What do you think?
Rate this book
Small Town Romance #1
Gnome on the Range
Once you get the zing you can't go back.
Jane West has everything a woman could want. A job in a small Montana town's only adult store, two busy young boys and one dead husband. Everything except a little excitement--a little zing. But that changes one summer morning at a garage sale when her kids buy some garden gnomes.
Now someone wants those gnomes and will let nothing get in their way. Including Jane. This new excitement for Jane spells trouble for a relationship with new neighbor--and hot fireman--Ty Strickland. Can Jane and Ty handle a relationship meddling mother-in-law, crazy kids, and stay alive while trying to solve the mystery of the garden gnomes?
Jane West has everything a woman could want. A job in a small Montana town's only adult store, two busy young boys and one dead husband. Everything except a little excitement--a little zing. But that changes one summer morning at a garage sale when her kids buy some garden gnomes.
Now someone wants those gnomes and will let nothing get in their way. Including Jane. This new excitement for Jane spells trouble for a relationship with new neighbor--and hot fireman--Ty Strickland. Can Jane and Ty handle a relationship meddling mother-in-law, crazy kids, and stay alive while trying to solve the mystery of the garden gnomes?
215 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 27, 2011
564 people are currently reading
1524 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Zane
12 books151 followersJennifer Zane has lived all over the country--from Georgia to Maryland, New York to Colorado, including an exciting five years in Montana. Her time in Big Sky country was the basis for this book. When she's not writing, she savors the insanity of raising two boys, is figuring out how many meals she can make with a pressure cooker, and teaches a pretty mean karate class. She currently lives with her family in Colorado.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 341 reviews
June 26, 2018
FROM YARD SALE TO MISHAPS
I always enjoy a new series, and Small Town Romance starts off as a page-turner. The one thing that makes this story so different than most stories by Vanessa Vale is this is not a ménage story. What you will get is plenty of action and adventure, mystery and suspense, and a great cast of characters that will take you on a roller-coaster ride.
Jane West is a widow and mother to two young sons, Zach and Bobby. Her husband was a cheater, but before their divorce was final, he died from a blood clot. Jane works with her mother-in-law, Goldie running a sex shop called Goldilocks. The patience she has with explaining sex toys to customers is entertaining, and her demonstration at a home sex toy party is a bonus too.
New to Bozeman, Ty Strickland, works with the fire department and before that was in the military with two tours to the Gulf. His parents live a few hours away.
The plot will have Ty coming into Goldilocks and meeting Jane, but it was for work, not as a customer. It soon is made apparent that they are also neighbors, and he has befriended her two sons. The story will revolve around a Saturday morning trip to a yard sale where each of the boys buys a yard gnome with the money from Jane. Strange things start happening days after the yard sale, with evidence that someone has been lurking in her yard, attempted theft of the gnomes from the porch, and multiple occurrences. For a once quiet lifestyle, Jane will become embroiled in strange events, and this widowed mother of two will now have two men vying for her attention.
“The past few days had been—action packed. Exciting. Thrilling.”
The relationship between Ty and Jane is mutual but complicated. Jane hasn’t dated even though Nate has been dead for nearly five years. Ty has commitment issues that deal with losing those close to him. So where does that leave them when there is definitely a chemistry between them? Then add in Goldie who does some crazy thing trying to push these two together.
“Look, I’m more than okay with sex. That’s adventure, not excitement. A relationship, not happening. That’s more than I can handle right now. Condoms are for sex. A relationship is when you don’t use them.”--Ty
The story will take on life and death situations, a man who makes demands that leaves Jane uneasy, a thief, and plenty of unanswered questions. Just when things seem to be going well for Jane and Ty, something new will set them back.
“Who would have imagined my entire life would be turned upside down by two garden gnomes?”
I always enjoy a new series, and Small Town Romance starts off as a page-turner. The one thing that makes this story so different than most stories by Vanessa Vale is this is not a ménage story. What you will get is plenty of action and adventure, mystery and suspense, and a great cast of characters that will take you on a roller-coaster ride.
Jane West is a widow and mother to two young sons, Zach and Bobby. Her husband was a cheater, but before their divorce was final, he died from a blood clot. Jane works with her mother-in-law, Goldie running a sex shop called Goldilocks. The patience she has with explaining sex toys to customers is entertaining, and her demonstration at a home sex toy party is a bonus too.
New to Bozeman, Ty Strickland, works with the fire department and before that was in the military with two tours to the Gulf. His parents live a few hours away.
The plot will have Ty coming into Goldilocks and meeting Jane, but it was for work, not as a customer. It soon is made apparent that they are also neighbors, and he has befriended her two sons. The story will revolve around a Saturday morning trip to a yard sale where each of the boys buys a yard gnome with the money from Jane. Strange things start happening days after the yard sale, with evidence that someone has been lurking in her yard, attempted theft of the gnomes from the porch, and multiple occurrences. For a once quiet lifestyle, Jane will become embroiled in strange events, and this widowed mother of two will now have two men vying for her attention.
“The past few days had been—action packed. Exciting. Thrilling.”
The relationship between Ty and Jane is mutual but complicated. Jane hasn’t dated even though Nate has been dead for nearly five years. Ty has commitment issues that deal with losing those close to him. So where does that leave them when there is definitely a chemistry between them? Then add in Goldie who does some crazy thing trying to push these two together.
“Look, I’m more than okay with sex. That’s adventure, not excitement. A relationship, not happening. That’s more than I can handle right now. Condoms are for sex. A relationship is when you don’t use them.”--Ty
The story will take on life and death situations, a man who makes demands that leaves Jane uneasy, a thief, and plenty of unanswered questions. Just when things seem to be going well for Jane and Ty, something new will set them back.
“Who would have imagined my entire life would be turned upside down by two garden gnomes?”
