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425 Madison #12

His Last Ride

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Cody

She was my childhood friend. The one person outside of my family that I could always count on.
Fate drew us apart, but when my life was turned upside down, it brought us back together.

And, much like when we were kids, she made it right again.

Payton had a way of soothing more than just the wounds that were skin deep.

There’s one small problem, I’m not sure that I want to be just her friend anymore.

Payton

He was my childhood friend. The one who always accepted me for me.
For years, I didn’t realize my life was missing anything and, then Cody came back into it.
Just like when we were kids, he brought all the pieces back together. He made me feel things
I didn’t know I could feel. How can I be his friend when I want so much more?

I won’t be his buckle bunny.

Adjusting to very different lives, Cody and Payton need to decide if what is between them is worth fighting for. From small towns to the big city, they’re not the same people they once were.

Can a childhood friendship become so much more?

Only time will tell.

After all, 425 Madison is the perfect place to fall in love!

Kindle Edition

Published February 10, 2020

13 people are currently reading
94 people want to read

About the author

Marcie Shumway

14 books37 followers
Marcie Shumway is a small-town girl, born and raised in Maine. She resides with her high school sweetheart on a family owned farm just miles from where she grew up. Her hubby and their four furbabies are her first loves, but they are followed closely by her writing, apple pie, and chocolate.

Marcie started writing short stories in middle school for her classmates to enjoy. They were always love stories with happy endings and spurred her dream of being a published author. Chasing that dream as an adult, she continues to write stories for her readers to love. An avid reader herself, Marcie thrives on the books of her favorite authors and when not writing, can be found curled up in her favorite spot with a good book in hand.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
Profile Image for Siobhan.
5,050 reviews599 followers
March 24, 2023
His Last Ride is the twelfth book in the 425 Madison series, and as with all the books in the series this one works perfectly fine as a standalone novel. As with all the books in the series, it’s a quick and addictive read you’ll happily power through.

With His Last Ride, I found myself completing the story in a single sitting. I adored the characters and the story and could not put it down. In fact, this one almost got a four-star rating from me. It’s a three-point-five-star rating where my feelings flickered somewhat. You see, I wanted to give it a four-star rating, but I feel like we never got to see the development of the romance. We went right from knowing about the past to jumping into the relationship, and the development of feelings is my favourite part of any romance.

It was certainly an addictive read and I’m curious about other Marcie Shumway books – there were references to one of the author’s series that has me super curious – but it wasn’t quite enough for me to round my rating up. Still worth the read, though, especially with how I’m super picky.
Profile Image for Nadine Bookaholic.
3,732 reviews524 followers
February 14, 2020
Sweet and sexy romance that brings two childhood friends back together after years of not seeing one another.

Cody and Payton were childhood friends and after spending entire summers together her parent decided it was in her best interest if she stopped going to spend the summers with her grandmother, seriously? I mean who does that, time with grandparents is so precious but that is ultimately what prevented them from seeing one another again. But, just because they didn't see one another didn't mean they didn't think of the other or know what they were up to thanks to the grandparents in their lives.

My complete #BookReview along with an #excerpt can be found here: http://bit.ly/NBReviewHisLastRide

his last ride


Nadine's Obsessed with Books **I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books**
Where to find me:  https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic
Profile Image for  CCAM&GZM.
310 reviews91 followers
February 10, 2020
A sweet, quick, easy flowing and catching story.

Its sweetness comes from the "innocence" of the main characters, especially his, and from how the theme of childhood friends romance is handled. He's an open, serious guy ready to work hard for what he wants. Made of book-boyfriend material, he will attract many admirers and not only for his look. He is a translation of the everlasting fascination for cowboys in the real world.

The plot is straightforward but pleasant to read. The climax is prepared from the first pages and therefore acceptable. Still, I've expected o more trustful reaction from her... or more arguments for it.

Marcie's style allows no dead moments. The words are of a friend who is happy to share with you this story that has happened, making you wish and hope to a happy ending.

425 Madison Ave is known as the perfect place to fall in love... this time is the place of falling in love again.

His last ride is just their beginning.

https://mythicalbooks.blogspot.com/20...
Profile Image for Cali Gal’s.
1,227 reviews146 followers
February 11, 2020
Cowboy and New York City? WHAT?! I know, it sounds like an oxymoron but truthfully it makes for a nummy romance. I love how this book takes childhood friends and turns them into a magical story.

