Ever After at Sweetheart Ranch

you won’t go wrong with this book.

Let’s return to Valentine Valley where everyone knows your name (and your business) with Emma Cane’s latest release, Ever After at Sweetheart Ranch.

I’ve only read one of the earlier titles in this series, but the feel-good, homey vibe of this story could not have come at a better time this year. Emma Cane’s stories are just that, comfy and cozy, like curling up in the best ever comfy chair with cocoa, cookies and a good book. You can’t beat that ever.

In this book, Lyndsay De Luca is living the dream, or is it a nightmare? A math teacher in town, she’s secretly harbored a desire to be a published romance author, and her dream is coming true. But revealing this secret, and the rather steamy book, could damage her reputation. But that’s not worst of all: her hero is based on her long-term crush, Will, and now people will see and know.

Will Sweet is the man of Lyndsay’s dreams, yet ostensibly untouchable. The death of his high-school sweetheart wounded him deeply, and he can’t move past his feelings of guilt for not doing more to protect her. Closed off from his feelings, he won’t allow another person to get close to him, and while women are a constant diversion, none are around long enough to penetrate his walls.

Lyndsay’s personality and approach are delightful: she’s strong, smart, cares about her work with kids and can’t quite reconcile the Will she fantasizes about with this casual yet closed-off man that he is now. Starting with a solid friendship, you can see the sparks between them, but Will’s ability to ignore big flashing neon lights is a true gift. He’s intrigued, but scared, so ignore seems to be his go-to option. Until little by little, his friendship with Lyndsay starts to work magic on his own guilt and fears.

Watching these two dance around their attraction and connection, well, when Will finally removes his blinders and sees, is a lovely and sweet story to follow. Their relationship grows organically, with readers cheering them both on from the start. Interactions and repeat appearances from characters from earlier stories add a nice touch, and a touch of meddling, but everyone can see that these two are meant to be. The joy is seeing them get there.

A perfect story when the weather is rainy, the pollen is aggravating and you just want to be assured of a smile and some warm fuzzies, you won’t go wrong with this book.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via Edelweiss for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.