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Ryker Falls #3
Love Me Tender
Finding her way home
Leaving her beloved hometown Ryker Falls was the second hardest thing Rory Haldane had ever done. Forgetting the cloud of shame her family left under, was the first.
When circumstances bring Rory back, wounded but not broken, some townsfolk don't appreciate her arrival. As threats against her begin to escalate, she finds support from an unlikely ally. Jack Trainer may epitomize the dark handsome bad-boy, but surprisingly he takes her side, and she finds herself falling for a man who has no intention of losing his heart to anyone. This is one battle Rory refuses to fight, so for her own protection, she'll once again say goodbye to Ryker Falls.
He'll fight for her to stay
Jack Trainer likes women, he just never had any intention of loving one. Life taught him to guard his heart, and when Rory Haldane walks back into town he’s ready to ignore her. The problem with that is, he also hates injustice, and the way some of the people in his town are treating her has his hackles rising. He's not exactly the stuff heroes are made of, but Rory has his protective instincts on high alert. And his libido. He wants more, way more from her than a passionate fling, but will Rory drop her guard enough to trust him?
Somebody To Love
From This Moment
Love Me Tender
Only Just Begun
Hold Me Close
You're The One
We Belong Together
We Found Love
374 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 17, 2019
433 people are currently reading
476 people want to read
About the author
Wendy Vella
96 books831 followersWendy Vella is a USA Today and Amazon bestselling author of historical romances filled with mystery, intrigue, unconventional heroines, and dashing heroes.
Connect with Wendy in her Facebook reader group facebook.com/groups/wendyvellareaders or sign up for her reader newsletter at WendyVella.com to get goodies, exclusive excerpts and behind-the-scenes peeks.
Wendy also writes small town contemporary romances under the name Lani Blake.
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March 15, 2024🎁 Part of Ryker Falls Series #1-3 which is FREE on Amazon & on Apple iBooks today (6/24/2023)! 🎁
March 4, 2022
2,5,
It’s me and bot the book, I don’t like Enemies to lovers trope, there’s so much anger, hurt and even hate in their words that it’s not romantic for me, but the first book in the series had the exact amount of angst I love, so… I gave this a try but no,
He is a manwhore in a small town, which is a kind of mc I really dislike, plus he is a little dense sometimes… I’d love that she had use some of the Fin card to make him pay with the same shit but… she kept saying sorry for overreacting… I don’t get it…
I prefer my Heroes more alpha style and protective, in this case, I didn’t feel it with Jack, sorry…
It’s all my fault, the author is really good, I simply dislike this kind of book…
It’s me and bot the book, I don’t like Enemies to lovers trope, there’s so much anger, hurt and even hate in their words that it’s not romantic for me, but the first book in the series had the exact amount of angst I love, so… I gave this a try but no,
He is a manwhore in a small town, which is a kind of mc I really dislike, plus he is a little dense sometimes… I’d love that she had use some of the Fin card to make him pay with the same shit but… she kept saying sorry for overreacting… I don’t get it…
I prefer my Heroes more alpha style and protective, in this case, I didn’t feel it with Jack, sorry…
It’s all my fault, the author is really good, I simply dislike this kind of book…
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 1, 2019
This is the first book I've read in the Ryker Falls series, but I was prone to love it because I absolutely adore this author. Jumping into a series at book three would usually come at a cost of understanding the complexities of the character interactions, but not so with Ms Vella's series.
This story is of an over-entitled (read "spoiled kid") woman returning to the small town she grew up in, but left in disgrace as a child after her father was found guilty of embezzling money from the town. The Hero (Jack), was also a "challenging" child, for entirely different reasons, but has grown into a responsible (though still a little challenging) man with delicious protective instincts. It's a great reflection of the factors that make us who we appear to be, influenced by the factors of the moment, and who we are at our core, that unchanging base of our personality that guides us through all of life.
