Tempting Fate

Nugget #10

by Stacy Finz

She wants to leave Nugget behind, he’s just made it his home. Sometimes love is worth throwing plans—and caution—to the wind . . .
 
Raylene Rosser is Nugget’s most infamous prodigal daughter. The townspeople aren’t exactly holding a welcome home parade when she returns, but that’s okay with Raylene—she’s only here to make amends for selfish mistakes, sell her property, and get out of town asap after her half-brother Logan’s wedding. Picturesque Nugget is her past, and Raylene is determined to build a future . . .
 
All of which would be easier if Logan hadn’t asked his business partner to keep an eye on her. A security specialist, Gabe Moretti certainly knows how to shadow a girl—and how to boss said girl around. It would be infuriating, if only Raylene could keep her eyes off Gabe’s broad chest, rugged profile, and sexy smile. Falling in love might not be the safe choice, but sometimes everyone needs to tempt fate . . .
 
PRAISE FOR STACY FINZ
 
“Sweet humor, well-defined and appealing characters, and just enough adventure sports and fashion detail make Finz’s print debut, and series launch, a delightful read.”
—Library Journal on Need You

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Military Fiction

240 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 11, 2018

About the author

Stacy Finz is an award-winning former newspaper reporter. After more than twenty years covering notorious serial killers, naked-tractor-driving farmers, fanatical foodies, aging rock stars and weird Western towns, she figured she finally had enough material to launch a career writing fiction. She is the author of the Nugget Romance series (Kensington/Lyrical Press) about a small mountain town that has a strange way of giving people unexpected reasons to start over--and find the most irresistible chances to fall in love. Look for her Garner Brothers series (Zebra) in 2017.

Visit her website www.stacyfinz.com.
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Reviews

[Heather andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gabe sure knows how to make a spectacle, "...he met Logan’s eyes across the room. “Anyone have a problem with that?” There was a long stretch of silence, then thunderous applause. “Then if it’s all the same to you, we’re going to skip dessert.” He grabbed her hand, and together they made their way outside..." I liked this book.

[Irene · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Tempting Fate by Stacy Finz is a well written and entertaining read.

I enjoyed the storyline, I found my interest held and I loved watching the relationship between Raylene and Gabe unfold.

Overall, Tempting Fate is a lovely addition to the Nugget Romance series and I highly recommend it.

[Terri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review also found at https://kristineandterri.blogspot.com...

*I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!**

This is the 10th book in the Nugget series. I have probably read about half of them however not all. For the most part I would say it is not necessary to read the series in order to pick up any one of them however in this case, it is a must. The character of Raylene has a shady past in one of the previous installments which directly links to this story. While you get a cliffs not version, it is not the same. Lucky for me I had read the previous story linked to this one (book 5 Getting Lucky)

I have to admit that I was just as guilty as the townsfolk of judging Raylene based on her previous actions. It took a lot to win me over. Even her name got on my nerves (apologies to anyone who shares her name!). As all stories do, I was eventually won over however it was a gradual win for me. Logan on the other hand had me at hello. As tends to be the case in these stories, the men are every woman's dream in both the looks and personality department. Let me tell you since this is the tenth book, the town of Nugget has a lot of swoon worthy men. If only such a town existed for those single woman out there, I think the real estate market would be booming.

This story had the typical romance aspect as well as a touch of mystery and danger. Just enough to keep you interested without going overboard. Although I did find it a little bit far fetched once the reader found out who/what was behind everything.

I have enjoyed the stories that I have read in this series and this one was no exception. I do think that after 10 books, of which I have read five, I am ready to say goodbye to Nugget and move on to another of Finz' stories.

[Maranda (addlebrained_reader) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tempting Fate is the 10th book in the “Nugget” series about a little gold mining town in California. This book follows Raylene and her less than desired return to Nugget for her brother’s wedding. Apparently, Raylene and her father did some awful things to some of the people in Nugget and the townspeople are less than thrilled with her return. Unfortunately, Raylene refuses to leave town until she is able to dig up an old family legend. But she’s not the only one focused on the past.

