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Stargazer Springs Ranch #5
Captivated by Steph
Dating again is not part of my plan, and romance with my late husband’s best friend is definitely off limits.
When Blake shows up after five years, I remember how much fun he was to have around. With his own brand of humor, he keeps everyone laughing. Especially me.
He’s fun, comfortable . . . until he shows romantic interest.
Blake’s never been one for settling down, but even if he were, I can’t date him. There are so many reasons. Besides the friend thing, Blake hates wine. I own a winery. He rides the rodeo circuit. I stay far away from rodeos.
A perfect match? Not at all. We’re more like two mismatched socks.
Can two odd socks really make a pair?
When Blake shows up after five years, I remember how much fun he was to have around. With his own brand of humor, he keeps everyone laughing. Especially me.
He’s fun, comfortable . . . until he shows romantic interest.
Blake’s never been one for settling down, but even if he were, I can’t date him. There are so many reasons. Besides the friend thing, Blake hates wine. I own a winery. He rides the rodeo circuit. I stay far away from rodeos.
A perfect match? Not at all. We’re more like two mismatched socks.
Can two odd socks really make a pair?
226 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 30, 2022
5 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
About the author
Remi Carrington
44 books352 followersRemi Carrington is the figment of Pamela Humphrey's imagination. She loves romance & chocolate, enjoys disappearing into a delicious book, and considers people-watching a sport. She was born in the pages of the novel Just You and then grew into an alter ego.
She writes sweet romance set in Texas. Her new series, Bluebonnets & Billionaires, will launch in Jan 2019. Her books are part of the Phrey Press imprint.
She writes sweet romance set in Texas. Her new series, Bluebonnets & Billionaires, will launch in Jan 2019. Her books are part of the Phrey Press imprint.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
December 30, 2022
This is such a sweet read! It is fun, flirty, and heart-warming. Steph is a widow and Blake was her husband’s best friend. Five years have passed since her husband’s unexpected passing and since they’ve seen each other. This is a friends to more, later in life romance done so well.
Things I Loved:
-“Don’t lasso the llamas!”
-Inga
-Fluffy nutter sandwiches
-Tandy
-Fanny
-Reading lips
-Scaring the trespassers x’s 2
-Lucky coin
-Photoshoot
-The ladder
-Sick snuggles
-Resting her head on his back
-“Kiss me, Blake.”
-Two odd socks
-Eight seconds
This is the fifth book in the Stargazer Springs Ranch series which also loosely ties in with the Never Say Never and Cowboys of Stargazer Springs series, so it is filled with so many fun little crossovers and Easter eggs. It can be read as a stand-alone, but don’t miss out on getting to know everyone from this great ranch and small town! I absolutely cannot wait for Tandy’s story as the finale to this great series of later-in-life romances, she is just the best and I can’t wait for her HEA after all the meddling she’s done in the Stadtburg residents’ love lives. 😂♥️
Trigger warning: A widow and her late husband’s best friend are the MCs, so an obvious theme of grief is present, but the loss happened five years prior and it doesn’t get very heavy.
Content: Sweet, closed door read. Some innuendo in a joking manner.
Things I Loved:
-“Don’t lasso the llamas!”
-Inga
-Fluffy nutter sandwiches
-Tandy
-Fanny
-Reading lips
-Scaring the trespassers x’s 2
-Lucky coin
-Photoshoot
-The ladder
-Sick snuggles
-Resting her head on his back
-“Kiss me, Blake.”
-Two odd socks
-Eight seconds
This is the fifth book in the Stargazer Springs Ranch series which also loosely ties in with the Never Say Never and Cowboys of Stargazer Springs series, so it is filled with so many fun little crossovers and Easter eggs. It can be read as a stand-alone, but don’t miss out on getting to know everyone from this great ranch and small town! I absolutely cannot wait for Tandy’s story as the finale to this great series of later-in-life romances, she is just the best and I can’t wait for her HEA after all the meddling she’s done in the Stadtburg residents’ love lives. 😂♥️
Trigger warning: A widow and her late husband’s best friend are the MCs, so an obvious theme of grief is present, but the loss happened five years prior and it doesn’t get very heavy.