Payton and Cody are perfect for each other and they all the feels. I love that our heroine is a vet tech. Who wouldn’t want a woman who loves animals? Cody comes the the rodeo world but unfortunately an injury has ended his career.

The flashbacks from their childhood together is priceless. It sets a beautiful stage for them.

This story has the simplicity of yesteryear romance but all the lovely heat of today’s YA reads. Wink. I won’t say anymore to give the story away but definitely recommend this one.

Happy Reading Everyone!
Profile Image for Isha Coleman.
9,101 reviews173 followers
February 8, 2020
A friendship of the heart becomes a love story that's as unpredictable as time. Shumway takes emotions on a sentimental journey that idles it's way to a long overdo completion. For Cody and Payton their innocent friendship got complicated by life. When fate gives them a second chance will fresh heartache ruin what could be a forever kind of love? Take a walk down memory lane and lose your heart along the way.
3,114 reviews26 followers
April 4, 2022
they grew up together each summer in Maine until her parents forced them apart. It's 12 yrs later and after bull riding career that ends abruptly, he moves to NY and it turns out that's where she works as a vet tech... an interesting career for a woman who was forced to attend private schools by her parents.

This was missing more background and filler that would have made the story richer.
Profile Image for Pamela.
4,193 reviews35 followers
February 11, 2020
Payton and Cody were childhood friends until fate moved them apart. Now Payton is a vet and Cody was in the rodeo until an injury ended his career. The two always cared about each other but their feelings have changed into love. Can they take the chance and have a strong love? A quick, good read.
Profile Image for Sue Wallace .
7,432 reviews142 followers
February 20, 2020
His last ride by Marcie Shumway.
Brilliant read. I really enjoyed this book. I love the whole series and I hope there is more to come. Liked Cody and Payton characters. 5*.
Profile Image for Heather Navarre.
769 reviews4 followers
February 11, 2020
Great second chance at 425 Madison Ave

Held my interest as I love second chance books.

Payton and Cody were childhood friends-often times friends drift apart and that’s what happened.

However family members always had the knowledge of where they were, and what was going on.

There was so much to the story and it was all great to read.

Profile Image for Rebecca.
465 reviews16 followers
August 20, 2020
Save A Horse, Ride A Cowboy!!!

Now when I say save a horse ride a cowboy know it truly is meaningful in this book, but I will say no more. This book was awesome, as I've come to expect from all the 425 Madison Avenue books!
Profile Image for Jennifer.
745 reviews15 followers
February 10, 2020
I’m always a fan of romances where childhood friends meet again and become much more! Cody is rebuilding his life after injuries prevent him from continuing a rodeo life so he decides to move to New York City. Once there, he learns from his grandmother that his best friend from childhood, Payton, is also living in New York. Payton loves her life working as a veterinary tech but everything is turned upside down once she and Cody reconnect and they start to realize that the feelings they have aren’t just friendly feelings.

This is a fast-paced novel that is full of humor, sweet romance, and of course some fantastic steamy scenes. Shumway has created very likable and relatable characters with a unique and interesting story. Not once did I find myself bored with the plot, however, there isn’t a ton of conflict in this one. Most conflict is internal as Cody comes to terms with his new normal and tries to figure out what to do with his life now that his rodeo days are done. There are some bumps in the road here and there, but otherwise, Cody and Payton’s story is a happy one.

As always with this series, each book can be read as a standalone so no need to shy away from this one if you haven’t read others in the series. But I certainly recommend them all because it’s a great, light-hearted series full of quick reads that will leave you with a smile on your face. His Last Ride is a perfect blend of romance and sexiness coupled with the sweet nostalgia of childhood friendships.

*Thanks to ForeverWrite PR and the author for providing this review copy in exchange for my honest opinion!
Profile Image for Andrea Guy.
1,483 reviews66 followers
February 12, 2020
I really love the 425 Madison series. Its introduced me to so many great authors, that I may

never have given a chance to otherwise. This book is my introduction to Marcie Shumway.


His Last Ride is a childhood friends romance. This isn't a trope I usually read, but it worked out really

well here.