This story is a generous length - right about that time you'd find other authors wrapping up their story and you as the reader wishing for more, Love Me Tender continues to deliver interesting twists and turns without sinking into unnecessary dramatics. Yes, the characters have their inevitable misunderstandings and insecurities, but the motivations are so clear in the character development that it doesn't leave you feeling like it was a story device, so much as a reasonable human reaction.
All of the characters we meet here are so relatable, although I think I'd melt into a puddle if I actually knew men like these. Nothing wrong with aspiring though! hahaha!
The H/h spark delightfully off each other, and after a frosty reception (literally and figuratively) the hero's protective instincts come to the fore and love soon follows *sigh*. Our heroine, in the style of all of Ms Vella's heroines, is strong, fiesty, with a gooey inside. They don't need their men, but they're all the better for having them in their lives (and visa versa obviously ;)).
The extended family and town characters are so vivid, you're totally drawn in to their stories. And I will say, I particularly enjoy the little twist of intrigue Ms Vella gives most of her stories. I didn't pick whodunnit on this one until so late in the piece I'd practically fallen over them hahahaha!!
For readers new to the author - some sexy times, open door, tastefully done (always), but that's not where the story lives and breathes. Its a natural progression of her exploration of human interactions, rather than the tantalising destination.
In short - this book is a very safe bet for thorough enjoyment!
NOTE: I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review, but I'll be buying it to add to my collection as soon as it's released in my region! :D
This story is of an over-entitled (read "spoiled kid") woman returning to the small town she grew up in, but left in disgrace as a child after her father was found guilty of embezzling money from the town. The Hero (Jack), was also a "challenging" child, for entirely different reasons, but has grown into a responsible (though still a little challenging) man with delicious protective instincts. It's a great reflection of the factors that make us who we appear to be, influenced by the factors of the moment, and who we are at our core, that unchanging base of our personality that guides us through all of life.
This story is a generous length - right about that time you'd find other authors wrapping up their story and you as the reader wishing for more, Love Me Tender continues to deliver interesting twists and turns without sinking into unnecessary dramatics. Yes, the characters have their inevitable misunderstandings and insecurities, but the motivations are so clear in the character development that it doesn't leave you feeling like it was a story device, so much as a reasonable human reaction.
All of the characters we meet here are so relatable, although I think I'd melt into a puddle if I actually knew men like these. Nothing wrong with aspiring though! hahaha!
The H/h spark delightfully off each other, and after a frosty reception (literally and figuratively) the hero's protective instincts come to the fore and love soon follows *sigh*. Our heroine, in the style of all of Ms Vella's heroines, is strong, fiesty, with a gooey inside. They don't need their men, but they're all the better for having them in their lives (and visa versa obviously ;)).
The extended family and town characters are so vivid, you're totally drawn in to their stories. And I will say, I particularly enjoy the little twist of intrigue Ms Vella gives most of her stories. I didn't pick whodunnit on this one until so late in the piece I'd practically fallen over them hahahaha!!
For readers new to the author - some sexy times, open door, tastefully done (always), but that's not where the story lives and breathes. Its a natural progression of her exploration of human interactions, rather than the tantalising destination.
In short - this book is a very safe bet for thorough enjoyment!
NOTE: I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review, but I'll be buying it to add to my collection as soon as it's released in my region! :D
April 14, 2024
This was my first read by this author and this is the third book in the series. I can tell you that this book can be read as a standalone as I did not feel like I missed anything by not reading the other books in the series. This is Jack and Rory's story.
Rory is back in her childhood town after her grandmother passes away. But the town does not want her back or appreciate her presence at all. Years ago, her family had to leave everything behind due to her father's. She grew up privileged and spoiled. She treated her classmates horribly and now she sees the error of her ways, but it is too late. All she wants to do is see to her grandmother's house, but she begins to experience threats against her.
Jack grew up in this town that he loves. He was a bad boy, likes the ladies and because of all of that, has developed a reputation for himself. Fortunately, what you see is not what you get with Jack. He is loving, caring and not liking the way that Rory is being treated.