I thought this book was cute. I did not know, going in, that it was the 10th book and I was confused about a number of things. There were storylines that didn’t quite make sense and it may have been due to me not having a history with Nugget and these characters already.

I found myself engaged with Raylene. I was interested in discovering what she did that was so horrid. Needing to know the outcome of the family legend kept me turning pages. Raylene carries so much guilt about her past and the townspeople don’t do her any favors either. She is the town pariah and they all aim to keep her in that role.

Unfortunately, Gabe had me rolling my eyes way too much. I felt he was immature and ridiculous. Spending my entire life around members of the military, I found the character of Gabe to be too “stereotypical Jarhead” for my taste and I couldn’t care less about his and Raylene’s relationship.

All in all, the book was a fast, fun read. I’m not sure I’ll ever go back and read the first 9 books, but you never know. I give this book 3 stars.

**I received a copy of this book from the author. All thoughts are my own and not influenced by the author or publisher in any way.**

[Cathy Geha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tempting Fate by Stacy Finz
Nugget #10

I don’t usually start a series with the tenth book but this time seem to have done so. That said, having NOT read previous books might have allowed me to have a more accepting view of Raylene than those who have read of her previous negative behavior throughout the series. Sure, I was given hints of the horrible things she did and said but they did not slap me in the face like they might have if I was already prejudiced against her...as were most of the residents in Nugget.

This is the story of a woman who returns to Nugget to attend her half brother’s wedding while knowing that she will find it difficult to be there. She is in financial need, plans to sell inherited property while in town then head back to California as quickly as she can. Her fiscal irresponsibility kind of boggled my mind BUT I do know people that have had the ability to blow through money rather than conserving it so could see how it might happen. Little did she know that in addition to having to deal with the people in town she would also be involved in unexpected violence and fall in love.

I came away thinking that Raylene was a product of her experiences and choices and that she had not been given positive support and guidance most of her life. Where some people would overcome and be more...Raylene stayed focused on doing what it took to “please” at least two abusive men in her life. I found her immature in some ways and yet did like her and believed that the steps she was taking to make changes were wise and good and no doubt difficult. Her interactions with Gabe were interesting with some of them more believable than others. I enjoyed the epilogue and seeing how things came together for Gabe and Raylene...eventually.

Did I like this book? For the most part
Would I read more books by this author? Yes
Do you need to read the first nine books in this series to understand this one? No

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Lyrical Shine for the ARC – This is my honest review.

3-4 Stars

[Lisette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Raylene goes back to Nugget, the town where she grew up. She is public enemy number 1 in that town, because of things she did in the past. She regrets it and wants to make amends. I liked this book, though at first Raylene annoyed me because she was so scared to face several people in town. Her selfe steem seemed pretty low. I liked the romance, which is why I kept reading. I hadn't realized this book was part of a series. It was hard to follow at first because I had no clue what Raylene had done. I think it's better to read the other books of the series before trying this one. I am not sure though if I want to read the rest of the series, even though I enjoyes this book

[Bette Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tempting Fate is the story of Raylene's return to Nugget and it's one wild, crazy, fabulous ride. This is the tenth book in the Nugget series but the author does a great job of recapping past events so that even if your reading as a standalone you never feel lost. The characters in this series are all memorable but Raylene stands out more than all the others. Not necessarily for all the right reasons. Now she's returned to make amends. Too bad her brother asked his buddy Gabe Moretti to babysit her while she's in town. These two were a lot of fun to read about and this author did what I thought was impossible. She made Raylene likable! I highly recommend this one.

[Sheena ☆ Book Sheenanigans · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've received a ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Its hard to put into words how phenomenal this novel is. The storyline, the characters, the setting - everything was complete perfection. I wasn't too sure on how things were going to turn out for Ray and how she was going to redeem herself from all of her past mistakes but I am seriously blown away.

This it my first Stacy Find novel and I have to applaud her on the great work. I will definitely be keeping a eye out for her and her future works.