Content: Sweet, closed door read. Some innuendo in a joking manner.
January 4, 2023
One thing to know about me is that I really love a good cowboy romance, so when I saw Remi Carrington had ARC opening for her new release Captivating Steph, I had to jump on it! And I’m so glad she chose me to be one of her readers because this was an amazing story.
I loved everything about this book. The banter was hilarious, the romance swoony with just the right amount of sizzle, and all the characters were lovable and real.
I’ve never read a romance quite like this one. Not only was it between people in their forties, but Steph was a widow and Blake her late husband’s best friend. I really liked how their friendship turned into more despite Steph’s hesitance about loving again. In a way it was like second chance, but with a twist!
This is the fifth book in the series, and I’ve never read any of the others, but I wasn’t confused at all. Yes, there were little things said about the side characters, but it didn’t make the story hard to read. Actually all it did was make me want to read the other books!
Oh, and I can’t forget to add that I loved the fact that Blake and Steph went swing dancing! It added in some cute scenes that made me smile.
It’s safe it say I really enjoyed this book, and I can’t wait to read more by Remi Carrington!
I loved everything about this book. The banter was hilarious, the romance swoony with just the right amount of sizzle, and all the characters were lovable and real.
I’ve never read a romance quite like this one. Not only was it between people in their forties, but Steph was a widow and Blake her late husband’s best friend. I really liked how their friendship turned into more despite Steph’s hesitance about loving again. In a way it was like second chance, but with a twist!
This is the fifth book in the series, and I’ve never read any of the others, but I wasn’t confused at all. Yes, there were little things said about the side characters, but it didn’t make the story hard to read. Actually all it did was make me want to read the other books!
Oh, and I can’t forget to add that I loved the fact that Blake and Steph went swing dancing! It added in some cute scenes that made me smile.
It’s safe it say I really enjoyed this book, and I can’t wait to read more by Remi Carrington!
January 3, 2023
I’ve been hooked on The Cowboys of Stargazer Ranch series for a few weeks now.
Let’s just talk about Blake Dalton for a moment. Swoony! Broad-chested and a good kisser? A cowboy who can cook and lives to say yes? Weak knees!!
I don’t do spoilers and you can read the back co er copy to get the gist of the book. I’m just going to drop my thoughts after finishing.
Remi Carrington navigated complicated circumstances and emotions into the story. I’m impressed with how she handled it.
The characters were relatable and genuine. I loved their banter as well as honest conversations.
I got caught up in this one for so many reasons. The setting, the story, the characters, and that it’s part of a series I’ve really enjoyed.
Now I’ll just hit the buy bottom on any more books in this series.
Let’s just talk about Blake Dalton for a moment. Swoony! Broad-chested and a good kisser? A cowboy who can cook and lives to say yes? Weak knees!!
I don’t do spoilers and you can read the back co er copy to get the gist of the book. I’m just going to drop my thoughts after finishing.
Remi Carrington navigated complicated circumstances and emotions into the story. I’m impressed with how she handled it.
The characters were relatable and genuine. I loved their banter as well as honest conversations.
I got caught up in this one for so many reasons. The setting, the story, the characters, and that it’s part of a series I’ve really enjoyed.
Now I’ll just hit the buy bottom on any more books in this series.