I am going to start by saying that I had a hard time getting into this book. There was way too much animosity between Rory and Jack. Why he would keep going back to help her after how she spoke to him, I just did not get it. Now their storylines explain a lot of why they are the way that they are, but still, it was tough to get on her side at times.
There was a good overall story in there. The secondary characters were easily entwined into the story. There was mystery, angst, intrigue and some love sprinkled in there too. If there was not so much back and forth with Rory and Jack, I really would have enjoyed this a bit more. ⭐⭐⭐
Rory is back in her childhood town after her grandmother passes away. But the town does not want her back or appreciate her presence at all. Years ago, her family had to leave everything behind due to her father's. She grew up privileged and spoiled. She treated her classmates horribly and now she sees the error of her ways, but it is too late. All she wants to do is see to her grandmother's house, but she begins to experience threats against her.
Jack grew up in this town that he loves. He was a bad boy, likes the ladies and because of all of that, has developed a reputation for himself. Fortunately, what you see is not what you get with Jack. He is loving, caring and not liking the way that Rory is being treated.
I am going to start by saying that I had a hard time getting into this book. There was way too much animosity between Rory and Jack. Why he would keep going back to help her after how she spoke to him, I just did not get it. Now their storylines explain a lot of why they are the way that they are, but still, it was tough to get on her side at times.
There was a good overall story in there. The secondary characters were easily entwined into the story. There was mystery, angst, intrigue and some love sprinkled in there too. If there was not so much back and forth with Rory and Jack, I really would have enjoyed this a bit more. ⭐⭐⭐
September 18, 2025
Rory and Jack—when she lived in Ryker Falls as a child, she was privileged and mean; when he grew up in Ryker Falls, he and his brothers were into every kind of trouble imaginable. Her father was convicted of stealing the money raised for the schools to the tune of $100K, and so when her grandmother died and left her house to Rory and her brothers, she was greeted with slurs, derision, and hatred by most people. But thanks to some reasoning from the FBI profiler he was close to, he was apologetic for his attitude. And they rubbed each other wrong—because they both had pride and felt something for the other one. She ended up with threats made to her house—a note, another note attached to a rock through her window, a pile of horse manure dumped in her house—and being accused of stealing things form local stores. But as she falls more and more for Jack, the ladies in town keep coming on to him and the green monster gets to her. But when he goes to make things right, she disappears; when he calls her phone, he realizes that she’s been kidnapped. In the end, everything is resolved and they find their HEA. Editing issues.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 27, 2019
This is the 3rd book in the Ryder Falls series and I adored it just as much as the other two!
Rory is an amazing character, disliked and judged by some due to her parents failings when she was a child she returns to her old home wanting to find peace but instead finding a handful of locals being cruel and vindictive. Rory has a lovely nature and manages to change people’s perception of her and manages to make notorious bad boy Jack fall for her.
Jack is charming, handsome and sweet as can be, he’s also loved by all woman and takes none of them seriously. I love that he falls for Rory against his wishes and the two of them are amazing together!
The story, just like the first two in the series has amazing twists and drama, ones you don’t always see coming, which adds a fantastic layer to the books.
I love revisiting the previous books characters and cannot wait for the next in the series!
I was offered the chance of an ARC and have happily and honestly given my opinion.
I would highly recommend it.
Rory is an amazing character, disliked and judged by some due to her parents failings when she was a child she returns to her old home wanting to find peace but instead finding a handful of locals being cruel and vindictive. Rory has a lovely nature and manages to change people’s perception of her and manages to make notorious bad boy Jack fall for her.
Jack is charming, handsome and sweet as can be, he’s also loved by all woman and takes none of them seriously. I love that he falls for Rory against his wishes and the two of them are amazing together!
The story, just like the first two in the series has amazing twists and drama, ones you don’t always see coming, which adds a fantastic layer to the books.
I love revisiting the previous books characters and cannot wait for the next in the series!
I was offered the chance of an ARC and have happily and honestly given my opinion.
I would highly recommend it.
March 4, 2019
Love Me Tender is the third book in Wendy Vella's Ryker Falls series and definitely worth reading.
