Connie Toler
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and I am voluntarily reviewing it. This was a wonderful story. I so enjoyed reading this. I was captivated right from the beginning. One year ago, Tanner gave up his bull riding career to protect his brother. His life fell apart at the seams as a consequence. Just days from getting married to Jewel, his barrel-racing fiancée, she tells him to leave and not to come back. While working at Powell Ranch as the assistant barn manager, Jewel comes back into his life unexpectedly. She is there trying to restart her barrel-racing career or turn her photography hobby into her career. Jewel gave birth to their daughter, Ava four months prior. The many difficult situations that these two go through is very heart-wrenching at times. This was written in such a manner that I could really picture everything happens just like in a movie instead of a book. I loved returning to Sweetheart Ranch. Seeing the prior characters was a joy. It was almost like catching up with old friends. There were times when Jewel seemed a little selfish, demanding and not too compassionate towards Tanner's situation. But I could totally understand where she was coming from. I felt the author did a fantastic job as I was really into the plight of these two. This book was written in my favorite dual POV format. It was really necessary for me to read into Jewel's thoughts to really understand her. Her position on Tanner's situation was one that I personally didn't agree with (yes, I sided with the handsome fictional male character!) But seeing where she was coming from made her more human as she wasn't a perfect character. This was a sweet, clean second chance romance. I would highly recommend this story to anyone especially if you LOVE cowboys!!!