June 27, 2018
Montana Fire is the first book in the Small Town Romance series, brand new and very exciting from Ms. Vale! Jane swears nothing exciting ever happens to her, as she has a steady job helping run an adult store, and two growing boys from her dead, cheating husband. No man, no sex, no mess, that is, until their new neighbor moves in. Ty has zings going all through her body, and while the attraction is there, he’s hesitant to jump into a relationship, especially since trouble seems to be following Jane. As they get closer, so do their troubles! With meddling family, flaming attraction, and some garden gnomes, what could the danger be?
Oh my gosh, this book had me hooked and I could not put it down until I was all done! I love Ms. Vale’s work, I love her cowboys and ménage, but I absolutely loved this slight change of pace. This book seemed a little longer, more details, more mystery, and more character and relationship building! Jane was fabulous, with her unconventional family, a strong sense of loyalty, and her curious and stubborn nature, she was such a fun heroine to get to know and I’d love to be her friend! Ty was protective and sexy, with a little reservation and lots of control. I think my ultimate favorite part was when they described their zings and bams! The mystery of what all was going on just added to the experience of this book, making it engaging, fun, entertaining, with laugh out loud moments and swoon worthy scenes! This is definitely a book that I’ll read more than once!
Oh my gosh, this book had me hooked and I could not put it down until I was all done! I love Ms. Vale’s work, I love her cowboys and ménage, but I absolutely loved this slight change of pace. This book seemed a little longer, more details, more mystery, and more character and relationship building! Jane was fabulous, with her unconventional family, a strong sense of loyalty, and her curious and stubborn nature, she was such a fun heroine to get to know and I’d love to be her friend! Ty was protective and sexy, with a little reservation and lots of control. I think my ultimate favorite part was when they described their zings and bams! The mystery of what all was going on just added to the experience of this book, making it engaging, fun, entertaining, with laugh out loud moments and swoon worthy scenes! This is definitely a book that I’ll read more than once!
February 16, 2014
ZING!! 4.5 Stars! You did good Jennifer Zane, fantastic debut book! Funny, funny, funny!!!
Do not read this out in public because you will have random outbursts of laughter and lots of splainin’ about why you are laughing so hard. Since this book is about a woman who works in an adult store and the paraphernalia that’s sold there is the basis for most of the comedic moments, well it could be embarrassing, but makes for some of the funniest stuff I’ve ever read.
The story is over the top crazy, but that’s what makes it so much fun. The characters were delightful, from the lonely widowed Jane, to hottie fireman, Ty. From the minute they meet, the heat just rolls off the two of them.
“And there he was. Mr. Fireman. And me. And dildo display made three.”
Her in-laws, Goldie, owner of Godilocks and Paul, the local obstetrician, brought an extra layer of fun to the book.
"It was no small stretch that as a couple, my in-laws knew more about a woman’s hoo-hah than anyone else in town. She was the expert on fun, he the consequences.”
But Jane’s boys, Zach and Bobby, really rounded out the characters oh so nicely, and added a familiar and relaxed element to the story.
“'Camping will put hair on their chests,” he said.
Zach and Bobby didn’t look particularly excited about that concept.
“You get to pee outside,” he added, and the boys jumped up and down for joy.
I gave the boys quick hugs and kisses before they dashed over to the nearest pine tree to pull down their pants and water it."
Filled with zany antics and a wild not-so-believable suspense element, what I loved about it most was the writing was comfortable. What I mean by that is the author’s description of everyday small-town life actually stirred some of my own youthful memories. It was quite lovely and made me feel like I was a part of the story. Jennifer Zane also writes on heckuva sex scene…
"His mouth moved lower still and his tongue went for a ride up one side of me and down the other. HOLY CRAP! I hadn’t felt a Super Zing like that in…I couldn’t remember ever feeling a zing like that. My head fell back and I saw the red spaghetti sauce stain on the ceiling Zach made when he was two. I would never look at that mark in the same way again."
Steamy, sexy, and fun!! My only complaint…I wish there had been more!!
For her first effort Jennifer Zane wrote a stand-out book and I can’t wait to see what she has in store for us next. I'm still smiling...oh and having bouts of uncontrolled laughter!
June 22, 2018
A small town romance filled with big laughter, mystery, suspense, family, a hot fireman and free sex toy education. I loved every part of Montana Fire from beginning to end. Quirky secondary characters are a true love of mine and this book was filled with them and I honestly couldn't get enough. I caught myself laughing out loud so many times it was hard to set the book down when I had to go to work, make dinner, or basically function outside of wanting to hide and read.
Told completely from the heroine's POV, it's been awhile since I've read a singular POV and although it can be frustrating to not know what's going on in the hero's thoughts, for Montana Fire it was perfect. The story is centralized around Jane West and living in her mind is hilarious and the rest of the time, as much as you wish you knew what Ty was thinking, don't worry Jane is fabulous with letting you know what others are feeling, doing, or portraying through her thoughts. You won't be disappointed.
It begins with the evolving romance between the hot fireman, Ty Stickland, who lights up her world, but also her precocious children, her boss/outlandish mother-in-law, her babysitter/jello-making neighbor, her best friend with seven children (yes, seven!!), and lots of other people that are important to the plot, along with two gmones who just happen to make her boring life in Montana a little less boring. Okay, make that a lot less boring. I can't wait to read more of this small town romance series and see what happens next in boring Montana.
Jane West is a widow living a relatively boring life with her two boys in Montana. Working for her mother-in-law in her adult shop, Goldilocks, where the most exciting thing to happen in her day might be explaining the differences in dildos or vibrators. When a new, sexy neighbor moves in a few doors down she considered that the highlight of her summer until her life started spinning out of control. Her mundane life was no longer safe when accidents, explosions, and dead bodies seemed to pop up around her everytime she stepped out of the door. The biggest question, aside from, was she ready to take another leap into a relationship with someone new again, who would want to hurt a widow who worked in an adult store?
Told completely from the heroine's POV, it's been awhile since I've read a singular POV and although it can be frustrating to not know what's going on in the hero's thoughts, for Montana Fire it was perfect. The story is centralized around Jane West and living in her mind is hilarious and the rest of the time, as much as you wish you knew what Ty was thinking, don't worry Jane is fabulous with letting you know what others are feeling, doing, or portraying through her thoughts. You won't be disappointed.
