From Celebrated Author Kathleen Ball an USA Today Best-Selling Author Comes a Sweet Contemporary Romance of Second Chances. Five years ago, rodeo star Stetson Scott left town, never looking back, convinced he had no reason to stay. He unknowingly left behind more than just a love, so much more.
Storm McCrory's heart was ripped out that same day.
Now Stetson is back in town. He's shocked to find Storm McCrory living in poverty with his son. The son he never knew.
Both shunned by most of the town. Will Storm allow Stetson to help her and be a father to his son, or will her stubborn pride get in the way of their true love?
Best-Selling, Award Winning Author of Contemporary Western Romance and Sweet Historical Western Romance.
Writing is my bliss and I try to write every day. I started with two publishers who I learned a lot from. Now I self publish. I like the control it gives me over release dates and book covers.
I gobbled this but in a soapy, drama-llama read with a SUPER crazy/clingy wannabe OW, and a poor little abandoned h that is dumped on by everyone. When stressed in RL, I tend to gravitate towards overdramatic book trash... and this hit the spot, but keep that in mind if you're in the mood for something relatable.
The blurbs sets this up, Stetson and Storm were in LOVE when his asshole father forced him to choose between ranching and his dream of being a rodeo star. For some unexplained reason, Storm’s dad chases him off with a shotgun when he tries to retrieve his lady love leaving her thinking he abandoned her. The timing totally sucked for Storm cuz she was all set to inform him of their bundle of love…But was great for creating a truckload of garbage to rain down on Storm.
The book opens 5-years later with Stetson returning after his father died to save their ranch. He quickly learns he’s missed a lot, and that Storm has been very mistreated. Just when the two are starting to heal, Chrissy his BFF’s little sister shows up and boy oh boy is she nutso. I absolutely LOVE deranged/dog with a bone wannabe OW that will not quit.
Bottom Line- I liked it for the drama, but there really aren’t any angsty feels despite Storm being treated like dog poo. It’s very soapy and if you dig deep (or look for reason), you’ll probably be disappointed because there were several plot holes. Like no one telling him about the kid, or why the h’s from the first books never approached her or were friendly before Stetson returning. Or the entire town turning against her but being ok with all the other crappy people in the town. (etc.)
Everyone hated this poor girl and mistreated her for five years because the man who got her pregnant and left and lived his happy life with other women and rodeos. Oh his lame excuse, I am no saint, just made everything better. I really disliked him. And his dead Father who made the heroines life a pitiful mess. The little boy Scotty was precious and I loved the dog Buck. The other characters were pretty much awful people except for Nellie and Joe and then some of the characters from previous books. They end up with rustled cattle, murderers, evil Fathers, and one crazy demented wannabe other woman. It was a little too much for me. Plus heroes who love the heroines, don't sleep with other women and leave the one they love alone for five years. To ridicule and poverty to boot. I wish I hadn't read it.
The story is the third in the Sweet Lasso Springs series—and could read as a stand-alone, but I think would be better read in their written order since things from the previous books are still issues and several of the main characters from books one and two are in this one. The story is full of mystery, suspense, deceit, lies, bitterness, heartache, and second chances. Its two main characters are Stetson Scott and Storm McCrory who grew up as ranching neighbors, and sweethearts. One fateful night will destroy them—and now, five years later, Stetson returns from the rodeo circuit to Sweet Lasso Springs after his father’s death. There are two other main secondary characters, Stetson’s sister, Nellie, and the ranch foreman, Joe.
Storm was left behind when Stetson left town without a goodbye. But that isn’t all that happened. She was pregnant with his child and he abandoned them—even if he didn’t know about his son. How could a family be so cruel as to discard her like trash—spreading the word that she was loose—and her own father to kick her out? Then the people in town turned their backs on her and her baby. Storm has struggled to barely squeak by with a run-down roof over their head and to care for her son.
The story’s plot will have Stetson returning to the family ranch to discover it is run down, most of the horses and cattle gone, and is shocked. When he left five years ago, his father told him never to return, yet he left the ranch to Stetson, not Nellie. What a shock to learn that Storm has a child—but not just any child, his. Storm remains guarded, she avoids conflict with the town who turned their back on her, and she only has two friends, Nellie, and a neighbor lady who helps her with Scotty. She was shocked to see Stetson come into the diner and ignore her.
The story has the good, the bad, and the ugly in people. It was disheartening to see how cruel people can be—how they blatantly lied, and others believed it. Storm would have left with her son if she had a way—but she barely survives as it is. When Stetson discovers that Storm had his child, he is determined to get to know Scotty. My heart hurts for Storm, and I can understand her fear of wanting to trust anyone—including Stetson. The story is full of excuses, why someone did this or that, and rarely accepting responsibility for their actions. I had trust issues with these people—and they were just characters.
“Some lessons come hard, but they should not be forgotten. Trust no one and you can’t be hurt.”
The truth will come to light, and in the end, they do find their happily ever after—but it will be a painful journey along the way.
I enjoyed reading this book. It had a great story line and kept my interest from beginning to end. The characters were relatable and had a wonderful chemistry together. I enjoyed watching them, and I highly suggest reading this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really enjoyed Stetson and Storms story. It started out rocky for them, trust and love came much later. Scotty and his dog Buck stole the story so many times! I truly enjoy stories with young children that are discovering life! Another fantastic story!
I'm totally enjoying this series and all the characters. It's great that characters from previous books show up in this book. I loved Stetson and Storm's story. These two went through an awful lot of strife to finally get their HEA. The ultimate second chance romance with intrigue and suspense. A captivating read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Booksprout and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
While this is part of a series, you don’t have to read the prior ones to fully enjoy this couple’s story.
This is written in a dual POV format. Getting that glimpse into the main characters’ thoughts really help me to better understand and connect with them.
Ms. Ball REALLY knows how to stick a knife in someone’s heart and twist it!!! I mean almost right from the beginning, my heart was bleeding Storm and her adorable son, Scotty. Scotty was written so beautiful and almost real. I felt like I was watching a movie and not reading a book. The plot was superbly written and flowed just like the creek (river) in the book!
Stetson Scott left town and Storm McCrory 5 years ago. The day he left for a life on the rodeo circuit, Storm was going to tell him that she was pregnant. Stetson returns to town after his father dies. Stetson stops for coffee at the local cafe and he doesn’t even recognizes Storm. He returns to town to confront Storm after he learns, from his sister, Nellie, that he is a father.
Storm has suffered greatly after Stetson left town all those years ago. Her father and Stetson’s father both ruined Storm’s reputation. She has no friends, lives in the worst part of town in a run-down shanty. She works the grave-yard shift at the diner and can barely make ends meet but she works hard and loves Scotty harder.
Can Storm forgive Stetson for leaving and not taking her or at the very least have contacted her about leaving? Will Stetson abandon Storm again and not only break her heart but that of their adorable son, Scotty?! Why did Storm’s father kick her out of the house after she announced her pregnancy? How did the highly successful Scott Ranch come to be in such a state of despair? Well there are many more questions that arise in this story.
This is the very sweet, clean second chance romance. I would highly recommend this story to anyone who loves a second chance romance with the first love!
Stetson left Sweet Lasso Springs after a fight with his father over being a rodeo rider leaving his girlfriend, Storm in disgrace to suffer alone. Her father kicked her out to survive on her own. By the time, her father and Stetson's father got through telling tales her reputation was garbage where no one would hire her. She finally got a job at the diner on night shift. Eventually, Stetson returned five years later. When his father passed not recognizing Storm the first time he saw her upon his return. He was more than shocked seeing the downward sprial of the ranch, and even more so when his sister, Nellie told him, he had a son with Storm. There had been so many lies over the years where were they going to start to unravel them all. Stetson had not planned on staying, but it looked like his plans just changed big time. There was a whole lot more going on here than met the eye. How does an extremely prosperous ranch go from on top to failing in five years with cattle mysteriously missing from several ranches in the area, and a son he refuses to exnore along with the boy's mother. The stakes were high in this action packed romantic suspense novel as even Garrett and Stamos from the previous books arrived on the scene to help solve all the crimes including to protect Storm and Scotty. An extra special read that you will find hard to put down.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Storm is left literally holding the baby when Stetson goes to ride in the Rodeo. When he returns five years later he finds that she has been thrown out by her father and shunned in the town due to a reputation for being "easy". He is determined to win her back, but can she forgive him? I had to feel for Storm and how she had been treated by her father, the town and by Stetson, although to be fair he wasn't aware of her situation. He does try to win her over, however she has years of hurt to overcome, for which she can't really be blamed. Things are never straightforward though, with a girl from Stetson's past turning up to complicate things. At the same time Stetson is trying to understand why the ranch, which he inherited from his father, is doing so badly. In summary a good read if you enjoy sweet contemporary romances set in the American West. I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Booksprout, however this did not influenced my review of the book.
This book was filled with surprises at every turn. Storm has spent the last 5 years being judged by everyone in town and doing her best to raise her son alone. When Stetson returns and finds out he is a father, he wants to help Storm and Scotty. As he tries to regain Storm's trust, he finds it is not easy. While they are navigating their feelings they are faced with unanswered questions, and danger that threatens their lives. With help from Garrett and Stamos, neighboring ranchers, they find the truth and eventually their happily ever after. This book was hard to read at times with so much heartache, but it ended happily.
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.
Enjoyed being back with this author again. Stetson and Storm story was sweet. Both of them had suffered a lot of heartache in the past. But when Stetson came back all that changed. They started falling back in love once again. Storm had to deal with some trust issues. Nellie and Joe romance added to the story too. Little Scotty was a real pistol. Both Storm and Stetson fathers were real Jerks. They treated their kids like trash. They had great neighbors in Garrett and Stamos in helping to solve what had been going on. Stetson loved both Scotty, Storm and little Seth. He would never leave them. Will read more by this author.
When Stetson finds out his former girlfriend Storm had a baby after he abandoned her and her father and the town turned their back on her and continue to shame her his first thought is getting full custody of his son. Never mind all the love and sacrifices both emotionally and financially Storm has gone through caring for their son. And then he allows an irrational woman who is obsessed with him into their home and doesn’t kick her out despite the way she treats everyone else. Only Stetson’s sister Nellie and her boyfriend Joe took Storm’s side from the beginning. There is a mystery with all the bad happenings at the ranch that adds suspense to this second chance romance.
A great addition to the series by Kathleen Ball. Stetson’s been gone for five years when he walks into the diner where Storm works. He doesn’t recognize her but she sure remembers him. Storm had cost her everything the last time he was in town. He’s shocked when he hears that Storm gave birth to his son after he left, and her father threw her out. Life got rough for more than Storm and her son after Scotty was born. Now Stetson is back and wants his family.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Storm was left by Stetson, when he left to go to the rodeo, she didn't know the whole story, and neither did he. Both fathers lied to them. Five years later Stetson is back, his father has died and he has to take care of the ranch, Nellie, Stetson's sister, has been leaving care packages for her, as she tries to bring up her son. But who is cattle rustling? Why is the ranch in such a bad shape?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a heartbreakingly beautiful second chance love story that pulled at my heartstrings and didn't let go until the final page. I felt for Storm and everything she endured while Stetson was away. Now that he's back will she trust Stetson after everything she went thru and will they finally get their happily ever after? Stetson is book three and a great addition to the Sweet Lasso Springs series. From the captivating storyline to the well developed characters that pulled me into the story, this is a great read and I am loving this series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
This is the 3rd book in the Sweet Lasso Springs Series, this is a second chance at romance and can be read as a stand-alone book. The is Storm and Stetson's story. They have not seen each other for five years since he walked away to pursue his rodeo career leaving her heartbroken and pregnant. Now he’s back and finds out he has a son Scotty. Their story is well written with lies, suspense, drama and danger.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I enjoyed this story, it's an emotional rollercoaster of emotions passing by. There is tension, humour, misunderstandings, many twists and turns and love, a bit of mystery is always exciting and you have a nice, pure and love-filled novel with strong characters who take you on their adventure. This is a highly recommended read a heartwarming story.
I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Just WOW!!! What a romance. What fu... up people in this town... it felt somewhat really not plausible but then again very much so. I just know that me, myself and I had all my waterworks turned on and off and on and off... whew... But it is such a well written story and I just really loved it. So fabulous five stars go from me to this story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Book 3 of the sweet Lasso Springs series, the story of Stetson and Storm and their family. This book has some beautiful kid being kid sections that are just amazing to read as kids don’t usually get some of the funniest parts as they get forgotten as support parts and don’t get to be kids being kids. (Classic things like saying yuck when people kiss including at the most inappropriate times).
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Returning home hasn't been what he thought. The old place needs help, his former girlfriend had his baby, there is a crime wave happening. He needs to calm Storm and get to the bottom of things. What more can happen? Great story of learning to trust and determination to find out why and what!
Great book, I know people judge others so much in today's world !. Poor Storm , she worked hard, tried so hard and never lied or stole and yet she paid the price ! . Great story , can't wait for the next one . Thanks for sharing your talent with us all , you are good . Respectively Joyce
What an exceptionally good and so sweet book. Kathleen Ball continues to keep you interested from the first page. The sweet love between Stetson and Storm, plus all the danger, love wins out in the end. I highly recommend this book. Kathleen Ball knows what she’s writing in her awesome books. So glad I found this amazing Author
In this second chance romance Luke returns to the O’Brien ranch after suffering a tremendous loss and Meg’s father let’s him stay even after he walked out on her five years ago. This book has all kinds of situations from murder by unknown persons to the sweet second chance with Meg and Luke.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I didn’t know that small western towns had so much in common with small southern towns, judgmental and closed minded. One error and you pay the rest of your life, at least that was what Storm had experienced. My heart broke in the first few pages when Stetson entered and “noticed her but Storm saw no sign of recognition in his eyes”. Kathleen Ball will keep you reading both entertained and revolted by the behavior of family and “friends”. I enjoyed this book.
Fast Moving! This sweet, clean, contemporary romance from Kathleen Ball has it all. Mystery, heart break, romance, misunderstandings and new beginnings. Throw in a puppy and a 4 year old and you will laugh and cry as you read! Don’t miss it!
This was an interesting story…It really held my interest from start to finish . So much of the story was so real, typical of small town and their righteous ways, when it was all a lie. Enjoy
This was Stetson & Storm’s story. Five years ago, rodeo star Stetson Scott left town, never looking back, convinced he had no reason to stay. He unknowingly left behind more than just a love, so much more. It was an intriguing read. And am voluntarily leaving my review.
Really enjoyed this heartwarming, action packed adventure filled with engaging charters, witty dialog, heart racing twists and emotional turns. Highly entertaining and emotionally thrilling journey from beginning to end.