Its a quick, engaging read and the characters are so likable. I felt so bad for Cody as we see his career

end at the start of the story. He was a rodeo star and injuries have forced him out of the circuit.


Oddly, I'm becoming a fan of cowboys these days. (Just a random observation) Oh and he's a cowboy

from Maine. I love that even more, because most cowboys in romance come from Texas, so yay for

something different


Payton is a vet tech, who knew Cody from her summers at her grandmother's farm in Maine. Awww


They are both in NYC now and well..things start happening for them.


Squee!


I really loved this book, with the exception of one part which really really spoiled an otherwise good

read.


The death of a puppy.


Yeah...Seriously, any book that uses an animal death to move a story along gets a thumbs down from

me. That knocked a flower off my review, because I just couldn't wrap my head around the need for

that. Also...having sex after the death of said puppy.



GAH!


That made me angry.


I'm giving it 4 flowers because I loved the characters and they were a sweet couple, truthfully though

its more like 3.5, because of the puppy.

Profile Image for Elaine - Splashes Into Books.
3,895 reviews137 followers
February 20, 2020
The latest addition to the 425 Madison series is this delightful childhood friends meeting again and falling in love. They last saw each other years ago after her parents stopped her going to stay with her Gran for the summer but they never forgot each other – and their grandparents let them know about each other’s lives.

After an injury result in Cody having to stop being a competitive bull rider he moves to 425 Madison whilst he sorts out what to do next. He wasn’t aware how close he now lives to the girl who had been his best friend, Payton, who lives and works nearby as a vet tech. When they accidentally meet, it is as if the years apart have disappeared. They’re both grown up, of course, but their friendship and understanding of each other is immediately there – along with the desire to be more than friends. What happens if they don’t work out? Dare they risk their friendship by being more than friends?

This is a heartwarming story of friendship, fresh starts, supporting each other as well as misunderstandings, reality, paparazzi and pressure. It has many characters from other stories in the series making appearances but you don’t have to have read them all to enjoy this one as it is designed to work as a standalone.

I requested and was gifted a copy of this book and this is my honest review after choosing to read it.
Profile Image for Donise.
1,293 reviews3 followers
February 18, 2020
Although this book is part of the 425 Madison novels, it can be read as a standalone. This one is about an injured bull rider and his re-connection with his best friend from childhood who is now a veterinarian assistant in New York City and just happens to live around the corner.
Cody decides to move to New York City after a life altering injury changes his career goals. While licking his wounds and trying to figure out what to do next, he discovers that his best friend, Payton happens to not only work in New York City, but she also happens to live just around the corner from him. Once Payton and Cody start hanging out together again it becomes clear to everyone but the two of them that they are in love with each other and that they belong together forever. It takes a different kind of wake up call for both of them to realize just how they feel about each other and that they both need to let go of the past in order to make a future together. They soon discover that the way may not be an easy ride, but the "last ride" to happiness is worth the journey.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews187 followers
February 12, 2020
Marcie Shumway is a new to me author, and what better way to discover her talent than with A 425 Madison Novel series. While His Last Ride was a bit short(ish), making it a tad hard to really develop relationships the way I love them too develop, I'm super excited to read her full length stories in the near future. This is the story of Payton & Cody, who were best friends growing up, until she moved away. Fast forward some years, they come across each other's path when Cody ends up in New York, trying to start over after an incident from his previous job made his life crash down around his ears. They fall back into friendship, and yet, each were catching feelings but not telling the other. Of course, fate has stepped in, so they won't be able to be fearful for long. So, is this the HEA that both have been waiting on?! You'll have to hit the one click button to find out! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Profile Image for Christine C.
383 reviews5 followers
February 12, 2020
Payton and Cody are childhood friends, spending summers together when Payton visits her grandmother. In high school, though, her parents send her away to a boarding school and they lose touch. Cody has followed his dream but loses his career in an instant and moves to NYC, getting an apartment in 425 Madison. Serendipitously, his friend and Payton’s roommate are dating and try to set up the two of them, not knowing they already knew each other.

These two have such a sweet relationship. They both had feelings for each other as teens, but were too afraid to act on it. Now as adults, they are all in but both have baggage from the years apart. He has a crazy, semi-famous ex who is desperate to be a star. She has issues from a lifetime of neglectful, unemotional parents.

This book was very enjoyable. I liked their friends Brian and Des as well. I’m hoping their story will be told too, because I’d love to read it. And the grandmothers in the book are adorable!
Profile Image for Charlotte Lynn.
2,249 reviews63 followers
February 10, 2020

His Last Ride is a story of friends who have an attraction to each other but are afraid to take the jump in fear of losing their friendship. Yet, how can two people who belong to each other, love each other, and need each other possibly fight the attraction?

This is the story of Cody and Payton. They were friends as children, always having each other’s backs. Cody’s career as a bull rider has come to an end and his life is unhinged. He has moved to the city, not knowing that Payton also lives there, to find a new life. Payton is exactly what Cody needs and she doesn’t realize how much she needs him too.

I am entirely hooked on the 425 Madison Series. Each book in this series is entirely a standalone book with their own characters. The common thread is the setting of 425 Madison.
Profile Image for LA.
102 reviews4 followers
February 13, 2020
His Last Ride by Marcie Shumway is the 12th book in the 425 Madison Avenue series.

I really enjoyed this childhood friends/second chance story. Both Payton and Cody were characters that you automatically knew were born to be together. Their childhood friendship was so endearing, but when they lost contact with one another it was heartbreaking.

This story is special as it has a lot of heart to it, you can sense how important family is to Payton and Cody and their grandmothers are so cute! The flashbacks to when they were children and the times spent together on the farm in Maine gave you a glimpse of their strong friendship.

His Last Ride is a sweet story, but you also get a lot heat with that sweet! I fell in love with Payton and Cody, I think you might too!

I received a complementary ARC for an honest review.
Profile Image for Amy M. (Amy Loves Reading Blog).
742 reviews50 followers
February 15, 2020
Oh my goodness!!! This book gave all the feels you could imagine! As I finish this book I am left with the most outrageous swoony feeling EVER!

Cody had me from the beginning!!! I could feel his emotions during his ride on the bull and then I could feel each high and low he felt afterward. That opening with Cody and Payton gave you the connection to them that set the connection you feel with them throughout the book! These best friends couldn’t help but make you smile with them! Even during sad moments or shocking moments you could feel their connection.

I think this one might be my favorite so far of the second round of the 425 Madison series! I LOVED Cody and Payton so much!!! Their connection, their chemistry and even their sad moments left me in awe. I am swooned beyond swooned!! This book couldn’t have been written better!! Congrats!!!
Profile Image for Kari.
4,036 reviews99 followers
April 9, 2023
His Last Ride book 12 in the 425 Madison Avenue series. It's a friends to lovers/second chance romance. For the most part, I enjoyed the story, I thought the couple was cute together and their history made their romance more believable. I also appreciated the slow burn of the romance. The only part I didn't buy into was the "conflict" toward the end of the story. I felt like Payton's reaction was a bit over the top. I also didn't feel like there was enough time spent on Cody's clear PTSD and his quick ability to work through it. I think if the story had been longer, the transition wouldn't have been so abrupt. So, while not my favorite of the bunch, it's still a fun read and worth checking out.
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
12.4k reviews93 followers
February 13, 2020
Cody has recently moved to NY looking for a fresh start both personally and professionally after both his rodeo career and his engagement came to end. Payton is a woman with a huge heart who loves her job as a veterinary technician and gives the animals she treats the love she has never received from anyone except her grandmother.

Cody and Payton were friends as children until circumstances tore them apart. Now that they are back in the same city at the same time it isn’t too long before their friendship is stronger than ever but what happens if friendship is not enough?

There was no denying that Cody and Payton were perfect for each other but before they can be together they must deal with their pasts. .
Profile Image for Sherry Sias.
662 reviews1 follower
January 29, 2020
Payton and Cody's story started when they were little. Cody growing up with his grandparents, Payton visiting her Grandma next door every summer till she turned 15. Now grown, Cody is a professional bull rider and Payton a vet tech. When Cody gets a career ending injury, he hides at his grandparents, then moves to 425 Madison in NYC. Unaware that Payton lives there to.
Will the two run into each other? Do they remain friends or take that next step and get their HEA?
This book is amazing. I could not put it down, except I had to sleep. That is the only reason. All the characters were exceptionally written. The story flowed throughout. I am enjoying this series tremendously.
Profile Image for Debbie.
483 reviews
February 10, 2020
I am really enjoying this whole series, and this book didn’t disappoint.