It begins with the evolving romance between the hot fireman, Ty Stickland, who lights up her world, but also her precocious children, her boss/outlandish mother-in-law, her babysitter/jello-making neighbor, her best friend with seven children (yes, seven!!), and lots of other people that are important to the plot, along with two gmones who just happen to make her boring life in Montana a little less boring. Okay, make that a lot less boring. I can't wait to read more of this small town romance series and see what happens next in boring Montana.
Jane West is a widow living a relatively boring life with her two boys in Montana. Working for her mother-in-law in her adult shop, Goldilocks, where the most exciting thing to happen in her day might be explaining the differences in dildos or vibrators. When a new, sexy neighbor moves in a few doors down she considered that the highlight of her summer until her life started spinning out of control. Her mundane life was no longer safe when accidents, explosions, and dead bodies seemed to pop up around her everytime she stepped out of the door. The biggest question, aside from, was she ready to take another leap into a relationship with someone new again, who would want to hurt a widow who worked in an adult store?
June 27, 2018
Montana Fire by Vanessa Vale was a bit different than other books of hers I have read, but just as hot and steamy with a bit of suspense and lots of laugh out loud moments!
Jane West is a widowed mother of two. Though her husband, who died years ago, was cheating and they were ready to divorce, she has not had time for dating. Ty Strickland is new to town and is one sexy firefighter. He was sweet and sexy and great with Jane’s kids.
Jane has not dated since the death of her husband and Ty is not a relationship type of guy, however, they both feel the intense chemistry between them. She is one hot mess and apologized to no one and I loved that Ty saw her for who she was. He tried to avoid Jane and her boys, but life never works as you want it. Add in some amazing secondary characters and you have a story that will engage you from start to finish.
Montana Fire was a book about romance in a small town. It sexy, steamy, funny and suspenseful. It was a great start to a new series and I am really excited about reading the upcoming books!
Read and reviewed for Sultry Sirens Book Blog.
Happy reading!
Jane West is a widowed mother of two. Though her husband, who died years ago, was cheating and they were ready to divorce, she has not had time for dating. Ty Strickland is new to town and is one sexy firefighter. He was sweet and sexy and great with Jane’s kids.
Jane has not dated since the death of her husband and Ty is not a relationship type of guy, however, they both feel the intense chemistry between them. She is one hot mess and apologized to no one and I loved that Ty saw her for who she was. He tried to avoid Jane and her boys, but life never works as you want it. Add in some amazing secondary characters and you have a story that will engage you from start to finish.
Montana Fire was a book about romance in a small town. It sexy, steamy, funny and suspenseful. It was a great start to a new series and I am really excited about reading the upcoming books!
Read and reviewed for Sultry Sirens Book Blog.
Happy reading!
June 26, 2018
Good Girls Get the Guy Too!!!
Montana Fire is the first book in a five book series. This book is funny, a huge difference from the last few books by Ms. Vale. This book to me seemed like a western, suspense, and comedy. This book is solely the prospective of the heroine. I laughed, until literally tears were blurred in my eyes. I love the humor, and the cute banter between all the characters. I enjoyed the suspense story line, and it’s “I didn’t see that coming” ending.
This book is heavy with character and area descriptions. Not a lot of romance between the hero and heroine, except short kisses in the beginning. I was waiting for a more intense attraction between the leading characters, it didn’t seem to me it was. Whenever I thought the “getting” was “getting” good, something happened to pull them apart. There were a lot of distractions there to keep me on my toes.
Jane West is a widow with two small boys, working in her mother in law’s adult store. I love this woman from the start. She’s down to earth, resilient, and funny. She’s comfortable with herself, so she doesn’t give a damn about how she looks most of the time, and Ty likes her the way she is and that’s all that matters.
Ty Strickland, ex-military turned fireman. It was hard for me to really get into Ty. Because, there were no bits of prospective in his view, I couldn’t really get into his head. I didn’t find him as dominant sexy as Ms. Vale’s past leading heroes. I found him more funny and boy next door sexy.
I enjoyed this book, but not as much as Ms. Vale’s past books. If you’re looking for romance, you won’t find much of it in this book. It’s categorized as “western” and that is to be taken seriously. I also appreciate the references to the Meth epidemic, the hero's reassuring attitude toward the heroine’s self image and family and friend loyalties.
Montana Fire is the first book in a five book series. This book is funny, a huge difference from the last few books by Ms. Vale. This book to me seemed like a western, suspense, and comedy. This book is solely the prospective of the heroine. I laughed, until literally tears were blurred in my eyes. I love the humor, and the cute banter between all the characters. I enjoyed the suspense story line, and it’s “I didn’t see that coming” ending.
This book is heavy with character and area descriptions. Not a lot of romance between the hero and heroine, except short kisses in the beginning. I was waiting for a more intense attraction between the leading characters, it didn’t seem to me it was. Whenever I thought the “getting” was “getting” good, something happened to pull them apart. There were a lot of distractions there to keep me on my toes.
Jane West is a widow with two small boys, working in her mother in law’s adult store. I love this woman from the start. She’s down to earth, resilient, and funny. She’s comfortable with herself, so she doesn’t give a damn about how she looks most of the time, and Ty likes her the way she is and that’s all that matters.
Ty Strickland, ex-military turned fireman. It was hard for me to really get into Ty. Because, there were no bits of prospective in his view, I couldn’t really get into his head. I didn’t find him as dominant sexy as Ms. Vale’s past leading heroes. I found him more funny and boy next door sexy.
I enjoyed this book, but not as much as Ms. Vale’s past books. If you’re looking for romance, you won’t find much of it in this book. It’s categorized as “western” and that is to be taken seriously. I also appreciate the references to the Meth epidemic, the hero's reassuring attitude toward the heroine’s self image and family and friend loyalties.
