, but are both being careful to protect themselves, convinced that a relationship is simply not possible.
Thoroughly enjoyed reading Amy's development from the flighty, somewhat unlikeable character in the prior Cadence Creek books to a confident woman.
Hoping that there will be more Cadence Creek books in the future :)
April 28, 2017
Nice read. Girl with reputation for being a desperate flirt meets rich guy who respects her. Lots of fluff in the story-- almost like a travelog only it's more a winter activities journal. They have fun snowshoeing, they go ride on a dogsled together, they go on a sleigh ride, etc. She's worried about her mom, who's been riding the edge of depression since dad walked out. He has issues from a crazy girlfriend in his past. But the angst is mild. The climactic moment is a good one though. He really blows it big time. It's a nice story.
October 13, 2015
I really liked these two characters. There is so much depth to both of them and they both grow and face difficult things in their past. I LOVED how Amy stood up for what she really needed and deserved once she figured out that that was, even if it was going to be easier or she was going to possibly be happier by giving in to the easy route. I thought the epilogue was cute, also, as a coda to the series.
July 7, 2022
A 4.5 book from Donna Alward. Her books are always a delight. There is a surety in her books that continue no matter what the book is about. I have read many books by her and there never a skip in any any book she has written. I have read books which are uneven and skip around, almost trying too hard in what they have to say. There has never been any problems with her books. They are always smoothly written. She has to be a favorite.
December 20, 2013
I love keeping up with Donna Alward's books. She always keeps them interesting and they make you feel good, like the characters are your friends, and you can't help but hope they have their happily ever after.
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February 1, 2014"This final book in the Cadence Creek Cowboy series is a wonderful story of loving enough to let go. Both main characters learn some life lessons about love." RT Book Reviews, rated 4 stars
Miniseries: Cadence Creek Cowboys
Miniseries: Cadence Creek Cowboys
April 23, 2014
3.5 Stars
Solid writing and storytelling.
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