Cody and Payton were childhood best friends, they knew everything about each other, and as they got older they become closer, until a decision made by her parents separated them! Eleven years pass by, both are doing jobs that they love, but when an injury make one of them give it up, they are reunited.

They are friends, will stay in the friends zone, until the magic that is 425 Madison steps in and they take the next step! But things never run smoothly and when an ex appears, and insecurities take over, Payton goes back to her happy place! Can Cody win her back? And can Payton realise that she is loveable!
Profile Image for 2OCC Reviews.
3,487 reviews255 followers
February 10, 2020
Another great story in the 425 Madison Series, His Last Ride by Marcie Shumway has all the elements of an outstanding read. Cowboy, vet tech, childhood friends reunited with lots of feels.

Cody, upon having his lifelong dream crushed, moves to 425 Madison to start his life over. Payton is living her dream of working with animals when Cody comes back into her life. Together their story is one of remembered friendship, growing love and the realization of love.

With a curve thrown in, the story will hold you attention from the first page and will leave you sighing in happiness. 5 Stars #2OCCMS
Profile Image for S.
571 reviews
February 12, 2020
Another phenomenal book from our family at 425 Madison! I've yet to be disappointed and turned off by this series. I've grown to love these characters like friends/family.

Here we get Cody and Payton's story. They're childhood friends that lose touch with one another due to Payton's parents. Then pure coincidence not only bring them back together but sound the corner from one another. Of course just as they think love was on the horizon jealousy and pettiness steps in torturing them both by way of a vindictive ex.

But thankful friendship and love prevails giving a phenomenal happy ever after!
Profile Image for Astrid Rudloff.
489 reviews1 follower
February 9, 2020
I voluntarily review an ARC.
This is the twelfth book of the 425 Madison series. The books are standalones, but I recommend to read all of them. I just love this series.
His last ride is a cute romance with reliable and loveable characters. Childhood friends, both with a crush than, meet again after many years and it feels like they just skip the missing time and carry on their romance as adults.
It's a really cute and heartwarming story, but there are few obstacles for them, not many unexpected turns. The story is somewhat smooth in comparison to the other book of the series.
4,145 reviews25 followers
February 9, 2020
Good, but a little too cute for me
3.5
The romance is good, between two childhood friends who find themselves after the accident of one of them. Cody was a rodeo professional, which was his dream from childhood, until an accident with a bull. A year later, a new life begins for him in New York and he meets again Payton who was his childhood friend and who is a veterinary assistant.
The story includes part of Cody's reconstruction in this new life and an important part also in relation to Payton's work with animals. The whole is rather tender, romantic and very cute.
105 reviews2 followers
February 10, 2020
Loved this story. Cody and Payton are such a sweet couple, friends since childhood, him an ex bull rider and her a vet tech, meeting up again after 10 long years. This had it all, drama and tension, relationship highs and lows, great characters, romance and steam. A real feel good story about finding what makes you happy. Certainly characters I got involved with but have flubs that with all the books in the 425 Madison Avenue series. Really great books!
This was an ARC and I'm more than happy to honestly review this book.
2,770 reviews34 followers
February 10, 2020
Loved this story. Cody and Payton are such a sweet couple, friends since childhood, him an ex bull rider and her a vet tech, meeting up again after 10 long years. This had it all, drama and tension, relationship highs and lows, great characters, romance and steam. A real feel good story about finding what makes you happy. Certainly characters I got involved with but have flubs that with all the books in the 425 Madison Avenue series. Really great books!
This was an ARC and I'm more than happy to honestly review this book.
Profile Image for LLS.
929 reviews23 followers
February 10, 2020
This was another solid offering from this series! Cody and Payton were childhood friends and both cared deeply about each other. They ended up going their separate ways. Cody was a famous bull rider and his last ride became his final ride after getting injured. He decided to move to the city for a new beginning. Unbeknownst to him, Payton is already in the city working. By chance, they meet again and the feelings are still there. Will they be able to be what each other needs? Their story was so worth reading.

Thank you for the privilege of reading this book! Well done ❤️
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews

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