June 29, 2018
This is the first in a new series by Vanessa Vale and it is starting out much different than her other series. First off, this is a contemporary romance set in a small town. But unlike her other books, this is not a ménage and there are also some comedic elements that are generally not found in her other books. What we do have are some outrageous characters including her mother-in-law Goldie that owns an adult toy store and has no problem giving out boxes of toys or advice to Jane. Mixed in with the comedy there is a bit of suspense and of course plenty of romance. Given this storyline and the characters I have no idea where the next book will lead, but I'm looking forward to finding out what's next!
June 28, 2018
Jane West led a boring, average life. Left a widow and single mother to two rambunctious boys when her cheating husband died in bed with another couple, she lives a normal life, even if part of that life is working at her mother in laws adult toy store. Things get a bit more exciting, however, when the sexy fireman, Ty Strickland moves in down the street.
Ty Strickland is looking for a quiet and normal life after serving multiple tours in the Middle East. He’s up for a bit of fun, but definitely not a serious relationship. But the gorgeous woman down the street has completely captured his attention.
When her boys bring home two gnomes from a garage sale, Jane’s life goes from boring to chaos . . . especially since it seems as though someone is now trying to kill her! And, it seems as Ty is always right where he needs to be to rescue Jane from the trouble that’s found her. As their chemistry continues to spark and both Jane and Ty start having feelings for one another they’ll need to explore what’s growing between them while keeping Jane alive and managing two young boys.
I have to say that Montana Fire was my favorite Vanessa Vale book to date! Jane is a fabulous character. She’s a hardworking mother whose one and only relationship was with a cheating rat. She’s persevered and deserves a happy ever after with a handsome man who appreciates who she is. Ty is sexy and funny and cares more than he wants to. He gets in deep with Jane even when it terrifies him as he’s already lost so much in his life. Together they are exactly what the other needs if only they can figure out who is trying to kill Jane and why! And, oh, that chemistry!
The side cast of characters is phenomenal. Jane’s mother in law Goldie is completely over the top and laugh out loud funny. The boys are mischievous and super cute and their neighbor, the “Colonel” is a wonderful friend and caretaker to Jane and her boys.
The suspense in this book is great, if a little obvious . . .the big bad guy is simply perfect and goes with the whole quirky and over the top feel of the story. It’s a super fun read and a great start to Vanessa’s new series! 4.5 stars.
Ty Strickland is looking for a quiet and normal life after serving multiple tours in the Middle East. He’s up for a bit of fun, but definitely not a serious relationship. But the gorgeous woman down the street has completely captured his attention.
When her boys bring home two gnomes from a garage sale, Jane’s life goes from boring to chaos . . . especially since it seems as though someone is now trying to kill her! And, it seems as Ty is always right where he needs to be to rescue Jane from the trouble that’s found her. As their chemistry continues to spark and both Jane and Ty start having feelings for one another they’ll need to explore what’s growing between them while keeping Jane alive and managing two young boys.
I have to say that Montana Fire was my favorite Vanessa Vale book to date! Jane is a fabulous character. She’s a hardworking mother whose one and only relationship was with a cheating rat. She’s persevered and deserves a happy ever after with a handsome man who appreciates who she is. Ty is sexy and funny and cares more than he wants to. He gets in deep with Jane even when it terrifies him as he’s already lost so much in his life. Together they are exactly what the other needs if only they can figure out who is trying to kill Jane and why! And, oh, that chemistry!
The side cast of characters is phenomenal. Jane’s mother in law Goldie is completely over the top and laugh out loud funny. The boys are mischievous and super cute and their neighbor, the “Colonel” is a wonderful friend and caretaker to Jane and her boys.
The suspense in this book is great, if a little obvious . . .the big bad guy is simply perfect and goes with the whole quirky and over the top feel of the story. It’s a super fun read and a great start to Vanessa’s new series! 4.5 stars.
June 22, 2018
This was my first Vanessa Vale book and mannnn was I hooked by the first page! How could you not fall in love with a heroine who works at an adult store and has a run in with a hot fireman when she's explaining the pros and cons of several dildos?
Ty has had enough excitement to last him a lifetime after two tours in the military and a career as a fireman. When he moves in next door to a woman who has become a magnet for danger and has two hyper sons, he pushes away to avoid the potential shakeup to his life. That's the thing about attraction though, you can't shake someone once they're under your skin.
He's under Jane's skin too and she finds herself wanting the man who witnesses her at all her hot mess moments and protects her when danger comes a-calling. Her late husband was nothing but a good for nothing philanderer and girl deserves to have a little fun in her life now that he's dead and gone.
I laughed, oh boy did I laugh. And this book? Brought me out of one of my biggest reading slumps to date. That is the biggest compliment I can give to any book or any author. I sat down after work with the idea of reading a few chapters and diving into my own WIP. But several hours later I had a finished book and this intense need for the next book in the series.
My one issue: the big bad behind the big mystery in the book was just a little too obvious. He was the PERFECT big bad though!
Ty has had enough excitement to last him a lifetime after two tours in the military and a career as a fireman. When he moves in next door to a woman who has become a magnet for danger and has two hyper sons, he pushes away to avoid the potential shakeup to his life. That's the thing about attraction though, you can't shake someone once they're under your skin.
He's under Jane's skin too and she finds herself wanting the man who witnesses her at all her hot mess moments and protects her when danger comes a-calling. Her late husband was nothing but a good for nothing philanderer and girl deserves to have a little fun in her life now that he's dead and gone.
I laughed, oh boy did I laugh. And this book? Brought me out of one of my biggest reading slumps to date. That is the biggest compliment I can give to any book or any author. I sat down after work with the idea of reading a few chapters and diving into my own WIP. But several hours later I had a finished book and this intense need for the next book in the series.
My one issue: the big bad behind the big mystery in the book was just a little too obvious. He was the PERFECT big bad though!
January 24, 2023
Wooo weee someone needs to hose me down after reading this.
*Please don't hate me for all the fire puns to come.*
TRIGGER WARNINGS: Cheating, attempted sexual abuse, death, description of corpse dismemberment.
Firefighter romantic intrigue? Sign me the heck up!