January 2, 2023
Reader’s Notes:
– this is part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone
– this is told from Blake & Steph’s points of view
– there is some innuendo
Review:
I almost sat up all night reading this story after having finished a different one! (Who needs sleep? Well, apparently me since I couldn’t stay up all night. 😂) This is my first read from this series, but I didn’t feel like anything was missing by not having read the other stories in the series first. I absolutely loved Blake and Steph and their friendship! They were so sweet with one another and I loved that they could confide in one another in a way they couldn’t with others because of their shared friendship with Steph’s late husband. Some of my favorite scenes/moments from this story included: scaring people in the vineyard, Tandy’s talks with Steph, Blake taking care of Steph when she was sick, the girl’s nights, Blake practicing dancing, the promo picture taking, the stomp, and the story of the lucky coin. I’m so excited to see that Tandy will be getting a story next for this series! I’ve been wondering what happened between her and the man she was avoiding for most of the story!
Summary:
Blake regrets not being there for Steph when his friend (and her husband) died, but he didn’t think it’d be a good idea for them to be in close proximity consoling one another after such a loss. Not with the feelings he’d been hiding from her since they first met. Blake just couldn’t do that to his friend. But enough time has passed that he should be good, right?
Steph never expected to see Blake again after he disappeared. But now that he is here, it’s like Steph has regained a piece of the happiness she lost that night. Blake is fun and a great friend to have around. Even though her friends are suggesting there’s more than friendship between them, Steph doesn’t see him that way. They are just friends and she isn’t looking for a relationship. But when Blake starts flirting with her, Steph doesn’t know what to think. Could Blake have feelings for her that run deeper than expected?
– this is part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone
– this is told from Blake & Steph’s points of view
– there is some innuendo
Review:
I almost sat up all night reading this story after having finished a different one! (Who needs sleep? Well, apparently me since I couldn’t stay up all night. 😂) This is my first read from this series, but I didn’t feel like anything was missing by not having read the other stories in the series first. I absolutely loved Blake and Steph and their friendship! They were so sweet with one another and I loved that they could confide in one another in a way they couldn’t with others because of their shared friendship with Steph’s late husband. Some of my favorite scenes/moments from this story included: scaring people in the vineyard, Tandy’s talks with Steph, Blake taking care of Steph when she was sick, the girl’s nights, Blake practicing dancing, the promo picture taking, the stomp, and the story of the lucky coin. I’m so excited to see that Tandy will be getting a story next for this series! I’ve been wondering what happened between her and the man she was avoiding for most of the story!
Summary:
Blake regrets not being there for Steph when his friend (and her husband) died, but he didn’t think it’d be a good idea for them to be in close proximity consoling one another after such a loss. Not with the feelings he’d been hiding from her since they first met. Blake just couldn’t do that to his friend. But enough time has passed that he should be good, right?
Steph never expected to see Blake again after he disappeared. But now that he is here, it’s like Steph has regained a piece of the happiness she lost that night. Blake is fun and a great friend to have around. Even though her friends are suggesting there’s more than friendship between them, Steph doesn’t see him that way. They are just friends and she isn’t looking for a relationship. But when Blake starts flirting with her, Steph doesn’t know what to think. Could Blake have feelings for her that run deeper than expected?
January 3, 2023
What a fantastic story 👏🏻🤌🏻🙌🏻
Late husband's best friend. Grief and healing.
Care taking. He falls first. Close Proximity. Dual POV. Love over 40/Later in Life 🥰 Rodeo Cowboy 🤠 Starts in Summer, hits Thanksgiving & Christmas.
Blake is very fun and flirty! This is my favorite type of hero! I loved how he was so patient with Steph as she realized her feelings for him ran deeper than friendship.
Steph is closed off to love after losing her husband 5 yrs prior. So she has some growing to do and Blake helps her with that.
Their chemistry is just 🤌🏻 So much swoon. Like all of the Stargazer Springs Ranch stories.
💕RCRS: 2-3 (Brief to heavier kissing)
🚨Content Warning: Mild/light grief
🗨Some Quotes:
A job brought me here, but Steph was the reason I’d be staying. I wasn’t hoping for romance or anything like that. But I’d missed her.
Being back felt a lot like coming home. For lots of reasons.
And I’d been homesick a long time.