[Rebecca Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it!!! Great banter between Gabe and Raylene. And Raylene's path to redemption was fantastic.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Stacy Finz is one of my favorite authors and I have read all the books in the Nugget series so far. I have to say I was wondering how the author was going to handle a story about the mean girl Raylene returning to Nugget after all she had done to hurt the people in her hometown. Stacy Finz did a great job of redeeming Raylene and dealing with the subject of abuse and alcoholism in this story without it being an excuse for bad choices and behavior.
I am hoping there will be more stories to come in the Nugget series. Don't miss this one or any book by Stacy Finz.

[Shirley Swoope · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved every Nugget book written and have detested Raylene Rosser since she made her first appearance. I know redemption is possible, but I have to say that I found it hard to believe that I would be changing my feelings on Raylene.

I was WRONG. Stacy Finz has taken a character that everyone loved to hate and turned her into a character that you not only liked but also admired.

I might even go so far as to say this may have been my favorite Nugget book, but I'll be happy to read more.

[Lauren loves llamas · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off, a random note – I really do not like that cover, but I’m at a loss to explain why. I think, perhaps, that it’s just very different from how I imagined the characters. Now that that’s out of the way – this is an enjoyable forced-proximity romance, set in a ranching town and starring the town’s prodigal daughter. It’s both snarky and heartbreaking, though a bit light on the surprises. While I’ve read the Garner Brothers series by the same author, which is set in a neighboring town, this is the first in the Nugget series I’ve read. Since it’s the tenth in that series, I was expecting to be pretty confused, but, honestly, it felt like everything was explained pretty well, and while there was quite the cast of characters, they were individual enough that I didn’t have too many problems keeping track of them.

Raylene’s been abused for much of her life. First, by her father whenever she failed to conform to his “standards” for a scion of his family, and then by her father-picked husband. It’s no surprise she comes out of it an alcoholic with bad financial skills, since she’s used to self-medicating with alcohol and spending her father’s money. While she was the queen bee of the town as a teen, certain events have left her as a persona-non-grata in Nugget, and there’s only one thing that could get her to come back there – her half-brother’s wedding. Well, and the tall tale about gold that was buried by a Gold Rush-era thief on a piece of property. Between the divorce from her abusive husband and her profligate ways, she’s running out of money, and if she ever wants to open up her dream horse ranch, she’ll need the income from both the sale of that land and the supposed gold. Raylene’s half-brother knows her, though, and assigns his best friend, business partner, and fellow ex-Navy SEAL Gabe as her baby-sitter. Gabe’s new to Nugget, and the woman he meets doesn’t seem to fit the picture that’s been painted of her or her past actions. Is this just another scheming side of Raylene, out to steal the show at her brother’s wedding? Or is she more likely to steal his heart?

“She scrambled back to her side and opened the door before nudging her head pointedly toward his crotch, where he was so hard it hurt. “That’s for your moronic version of ‘Jolene.’ Jeez, Moretti, you know how many times I had to put up with that in junior high?” She slid out of the passenger seat, gave his package one more glance, and smirked. “Consider us even.”

Raylene has had such a rough time of it, that while I found a lot of her actions inexplicable, I found it hard to judge her too harshly. For one thing, some of those actions – like the quoted scene above – were hilarious! Gabe’s description of her as a “battering ram, causing mayhem wherever she went” was pretty on the nose! Some of the scenes with Raylene attempting to weather most of Nugget’s general hatred of her were very hard for me to read, and the description of her panic attacks (though I’m not sure they’re ever referred to as such) and her negative self talk were heartbreaking. I do wonder how I would’ve felt about this book – and Raylene – if I’d read the series from the beginning, as the things she’s done were pretty awful – she tried to set her high school sweetheart up for murder, for goodness’ sake – even reading about them from her point of view. I did appreciate, though, how she owned up to her mistakes and was trying to make restitution to those she’d wronged before. Gabe, I thought, was less well characterized, though I did find Raylene’s frequent jabs at him as a rancher by way of New Jersey (and Irish-Italian, to boot) funny. I liked how he was willing to withhold judgement, however, and that his personal code of honor included protecting Raylene even when he was still pretty sure she was the wicked witch of Nugget.

“It taught me a valuable lesson,” he said. “I don’t ever want to be responsible for someone’s happiness. Ever.”
“You shouldn’t have to be. Everyone should be responsible for their own. I had to learn that the hard way.”
“Butch was that bad, huh?”
“Butch, my father, you name it. I won’t do it again.”
“What? Get married?”
She let out a mirthless laugh. “Never. But I was talking about getting attached. It’s not worth the pain or the trouble.”
“Hear, hear.”

My favorite part of their relationship was their banter, and how open they’re able to be with each other. From the ghosts that haunt Gabe’s past to Raylene’s remorse over her past actions, they talk about everything, and I think this was partially helped by the fact that after the wedding was over, neither expected to ever see the other again. I loved how supportive Gabe was of Raylene and her (to his mind) literal gold-digging shenanigans, and how that progressed to being supportive of her recovery and her self esteem. I thought the chemistry between them was quite believable and I liked how that was handled, as well.

The biggest issue for me was that the plot was very, very predictable. From the moment Raylene mentioned her dream ranch, I guessed exactly what would happen. It’s not that I thought the plot was bad, just that I wish there were a few more surprises to it. I also saw the event that turned the tide on Nugget’s public opinion of Raylene coming from a mile away, and it did feel like a bit of a cop-out. That’s not to say that I’m not proud of Raylene for what she did, but I wish she would’ve instead found the courage to speak out against some of the venom being spewed about her sooner. At one point, after Gabe’s seen another instance of someone he likes from Nugget treating her poorly, he even wonders where these judgmental people were when she was getting beaten and abused by her father, and I’d spent most of the dang book wondering the same thing. My other issue is the secondary storyline from Drew’s POV. While the stories eventually overlap, I’m honestly not sure what this was supposed to add to the story, and my best guess is that it’s wrapping up something from one of the previous novels.

Overall, I very much enjoyed Raylene. If you’re interested in a woman turning her life around – all by herself – then I think this book would be right up your alley!

I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

[Nate Brightman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't give out four stars very often but I really felt this book was deserving. It's been a while since I visited the little town of Nugget other than as a side trip while in Glory Junction the follow on series. If I'm being completely honest some of the good citizens of Nugget I'd come to love really disappointed me for a good portion of this book. One ex-PBR champion in particular. When we first met Raylene Roesser in I believe Lucky and Tawny's book although it may have been even sooner she was a hot mess bitch. Even in that book as wrong as what she'd done was she owned up to it before it was too late and confessed to Lucky that she did it because he was the only one that had ever really loved her for who she was (or in spite of it) and he'd rejected her for Tawny. But as we got to know her just a bit better in Logan and Annie's book she became a more sympathetic character as we learned more about he abusive home life growing up. In this book we get to see Raylene as she attends her half-brother Logan and Annie's wedding forcing her to return to Nugget where it seems everyone who has known her since her childhood has a reason to hate her. Nobody wants to give her a break or recognize that she's not the same woman who left Nugget years ago, as they either talk behind her back just loud enough for her to over hear or out right confront her. Fortunately Gabe Morretti, Logan's BFF and business partner is assigned to be her "handler" during her visit home. I won't give way the story. Obviously you know if you're a veteran romance reader that eventually Gabe and Ray find their H.E.A. But watching the journey while Ray deals with all the derision from her past, some serious danger and her growing feelings for Gabe is a great ride. There's also a touching second story involving Emily McCreedy's ex-husband and his wife while they struggle to adjust to the new normal of the return of Harper/Hope as he tries to re-connect with his long lost daughter and his wife tries to figure out where she belongs in their new family dynamic.
My only negative in the book is a lot of the controversy and conflict in the story is around Ray's need to sell 200 acres of prime land her father left her. The negative is the fact that Ray offers to sell it to her neighbors and supposedly none of them can afford the $400,000 price tag. Which makes no sense because I know from he and Emily's book that Clay McCready is a millionaire several times over and as this book states so is Gia. So why one of the two of them didn't jump at the chance to buy the land and protect it from developers just didn't make any sense.

[Ann Lorz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the last book in the Nugget series that I need to review. It took my a long time to review them but it wasn't the fault of the series. I unfortunately read these the winter after my mother passed and pushed so many books aside instead of reviewing them. I'm doing my best to get caught up.

I can't tell you how much I loved this series. One of the characters I couldn't wait to read about was Raylene. You meet her in a prior book and realize she's not much of a likable character. She does some really crappy things to a man she knows loves her. You really won't like her before.

Then you start to learn what he life growing up is all about. Yes, she was an adult when she made some bad choices. She should have stood up to her father but sometimes when you are mentally and emotionally beat down for so long you do things you aren't really proud of. You don't always think about the fact that you are an adult and don't have to listen to the abusive part.

Now, I'm not making excuses for what she did, but I do believe some of it was influenced by her life. As I mentioned she wasn't a favorite character of mine until her book. The author did a great job of showing us how much work Raylene was willing to do to make herself a better person. And believe me going back to the town that she pulled so much crap in that knows all her father did had to be embarrassing and hard.

I truly liked her in this book.

Lucky for Raylene she found the perfect guy. He knew her past but could see that real person that wasn't allowed to be. At times Gabe isn't sure what to believe. Had Raylene really changed or is she acting. Quickly he starts to learn that she really is a good person.

I really like these two together. They bring out the best in each other. Not only that they really care for each other, and Raylene really deserves some to love and be loved by. Raylene risks her life to help someone and that helps prove to everyone that there is more to her than meets the eye. I really enjoyed this story but will mention that this series is best read in order. It's well worth the read.

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[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have I mentioned how much I love the Nugget series??  These books have everything-heart, humor. sexy times, small town ideals and a cast of great characters!  Even those characters that are less appealing than others-or at least appear to be so.  Raylene Rosser is a good example of someone who has come across in previous books as utterly the most unlikable character possible (short of being a murderer or something like that!)  Previous outings of Nugget have introduced readers to someone who is spoiled and has no heart..but was that the real Raylene?

If you've read the Nugget books prior, you will know what an ass Raylene's father Ray was and that he coerced her into attempting to frame to her high school boyfriend Lucky for murder and is part of the reason why the majority of the town despises her.  Even knowing this, Raylene has come back to Nugget for her brother's Logan's wedding, where she is met with scorn and derision.  The only bright spot besides Logan and his fiancee Annie is Gabe, his business partner and her appointed babysitter.  Gabe is intrigued by her beauty and spirit, and determined to find out what she is hiding about her return to Nugget because he knows that the nuptials are not the only reason.

Raylene admits she has also returned to sell off the last of the Rosser land to finance her dream of training cutting horses in So Cal, though that is not the whole truth.  She is also determined to find the fabled 'Levi's Gold', treasure hidden by one of the Rosser ancestors on the property.  That would allow her to not only buy a ranch but to continue to support a women's shelter which has become a huge part of her life after years of dealing with her father and abusive ex-husband.  Gabe finally gets her to admit her secondary plan and decides to humor her in her search which allows him to stick close to her and their mutual attraction to grow.  And of course treasure also means danger so you understand why I enjoyed the book so much!

Revisiting Nugget is one of my favorite things to do, and I absolutely recommend this book to other fans of contemporary romance.  While Raylene will probably never be one of my favorite residents, I appreciated how her journey to redeem herself in the town's eyes was not just a simple process which only made it seem more real.  As always, the cast of characters (especially Owen!) continues to entertain, and I eagerly look forward to the next outing!

Thank you to Kensington/Lyrical Shine for the chance to read this early via Netgalley!

[Fly Girl Wickedcoolflight blogger · Rating 4 out of 5]

To see the whole review: https://wickedcoolflight.net/2018/12/...

This is book number ten in Stacy’s A Nugget Romance series. It is the first one in the series I’ve read and is much racier than her other series’ that are published by Zebra Romance. This is, of course, a stand alone; however, if you’ve read the other books, you’ll have a little more background of the other characters in this one. She does a good job of giving you enough information on the main couple’s background to enjoy their story regardless of what you’ve read before.

Raylene and Gabe’s romance starts out a little bit funny, but takes a serious turn really quick when Gabe realizes the whole town really does hate her. She is just trying to get through her brother’s wedding and working through her 12 step sobriety program and isn’t looking for a man in her life. She’s had enough of those. This is a great story about someone owning their mistakes and learning from circumstances out of their control. Also, it shows how an abused woman can stand on her own two feet and begin again when she is able to stop seeing herself as a victim.

Gabe on the other hand just takes life lightly and goes with the flow but has an inane sense of responsibility when it comes to the people in his life. He is trying to figure out how to be with someone without being responsible for making them happy. In the end they both figure out that being together doesn’t take their independence away, it simply gives them help when they need it now and then, and an encouraging hand.

I almost forgot, there was some mystery in this one also. A little gold hunting and some strangers come to town. It all adds up to an incredible sacrifice from Raylene that makes the town begin to see her in a new light. I’m giving this a solid 4 of 5 because it has my requisite HEA, a little mystery, and a whole lot of hunk. It is a great story and I can’t wait to see who’s she tells next. Pick this one up you won’t regret it.

[Slick · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wasn't even sure about buying this book because Raylene was a horrible, horrible person in several books in the past and while the author did a good job of showing how she was working on being a better person, how her father and her ex-husband had her so under their thumbs that her life was twisted and she was a wreck. It doesn't excuse her behavior, but I do believe she is sincere in wanting to be a better person. What bothered me in this book was the hero Gabe for a good part of this book ran hot and cold with her to be honest as times he was not better than her late father or her ex-husband and I had a hard time getting past it. He knew she had left a cheating abusive ex-husband and while he didn't know everything about what she'd done to other people in town he had an inkling but he never gave her the benefit of the doubt, when something went wrong he immediately dressed her down and I was so not happy about that. Didn't even ask her what happened just jumped all over her KNOWING she is out of an abusive marriage. I had big problems with him and in all honesty there's a reason they tell people not to get in a relaitonship for a year where you are trying to get clean and sober and she really needed to heed that but she didn't. Both Raylene and Gabe came off as super immature and not ready for a relationship but not my book, not my characters so.... Lastly, I was a bit sad I read this book because while the residents of Nugget had a right to hate Raylene for her past actions, to not want to accept her trying to make amends, the fact that after she is beat to hell and gone while saving a child from three fugatives they all decide she is worth their time. UGH...just no and their attitude towards her before the incident and after was a complete 180 and it just didn't ring true. For the most part I've enjoyed this series but the last 2 books have been disappointing so I think I'm done now.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh how wonderful to be back in Nugget with Tempting Fate. I like Stacy Finz’s style and writing but the Nugget series has a special place in my heart. Raylene by far would not be considered my favorite character. Perhaps I felt as many of the people there would feel. Ms. Finz does a marvelous job of helping me to see how wrong it is to freeze Ray in the past instead of seeing the woman she wants to be now.

The romance does work well between Gabe and Ray; partly because he is a newcomer to Nugget. That was such a realistic approach to the relationship that developed between the two. It also gave me another perspective on Raylene; one more compassionate than many in Nugget. I really felt for this character. Thank goodness, Gabe is strong enough to think for himself concerning Raylene!

The author did a wonderful job of weaving the past background into the story. However, it might be difficult for new reader to the series to completely understand the depth of animosity towards Raylene with having read more of the series. Still it is easy to understand that this is a story of making amends, restoration, rebuilding and how forgiveness can help us all.

4.5 Stars
An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nugget’s prodigal daughter returns.

Raylene returns back to Nugget to attend her half-brother’s wedding after burning all her bridges there several years before. She is also back to sell a piece of land that was given to her by her abusive father but needs to find the gold hidden on the property. Gabe has been put in charge of watching Raylene during the wedding to make sure there is no drama. Only he doesn’t expect to actually like her company so much or that she’s so different from what the town had whispered.

I didn’t hate Raylene prior to this book, although she gave enough reasons, but I just felt really sorry for her. She went from one abusive household to another and the only man who loved her was pushed out of her life by her manipulative father. When you live in a home like that, it’s difficult to know any better.

Her branching out by herself and moving to Santa Monica was a great wake up call. She began to do a lot of soul searching and wants to do redeem herself. I really enjoyed this book because it’s not only about Gave and Raylene, but also focused on her becoming her own person who isn’t under her father and husband’s thumb. I also really enjoyed the relationship she had with Harper. It was one of my favourite parts about the book!

[Mallori · Rating 2 out of 5]

When I saw this book was about Raylene, I didn't want to read it. However, since the author has an established ability of taking someone whose behavior I don't care for and turning it around (typically the hero), I dove in. And I did think she did a good job of turning Raylene around to the reader and Gabe.

BUT, the reason for my low rating, I am frustrated by the implication that for the townspeople to turn around, the woman had to be harmed. That she wasn't worth a second thought until she sacrificed her physical safety to save a child and was standing in front of them battered and bruised, literally brought low. Now that she has been beaten for her crimes, maybe we can forgive her. It's not stated that way, but that's how the plot shapes up. I could see the situation shaping up in the plot and hoped she would course correct, but nope.
Why couldn't the author find a way to wake up the town to forgiveness or understanding without the heroine going through a traumatizing experience?

[Becky Burciaga · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the onset of the story I was taken by the range of emotions that the author was able to generate so quickly. There was a strength and emotional intensity to Raylene that was palpable...from despair of her fruitless endeavor to bring her past digressions behind her and apologize to those she’d wronged, to her sorrow over the anger and rejection of the town’s residents...yet she actually understood their actions towards her. The town’s anger and hatred towards Raylene was felt at such a visceral level that I actually felt sorry for her regardless of her past discretions

For Gabe’s strength of character to be captured so quickly showed to me that the author has a gift for creating characters’ with strong personalities and depth. His loyalty to Logan and steadfast dedication to their friendship demonstrated a man of honor.

This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the Publisher and NetGalley. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.

[Jill Eshenbaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

t's almost like coming home to return to Nugget with Gabe and Raylene. Nugget is the small town that everyone wants to live in, regardless of the word of mouth grape vine which leaves no secret untouched. Raylene left Nugget under the worst circumstances leaving behind many unhappy residents and a host of less than stellar memories. Gabe served with her brother as a Navy SEAL and came to Nugget to help him with his security business. His first job was to make sure that Raylene stayed out of trouble while she was there for Logan and Annie's wedding. Since it's been a while that we were all in Nugget, the author skillfully reminds the reader throughout the book who the Nugget residents are and why each had such animosity towards Raylene. It's a story of love and redemption that is both easy to read and enjoyable from page one. It's truly a five star read and I am hopeful that we'll be returning to Nugget in another book soon..

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finz takes readers back to small town, Nugget, California in Tempting Fate, the 10th book in this beloved series.

Raylene Rosser is back in Nugget for her brother's wedding. Could she possibly find redemption for the spoiled little rich girl she once was? Gabe Moretti is willing to help her find the gold, legend says is buried on her property, but he was not ready for the chemistry between them. There are people who don't want her in town, and are chronic reminders of a past best forgotten. When trouble comes to town, will Raylene be in the center of it or will she find a way to redeem herself.

The recurring characters lend depth to the well written and smartly paced story. I had trouble putting it down.

I highly recommend this book to fans of the contemporary romance genre.

I voluntarily read and reviewed a complementary copy of this book.

[Pelusa Rivera · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rcvd an ARC at no cost to author..(netgalley) Gabe has been given the babysitting duty of Raylene, Logan's sister. Raylene left the town of Nugget as a disgrace and she has burned lots of bridges and she is hates and whispered about. Gabe thinks she is crazy, attractive but crazy and he can't wait for her to leave this town that he has begun to love, but he will do anything for his bestfriend Logan. Raylene regrets everything that she has done, and not that I am condoning what she did, but this girl did not have it as easy as everyone thought, her father was abusive, her husband who her father picked out was also abusive and cheating rat at that, now she is trying to help out a shelter for abused woman, because she knows how that feels to not have anyone. The town is unforgiving until Raylene ends up saving the day, and they all change their minds about her.

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Raylene has been the most hated former resident of Nugget and for good reason; she has done awful things to many of the residents, including nearly sending her ex-boyfriend to prison for a murder he never committed. I know I never liked her at all, as well as most of the other readers of this series. So how there author was going to redeem her and make us actually like her in this latest book in the series, was beyond me. But Stacy Finz did a great job and wrote another good story It took me quite awhile to start liking her, but by the end, I think I could say I did. Many of her books although part of a series, could ultimately be stand-alones, but I feel this particular book is best read after reading the others, particularly Getting Lucky #5, so you can get a true sense of Raylene in the past.

On Goodreads, I gave this 3 out of 5 stars, 3 being a solidly good book, but from what I remember Amazon rates their books somewhat differently. Amazon, I believe considers 3 stars as okay. I definitely consider this much more than an okay read. I wish, now that Amazon now owns Goodreads, both websites would have their star ratings be the same. I guess that's why it's important that one does not just give a book a star rating on any site without an accompanying review, explaining what they felt about the book. Plus what one person might make a book ok compared to good or vice versa might be very different for another individual.

[Leslie Ooten · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was really hard for me to get into. Most of the first part of the book is pretty confusing for someone who hasn't read any other books in this series. There are ALL kinds of people and situations mentioned, but no background given to most of it. I just pieced it together as best as I could. Also, I didn't really like Raylene. She's supposed to have changed and become a better person, but I didn't really see it. While the people of the town were horrible to her, she didn't really give them any reasons to be nice to her. She did some really terrible things to people. It never seemed like she really cared if people liked her either (IMO). Although this was the first for me from this author, I would be willing to read her again.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great return to the town of Nugget! This is a very emotional story, filled with laughter, tears, frustration, reconciliations, and love. Not having read the previous books in the series isn't necessary, but I always like reading a series, where I can return to visit "old friends" and meet new ones. Raylene was back in Nugget for her brother, Logan's, wedding to Annie, and no one else in town was happy to see her. Due to her history of dramatics, Logan asked his friend and business partner, Gabe, to watch out for her and keep her out of trouble. Neither Raylene nor Gabe was looking for love, but somehow it came looking for them. Throw in some suspense, a bit of mystery, and passion, and this story is definitely a winner. Well done, Stacy Finz!

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tempting fate is the first in the series for me and it drew me in. RayLene is used to getting whatever she wants. However as she entered adulthood her life has drastically turned. She isn’t welcome in Nugget but she has to come back for her brothers wedding. Gabe is Logan’s best friend. He’s been tasked to keep her out of trouble and protected.what his first impression of her is a spoiled brat it changes drastically as time passes in. She’s not what she seems and how the town views her is getting to him. Now on a hunt for gold from a legend, bad guys lurking, and a stubborn women he’s gonna have his hands full. Will their journey end in happily ever after? You’ll have to read to find out.

[SynergyQuest · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quirky, sexy, drama and thrill are four words to describe the journey this read will take you on. She’s always been spoiled with material things, but emotionally and physically abused by the same men who bought the gifts. In a lot of ways, she’s a product of her environment and upbringing, but that’s really no excuse. Here we see her wade through confrontations with people she’s wronged and somehow find love, redemption and a second chance.

It’s a good read.

I received an ARC of this book, from the publisher, via NetGallery, in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Lori R · Rating 5 out of 5]

This riveting story had me on the edge of my seat. The sparks were flying between Raylene Rosser and Gabe Moretti even though they both tried to ignore it. Not only was their romance but there was mystery as well and a town full of people who did not want to forgive Raylene for her past. The book is full of suspense too. It is another great story set in the town of Nugget. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.