The characters in this book are enough to make you fall in love with all of them! From our MC Jane, single mom of two who can't help but to notice when the hottie firefighter moves in two doors down and starts flirting with her. Ty, our firefighter du jour is as smokin' hot as a wildfire and made me wish I was Jane because he could come light my fire any time. Goldie, Jane's mother-in-law and sex shop owner is a firecracker and bringer of much needed humor inside all of the intensity.
Zane fleshes out each character, whether is is the wanna-be Dom, Dex, to Zach and Bobby, Jane's kids. No one is too small of a character to not have a personality that fits them, and no one seems placed there just for added tension or OW/OM-ness.
5/5 stars for writing, plotline, and hunky heroes
4/5 spicy stars
*Please don't hate me for all the fire puns to come.*
TRIGGER WARNINGS: Cheating, attempted sexual abuse, death, description of corpse dismemberment.
Firefighter romantic intrigue? Sign me the heck up!
The characters in this book are enough to make you fall in love with all of them! From our MC Jane, single mom of two who can't help but to notice when the hottie firefighter moves in two doors down and starts flirting with her. Ty, our firefighter du jour is as smokin' hot as a wildfire and made me wish I was Jane because he could come light my fire any time. Goldie, Jane's mother-in-law and sex shop owner is a firecracker and bringer of much needed humor inside all of the intensity.
Zane fleshes out each character, whether is is the wanna-be Dom, Dex, to Zach and Bobby, Jane's kids. No one is too small of a character to not have a personality that fits them, and no one seems placed there just for added tension or OW/OM-ness.
5/5 stars for writing, plotline, and hunky heroes
4/5 spicy stars
June 29, 2018
I first discovered Vanessa Vale's Steele Ranch books and totally fell in love with them. Her style of writing, charming characters, and level of steam kept me glued to the pages. So, when I read about her upcoming Small Town Romance Series, I couldn't wait to dive into the first book, Montana Fire. Just as I'd hoped, Montana Fire was a real scorcher!!
I immediately got sucked into the first couple pages. It felt like a fun adventure with Jane. She was certainly a hoot and someone that I could see myself being friends with. Though she'd been through a lot personally, she was there for her kids and their love of yard sales kept me laughing to no end. Ty was also someone that I quickly came to adore. Vale can sure make you swoon for her male characters and Ty is no exception. Add in that he's a firefighter just makes him that much more addicting.
Montana Fire was a very delightful read. It was one of those stories that kept my interest and I had a hard time setting it down so I could tend to my family. Though a fairly quick read, it's one of my favorites of Vanessa Vales. Beware, there is lots of steam!
I immediately got sucked into the first couple pages. It felt like a fun adventure with Jane. She was certainly a hoot and someone that I could see myself being friends with. Though she'd been through a lot personally, she was there for her kids and their love of yard sales kept me laughing to no end. Ty was also someone that I quickly came to adore. Vale can sure make you swoon for her male characters and Ty is no exception. Add in that he's a firefighter just makes him that much more addicting.
Montana Fire was a very delightful read. It was one of those stories that kept my interest and I had a hard time setting it down so I could tend to my family. Though a fairly quick read, it's one of my favorites of Vanessa Vales. Beware, there is lots of steam!
April 26, 2012
Fun read! Laugh out loud funny and great characters (especially 60 something adult shop owner Goldie) Thanks so much to Karla for the recommendation and to Kellie for joining me in a Buddy Read.
February 16, 2014
★★★★½ FOFLMBO! I didn't get this for free like some of you did, but it was still worth the money. Thanks, Karla for the rec. Really enjoyed this one - and it had a bit of mystery, too!
June 27, 2018
If you've read books by this author before, you know that she's known for certain types of books. Menage, Western theme, with a little BDSM thrown in for good measure. This is not one of those books! Totally different from the ones I've read before (granted, I've not read them all, but I've loved the ones I have read!), this book is about a small town, a firefighter, a widow, and a couple of garden gnomes. (Yes, you read that right. Gnomes.)
Jane is just a girl, living in a small town. She has two sons, is widowed, and works in an "Adult" store. Her relationship with her husband wasn't really great. Matter of fact, it was pretty bad. But now, despite being alone to raise her boys, she seems to be pretty happy with her life. Thinks are pretty easy, going along smoothly, until one day some really strange things start happening.....
Ty is former military, and has recently moved to the neighborhood to join the fire department. He is a typical male, doesn't believe that relationships are for him. But even he can deny the instant attraction for Jane. She just seems to attract trouble. And he isn't sure that there is room for that in his life.
This book is very different from other books by this author. But it is also very similar, in that there were plenty of laughs, and lots of mischief, mayhem, and adventure to keep the story moving. This was a fun beginning to what promises to be a must read series, from an author that always delivers a great book!
Jane is just a girl, living in a small town. She has two sons, is widowed, and works in an "Adult" store. Her relationship with her husband wasn't really great. Matter of fact, it was pretty bad. But now, despite being alone to raise her boys, she seems to be pretty happy with her life. Thinks are pretty easy, going along smoothly, until one day some really strange things start happening.....
Ty is former military, and has recently moved to the neighborhood to join the fire department. He is a typical male, doesn't believe that relationships are for him. But even he can deny the instant attraction for Jane. She just seems to attract trouble. And he isn't sure that there is room for that in his life.
This book is very different from other books by this author. But it is also very similar, in that there were plenty of laughs, and lots of mischief, mayhem, and adventure to keep the story moving. This was a fun beginning to what promises to be a must read series, from an author that always delivers a great book!
June 28, 2018
Review Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
“A steamy-hot & suspenseful start to the series”
I received an Advance Reader Copy for MONTANA FIRE (Small Town Romance, Book #1) written by Vanessa Vale and voluntarily reviewed this book. This may be a small-town story, but it sure has a lot happening in its storyline! Jane West was minding her own business, running her ex-mother-in-law’s (ahem, well-stocked) adult toy store when her two boys come home all excited about news of their cool new neighbor, Mr. Strickland! Well, she already conveniently met Ty - at work, no less - and he was not there for pleasure either but to inspect the store for the fire department.