Steph, there is no ask too big. I mean that. If you want anything, tell me.”
It was the most raw and vulnerable I’d been with her.
She blinked and gave a slight nod. “You don’t need to take care of me, Blake.”
Any time I tried to make it clear that I wanted to be close, she pushed me away a little. Instead of giving up, I rubbed the sticks together with a little more gusto. “Need and want are two different words, my dear.”
She slid her hand down my chest and gave me a pat before breaking away. “I thought you didn’t like kissing in front of an audience.”
“I was wrong.” I tugged her back to my lips.
Late husband's best friend. Grief and healing.
Care taking. He falls first. Close Proximity. Dual POV. Love over 40/Later in Life 🥰 Rodeo Cowboy 🤠 Starts in Summer, hits Thanksgiving & Christmas.
Blake is very fun and flirty! This is my favorite type of hero! I loved how he was so patient with Steph as she realized her feelings for him ran deeper than friendship.
Steph is closed off to love after losing her husband 5 yrs prior. So she has some growing to do and Blake helps her with that.
Their chemistry is just 🤌🏻 So much swoon. Like all of the Stargazer Springs Ranch stories.
💕RCRS: 2-3 (Brief to heavier kissing)
🚨Content Warning: Mild/light grief
🗨Some Quotes:
A job brought me here, but Steph was the reason I’d be staying. I wasn’t hoping for romance or anything like that. But I’d missed her.
Being back felt a lot like coming home. For lots of reasons.
And I’d been homesick a long time.
Steph, there is no ask too big. I mean that. If you want anything, tell me.”
It was the most raw and vulnerable I’d been with her.
She blinked and gave a slight nod. “You don’t need to take care of me, Blake.”
Any time I tried to make it clear that I wanted to be close, she pushed me away a little. Instead of giving up, I rubbed the sticks together with a little more gusto. “Need and want are two different words, my dear.”
She slid her hand down my chest and gave me a pat before breaking away. “I thought you didn’t like kissing in front of an audience.”
“I was wrong.” I tugged her back to my lips.
January 14, 2023
Romance level: kissing 🔥, innuendos
Remi's cowboys are always my favorites! 🐎 They are the sweetest! True gentlemen. Her books always have a realness/rawness that drags you into the story!
I loved how "ranchy" (if that's even a word) their 2nd meeting was.🦙
It has always been an issue with me getting used to their age... They're in their late twenties/early thirties in my mind😅
I just loved how slow the pace was. Letting you get a grip of their attraction...But still how they needed time to truly enjoy being with each other.
You know one of your favorite authors is amazing when you miss a character you didn't meet since the beginning of the story. Liam's small details were so sweet.💕
I loved their communication! sometimes they did it so well, that I got frustrated a bit... especially w/Steph😅. Nonetheless, I can totally understand what she was going through. She was so strong. I loved how Blake was so thoughtful, patient, kind, a good friend & always giving his best effort.
I loved their big gestures! The last bits were a little fast paced, but they've been waiting for so long, it seemed fit for their story. Loved the extra scenes! I can't wait for Mathew's story💕.
My favorite scenes:
📷The photo😍
🍷The winery
🧦The final scene
🪜Ladder😂
⚠️TW: loss of a partner/friend in an accident.
🍁
* I was kindly gifted an ARC from the author. This doesn't influence in any form my review/opinion of the book*
Remi's cowboys are always my favorites! 🐎 They are the sweetest! True gentlemen. Her books always have a realness/rawness that drags you into the story!
I loved how "ranchy" (if that's even a word) their 2nd meeting was.🦙
It has always been an issue with me getting used to their age... They're in their late twenties/early thirties in my mind😅
I just loved how slow the pace was. Letting you get a grip of their attraction...But still how they needed time to truly enjoy being with each other.
You know one of your favorite authors is amazing when you miss a character you didn't meet since the beginning of the story. Liam's small details were so sweet.💕
I loved their communication! sometimes they did it so well, that I got frustrated a bit... especially w/Steph😅. Nonetheless, I can totally understand what she was going through. She was so strong. I loved how Blake was so thoughtful, patient, kind, a good friend & always giving his best effort.
I loved their big gestures! The last bits were a little fast paced, but they've been waiting for so long, it seemed fit for their story. Loved the extra scenes! I can't wait for Mathew's story💕.
My favorite scenes:
📷The photo😍
🍷The winery
🧦The final scene
🪜Ladder😂
⚠️TW: loss of a partner/friend in an accident.
🍁
* I was kindly gifted an ARC from the author. This doesn't influence in any form my review/opinion of the book*
January 9, 2023
A Perfect Combination . . .
Steph is a widow who unexpectedly lost her husband 5 years ago. She has no plans for falling in love with anyone. Blake was her husband’s best friend who brought joy to everyone around him. He had not been around at the time of her husband’s death, mostly because he didn’t want his own feelings for her to make her uncomfortable or get in the way of her grief. He valued their friendship, but gave her time to heal and move on.
When enough time has passed, Blake returns. But Steph sees only their friendship. When he flirts with her, she is not ready to respond to that. So she makes excuses to herself as to why they can’t date. A threat to their friendship? His dislike of wine, although she owns a winery? His rodeo connection when she avoids rodeos? These are weak excuses to face the fact that she may actually be in love in him! Will he be patient and show her his own feelings? Will she give him a chance to show her heart how much he cares?
The story line was well-written and easily drew the reader into caring for these two. Being her husband’s best friend, they already had a close relationship, but the romance was not revealed until much later after her husband’s death. Was she ready to move on? Were Blake’s actions enough to prove it was real for him? Grab your copy and see if a HEA is waiting.
Steph is a widow who unexpectedly lost her husband 5 years ago. She has no plans for falling in love with anyone. Blake was her husband’s best friend who brought joy to everyone around him. He had not been around at the time of her husband’s death, mostly because he didn’t want his own feelings for her to make her uncomfortable or get in the way of her grief. He valued their friendship, but gave her time to heal and move on.
When enough time has passed, Blake returns. But Steph sees only their friendship. When he flirts with her, she is not ready to respond to that. So she makes excuses to herself as to why they can’t date. A threat to their friendship? His dislike of wine, although she owns a winery? His rodeo connection when she avoids rodeos? These are weak excuses to face the fact that she may actually be in love in him! Will he be patient and show her his own feelings? Will she give him a chance to show her heart how much he cares?
The story line was well-written and easily drew the reader into caring for these two. Being her husband’s best friend, they already had a close relationship, but the romance was not revealed until much later after her husband’s death. Was she ready to move on? Were Blake’s actions enough to prove it was real for him? Grab your copy and see if a HEA is waiting.
January 10, 2023
This was such a sweet read. I've read some of Remi's other books, but this was the first book I'd read in her Stargazer Springs Ranch series. There were overlapping characters from the other series I've read, so that was super fun to see!
Honestly, I loved how the author handled grief and falling in love after losing the love of your life. It was just adorable. I totally appreciated how the characters acted their age. These characters are early to mid-40s. I've read other books that had older characters, but they acted like teenagers, which I hated. But these characters are mature and confident in themselves. They also know how to communicate! I loved it.
Steph and Blake were just the sweetest. I loved how patient he was with her and that he never once pushed for more, even though he wanted it.
If you love cowboys, slightly older characters, matchmaking schemes, friends to more, then you will love this book!
**I received an ARC from the author. All opinions are my own.
Honestly, I loved how the author handled grief and falling in love after losing the love of your life. It was just adorable. I totally appreciated how the characters acted their age. These characters are early to mid-40s. I've read other books that had older characters, but they acted like teenagers, which I hated. But these characters are mature and confident in themselves. They also know how to communicate! I loved it.
