What do you think?
Rate this book
Sweet Grass - Montana Romance #1
That Hollister Man
“You’re wasting your time with that one. Got his heart broke. Nothing and no one will ever fix it.”
Compelled to leave Boston as a means of saving her teenage brother—the only family she has—from a life of crime, Sage Dolan gladly accepts the serendipitous opportunity to purchase a small ranch and a restaurant in the rural community of Hollister, Montana.
Sage’s eagerness to start a new life for herself and her brother is met with a few obstacles along the way, the greatest being a rugged, handsome rancher who is not happy that an outsider has purchased the one piece of property he and his family have coveted for years.
Soon, Sage is engaged in a battle of wills, but she quickly discovers that it’s not a battle over land as much as it is a crusade to unlock the door to a lonely man’s heart.
Compelled to leave Boston as a means of saving her teenage brother—the only family she has—from a life of crime, Sage Dolan gladly accepts the serendipitous opportunity to purchase a small ranch and a restaurant in the rural community of Hollister, Montana.
Sage’s eagerness to start a new life for herself and her brother is met with a few obstacles along the way, the greatest being a rugged, handsome rancher who is not happy that an outsider has purchased the one piece of property he and his family have coveted for years.
Soon, Sage is engaged in a battle of wills, but she quickly discovers that it’s not a battle over land as much as it is a crusade to unlock the door to a lonely man’s heart.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 4, 2019
199 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
About the author
Margaret Desmond
9 books18 followersI enjoy writing stories that show and encourage readers there are still good people in this crazy world.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Want to read
November 12, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (11/12/2019)! 🎁
June 25, 2019
This is my first book by Margaret Desmond, but it won’t be my last. She writes a great storyline, creates believable and likable characters. For those who care about such things, this is a “clean” HEA...kissing is as sexual as it gets.
As always, I wish for an epilogue...but it’s not to be. 🤓 It’s still a 5 ⭐️ for me.
As always, I wish for an epilogue...but it’s not to be. 🤓 It’s still a 5 ⭐️ for me.
November 15, 2018
What a beautiful, sweet, ROMANTIC start to a new series!
I want to go to Hollister, Montana this winter and take a sleigh ride!
Spence is one HOT Montana rancher. I can FEEL his emotions from the second I see him. There were several times while reading that I wanted to reach through the pages and hug him tight. Or, even better, have him reach through the pages and hold me tight. Lucky Sage!
Without saying too much about the plot, I will say that I loved the relationship between Sage and her teenage brother Danny. Very real. And Shawna is a hoot. I'm really looking forward to seeing more of all of these characters. Great job hooking me in, Ms. Desmond! You have a real gift for making my heart "pound like thunder" even though the h & H do nothing more than kiss! Kudos!
[I received an ARC of this book. My review is voluntary]
I want to go to Hollister, Montana this winter and take a sleigh ride!
Spence is one HOT Montana rancher. I can FEEL his emotions from the second I see him. There were several times while reading that I wanted to reach through the pages and hug him tight. Or, even better, have him reach through the pages and hold me tight. Lucky Sage!
Without saying too much about the plot, I will say that I loved the relationship between Sage and her teenage brother Danny. Very real. And Shawna is a hoot. I'm really looking forward to seeing more of all of these characters. Great job hooking me in, Ms. Desmond! You have a real gift for making my heart "pound like thunder" even though the h & H do nothing more than kiss! Kudos!
[I received an ARC of this book. My review is voluntary]
November 16, 2018
Sage Dolan and her younger brother moved in with their grandfather, Frank, after the death of her parents. Frank has urged Sage to follow her dream of owning her own restaurant and after he passes, he leaves her financially able to do so. She has been corresponding with a group of bloggers called “Sweetie Pies” and she falls in love with the stories told by Gigi Renard about her life in Hollister, Montana. Gigi offers to sell her small ranch and restaurant to Sage and when a gang begins to target Danny, Sage takes Gigi up on her offer. As soon as Sage arrives, she has a run in with Spence Hollister who had hoped to buy Gigi’s ranch. Spence is attracted to Sage, but his wife died several years ago and he is not looking for love. Although Sage is attracted to Spence, she is a strong woman and not willing to accept a man who cannot offer her his heart. The back and forth attraction between the two, adds a touching spice of romance to this very enjoyable western romance. We are introduced to so many wonderful small-town characters and I can’t wait to read the next book and reconnect with the wonderful town of Hollister! I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to give an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)
November 14, 2018
I enjoyed this story that has some nice Christmas scenes, and is sweet and clean romance. The supporting characters were good and I liked the H&h, though I didn't feel like I knew the H Spence very well, I'm debating with myself if the book would have benefited from having his POV in the book and I'm on the fence - his perspective would have given a better feel for him as a person, but some of the tension that's created from not knowing what he's thinking would have been gone. Some of the conflict was resolved very quickly and behind the scenes. The plot moved along at a good pace and kept me interested. Overall, a good story. *I received an ARC of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.
