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Montgomery Brothers #2
Signs of Trouble
A little trouble can be a good thing…
Austin Montgomery, a single parent and reclusive cowboy, is dragged out of his comfort zone by his young son, a little boy who’s determined to find a mom. Ellie Buckley has just been through the hardest year of her life, which included a surprise pregnancy, shotgun wedding, and the sudden death of her new husband right after she moved across the country to be with him. She stayed with his family to have her baby but she needs a change. Pink hair and an escape to the Oregon coast are a place to start.
Forced together on opposing sides of a vacation rental, Austin and Ellie struggle to stay apart even as their kids conspire to bring them together. Ellie is grieving and not willing to risk loving again. Austin is in an angry place after finally ending his toxic relationship with his ex-wife. The timing couldn’t be worse. Their lives are headed in different directions. But like a couple of magnets, they can’t resist when fate puts them together, until disaster strikes and suddenly they’re pulled apart again.
Can a vacation fling cut short draw two opposites back together? How much sunny personality can one grumpy cowboy take?
Austin Montgomery, a single parent and reclusive cowboy, is dragged out of his comfort zone by his young son, a little boy who’s determined to find a mom. Ellie Buckley has just been through the hardest year of her life, which included a surprise pregnancy, shotgun wedding, and the sudden death of her new husband right after she moved across the country to be with him. She stayed with his family to have her baby but she needs a change. Pink hair and an escape to the Oregon coast are a place to start.
Forced together on opposing sides of a vacation rental, Austin and Ellie struggle to stay apart even as their kids conspire to bring them together. Ellie is grieving and not willing to risk loving again. Austin is in an angry place after finally ending his toxic relationship with his ex-wife. The timing couldn’t be worse. Their lives are headed in different directions. But like a couple of magnets, they can’t resist when fate puts them together, until disaster strikes and suddenly they’re pulled apart again.
Can a vacation fling cut short draw two opposites back together? How much sunny personality can one grumpy cowboy take?
272 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 27, 2022
126 people are currently reading
333 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
February 14, 2023
I’m a believer in second tries. I read the first book in this series, Buck Up Buttercup, and absolutely hated it. I remember trying so hard to write a nice review because, much like right now, I felt like the concept and beginning were so so good, and that deserved merit. I think this author’s writing style and I just don’t mesh. I honestly thought this book would be a five star read for the first third, but then the story became so convoluted that I completely lost interest and tbh wanted to DNF. Our heroine, Ellie, is a widow with an infant, and has come to Oregon to get some perspective and a bit of a break. I felt like Ellie was pretty relatable and had some endearing quirkiness- for example her dying her hair pink and it turning out to be neon rather than the chic color she was going for. That would be something I would do. I commiserate, girl.
Our hero, Austin, is a grumpy cowboy single dad. And do you even need more info?! Those 3 tropes right there set this story up for success. 🤤 And so after a cute but rocky start of friendship, with a hint of enemies to friends to lovers vibes, the two embark on a romantic entanglement that became SO MUCH more drama than necessary and never the good angsty type. Once they all left the rental condo location, the story just didn’t continue with the charming momentum it began with. It felt like the story had an identity crisis. Like it didn’t want to be a romcom anymore, it wanted a much deeper women’s lit arc. And Austin’s entire personality changed and suddenly he was no longer stoic and grumpy but endearing, he was just straight forward and boring. Like zero sexual tension, zero chemistry. What the heck happened?! Sadly, I won’t be continuing with this series and I wouldn’t recommend wasting your time here. 2 ⭐️ for the concept.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to Book Sirens and the author.
Our hero, Austin, is a grumpy cowboy single dad. And do you even need more info?! Those 3 tropes right there set this story up for success. 🤤 And so after a cute but rocky start of friendship, with a hint of enemies to friends to lovers vibes, the two embark on a romantic entanglement that became SO MUCH more drama than necessary and never the good angsty type. Once they all left the rental condo location, the story just didn’t continue with the charming momentum it began with. It felt like the story had an identity crisis. Like it didn’t want to be a romcom anymore, it wanted a much deeper women’s lit arc. And Austin’s entire personality changed and suddenly he was no longer stoic and grumpy but endearing, he was just straight forward and boring. Like zero sexual tension, zero chemistry. What the heck happened?! Sadly, I won’t be continuing with this series and I wouldn’t recommend wasting your time here. 2 ⭐️ for the concept.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to Book Sirens and the author.