Steph and Blake were just the sweetest. I loved how patient he was with her and that he never once pushed for more, even though he wanted it.
If you love cowboys, slightly older characters, matchmaking schemes, friends to more, then you will love this book!
**I received an ARC from the author. All opinions are my own.
January 10, 2023
This is book 5 in Carrington's Stargazer Springs Ranch series, however, this book can be read as a standalone. This is Steph and Blake's story and told in dual point of view. A sweet, clean romance that is fun and flirty but will pull on those heart strings. Steph is a widower and Blake was her husband's best friend but after years of mourning and now Blake's return to her life, Steph's feelings have developed into more than just friendship with Blake and she struggles with that. Blake has always had feelings for Steph but kept them hidden for his friends sake, now he's back in town and in close proximity and the longer he stays the more he wants to stay. A beautiful romance that is sweet and captivating and will have you excited for more from Carrington!
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.
December 28, 2022
This book is the fifth in the Stargazer ranch series (which will have six books in total). The heroine is the sister of a previous hero. I don't think that you would need to read previous books for it to make sense but like an onion, reading the previous books add texture and flavour.
What I love about this series is that all the characters know each other and even relate to other series. This makes it feel like you are visiting with old friends. Remi writes with humour which adds to the enjoyability of the story.
I receive complimentary books for various sources including, Netgalley, Authors, and other such sources. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received compensation.
What I love about this series is that all the characters know each other and even relate to other series. This makes it feel like you are visiting with old friends. Remi writes with humour which adds to the enjoyability of the story.
I receive complimentary books for various sources including, Netgalley, Authors, and other such sources. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received compensation.
January 7, 2023
This is a cute book with more mature love interests. It is a second chance romance at its finest.
Blake was the best friend of Steph’s late husband, who was involved in a rodeo accident. It’s been 5 years since they’ve seen each other. Blake stayed away partly due to grief and partly due to guilt as he has been attracted to Steph as long as he’s known her.
Blake is working on a construction job at Steph’s winery, renovating her brother’s restaurant. Steph asked Blake to stay with her while he is on the job. The longer he stays, the more he wants it to be permanent. Now he just has to convince Steph….
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Blake was the best friend of Steph’s late husband, who was involved in a rodeo accident. It’s been 5 years since they’ve seen each other. Blake stayed away partly due to grief and partly due to guilt as he has been attracted to Steph as long as he’s known her.
Blake is working on a construction job at Steph’s winery, renovating her brother’s restaurant. Steph asked Blake to stay with her while he is on the job. The longer he stays, the more he wants it to be permanent. Now he just has to convince Steph….
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 8, 2023
For Steph and Blake there is history. After all, Blake is her late husband's best friend. They know one another, have a close relationship and he has had feelings for her for a while. They have something to build on and it is done at a good pace at the right time after she has had time to start working through her grief. The history could be the elephant in the room but it is handled well in this story. It was realistic that they both had things to work through and good to see them do that and come out together on the other side.
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.
January 9, 2023
This is the sweetest one. I love how Steph and Blake both kinds of fell into a routine after rekindling, yes they are friends but that kind of friendship where you care without really expecting back. Their companionship made a foundation for them to fall for each other pretty quickly although Blake was already under the spell. Steph needed to realize that although she loved her late husband dearly, it was ok for her to move forward and find love again. finding love the first time is good and one would like to stick to that but you never know life has second chances or love to diss.
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.
January 9, 2023
The ladies of Stargazer Springs Ranch have given their fellows a run for their money and Stephanie isn’t even trying to do so. Remi Carrington is so good at her characters that you can totally understand where Stephanie is coming from. She loved her late husband; she can’t be attracted to another man especially her husband’s best friend. Blake has always loved Steph but he also loved and respected Liam and would never do anything to disrespect Steph or her memories of Liam. We can feel her pain and her conflict. I loved this story and by the way, I agree with Tandy, bare shirted would be nice.
January 16, 2023
This was a light, easy to read book that still had heart. I appreciated that the characters were older than the usual 20 somethings. I did find the writing a little simple and felt that it bounced around quickly in a few places. Again, this is part of a series that is linked with others written by the author. I have read some of the others but not all. I could follow this book fine but I'm sure the cameos and Easter eggs would be enjoyed more by someone that had read the previous related books.
Overall, this was a nice, clean, easy read. I thank the author for providing me with an advanced digital copy of her book to read and review.
Overall, this was a nice, clean, easy read. I thank the author for providing me with an advanced digital copy of her book to read and review.
January 23, 2023
I loved this story, arguably one of the best in this series. I really enjoy how Ms Carrington writes her characters. As with her other books, Blake and Steph are so real. I feel like I know them and they are my friends. It’s great to watch how the relationships build and play out. From friends to lovers with the angry grieving in between. It’s very real, but not angsty. It’s also such a delight to see old friends from other books make an appearance (although you wouldn’t have to have read their stories to appreciate them). All in all, a delightful book. I received a complimentary copy of this book. This is my freely given, honest review.
February 1, 2023
Remi Carrington has written a great clean romance for you. Captivated by Steph has both main characters having grieved for five years for his best friend and her husband. The book deals with grief well and also with going on with life. I liked both Blake and Steph and found them to be believable characters. I've enjoyed the other books in the Stargazer Springs Ranch series, but reading them is not necessary to appreciate this one. I highly recommend this well-written book to clean romance readers and to readers that enjoy a bit of a western touch to their stories.
I received a complimentary copy and am sharing my opinion of this engaging book.
I received a complimentary copy and am sharing my opinion of this engaging book.
January 9, 2024
Another delightful and funny exploration of love, life, romance, and relationships from a terrific author! Getting older doesn't mean love cannot flourish anew. Cowboys and rodeo, wine and winery, friends and family, and lots of food, all feature prominently in this story. Most of the characters have their own tales, but each stands on its own while providing familiar background to those for whom this is not a first fling with the series. Enjoy!
[NOTE: I wrote this review a year ago, and somehow neglected to post it; but I'd enjoyed the book so much I just had to read it again--and it was just as much fun the second time around!]
[NOTE: I wrote this review a year ago, and somehow neglected to post it; but I'd enjoyed the book so much I just had to read it again--and it was just as much fun the second time around!]
January 1, 2023
Absolutely loved this sweet heartwarming romance. Steph owns a winery that she had made her everything after her husband Liam passed in a rodeo accident. Blake was Liam’s best friend and also in love with Steph. Blake is hired by Steph’s brother Jeffrey to build the expansion to his restaurant. Loved the way Blake took care of Steph after being gone so long and how he helped her with advertising the stomp. Also like seeing the Stargazer Springs family and how they embraced Steph. Wholesome books are the best!
I was given this advanced copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
I was given this advanced copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 2, 2023
I’ve read other books in this series and have to say this is one of my favorites. So often it’s the guy who has an “ah ha” moment that he’s been in love with the girl for “X” amount of time. In this one it’s the girl (Stephanie) that takes her time figuring out she’s been in love with Blake for awhile so it was a nice twist. I thoroughly enjoyed their story and there’s a nice epilogue at the end. A fun HEA 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.
January 3, 2023
Steph was married to Blake's best friend who died in a rodeo accident five years ago and he stayed away because of the hurt of losing Tanner and also because he was in love with Steph. His return has caused Steph to deal with feelings she thought was long lost so she tries to fight them until she could not face not having Blake in her life. Great story and loved both Blake and Steph and so happy they reconnected.
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.
January 4, 2023
Oh my goodness, what a sweet, wonderful story. I absolutely loved it. Steph and Blake have been friends for years, but after Liam’s death, it was too emotional to stay. Returning to Stargazer Springs is full of mixed emotions as Blake has loved Steph since he and Liam met her. Blake is a steadfast friend but Steph is oblivious to his deeper feelings. Great storyline and great to see recurring characters from Stargazer Ranch. Also loved the teasers about Tandy.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.