From there, they keep giving each other the right kind of signals, but then Jane’s life becomes significantly and inexplicably complicated over a very short course of time, with some really slow & heated buildup between Jane and Ty right alongside several strange happenings that couldn’t be coincidence any more. The trick was to find the connection between them all, if any, and she was going to do just that, with or without Ty’s help. Loved GG and all her meddling!
“A steamy-hot & suspenseful start to the series”
I received an Advance Reader Copy for MONTANA FIRE (Small Town Romance, Book #1) written by Vanessa Vale and voluntarily reviewed this book. This may be a small-town story, but it sure has a lot happening in its storyline! Jane West was minding her own business, running her ex-mother-in-law’s (ahem, well-stocked) adult toy store when her two boys come home all excited about news of their cool new neighbor, Mr. Strickland! Well, she already conveniently met Ty - at work, no less - and he was not there for pleasure either but to inspect the store for the fire department.
From there, they keep giving each other the right kind of signals, but then Jane’s life becomes significantly and inexplicably complicated over a very short course of time, with some really slow & heated buildup between Jane and Ty right alongside several strange happenings that couldn’t be coincidence any more. The trick was to find the connection between them all, if any, and she was going to do just that, with or without Ty’s help. Loved GG and all her meddling!
June 27, 2018
Wow a really good start to a Fabulous new Series of the Montana men, in a small town. It may be a small town but it still has hot and spunky men and in this book its a fireman named Ty
Jane West runs a store called Goldilocks, an adult store, and this is where she first meets she is showing some products to a customer and Ty is behind waiting ( i have to admit i had to do a chuckle to myself in parts of the book)she thought to be served, but he is not waiting he is there to inspect fire alarms and such. Janes two boys absolutely adore him, but after they have spent a day going to garage sales things start happening around the place, a man is caught prowling around in her back yard and then attempts on her life are made.
Between Keeping Jane alive and trying to take it slowly with Jane Ty is slowly falling in love with her, but can they solve the mystery of what is happening in there small town in Montana
Jane West runs a store called Goldilocks, an adult store, and this is where she first meets she is showing some products to a customer and Ty is behind waiting ( i have to admit i had to do a chuckle to myself in parts of the book)she thought to be served, but he is not waiting he is there to inspect fire alarms and such. Janes two boys absolutely adore him, but after they have spent a day going to garage sales things start happening around the place, a man is caught prowling around in her back yard and then attempts on her life are made.
Between Keeping Jane alive and trying to take it slowly with Jane Ty is slowly falling in love with her, but can they solve the mystery of what is happening in there small town in Montana
June 8, 2019
This was a fun over-the-top read. The heroine a widow, and mother of two works in an adult shop owned by her mother-in-law (she was a hoot btw). The hero a firefighter is the new neighbour. Stolen bull-semen, attempts on heroine's life, creepy suitor...the book had a lot going. The whole bachelorrete party scene made me laugh out loud.
June 25, 2018
Oh my, this book has everything! At first glance, Jane is an ordinary single (widowed) mom to two rambunctious boys. Her new neighbor, Ty the hunky firefighter, quickly makes friends with her sons and finds that he’s a spectator to some of the most outlandish happenings imaginable!
Once all the seemingly unrelated events are connected, both Jane and Ty find themselves in the midst of a murder mystery that threatens Jane’s life and Ty’s threadbare patience. Throughout it all, the story has a strong emotional foundation and a string of hilarity that makes each page a new adventure. I haven’t seen such a magnet for trouble since the last Evanovich book I read. The supporting cast is filled with quirky, heartwarming small-town people that makes a reader wish there really was such a place in Montana.
If you love rom-coms with a side of spicy hot love, this book is for you. Just remember to stay away from the gnomes at the yard sales. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Once all the seemingly unrelated events are connected, both Jane and Ty find themselves in the midst of a murder mystery that threatens Jane’s life and Ty’s threadbare patience. Throughout it all, the story has a strong emotional foundation and a string of hilarity that makes each page a new adventure. I haven’t seen such a magnet for trouble since the last Evanovich book I read. The supporting cast is filled with quirky, heartwarming small-town people that makes a reader wish there really was such a place in Montana.
If you love rom-coms with a side of spicy hot love, this book is for you. Just remember to stay away from the gnomes at the yard sales. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
June 28, 2018
I received a free copy of this book from the author.
They grown them handsome in Montana. Ty is no exception except Jane doesn't really have time for a relationship. Ty doesn't even want one. LOL These two! This book has comedy, romance, and suspense wrapped all into one book.
I enjoyed reading this new story by Vanessa Vale. These two characters are put through the ringer but they definitely come out on top. The Mother-in-Law in this book is hilarious! I've never met one like her. hahaha I swear you'll end up laughing out loud while reading then swooning on the very next page.
Time to ante up and give this one a try!
They grown them handsome in Montana. Ty is no exception except Jane doesn't really have time for a relationship. Ty doesn't even want one. LOL These two! This book has comedy, romance, and suspense wrapped all into one book.
I enjoyed reading this new story by Vanessa Vale. These two characters are put through the ringer but they definitely come out on top. The Mother-in-Law in this book is hilarious! I've never met one like her. hahaha I swear you'll end up laughing out loud while reading then swooning on the very next page.
Time to ante up and give this one a try!
March 24, 2013
Jane West is a widow with two young boys named Bobby and Zach. There is never a dull moment in the West household. The other interesting thing about Jane is that she works at Goldilocks which is adult store owned by her mother in law Goldie. A new neighbor sparks interest in Jane and her boys. The new neighbor is Ty Strickland, a paid fireman and army vet, enjoys meeting Jane in unusual circumstances. Ty thinks Jane is a danger magnet and pushes her away from him. Jane's husband Nate treated her like door mat and cheated on her. Jane's libido kicks into high gear around Ty and the feeling seems to be mutual. Jane loves to bargain shop which meand garage sales. The boys buy a pair of garden gnomes. There has been increase of drug related problems and sabotage around Jane. Can Jane trust in Ty? Will Ty believe in Jane? Who is behind the drug problems? Who wants to hurt Jane? Your answers await you in Gnome on the Range.
From the title alone you wouldn't guess this book being a romance novel. I can honestly say that this book from beginning to end was a complete page turner. I really laughed thru reading this book alone because of the Goldie character. She is a riot and no holds bar type of person. She'll tell you like it is and makes no apologies for who she is. I loved that one of the main backgrounds occurred in the Adult Store for this all by itself was hilarious and entertaining. I highly recommend reading this book. I certainly look forward to reading more from this author.
From the title alone you wouldn't guess this book being a romance novel. I can honestly say that this book from beginning to end was a complete page turner. I really laughed thru reading this book alone because of the Goldie character. She is a riot and no holds bar type of person. She'll tell you like it is and makes no apologies for who she is. I loved that one of the main backgrounds occurred in the Adult Store for this all by itself was hilarious and entertaining. I highly recommend reading this book. I certainly look forward to reading more from this author.
November 23, 2012
Grade: D
This wasn’t painful, but it wasn’t good.
A nearly-TSTL heroine, her way-OTT mother-in-law, a completely transparent “suspense” plot, inane and irrelevant details about houses, horses, sex toys, street names, etc., etc.
And…the Evil Villain. Oy. Uff da.
Are you ready for this? Because this is where the gnomes come into play.
Are you SURE? All righty, don’t say I didn’t warn you.
I SHIT YOU NOT. On all counts.
This wasn’t painful, but it wasn’t good.
For the next fifteen minutes, we went over fire inspection paperwork with an elephant in the room the shape of a dildo.
A nearly-TSTL heroine, her way-OTT mother-in-law, a completely transparent “suspense” plot, inane and irrelevant details about houses, horses, sex toys, street names, etc., etc.
And…the Evil Villain. Oy. Uff da.
Are you ready for this? Because this is where the gnomes come into play.
Are you SURE? All righty, don’t say I didn’t warn you.
I SHIT YOU NOT. On all counts.
March 29, 2013
Going into this book I was thinking okay quick read that will be silly.
*Points to cover, glances at title*
And well I was correct. The amount of times I laughed and laughed I can't count, very very humors book. I even snorted, yep that's right I snorted and loudly might I add, because there was so many comical parts. "You got it stuck where?" I got a kick out of all the characters, Goldie especially. Oh and well can not leave out Ty, yummy fire man!!!
What I didn't see coming was the nice little mystery involved.
Jane, a mom of 2 and widow works at an "adult" store, owned by her mother-in-law, Goldie.. Doesn't have a whole lot of excitement going on in her life, until the day of the garage sale, the day her sons buy those two darn garden gnomes.
4 stars, because it did what it promised it would do and gave me a little bit more.
*Points to cover, glances at title*
And well I was correct. The amount of times I laughed and laughed I can't count, very very humors book. I even snorted, yep that's right I snorted and loudly might I add, because there was so many comical parts. "You got it stuck where?" I got a kick out of all the characters, Goldie especially. Oh and well can not leave out Ty, yummy fire man!!!
What I didn't see coming was the nice little mystery involved.
Jane, a mom of 2 and widow works at an "adult" store, owned by her mother-in-law, Goldie.. Doesn't have a whole lot of excitement going on in her life, until the day of the garage sale, the day her sons buy those two darn garden gnomes.
4 stars, because it did what it promised it would do and gave me a little bit more.
July 16, 2018
This is my first Vanessa Vale so I have nothing to go by when it comes to her other stories. But I have to say I did enjoy this story. It has a nice build to it. There is a mystery to it. And a hot fireman too. I love the family and Jane works at a wonderful store. HAHA, that caught me at first.
Jane is not someone that has had a lot of men in her life, period. She is a mother of two wonderful little boys and is doing the single mother thing. She has a great support system and enjoys her life. But when Ty shows up at the store she works at to do a fire safety lookup. The sparks fly. But Ty is not looking for anything and Jane is not someone you just have sex with. She is a complication.
But when someone starts coming around her house, and then things are blown up and a murder happens all around Jane, Ty has no chose but to hang around.
I have enjoyed this story and am excited to see where the rest go.
Read
June 28, 2018
For a while now I've been impressed by what Vanessa Vale has done with the shorter menage books of hers I've read. I loved that she puts so much romance and heat and just great story telling in so few pages. But Montana Fire was something completely different from what I've read by her before. It was longer and had no menage and yet was just as amazing. I now feel like I could pick up anything by her and know that I'm going to love it.
This book was so very funny. I was pleasantly surprised by all the humor I found. I loved Ty and Jane. They had a great chemistry and yet the book had a little bit of a slow burn feel. When you add in Jane's mother in law and the colonel not to mention the boys, you got a cast of characters that was impossible not to love.
I am looking forward to the rest of this series so much. The sneak peek I got had great promise and is already on my must read list.
June 24, 2018
Montana Fire is the first book in the Small Town Romance Series and is a fantastic start to the series! This romance was a little different from other books that I have read by Vanessa Vale and I loved it! BTW I still love the other books that I have read by this author too.
This is Jane West and Ty Strickland’s (“a smoking hot firefighter”) story and what a story. It was written with a lot of humor. There are some cute & LOL moments, some suspenseful moments, and some pretty hot scenes between Jane and Ty.
There was a lot of sexual teasing between Ty and Jane. Of course, with Jane having 2 young & adorable boys & a nosy & funny ex MIL made up for some c*** blocking moments.
I adore Goldie! She is Jane’s ex MIL and is a colorful character and sounded like a “great” grandma type I would have wanted as my grandmother.
I think I might have learned more about how they breed horses than what I wanted. Hehe! Well it is informative.
I really enjoyed reading Montana Fire and can’t wait for Montana Ice (the second book in the A Small Town Romance Series) to come out.
I give Montana fire 4.5 stars.
This is Jane West and Ty Strickland’s (“a smoking hot firefighter”) story and what a story. It was written with a lot of humor. There are some cute & LOL moments, some suspenseful moments, and some pretty hot scenes between Jane and Ty.
