The Very Thought of You

I was thrilled when the second book in Claire Marti’s Pacific Vista Ranch series came out. I hoped it would be older sister Amanda McNeill’s story because she intrigued me with her still waters run deep personality in Nobody Else But You. This second installment in the McNeill family saga didn’t disappoint. Ms. Marti makes you feel like you’re right there on the beautiful, secluded ranch close to the beach in San Diego.

I loved how Amanda’s story was so different than the first book —- more tender and emotional and sweet. Although, the chemistry between Jake Cruz, the sexy fire fighter, and Amanda who Jake crushed on back when she was his tutor in high school, was sizzling and leapt off the page. Both hero and heroine had some major emotional baggage to handle before they could see each other as their happily ever after. Jake’s learning disabilities and desire to become Fire Captain shaped his determined personality. Amanda’s realization she’s been in a rut fuels her desire to have a fling with the hot, hot, hot 6’5 fireman.

Overall, I loved seeing Amanda’s awakening and Jake’s growth. A beautiful love story: highly recommend. Can’t wait for Book 3!

The Very Thought of You is the second book in Claire Marti’s Pacific Vista Ranch series. I loved the first book in the series, Nobody Else But You, so this one was had big shoes to fill. And, I have to tell you, I enjoyed this book even more than the first!
Jake Cruz had a crush on Amanda MacNeill in high school, and now that they’ve met again as adults, he is still attracted to her. Only this time around, the feelings might be reciprocated, even though Amanda tries to tell herself she only wants a fun fling.
I loved the characters of Jake and Amanda, and the sweet relationship that unfolds between them. Jake is a huge, hunky fire fighter, but at heart he is a gentle giant, and I found his character to be especially appealing. Marti has a knack for creating well-rounded characters. She draws you into the story, and I feel as though I’ve actually been to the Pacific Vista Ranch when I’ve finished one of her books.
While it was fun to get a glimpse of the characters from the first book, this one can be read and enjoyed as a standalone novel, if you have not yet read the first one. But, if you haven’t…why not? This is a sweet and sexy addition to a fun series and I have already pre-ordered book three and can’t wait to read it too.

A love story AND a rescue dog??? How could I love this story more? (Hint: I couldn’t) First of all, who doesn’t love a hawt fireman? Hello, 911, there’s a fire in my pants and I need a fireman to help me with that. Amanda is the “reliable” sister, who would expect her to have a steamy romance with a fire fighter? Well, (spoiler alert) she does. this was the second of Claire Marti’s books I read, and I tore through this one as well. One of the things I love is when a book is so well written that you just zip right through it. The imagery she manages to convey in her writing is sensational, as well as great characters that you love to cheer for. If you’re looking for a great escape, this book will take you away from it all for a little while, with a sweet love story and a little bit of sexy times with a hunky fireman. definitely recommend!