January 4, 2023
Captivated by Steph - It is always fun reading a book from the Stargrazer Spring Ranch family. This one is full of laughs, love, friendship and family. Oh, the ladder makes a repeat performance. Poor thing when it runs out of couples. Good characters that keep ya chompin at the bit for more of their lives. Good story lines that have the power to hold you captive and wanting more. Ms. Carrington, and Mrs. Humphreys, is a talented author in more than just the romance genre. Another favorite book to add to a growing list of good reads written by this lady. 5*
January 15, 2023
I've read the other books in the series and its fun to see the characters from previous books but the really awesome thing is you won't miss a thing if this is the first book read. The characters are not the typical early 20's and I really love a good romance with this age group (40's). Blake is so sweet with Steph and sticks with her even when she doesn't reciprocate his feelings. He's patient and waits for her to come around! Really a well done story! Highly recommend! The whole series is absolutely wonderful!
January 2, 2023
Blake's best friend, Liam, died, he was in the rodeo, now Blake has gone back to the winery that Liam's wife, Steph, runs. He has been atttracted to Steph since he first saw her. Now he's back to work on her brother's restaurant and to try to resist his attraction to Steph.
Steph realises that she has got over her grief, and might be ready to start a new relationship.
Another great read in the series from Remi
Steph realises that she has got over her grief, and might be ready to start a new relationship.
Another great read in the series from Remi
January 4, 2023
I loved the main characters in this friends-to-more book! Steph was someone I’d want to be friends with and Blake was definitely a keeper with his sterling character, patience, and true love for Steph. The author has a gift for spinning a believable and engaging tale and this book kept me turning pages late into the night. I was captivated! I received an ARC and this voluntary review contains my honest opinions.
January 4, 2023
(4.5 stars) - Captivating romance!
A heartwarming & thoroughly engaging story of finding love again after loss! The situation is complicated by the fact that it's her deceased husband's best friend, & of course she's decided she's never going to fall in love again, but it's told believably - and best of all, enjoyably! I love this series!
*Romance level: passionate kisses, nothing graphic
A heartwarming & thoroughly engaging story of finding love again after loss! The situation is complicated by the fact that it's her deceased husband's best friend, & of course she's decided she's never going to fall in love again, but it's told believably - and best of all, enjoyably! I love this series!
*Romance level: passionate kisses, nothing graphic
January 6, 2023
This is a sweet love story between long time friends Blake and Steph. She's his best friends widow but he's had deep feelings for her for years. The author does a great job developing the story and paints her scenes perfectly. She moves the story fluidly and delivers another great addition to the series. Loved and recommend this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
January 9, 2023
Blake felt guilty for his best friend last ride even though he had no control over it so he’s stayed away from Liam’s wife Steph and his forbidden attraction for her. Steph fights her attraction to Blake. Maybe she feels guilt moving on or is afraid what happened to Liam will happen to Blake. I can’t see risking my life in rodeo especially in middle age. This was a kisses only with some innuendo and plenty of humor later in life romance.
January 27, 2023
Blake and Steph’s story
Remi’s stories are full of her customary humor and witty banter in everyday situations, and this book is no exception. Her characters are down to earth, and their thoughts often express a lot of wisdom and self understanding. I like the easy banter between Blake and Steph. Second chances and second marriages are tough decisions to make. There are a couple of interesting personal revelations about previous experiences. Very satisfying ending.
Remi’s stories are full of her customary humor and witty banter in everyday situations, and this book is no exception. Her characters are down to earth, and their thoughts often express a lot of wisdom and self understanding. I like the easy banter between Blake and Steph. Second chances and second marriages are tough decisions to make. There are a couple of interesting personal revelations about previous experiences. Very satisfying ending.
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