There was a lot of sexual teasing between Ty and Jane. Of course, with Jane having 2 young & adorable boys & a nosy & funny ex MIL made up for some c*** blocking moments.
I adore Goldie! She is Jane’s ex MIL and is a colorful character and sounded like a “great” grandma type I would have wanted as my grandmother.
I think I might have learned more about how they breed horses than what I wanted. Hehe! Well it is informative.
I really enjoyed reading Montana Fire and can’t wait for Montana Ice (the second book in the A Small Town Romance Series) to come out.
I give Montana fire 4.5 stars.
June 28, 2018
I love everything by this author!! Now I have not read every book by her but the ones that I have read I love. Jane West leads a boring life in the middle of Montana. She runs an adult store with her meddling mother-in-law. Jane is a widower and the mother of two rowdy boys. When a hot as sin firefighter moves in up the street from her her average, boring life gets a lot more exciting, in a bad way. Ty is the sexy firefighter and is just as taken with her and her two boys. Accidents keep happening around Jane and Ty thinks she is a magnet for trouble. What will they all think when someone is gunning for Jane and wants her to end up dead?
This book is the first book in a new series from Vanessa Vale. I can’t wait for the series to continue!!
This book is the first book in a new series from Vanessa Vale. I can’t wait for the series to continue!!
June 29, 2018
Montana Fire by Vanessa Vale is a great small town romance with some mystery, a bit of suspense and a very hot and sexy storyline. A very well written story that captures you from the very beginning and keeps you hooked till the very end. The characters are a great group, one very hot alpha fireman, one sexy mother of two who just seems to find a bit of trouble. Then there is her colorful boss Goldie who is one very fun and entertaining character you will definitely love. I absolutely recommend this great story and hope you will love it as much as I did. This was book one in this new series and I definitely can’t wait for more stories. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
June 28, 2018
Montana Fire by Vanessa Vale is a small town romance that is big on heat, family and laughter. Jane West is a widowed mother of two. Jane’s husband was a cheater and she was in the process of divorcing him when he died. Since then she hasn’t gone out with anyone and just makes sure she is the best mother to her children. She works with her mother-in-law, Goldie at a sex shop and OMG just the scenes with her working there are insanely funny. Ty Strickland is new to Bozeman. He has moved there to work with the fire department and is a military veteran. Ty and Jane end up meeting and from there , their chemistry is immediate. Ty quickly slid under Jane’s defenses and the story flows. There is this mystery that involves Jane and some items she purchased at a yard sale which then involves Ty and the story flares with the heat of their chemistry and desire. I enjoyed how the story played out . Jane and Ty made for a great couple. As for who was the villain in this story, things were on twists and turns until about the end. The bad guy was a real bad guy and was perfect in his role. I look forward to the next book in this series.
My Rating: 4.7 stars *****
“I received an advanced copy of this book from the author at no cost to me."
My Rating: 4.7 stars *****
“I received an advanced copy of this book from the author at no cost to me."
Read
July 10, 2018"Montana Fire" is the story of Jane and Ty.
A love? story between a adult toy shop owner and a firefighter, this book can only be described by me as a combination of weird and confusing.
We have our heroine, single mom with two boys owning a sex toy shop- which she inherited from her MIL.
A firefighter hero who exists for purposes of being drooled upon, saving the heroine and running away.
Bull semen.
Murder mysteries.
Attempts on life.
Sexual frustration.
Sex toys and anal talk.
Horny obsessive OM and horse porn.
Bad dressing choices.
Matchmaking inlaws.
It started out as cute but as the book went on, I realized I was laughing, because things were getting so ridic they made no sense to me. Also, Dex was described in a more sexual manner than Ty, despite him being the OM. The plot was also a bit messy- even after the big reveal.
Anyways, it was an average book for me.
SWE
Unrated, because I still dont know what I read.
P.S. Miss her old western books :(
A love? story between a adult toy shop owner and a firefighter, this book can only be described by me as a combination of weird and confusing.
We have our heroine, single mom with two boys owning a sex toy shop- which she inherited from her MIL.
A firefighter hero who exists for purposes of being drooled upon, saving the heroine and running away.
Bull semen.
Murder mysteries.
Attempts on life.
Sexual frustration.
Sex toys and anal talk.
Horny obsessive OM and horse porn.
Bad dressing choices.
Matchmaking inlaws.
It started out as cute but as the book went on, I realized I was laughing, because things were getting so ridic they made no sense to me. Also, Dex was described in a more sexual manner than Ty, despite him being the OM. The plot was also a bit messy- even after the big reveal.
Anyways, it was an average book for me.
SWE
Unrated, because I still dont know what I read.
P.S. Miss her old western books :(
June 28, 2018
4 Stars from Brianna!
Vanessa Vale has a brand new series out and you can't miss this one... sexy, suspenseful, dangerous, intense, predictable, sweet. Such a great way to start to this series with one unforgettable couple in Jane and Ty. Montana Fire lit up my e-reader, made my heart flutter, had me laughing then gasping for air, and left my kindle practically sizzling at times with all the tension.
She's a single mom with an extended family that's meddling in her love life, especially when it comes to him. He's a sexy, single firefighter that's moved in on the street and he's got his eye on her but is she worth the trouble?
An attraction worth exploring + some page-turning suspense and danger + an undeniable connection and you've got one pretty amazing, fun journey.
What an introduction to this series... I recommend this book.
Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog
Vanessa Vale has a brand new series out and you can't miss this one... sexy, suspenseful, dangerous, intense, predictable, sweet. Such a great way to start to this series with one unforgettable couple in Jane and Ty. Montana Fire lit up my e-reader, made my heart flutter, had me laughing then gasping for air, and left my kindle practically sizzling at times with all the tension.
She's a single mom with an extended family that's meddling in her love life, especially when it comes to him. He's a sexy, single firefighter that's moved in on the street and he's got his eye on her but is she worth the trouble?
An attraction worth exploring + some page-turning suspense and danger + an undeniable connection and you've got one pretty amazing, fun journey.
What an introduction to this series... I recommend this book.
Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog
Displaying 1 - 30 of 341 reviews