May 5, 2024
I’m breaking the GR standard of conduct for this book. I’m giving a book that I read in its entirety a one star. How can a book be that bad? Well.. you know those romcoms you hate watch? This is a “romance” to hate read. But who wants to hate read something? No one, so spare yourself.
I went in understanding this was cliché. However, nothing could prepare me for the hollowness of this plot, characters, dialogue, and their “problems.” Predictably is not the problem, it’s the complete lack of realism or any level of complexity… which given these messy characters, you’d expect at least *something* resembling a human experience.
It was like reading an alien writing about humans after reading a “Top 30 Romance Tropes” book.
Grumpy cowboy (standoffish, broken man) trope does not deliver. He quickly turns into a predictable sap within a few chapters. Throw in hidden wealth - shocking. Our pink-haired peculiarity there to “shake up” this man’s life is just an untethered mess of a person. Widowing, absent motherhood, in-law issues, children with attachment issues, injury, “exes,” I mean my god. All the potentials to write something with some meat were there, but you are loosely and quickly pushed from scene to scene to make the “complexity” of these two a minor clean up.
Loathsome.
I went in understanding this was cliché. However, nothing could prepare me for the hollowness of this plot, characters, dialogue, and their “problems.” Predictably is not the problem, it’s the complete lack of realism or any level of complexity… which given these messy characters, you’d expect at least *something* resembling a human experience.
It was like reading an alien writing about humans after reading a “Top 30 Romance Tropes” book.
Grumpy cowboy (standoffish, broken man) trope does not deliver. He quickly turns into a predictable sap within a few chapters. Throw in hidden wealth - shocking. Our pink-haired peculiarity there to “shake up” this man’s life is just an untethered mess of a person. Widowing, absent motherhood, in-law issues, children with attachment issues, injury, “exes,” I mean my god. All the potentials to write something with some meat were there, but you are loosely and quickly pushed from scene to scene to make the “complexity” of these two a minor clean up.
Loathsome.
January 21, 2023
Finished reading: January 20th 2023
"It's pretty crazy where life takes you sometimes."
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by BookSirens and Water's Edge Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
P.S. Find more of my reviews here.
June 4, 2023
This is my first read by this author and I very much enjoyed her writing style. The charters where very relatable, and the story plot was great as it was more realistic of when you meet someone new you do not have to drop your life to be together. Unlike a lot of books where one of the charters will jump straight in and change their life for love, we find two single parents that are struggling with a future as well as the sudden attraction to each other. This story gives us a slower but totally entertaining HEA.
The two main charters are so different but at the same time so alike that it does not take long for little matchmaker Ryder to make his day Austin sees more than just Ellie's pink hair and adorable baby girl Kinley. on there 2 week summer holiday.
Once I started this book I had to read it all on a very lazy Sunday. There were many great charters within this story that enhanced this story with a realistic view of finding new love as well as a new future.
Austin's change and growth during the book I just loved as he when from a grumpy Cowboy with an attitude to a caring patient father and boyfriend. He was a great father to Ryder but he need to do what was best for him.
Ellie was an unhappy new mother and widow who was so unsure of what she and her baby's future would be after their summer holiday away from a caring but meddling family. Could she really do this motherhood alone and still make a future for her daughter?
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The two main charters are so different but at the same time so alike that it does not take long for little matchmaker Ryder to make his day Austin sees more than just Ellie's pink hair and adorable baby girl Kinley. on there 2 week summer holiday.
Once I started this book I had to read it all on a very lazy Sunday. There were many great charters within this story that enhanced this story with a realistic view of finding new love as well as a new future.
Austin's change and growth during the book I just loved as he when from a grumpy Cowboy with an attitude to a caring patient father and boyfriend. He was a great father to Ryder but he need to do what was best for him.
Ellie was an unhappy new mother and widow who was so unsure of what she and her baby's future would be after their summer holiday away from a caring but meddling family. Could she really do this motherhood alone and still make a future for her daughter?
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 27, 2022
The first book i have read by Anna Alkire, loved it and very highly reccomend.Austin and Ellie are both single parents who are thrown together when they rent a vacation rental on opposing sides at the Oregon coast.
Ellie has been through a lot and needs to get away from it all and decide what to do next,so rents a place on the Oregon Coast.Austin has brought his young son to visit his grandmother and has rented the other side of the house Ellie is in.Austin's son brings them together and they help each other.
Austin helps Ellie with the baby Kinley and Ellie helps him with his son Ryder to give him a break.
They both try to ignore the chemistry between them as they are not looking for love or a relationship.As they spend time together the more closer they get and the Ryder and Kinley bring them even closer as they start to get very attached to them.
They are both headed in different directions will they give in to a vacation fling and part ways or will they resist temptation to protect their hearts?
Kinley and Ryder were absolutely adorable,Grace was wonderful in her support and trying to push Austin and Ellie together.
They get to their happily ever after,with a few incidents along the way.
This is a feel good romance with emotions,humour,heat and a happily ever after😍.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ellie has been through a lot and needs to get away from it all and decide what to do next,so rents a place on the Oregon Coast.Austin has brought his young son to visit his grandmother and has rented the other side of the house Ellie is in.Austin's son brings them together and they help each other.
Austin helps Ellie with the baby Kinley and Ellie helps him with his son Ryder to give him a break.
They both try to ignore the chemistry between them as they are not looking for love or a relationship.As they spend time together the more closer they get and the Ryder and Kinley bring them even closer as they start to get very attached to them.
They are both headed in different directions will they give in to a vacation fling and part ways or will they resist temptation to protect their hearts?
Kinley and Ryder were absolutely adorable,Grace was wonderful in her support and trying to push Austin and Ellie together.
They get to their happily ever after,with a few incidents along the way.
This is a feel good romance with emotions,humour,heat and a happily ever after😍.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2024
Ellie is a widow and new mom who’s trying to figure out what her next move should be.
Austin is the dad of a five year old boy whose mom isn’t exactly present in his life.
Ellie and Austin stay in adjoining vacation duplexes on the Oregon coast and Austin’s son has targeted Ellie to be his new mom. While Austin and Ellie are up for a fling, there’s still the matter of their lives moving in different directions - oh, and Austin’s divorce from his son’s mother hasn’t yet taken place.
I didn’t find a ton of memorable things about this book; yes Ryder is precocious and sweet, possibly the best character, certainly the most endearing. Austin is all about the big dad energy, and Ellie is a bit too flighty especially with regard to her lamenting the fact that she can’t take drugs with her friend at an alt Faire because she’s breastfeeding. I’m just scratching my head at these moments. I suppose it’s meant to emphasize the age difference between her and Austin, but it’s just thrown in there without much context.
I really hoped to like this more, but I can’t understand the attraction between the MCs other than Ellie is the antithesis of Austin’s estranged wife in many aspects, and Austin is a gorgeous brooding blonde cowboy.
I was furnished and advance reader copy from the author and booksirens and I’m sharing my honest thoughts.
Austin is the dad of a five year old boy whose mom isn’t exactly present in his life.
Ellie and Austin stay in adjoining vacation duplexes on the Oregon coast and Austin’s son has targeted Ellie to be his new mom. While Austin and Ellie are up for a fling, there’s still the matter of their lives moving in different directions - oh, and Austin’s divorce from his son’s mother hasn’t yet taken place.
I didn’t find a ton of memorable things about this book; yes Ryder is precocious and sweet, possibly the best character, certainly the most endearing. Austin is all about the big dad energy, and Ellie is a bit too flighty especially with regard to her lamenting the fact that she can’t take drugs with her friend at an alt Faire because she’s breastfeeding. I’m just scratching my head at these moments. I suppose it’s meant to emphasize the age difference between her and Austin, but it’s just thrown in there without much context.
I really hoped to like this more, but I can’t understand the attraction between the MCs other than Ellie is the antithesis of Austin’s estranged wife in many aspects, and Austin is a gorgeous brooding blonde cowboy.
I was furnished and advance reader copy from the author and booksirens and I’m sharing my honest thoughts.
July 25, 2024
Signs of Trouble by Anna Alkire was exactly what I needed! A light, fast-paced, rom-com set in familiar territory to me. I am a huge fan of third-person romance novels, so this book automatically earned a couple of stars for that. Alkire's writing style is flirty, fun, and easy to follow. The way she writes how Ellie and Austin feel about their children always gave me a lump in my throat. The story took many turns, with fun side characters and events that happened to the main characters. Ryder was an instant favorite, and I could see and hear him so well while reading.
I mean, come on, a quirky and friendly single mom with a horrible haircut and a stoic, grumpy cowboy set in gorgeous coastal and eastern Oregon?! It doesn't get better than that! Opposites do attract.
My only gripe with this book was that I felt at some point Ellie and Austin switched personalities in an unclear way, and there was a lot of cyclical thinking of the same things over and over. It left me feeling frustrated at times. However, the love story felt authentic and more realistic to real-life love stories than normal rom-com books, so I appreciated that. I will definitely be reading more by Anna Alkire and am so happy I found Signs of Trouble!
I mean, come on, a quirky and friendly single mom with a horrible haircut and a stoic, grumpy cowboy set in gorgeous coastal and eastern Oregon?! It doesn't get better than that! Opposites do attract.
My only gripe with this book was that I felt at some point Ellie and Austin switched personalities in an unclear way, and there was a lot of cyclical thinking of the same things over and over. It left me feeling frustrated at times. However, the love story felt authentic and more realistic to real-life love stories than normal rom-com books, so I appreciated that. I will definitely be reading more by Anna Alkire and am so happy I found Signs of Trouble!
December 27, 2022
Rebuilding Their Lives . . .
Austin Montgomery and Ellie Buckley have struggled through painful and difficult times and are not wanting any kind of relationship right now. Each is on vacation occupying opposite sides of a rental, with Ellie and her baby on one side, Austin and his son Ryder on the other.
Ellie has recently lost her new husband and needed to get away on her own with her baby to think things through and plan for their future. Austin is suffering the end of his toxic marriage and needs this time away. His sweet son Ryder, who is on the lookout to find a mom, is thrilled meeting Ellie and the baby, so they are all enjoying each other’s company. When the vacation is over, will they return to their distant homes? Or will they decide that it may be worth taking a chance on each other?
Austin Montgomery and Ellie Buckley have struggled through painful and difficult times and are not wanting any kind of relationship right now. Each is on vacation occupying opposite sides of a rental, with Ellie and her baby on one side, Austin and his son Ryder on the other.
Ellie has recently lost her new husband and needed to get away on her own with her baby to think things through and plan for their future. Austin is suffering the end of his toxic marriage and needs this time away. His sweet son Ryder, who is on the lookout to find a mom, is thrilled meeting Ellie and the baby, so they are all enjoying each other’s company. When the vacation is over, will they return to their distant homes? Or will they decide that it may be worth taking a chance on each other?
February 3, 2023
I liked this one even better than I liked the first book in the series. I didn't think that was possible.
Anna Alkire is a pretty new author and she got even better with this book. Her characters are so relatable. I liked the female lead, Ellie, better than I liked Randi, in Buck Up Buttercup. IDK if it was that Ellie has a kid, I have kids, Ellie has pink hair, I have purple hair, or that Ellie is awkward and clumsy and so am I.
I loved the transformation of Austin, the grumpy cowboy, into a sexy and loving cowboy. I loved the relationship between Ellie and the grumpy cowboy's son Ryder. Anna did a great job with the Ryder character--he's the quintessential five-year-old boy, impulsive and adorable.
This is a steamy romance, not normally my thing, but Anna is such an amazing writer. I'm a big fan and can't wait for the third Montgomery Brothers book.
Anna Alkire is a pretty new author and she got even better with this book. Her characters are so relatable. I liked the female lead, Ellie, better than I liked Randi, in Buck Up Buttercup. IDK if it was that Ellie has a kid, I have kids, Ellie has pink hair, I have purple hair, or that Ellie is awkward and clumsy and so am I.
I loved the transformation of Austin, the grumpy cowboy, into a sexy and loving cowboy. I loved the relationship between Ellie and the grumpy cowboy's son Ryder. Anna did a great job with the Ryder character--he's the quintessential five-year-old boy, impulsive and adorable.
This is a steamy romance, not normally my thing, but Anna is such an amazing writer. I'm a big fan and can't wait for the third Montgomery Brothers book.
February 12, 2023
A little matchmaker not only for his dad but for himself too!
A little matchmaker not only for his dad but for himself too! This is about Austin, his son Ryder, Ellie, and her baby Kinley. Austin is about to be divorced as his son’s mother is off doing his own thing, and Ryder doesn’t like being with her. Ryder is a sensitive boy, and Austin does his best even if everyone around him tells him he is too soft. Ryder meets his new neighbor and loves that she has pink hair and a baby girl. He starts to ask questions like any kid would do when curious about something and learns that Kinley’s father died, so she doesn’t have a daddy, and well he doesn’t have a mommy, so why not – right? Austin is a bit short with her at the beginning as he is older than her, but he soon realizes that she is precisely what he needs.
A little matchmaker not only for his dad but for himself too! This is about Austin, his son Ryder, Ellie, and her baby Kinley. Austin is about to be divorced as his son’s mother is off doing his own thing, and Ryder doesn’t like being with her. Ryder is a sensitive boy, and Austin does his best even if everyone around him tells him he is too soft. Ryder meets his new neighbor and loves that she has pink hair and a baby girl. He starts to ask questions like any kid would do when curious about something and learns that Kinley’s father died, so she doesn’t have a daddy, and well he doesn’t have a mommy, so why not – right? Austin is a bit short with her at the beginning as he is older than her, but he soon realizes that she is precisely what he needs.
March 8, 2023
Grumpy cowboy meets pink haired Ellie. Both single parents. One single voluntarily and one by circumstance. Ellie is mourning the lost of her husband raising a newborn and trying to figure out her next move. Austin is raising a son as his soon to be ex-wife continues her rodeo career. They both vacation at the same place for the summer. Austin’s son takes a liking to Ellie and orchestrates frequent interaction between the adults leading to both helping out the other. As time passes they acknowledge their attraction. Now can they figure out how to make it work? One on a ranch, the other trying to finish college. Do they even want to try? After a few bumps in the road they come together and make a cute family. I did enjoy this book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 20, 2023
Grumpy/Sunshine Vacation Romance Between Single Parents with Adorable Children as Matchmakers
Austin and Ellie are both single parents sharing opposite sides of a vacation duplex and struggling with their own demons. She is the struggling widowed young mom of a baby while his estranged wife has mostly abandoned him and his adorable 5 year old son, Ryder. They are complete opposites, but what do kids know? - they end up helping each other out, and the children, especially Ryder who is looking for a new "mom" play matchmaker. The attraction and chemistry is there but single parenting and managing to keep your life together is a LOT - which makes for an interesting story. The background characters are fun, supportive and well written and although this is part of a series was easily read as a standalone. It was a good read and I am looking forward to more from this author.
Austin and Ellie are both single parents sharing opposite sides of a vacation duplex and struggling with their own demons. She is the struggling widowed young mom of a baby while his estranged wife has mostly abandoned him and his adorable 5 year old son, Ryder. They are complete opposites, but what do kids know? - they end up helping each other out, and the children, especially Ryder who is looking for a new "mom" play matchmaker. The attraction and chemistry is there but single parenting and managing to keep your life together is a LOT - which makes for an interesting story. The background characters are fun, supportive and well written and although this is part of a series was easily read as a standalone. It was a good read and I am looking forward to more from this author.
December 26, 2022
I enjoyed reading this book. It's a quick read and part of a series, but definitely can be read as a stand alone book.
Austin and Ellie both have difficult relationship pasts. Two unlikely people to love each other come together through Austin's son, who immediately takes to Ellie.
Austin and Ellie are not in a position to fall in love. They are both coming out of difficult situations and they're living in opposite sides of the country once this vacation ends.
I enjoyed the development of Austin's grumpy attitude changing towards Ellie and how he started to understand that if he wanted to be with her, he truly needed to make more of an effort in communication.
Austin and Ellie were wonderful to read and I am excited to read more of Anna's books.
Austin and Ellie both have difficult relationship pasts. Two unlikely people to love each other come together through Austin's son, who immediately takes to Ellie.
Austin and Ellie are not in a position to fall in love. They are both coming out of difficult situations and they're living in opposite sides of the country once this vacation ends.
I enjoyed the development of Austin's grumpy attitude changing towards Ellie and how he started to understand that if he wanted to be with her, he truly needed to make more of an effort in communication.
Austin and Ellie were wonderful to read and I am excited to read more of Anna's books.
May 15, 2023
with the right person
Ellie and Austin both weren´t lucky with their relationships and struggle to do right by their child as a single parent. They seem to be opposites but Austin´s son Ryder has it right from the beginning: they are perfect for each other and he chooses Ellie to be his new mom, the won who really owns his heart. Even baby Kinley who can be a reall grump supports Ryder´s vote by getting attached to Austin. Now all it takes is for the kids to make the grown ups trust their feelings, take the leap and see the light… I loved the main protagonists in this book, Ellie and Austin shared scorching hot chemistry and the kids were a hoot.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Ellie and Austin both weren´t lucky with their relationships and struggle to do right by their child as a single parent. They seem to be opposites but Austin´s son Ryder has it right from the beginning: they are perfect for each other and he chooses Ellie to be his new mom, the won who really owns his heart. Even baby Kinley who can be a reall grump supports Ryder´s vote by getting attached to Austin. Now all it takes is for the kids to make the grown ups trust their feelings, take the leap and see the light… I loved the main protagonists in this book, Ellie and Austin shared scorching hot chemistry and the kids were a hoot.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 11, 2024
Very mixed thoughts on this book
First, despite not liking several thing about the book, I did finish it because it had that element of chaos that made me want to stick around to see what was going to happen.
I may not have felt connected to the characters in SIGNS OF TROUBLE because I started to feel like it was meant to appeal to young college age people. The lack of depth in the relationships, the haphazard way of conducting life, the multiple phone mishaps, etc. were really beyond my interest.
But it was interesting was the older, grumpy single dad, his precocious and well depicted son, and his ease of stepping up to take care of the baby that kept me reading. Him falling for her was not told in a convincing manner, but his value as a great guy was clear.
First, despite not liking several thing about the book, I did finish it because it had that element of chaos that made me want to stick around to see what was going to happen.
I may not have felt connected to the characters in SIGNS OF TROUBLE because I started to feel like it was meant to appeal to young college age people. The lack of depth in the relationships, the haphazard way of conducting life, the multiple phone mishaps, etc. were really beyond my interest.
But it was interesting was the older, grumpy single dad, his precocious and well depicted son, and his ease of stepping up to take care of the baby that kept me reading. Him falling for her was not told in a convincing manner, but his value as a great guy was clear.
October 28, 2024
2.5/5 stars
I’m having a hard time settling on a rating for this book because I’m having a lot of mixed thoughts. Ellie and Austin had a lot more chemistry in the enemies phase of their enemies to lovers trope than they did in the second half of the book. Ellie has so much going on in her life that honestly, a relationship is probably the last thing she needed but 🤷🏼♀️. Who doesn’t love a secretly rich, single-dad, cowboy, grump? Austin had a lot going for him, but with the lack of chemistry it was just so difficult to get into the story. It felt like issues were thrown in haphazardly to trip up the couple and I just felt really badly that the single parents and kids seemed to have such a hard time.
I’m having a hard time settling on a rating for this book because I’m having a lot of mixed thoughts. Ellie and Austin had a lot more chemistry in the enemies phase of their enemies to lovers trope than they did in the second half of the book. Ellie has so much going on in her life that honestly, a relationship is probably the last thing she needed but 🤷🏼♀️. Who doesn’t love a secretly rich, single-dad, cowboy, grump? Austin had a lot going for him, but with the lack of chemistry it was just so difficult to get into the story. It felt like issues were thrown in haphazardly to trip up the couple and I just felt really badly that the single parents and kids seemed to have such a hard time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 23, 2022
This is a cute, quick read. It is part of a series, but can be read as a standalone.
Ellie is a single mom trying to move on with her life after losing her husband. She decides to take a vacation to decide her next steps.
Austin's marriage to a rodeo star is ending and he is taking a vacation with his son. Ellie's vacation rental is the other half of the house. Austin's son Ryder has taken a liking to Ellie and her baby, so they are all spending lots of time together. Once vacation is over, will they build on their relationship?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ellie is a single mom trying to move on with her life after losing her husband. She decides to take a vacation to decide her next steps.
Austin's marriage to a rodeo star is ending and he is taking a vacation with his son. Ellie's vacation rental is the other half of the house. Austin's son Ryder has taken a liking to Ellie and her baby, so they are all spending lots of time together. Once vacation is over, will they build on their relationship?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 8, 2023
Oh my gosh I loved it. Such a cute romance with a touch of spice. I so hope more stories from this family are coming and I loved the drop ins of Randi and Buck from the first book as well as some other characters we met there are well. These can definitely be read as standalone books though. I really enjoyed this. The reason it isn’t five stars is how indecisive the MFC is. I felt that to be kind of annoying at times. I could definitely use more of this couple though. I can see big things for the couple in the first book and this one. I just hope that I’m right. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 9, 2023
Incredibly well done story of 2 individuals, single parents, who both need healing. The H was going through a divorce after he and his son were dumped by an adrenalin junky wife with little to no maternal feelings. The h was a recent widow with a baby daughter who really did not seem to have had a close, loving relationship with her husband.
The kids were adorable! The H's son chose the h to be his new mother and that was that.
Both main characters had to slowly open up to the possibility of a new romance. I liked that they took their time and there was not the insta-love thingy.
The H's parents were a hard sell; the h's in-laws were awesome.
Great editing, strong writing. Highly recommend.
The kids were adorable! The H's son chose the h to be his new mother and that was that.
Both main characters had to slowly open up to the possibility of a new romance. I liked that they took their time and there was not the insta-love thingy.
The H's parents were a hard sell; the h's in-laws were awesome.
Great editing, strong writing. Highly recommend.
July 16, 2024
I read this book on Kindle and unfortunately didn't realize that it was the 2nd in a series until I was already invested. I guess I'll have to go back and read book 1 though, because I did love this story and the writing. The characters were well developed and the love story was endearing. I haven't read anything by this author before, but I was engrossed from the first chapter and will surely be reading more of Ms. Alkire in the future.
If you enjoy a good single parent romance, especially one with a cowboy... well you're in for a treat with this one. Add in a bit of grumpy sunshine and I was hooked. Can't wait to see the rest of the Montgomery brothers' stories!
If you enjoy a good single parent romance, especially one with a cowboy... well you're in for a treat with this one. Add in a bit of grumpy sunshine and I was hooked. Can't wait to see the rest of the Montgomery brothers' stories!
August 7, 2024
Have you ever seen a romcom that’s so bad and cringey but you can’t bring yourself to turn it off. That’s this book. Book 1 was eh, felt like I was reading a WattPad story in middle school. But I had to see if the second book got better. It felt like the book switched authors half way through and ended so abruptly. The story line has so much potential, but just poorly executed. Glad it was a Kindle Unlimited book and not one O paid for.
Did I read the first one and not like it? Yes.
Did I read this one and also not like it? Yes.
Will I read the third one and be just as disappointed? Also yes.
Did I read the first one and not like it? Yes.
Did I read this one and also not like it? Yes.
Will I read the third one and be just as disappointed? Also yes.
January 4, 2023
Austin is a grumpy cowboy who is also a single dad. His son, Ryder, is adorable and a free spirit. They end up sharing a vacation rental with Ellie, a widow with a 5 month old baby. Ryder immediately loves Ellie and is drawn to her sweet nature. He is desperate for Ellie to be his new mom. Austin, the grump, is a harder sell. This story has a lot of angst, some steamy scenes and lots of love. Love for children, passionate love and the love children have for the adults in their lives. I loved this story and especially cute little Ryder.
December 28, 2022
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. I love these story. I couldn't put the book down. Great characters that will pull you into their story and pulls at your heart strings and emotions!
Austin and Ellie have great chemistry, panty melting heat and some emotional baggage. This story has drama, heart, love, passion, hope, and family. The stories flows effortlessly with a few twists and turns that will keep you glued from start to finish.
Austin and Ellie have great chemistry, panty melting heat and some emotional baggage. This story has drama, heart, love, passion, hope, and family. The stories flows effortlessly with a few twists and turns that will keep you glued from start to finish.
January 18, 2023
Worth a read
I rarely write reviews but I wanted to express how much I enjoyed this book. The characters took their time to get to know each other a little more than typical romance books. It made it more endearing that yes it was first lust, but then they took the time to get to know each other while they had a long distance relationship. Both leads had to work through things making their relationship seem more realistic.
I rarely write reviews but I wanted to express how much I enjoyed this book. The characters took their time to get to know each other a little more than typical romance books. It made it more endearing that yes it was first lust, but then they took the time to get to know each other while they had a long distance relationship. Both leads had to work through things making their relationship seem more realistic.
January 24, 2023
I enjoyed this book overall but at times found myself rereading a page to refocus. Some scenes moved too slowly for me personally as I didn’t really connect with Ellie’s character and found it difficult when she wavered in her decisions. I did enjoy the side character relationships as they developed and if I had connected with Ellie’s character I felt this would have been a five star read for me.
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 12, 2023
3 stars 2.5 steamy kisses
forced proximity, single dad, neighbors, long-distance relationship, family drama, widow, opposites attract, cowboy hero, western romance, single mom, vacation fling, single mama
This was a cute and quick read but I did not feel connected to either character as they were at times frustratingly annoying but I get it it was part of their charms/flaws. The side characters definitely played their parts well for moving the story along.
forced proximity, single dad, neighbors, long-distance relationship, family drama, widow, opposites attract, cowboy hero, western romance, single mom, vacation fling, single mama
This was a cute and quick read but I did not feel connected to either character as they were at times frustratingly annoying but I get it it was part of their charms/flaws. The side characters definitely played their parts well for moving the story along.
November 19, 2024
so much crazy
Well for a girl that definitely seemed like she was a party girl with the way her best friend was constantly trying to give her drugs or alcohol, she seemed like she got her head screwed on straight with having been married, husband died while she was pregnant and then trying to go back to school while raising a baby and doing odd jobs. Austin and his son was the perfect people for her to meet and fall in love with.
Well for a girl that definitely seemed like she was a party girl with the way her best friend was constantly trying to give her drugs or alcohol, she seemed like she got her head screwed on straight with having been married, husband died while she was pregnant and then trying to go back to school while raising a baby and doing odd jobs. Austin and his son was the perfect people for her to meet and fall in love with.
February 2, 2026
What could have been a cute story was just not good and was terribly written. Overall the book was just bad; the dialogue, the story whiplash, the lack of character development, the unnecessary characters. I feel like book one of the series was at least tolerable but somewhere along the way she just forgot how to write. I have book three, but I’m not even sure I want to spend my time reading it. Maybe the series will see some redemption… though not likely
December 18, 2022
Oh Lordy! Grab some tissues and get ready for a stellar read. This book has it all: a great storyline; well developed characters; interesting plot twists and turns; and a totally incredible HEA. You don’t want to miss this one! Grab your copy today! (I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and loved it!) ❤️
April 14, 2023
I found this hard to follow at times, I felt like it made sense and then all of a sudden it jumped and missed parts when explaining a scene 🎬 other sense were described well in depth. So it was a little confusing as I felt I had missed a page and it would jump.
I loved the story line. Grumpy sunshine cowboy who lets his soft side eventually show. And a women/mum getting her dream come true.
I loved the story line. Grumpy sunshine cowboy who lets his soft side eventually show. And a women/mum getting her dream come true.
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