November 13, 2019
Sage moves with her 15-year-old brother Danny from Southie, Boston to Hollister, Montana to take over a small restaurant and a postage stamp sized ranch surrounded on three sides by the neighbouring Bar H. When Danny meets his 6 4 neighbour Spence his jaw drops through the floor at the sight of his first rip roarin cowboy, pardon me, rancher who arrived on his horse.
It takes a community to raise a family and Hollister takes that responsibility very seriously. There are a few rather hot make-out sessions but no sex scenes. Minor editorial errors and little profanity. All-in-all a book about relationships and caring, even some tough love. it may have been love at first sight but the pair at the centre of this story are mature enough to take stock before they fall head over heels.
It takes a community to raise a family and Hollister takes that responsibility very seriously. There are a few rather hot make-out sessions but no sex scenes. Minor editorial errors and little profanity. All-in-all a book about relationships and caring, even some tough love. it may have been love at first sight but the pair at the centre of this story are mature enough to take stock before they fall head over heels.
November 25, 2019
A very enjoyable read. I like Margaret Desmond's writing style, it is very easy to read and flows well. A good story line of a young woman, Sage Dolan and her brother Danny, moving to Montana, firstly to fulfill a dream of their father and secondly to remove Danny from the influence of The Finnegans in Boston. I enjoyed the relationship Sage has with the Sweetie Pies on the internet, very contemporary. Spence, that Hollister man, sounds like someone I would love to meet and share some time with on his ranch, horse riding and sleighing in such beautiful surroundings. Small town living can offer so much and this is portrayed beautifully in this story with some very lovable characters. Thanks Margaret for a very pleasurable few hours reading.
November 17, 2018
Sweet, clean story.
Sage has moved her and her brother Danny to a Montana to follow her father's dream and to get Danny away from some trouble back in Boston.
When Sage meets Spence it was an instant connection. But he is set that he won't let anyone get close to him since his wife died.
Sage has dealt with her share of death and doesn't believe in holding back.
Plus, there's the matter if him trying to buy the land she has just made her home and his daughter who isn't used sharing her father's attention.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Sage has moved her and her brother Danny to a Montana to follow her father's dream and to get Danny away from some trouble back in Boston.
When Sage meets Spence it was an instant connection. But he is set that he won't let anyone get close to him since his wife died.
Sage has dealt with her share of death and doesn't believe in holding back.
Plus, there's the matter if him trying to buy the land she has just made her home and his daughter who isn't used sharing her father's attention.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
September 1, 2019
Sage moves to Montana to get her brother out of Boston. Their parents and grandfather are deceased and she is raising a teenage. Gigi sold her ranch and restaurant to Sage and moved without telling anyone in town. That Hollister man shows up at the ranch and takes Sage's breath away. He thought that he had an agree with Gigi to buy the ranch. He has been a widow for 10 years and has no interest in women.
I just loved this book. I have already downloaded the next book.
I just loved this book. I have already downloaded the next book.
January 4, 2020
Loved this story!
I am a sucked for a good western style romance and this one is captivating! Loved the reference to Zane Grey's books too! The only thing wrong is he was talking about the sage brush in Arizona and parts of California, which have purple blooms in May and June most years, so the range really is a smoky purple! There is nothing like sage in the distance when the wind blows! Just found this author and really enjoyed both books I have read so far!
I am a sucked for a good western style romance and this one is captivating! Loved the reference to Zane Grey's books too! The only thing wrong is he was talking about the sage brush in Arizona and parts of California, which have purple blooms in May and June most years, so the range really is a smoky purple! There is nothing like sage in the distance when the wind blows! Just found this author and really enjoyed both books I have read so far!
November 24, 2018
While the two if then did not get off to a great start I knew there was a connection. He was such a sweet man and he loved to make her get all frazzled. Once they finally got their feelings sorted out there was nothing stopping these two. She was great handling his daughter and I knew things would turn out OK.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
November 28, 2018
Sage moved to Montana to save her brother from trouble. Hoping to start a new life. What she found was a town full of friends and a guy who frustrated her. Spence did not want a woman so why can’t he resist Sage? I thought everything was sweet about this story. I enjoyed how everyone in the town became family and the story between Spence and Sage.
December 29, 2018
A joy to read!
I have become quite a fan of Margaret Desmond and her books! She has a great writing style, she keeps it clean, and her books have me anxiously turning each page. I love her characters and how well I get to know them. There's also something about her descriptions that make me want to be in the communities she writes about. :)
I have become quite a fan of Margaret Desmond and her books! She has a great writing style, she keeps it clean, and her books have me anxiously turning each page. I love her characters and how well I get to know them. There's also something about her descriptions that make me want to be in the communities she writes about. :)
April 21, 2020
Sweet romance
In this clean sweet romance there were a lot of fun moments between the two love interests. There were also sweet moments that melted your heart. There was also I lot of very slow and dry moments that added little to the overall story. Because of this I didn't give the story 4 stars.
In this clean sweet romance there were a lot of fun moments between the two love interests. There were also sweet moments that melted your heart. There was also I lot of very slow and dry moments that added little to the overall story. Because of this I didn't give the story 4 stars.
November 17, 2018
The back story in the first two chapters are very descriptive but persevere and you will be glad you did.
This is a great slow-burn well written love story. It is a heart-warming read.
An enjoyable read
This was an ARC copy from Hidden Gems and this is my honest review.
This is a great slow-burn well written love story. It is a heart-warming read.
An enjoyable read
This was an ARC copy from Hidden Gems and this is my honest review.
November 18, 2018
The first book in the Sweet Grass - Montana Romance series and I know I want to read more in this series. The story made you feel like you where there watching it unfold. I received a copy from Hidden Gems and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
November 21, 2018
**siiiigh** I completely loved it!
Sage's story is sad and joyful and beautiful... Much like real life. I loved how very real these characters and situations feel.
I read an arc copy and have left my honest opinion.
Sage's story is sad and joyful and beautiful... Much like real life. I loved how very real these characters and situations feel.
I read an arc copy and have left my honest opinion.
December 13, 2019
This delightful, heart warming story is well written with GREAT characters. I love the town of Hollister and its' quirky characters. This is a new author to me and I will definitely look for the rest of this series. WONDERFUL!
June 13, 2020
Everyone comes back for the pie at Gigi's
Fabulous story of resilience in the face of tragedy, family support, and sweet romance. Wonderful characters with an original plot line. The small town is great, and the rancher is tall, dark and a gentleman.
Fabulous story of resilience in the face of tragedy, family support, and sweet romance. Wonderful characters with an original plot line. The small town is great, and the rancher is tall, dark and a gentleman.
September 26, 2020
I used to love the idea of cowboys or rancher romances when I was a teenager. As a grown up - not so much but this was still a cute romance story involving a rancher and I was able to get through it without cringing.
Content:
Sexual: kissing only
Violence: none
Language: D***
Content:
Sexual: kissing only
Violence: none
Language: D***
January 7, 2022
This book really holds the readers interest !
This story has a nice flow to it, keeping the reader interested in what comes next. Sage is a woman who has come close to sacrificing her happiness to put her brother first. Spence is hot, but in a so natural way of a cowboy.
This story has a nice flow to it, keeping the reader interested in what comes next. Sage is a woman who has come close to sacrificing her happiness to put her brother first. Spence is hot, but in a so natural way of a cowboy.
June 14, 2019
A very romantic book!
Be still my beating heart! I'm ready to move to Montana!
Great plot and great characters. This is a book I would definitely read again.
Be still my beating heart! I'm ready to move to Montana!
Great plot and great characters. This is a book I would definitely read again.
Read
September 29, 2019This is a great book for those who enjoy a good story, well told, that is clean and leaves the reader happy. I search for books like this and am so glad to find Maggie Desmond. Please keep writing.
November 14, 2019
Great read
I really enjoyed this book this is the first book that I have read by this author. I look forward to reading more from her and more in this series.
I really enjoyed this book this is the first book that I have read by this author. I look forward to reading more from her and more in this series.
November 16, 2019
Good Read
A really nice romance with a little action thrown in.One of those stories that holds your interest and keeps you coming back for more.
A really nice romance with a little action thrown in.One of those stories that holds your interest and keeps you coming back for more.
November 20, 2019
The book was to simple and pretty damn boring. There was nothing to it but predictably. Try for originality.
November 21, 2019
Wonderful!
Love love love Margaret Desmond’s style of writing. That Hollister Man was my introduction to her and she left a great first impression! Highly recommend this author.
Love love love Margaret Desmond’s style of writing. That Hollister Man was my introduction to her and she left a great first impression! Highly recommend this author.
November 25, 2019
Sparks Fly
I love how this author takes a look at family dynamics, small town living and lots of romantic sparks without cheapening it with tawdry sexual encounters.
I love how this author takes a look at family dynamics, small town living and lots of romantic sparks without cheapening it with tawdry sexual encounters.
January 7, 2020
It was clean and ok
The beginning was a little too descriptive but once into the story it was pleasant. A nice clean story. I liked all the friendly neighbors, nosey or not!!!!
The beginning was a little too descriptive but once into the story it was pleasant. A nice clean story. I liked all the friendly neighbors, nosey or not!!!!
March 14, 2020
Lovely book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews