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Merissa (14056 KP) rated The Wrangler and the Orphan (Farthingdale Ranch #4) in Books
Oct 26, 2021 (Updated Jul 12, 2023)
THE WRANGLER AND THE ORPHAN is the fourth book in the Farthingdale Ranch series, and although technically, I suppose you could read as a standalone, I personally feel it works best in a group.
Brody has been the strong, silent one up until now, turning Clay down when he came onto him. He kept himself to himself, preferring the company of the horses. Now we find out why. He had a horrific childhood himself and was rescued (quite literally) by Quint. This means he is able to understand fully where Kit is coming from and knows exactly how he feels.
This is slow-burn, with a couple of steamy moments, but the focus is on their relationship, and the changes Kit goes through as he finds somewhere so completely different to what he has known, he thinks it's like a TV show.
Although Brody has his own scars, both internal and external, Kit never questions them or Brody's past, and I really wish he had. No, they weren't the same, but I do think it would have helped.
This was a great addition to the series that I read in one sitting, so do I recommend it? You betcha!
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Oct 26, 2021
Brody has been the strong, silent one up until now, turning Clay down when he came onto him. He kept himself to himself, preferring the company of the horses. Now we find out why. He had a horrific childhood himself and was rescued (quite literally) by Quint. This means he is able to understand fully where Kit is coming from and knows exactly how he feels.
This is slow-burn, with a couple of steamy moments, but the focus is on their relationship, and the changes Kit goes through as he finds somewhere so completely different to what he has known, he thinks it's like a TV show.
Although Brody has his own scars, both internal and external, Kit never questions them or Brody's past, and I really wish he had. No, they weren't the same, but I do think it would have helped.
This was a great addition to the series that I read in one sitting, so do I recommend it? You betcha!
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Oct 26, 2021
Merissa (14056 KP) rated Mandatory Repairs (Collier's Creek) in Books
Sep 29, 2023
MANDATORY REPAIRS is part of the multi-author Collier's Creek series. In this story, we meet Max and Nash. Nash lives and works on Twisted Pines Ranch. Max is the half-brother of the owner of Twisted Pines. They first meet when Max is drunk (beer, lack of food, and high altitude!) and doesn't remember Nash at all. Nash likes Max until he finds out who he is.
Although I enjoyed this story, it felt jerky and uneven with its pace. I would also have liked more character development. I mean, Nash doesn't like Max once he finds out who he is. But what are the exact reasons, because what we get told is rubbish. And then, Robin (the half-sister) tells him to apologise. He goes to the bar, and then they're in bed! This happens on a couple of occasions.
Saying that, I did love the scene in the bookshop, and also when Max is trying to get out of a sticky situation. He kept his head and did what he could, instead of whimpering and playing the poor princess.
I enjoyed this addition to the series and look forward to reading stories set in Collier's Creek.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sep 29, 2023
Although I enjoyed this story, it felt jerky and uneven with its pace. I would also have liked more character development. I mean, Nash doesn't like Max once he finds out who he is. But what are the exact reasons, because what we get told is rubbish. And then, Robin (the half-sister) tells him to apologise. He goes to the bar, and then they're in bed! This happens on a couple of occasions.
Saying that, I did love the scene in the bookshop, and also when Max is trying to get out of a sticky situation. He kept his head and did what he could, instead of whimpering and playing the poor princess.
I enjoyed this addition to the series and look forward to reading stories set in Collier's Creek.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sep 29, 2023
BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated The Outlaw Takes a Bride in Books
Jan 2, 2019
Can an outlaw find love and happiness when his life is nothing but a lie?
Springtime in Colorado, 1885. Johnny Paynter is accused of a murder and flees towards his brother’s ranch in Texas. Although when he arrives, he finds his brother Mark dead! Folk in town think that Johnny is Mark, and Johnny doesn’t correct them. He begins to start a new life as Mark and things go rather well. Until he finds out that Mark has a mail order bride on her way to Texas. Deciding that there is nothing else to do, he takes Sally as his wife and continues life as Mark Paynter. With a relationship founded on lies, how can it survive?
The foundation of any relationship should be founded on truth and honesty. If it isn’t, there is much turmoil working through the mess. But there is always hope, the Lord can heal the hurt and His mercies are new every day. We can always begin again. I have enjoyed both books that I have read by Susan Page Davis now. The Outlaw Takes a Bride is a western romance, with really good Christian principles. She reminds us that we should strive to live an honest life, but even when we mess things up, the Lord is there to forgive and restore what has been broken. This book is action packed with bandits, touching and romantic, and an overall good read!
I received a free digital copy of The Outlaw Takes a Bride from Barbour Publishing, Inc. through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Springtime in Colorado, 1885. Johnny Paynter is accused of a murder and flees towards his brother’s ranch in Texas. Although when he arrives, he finds his brother Mark dead! Folk in town think that Johnny is Mark, and Johnny doesn’t correct them. He begins to start a new life as Mark and things go rather well. Until he finds out that Mark has a mail order bride on her way to Texas. Deciding that there is nothing else to do, he takes Sally as his wife and continues life as Mark Paynter. With a relationship founded on lies, how can it survive?
The foundation of any relationship should be founded on truth and honesty. If it isn’t, there is much turmoil working through the mess. But there is always hope, the Lord can heal the hurt and His mercies are new every day. We can always begin again. I have enjoyed both books that I have read by Susan Page Davis now. The Outlaw Takes a Bride is a western romance, with really good Christian principles. She reminds us that we should strive to live an honest life, but even when we mess things up, the Lord is there to forgive and restore what has been broken. This book is action packed with bandits, touching and romantic, and an overall good read!
I received a free digital copy of The Outlaw Takes a Bride from Barbour Publishing, Inc. through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Merissa (14056 KP) rated Desire at Roosevelt Ranch (Roosevelt Ranch #5) in Books
Dec 7, 2019
Desire at Roosevelt Ranch is the fifth and final book in this series, and we have bad-boy Rex's story. He is hit by cupid's arrow when he stops one night to help a damsel in distress, none other than Tilly from Henry's Diner. Tilly knows all about Rex and doesn't expect anything from him. Rex surprises himself by wanting everything with Tilly.
Rex is a bit underhanded in some ways, but I loved that because that is part of his character. He isn't one to flaunt his help, but will do it quietly and without fanfare. Tilly doesn't know quite what to do with this as how he is behaving with her is very different to what she expected.
I am very sad to come to the end of this series. The small town of Darlington with its inhabitants have come alive to me through Elise Faber's writing. There are quirks and witticisms that have made me smile with each book.
The ultimate jewel in the crown, this book has knocked Sam and Haley off their perch and taken their place as my favourite of the series. Sam and Haley remain just half a star behind though!
This is a fantastic series that can be read as standalones, but seriously, why do that? Get your mitts on each and every one of these, as recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Rex is a bit underhanded in some ways, but I loved that because that is part of his character. He isn't one to flaunt his help, but will do it quietly and without fanfare. Tilly doesn't know quite what to do with this as how he is behaving with her is very different to what she expected.
I am very sad to come to the end of this series. The small town of Darlington with its inhabitants have come alive to me through Elise Faber's writing. There are quirks and witticisms that have made me smile with each book.
The ultimate jewel in the crown, this book has knocked Sam and Haley off their perch and taken their place as my favourite of the series. Sam and Haley remain just half a star behind though!
This is a fantastic series that can be read as standalones, but seriously, why do that? Get your mitts on each and every one of these, as recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2593 KP) rated The Body in the Hayloft in Books
Dec 4, 2025
The Rose Creek Book Club is Back in Action!
Callie’s ranch has been invaded by guests when the Equi X event loses their location at the last minute and Callie’s husband offers the Double C for their use. Equi X is supposed to celebrate the best of the equestrian community, both the novice and the expert, and some of Callie’s friends and their loved ones are participating. But when one of the presenter’s cats goes missing, Callie finds herself among those trying to locate the pampered pet. When Callie finds the pet, she also finds a dead body. Is it an accident? Or has the book club found themselves involved in another murder?
It’s been two years since we last got to visit the ladies of the Rose Creek Book Club, but it was worth the wait. Yes, all the characters we love are front and center here, and I enjoyed getting updates on them and their lives. They each have their own storyline, which allows them to shine. It also slows down the mystery a bit, but for the most part, everything is balanced well. And the mystery has plenty going on to keep us guessing. I did figure things out just before the characters did, but barely. And the climax answered any lingering questions I had. If you want a cozy mystery with a strong community, be sure to check this series out. Fans will be delighted to return to see how these characters are doing.
It’s been two years since we last got to visit the ladies of the Rose Creek Book Club, but it was worth the wait. Yes, all the characters we love are front and center here, and I enjoyed getting updates on them and their lives. They each have their own storyline, which allows them to shine. It also slows down the mystery a bit, but for the most part, everything is balanced well. And the mystery has plenty going on to keep us guessing. I did figure things out just before the characters did, but barely. And the climax answered any lingering questions I had. If you want a cozy mystery with a strong community, be sure to check this series out. Fans will be delighted to return to see how these characters are doing.
Merissa (14056 KP) rated Something Unavoidable (Split Rock Ranch, #6) in Books
Feb 6, 2026
SOMETHING UNAVOIDABLE is the sixth book in the Split Rock Ranch series, and the second I have read. You don't have to have read the others, but you might want to. I definitely do!
Izzy is a brat, pure and simple. He has his reasons, which come out in the book, but to say he was a troubled character to begin with is, I think, putting it mildly. Keegan is the vet who rubs Izzy the wrong way simply by existing. Keegan isn't a doormat though, and there's only so much he will take before pushing back.
This was not just snark, sass, and s3x, there was so much more to it, including grooming, gaslighting, and abused animals. And no, it's not all doom and gloom either. I loved the relationship Izzy and Keegan had, with all the banter and arguments that came with. At the end of the day, though, Keegan is the one Izzy ran to, and the one who helped put Izzy back together again.
I'm not usually a fan of bratty characters, but Izzy grew on me. And I loved how Keegan was with him. Tender and caring when needed, dominant when they both needed. I thought this was a great addition to the series, and look forward to reading more. Definitely recommended by me.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Feb 6, 2026
Izzy is a brat, pure and simple. He has his reasons, which come out in the book, but to say he was a troubled character to begin with is, I think, putting it mildly. Keegan is the vet who rubs Izzy the wrong way simply by existing. Keegan isn't a doormat though, and there's only so much he will take before pushing back.
This was not just snark, sass, and s3x, there was so much more to it, including grooming, gaslighting, and abused animals. And no, it's not all doom and gloom either. I loved the relationship Izzy and Keegan had, with all the banter and arguments that came with. At the end of the day, though, Keegan is the one Izzy ran to, and the one who helped put Izzy back together again.
I'm not usually a fan of bratty characters, but Izzy grew on me. And I loved how Keegan was with him. Tender and caring when needed, dominant when they both needed. I thought this was a great addition to the series, and look forward to reading more. Definitely recommended by me.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Feb 6, 2026