Rory Haldane is back in Ryker Falls years after her family had been shamefully ran out of town, but coming back to take care of her grandmother's estate was important and this time it wasn't going to be so easy to run a Haldane out of town.
Jack Trainer is known around town as being a player when it comes to women. He enjoys spending time with them, but loving them is a different story so when Rory shows up in town and his feelings towards her seem a little different he doesn't quite know what to do with them. Along with that he hates seeing how so many of the residents of the town are treating Rory for something she had nothing to do with. Injustice is wrong and he will do everything he has to, to get his town to accept Rory if staying is in her plan.
I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.
Rory Haldane is back in Ryker Falls years after her family had been shamefully ran out of town, but coming back to take care of her grandmother's estate was important and this time it wasn't going to be so easy to run a Haldane out of town.
Jack Trainer is known around town as being a player when it comes to women. He enjoys spending time with them, but loving them is a different story so when Rory shows up in town and his feelings towards her seem a little different he doesn't quite know what to do with them. Along with that he hates seeing how so many of the residents of the town are treating Rory for something she had nothing to do with. Injustice is wrong and he will do everything he has to, to get his town to accept Rory if staying is in her plan.
I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.
June 29, 2023
free ebook, i like this series
she came back to town after her grandma died and left her the house
no one in town liked her, she was mean to everyone when she was growing up and her dad the mayor stole money, but returned it. her parents are dead and she has a few brothers
so no one wanted her in town when she came back. but a few people started sticking up for her
then she got her tires slashed, her house had a rock thrown through the window, her house ransacked, manure put inside.
someone was after her, they were trying to scare her off. she found her dads briefcase and found out he had a affair which resulted in a child, he was paying child support.
he always said he was innocent and it turned out he was. the banker set him up, he was having the affair with the mans wife. he kidnapped the girl but they went after her. she made the car have a accident and they found her
the man she had fights with when she got back to town fell in love with her asked her to marry him and she said yes
she came back to town after her grandma died and left her the house
no one in town liked her, she was mean to everyone when she was growing up and her dad the mayor stole money, but returned it. her parents are dead and she has a few brothers
so no one wanted her in town when she came back. but a few people started sticking up for her
then she got her tires slashed, her house had a rock thrown through the window, her house ransacked, manure put inside.
someone was after her, they were trying to scare her off. she found her dads briefcase and found out he had a affair which resulted in a child, he was paying child support.
he always said he was innocent and it turned out he was. the banker set him up, he was having the affair with the mans wife. he kidnapped the girl but they went after her. she made the car have a accident and they found her
the man she had fights with when she got back to town fell in love with her asked her to marry him and she said yes
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 7, 2024
Loved this story! Was so happy to be back in Ryker Falls. We are now following the story of another Trainer, Jack. And he has met his match in Rory Haldane. Rory has returned to Ryker after learning that her grandmother had died months earlier and she is not welcomed. For something her father was blamed for when she was a kid, her family was run out of town. The moment he steps into town, she is verbally attacked by all, including the Trainers themselves. Until they realize that years have gone by and it wasn't Rory or her brothers' fault for their father's actions. Jack ends up taking Rory's side and though they argue and annoy one another in every was possible, the chemistry between them is clear. The two, however, are quite alike. Why fall for someone when they can just hurt you? Together, they learn to take a chance. And on top of their budding romance, Rory is getting more than just verbal abuse from the town. Slashing of tires and rocks thrown her window, someone really does not want Rory back in town. Really great story! Just another wonderful addition to this series. And I cannot wait to find out who's story we are getting next!
I received an ARC for an honest review.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
April 16, 2024
No matter what name this author uses - Lani Blake or Wendy Vella she is a favorite. Enemies to lovers is the theme. At times, the h was to hard core in her interactions with the H. I certainly understood why she was with the town.
The H was beyond goodlooking and women through themselves at him. Of course, some of his reputation was earned and some exaggerated. For the 21st century, I was surprised how the women acted towards the H.
Even though book 3 of the series, it is a standalone story with strong main and secondary characters.
Story had a major twist that I didn't see coming. Plus, it is suspenseful, romance builds slowly, lovemaking outside of marriage - heat level 5 out of 5.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, bumpy road to HEA, romantic, great dialogue, Lords name used in vain and some crude words. I can't improve on the blurb, just giving you some extra tidbits to decide whether to purchase. (ljb)
The H was beyond goodlooking and women through themselves at him. Of course, some of his reputation was earned and some exaggerated. For the 21st century, I was surprised how the women acted towards the H.
Even though book 3 of the series, it is a standalone story with strong main and secondary characters.
Story had a major twist that I didn't see coming. Plus, it is suspenseful, romance builds slowly, lovemaking outside of marriage - heat level 5 out of 5.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, bumpy road to HEA, romantic, great dialogue, Lords name used in vain and some crude words. I can't improve on the blurb, just giving you some extra tidbits to decide whether to purchase. (ljb)
June 29, 2019
I was immediately drawn in to Rory’s plight from the very first words on the page. There was just something about the change in attitude in the former Mean Girl coupled with the town’s treatment of her that just tugged on my heartstrings. I’m a momma bear when I see injustice and this story triggered all my protective instincts. Jack made me want to tear my hair out in frustration. I had loved him so much in the previous books, but he starts out this one behaving like a prime jerk. Just like Rory, it took me a little bit to forgive him. Mind you, I adored every one of his impulses that compelled him to look out for her. And the mystery they never thought would land in their laps, completely suckered me. I didn’t see that villain coming, so the outcome completely blindsided me.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.
April 17, 2021
The 3rd book in the series focuses on another Trainer family member, the middle brother Jack. He is known as quite the ladies man in town, whether is reputation is deserved or not. He is a guy that keeps in pretty close to the chest, except around his family. Princess Aurara May arrives back in town and most of the residents wish she had not. She grew up there as a very entitled and bitchy young girl, but after her family fell from grace, she has lead a tough life. Her grandmother left her a house and she needs the comfort. Jack and Rory both have HUGE chips on their shoulders that they have to get rid of in order to find a happy ever after. They also have to figure out who is taking dangerous actions trying to get her to leave.
I have to add to this review that I almost love the supporting cast in town better than the main characters!
I have to add to this review that I almost love the supporting cast in town better than the main characters!
December 15, 2025
Good entry on this series
A good story, romance, mystery, humor. I love the Ryker Falls townspeople. They're quirky in a fun way. Rory came back to Ryker Falls after her Nana passed away. She had been a spoiled, mean girl when she lived there in high school. Then her father was convicted of stealing money from the town. Several people are rude to her, including Jack Trainor, however he soon changed his mind. It's fun to read about relationships that began in previous books in the,series. Bad things escalate and someone is actively trying to get Rory to leave town. It's interesting to find out who's behind the meanness and why.
A good story, romance, mystery, humor. I love the Ryker Falls townspeople. They're quirky in a fun way. Rory came back to Ryker Falls after her Nana passed away. She had been a spoiled, mean girl when she lived there in high school. Then her father was convicted of stealing money from the town. Several people are rude to her, including Jack Trainor, however he soon changed his mind. It's fun to read about relationships that began in previous books in the,series. Bad things escalate and someone is actively trying to get Rory to leave town. It's interesting to find out who's behind the meanness and why.
January 8, 2021
Well this 3rd book of the series was great fun - Jack Trainor was the 'lover of women' in the Trainer family of gorgeous men - but when Aurora May Haldane 'quietly' returns to town, he has met his match. She is greatly misunderstood, he has experience with that, as his brothers had suffered the same fate, at the hands of some of the Ryker Falls towns people. The Trainors turned their lives around, and he was going to help Rory, any way he could.
February 18, 2024
I read this first in the series as was free on KU.
I did enjoy the story and the twist and turns but felt like everything was suddenly love and happy right at the end. It should have happened sooner or the book needed to be longer. It just didn’t quite work for me.
I felt like there was no chemistry between the main two characters and then they were in love.
The book had good bones but I wasn’t fully invested.
I did enjoy the story and the twist and turns but felt like everything was suddenly love and happy right at the end. It should have happened sooner or the book needed to be longer. It just didn’t quite work for me.
I felt like there was no chemistry between the main two characters and then they were in love.
The book had good bones but I wasn’t fully invested.
May 20, 2024
Captivating
I loved that it showed a good detail of the two main character and included some other characters. The storyline was written well and was not one of those books the drug on. I would have liked a little more to the ending as it seemed a little abrupt. It would have been nice to have the first meeting known (without spoiling it) and a little more to the main characters relationship at the end.
I loved that it showed a good detail of the two main character and included some other characters. The storyline was written well and was not one of those books the drug on. I would have liked a little more to the ending as it seemed a little abrupt. It would have been nice to have the first meeting known (without spoiling it) and a little more to the main characters relationship at the end.
July 28, 2024
I’ve read enough books in my life, that I can tell early on when one isn’t working for me. I almost never hesitate to DNF a book that I’m not vibing with, but every once in a while one slips through. And I always regret it. I should have stopped reading, I’m so upset with myself. This wasn’t good. The bones of the plot was promising. The characters were insufferable and the writing was repetitive. I’m just sitting here numb to the fact that I finished this.
January 20, 2019
It was lovely going back to Ryker Falls and catching up with everyone. This visit we met up with Rory and Jack. I really enjoyed this book, the story had me gripped before the end of the first chapter and I never lost interest throughout the whole book. This ones definitely a winner and I’m looking forward to reading the next Ryker Falls instalment.
January 20, 2019
A wonderful story. Rory comes back to her hometown and encounters harsh criticism. Jack becomes her protector. The way to two interact with leave you laughing, sighing, cheering and just not wanting to stop reading. I was gifted this book. This is my honest review. Loved this story.
December 1, 2024
good read
Thoroughly enjoyed this story especially the feisty Rory. A terrible backstory that continues to haunt her and her family. Liked the change of attitude and also the lavatorial humour from the bits. Good read.
Thoroughly enjoyed this story especially the feisty Rory. A terrible backstory that continues to haunt her and her family. Liked the change of attitude and also the lavatorial humour from the bits. Good read.
January 30, 2019
This author is a favorite of mine, and this book is one of her best.
February 15, 2022
Another good book in the series.
July 25, 2023
Good book
July 31, 2023
5/5 ⭐️ I loved this book!!
Want to read
May 5, 2024Purchased in epub format from Barnes and Noble for my Nook.
June 6, 2024
loved it!
It’s a bad childhood to romantic adults story. But the drama they go through keeps you on the edge of your seat. I really enjoyed this story and couldn’t put it down.
It’s a bad childhood to romantic adults story. But the drama they go through keeps you on the edge of your seat. I really enjoyed this story and couldn’t put it down.
October 30, 2024
Another brilliant book
Absolutely brilliant series hooked from the start couldn't put them down superb well written and a great cast of characters and story line
Absolutely brilliant series hooked from the start couldn't put them down superb well written and a great cast of characters and story line
October 19, 2025
LOVE
Absolutely love, love stories. Happy endings make me happy. It was very well written, and I was captivated the entire time. I Recommend it
Absolutely love, love stories. Happy endings make me happy. It was very well written, and I was captivated the entire time. I Recommend it
December 5, 2025
Love me tender
A fast moving story full of community spirit, friendship, family and love. A feel good read great to curl up with beside the fire.
A fast moving story full of community spirit, friendship, family and love. A feel good read great to curl up with beside the fire.
December 17, 2025
Awwww!
This swoon worthy book wasn't nearly long enough. I could happily immerse myself in more pages of this smart, witty, touching romance! Definitely worth reading twice!
This swoon worthy book wasn't nearly long enough. I could happily immerse myself in more pages of this smart, witty, touching romance! Definitely worth reading twice!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews