His Valentine Bride

Rx For Love #7

by Cindy Kirk

Betsy McGregor is down on her luck—and pretty down on love, too. Besides being out of work for so long, she's also harbored a secret crush on Ryan Harcourt since forever. When she finally lands a job, Betsy finds herself not only working for the handsome lawyer she's always loved, but also agreeing to play matchmaker for him. And vice versa!

But the more time Ryan spends trying to find Betsy a match, the more he realizes he really wants her for himself. Could true love have been right in front of him all along?

If Ryan can ever get Betsy to admit her real feelings, they could just find themselves saying "I do" this Valentine's Day.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

224 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author Cindy Kirk is a Booksellers' Best Award Winner, a National Readers' Choice Awards finalist, and a Publishers Weekly bestselling author. Cindy launched her Good Hope series with a bang. Christmas in Good Hope hit #1 on the Amazon bestseller list for both Contemporary Romance and Women's Fiction.

A lifelong Nebraska resident, Cindy started writing after taking a class at a local community college. An incurable romantic, Cindy loves seeing her characters grow and learn from their mistakes and, in the process, achieve a happy ending.

Someone once told Cindy that to know a writer you just have to read what she's written; she hopes that once you read her books you can tell she is an eternal optimist, one who truly believes in the power of love. She invites you to kick off your shoes, pick up one of her books, and get to know her.

Cindy and her high school sweetheart husband live on an acreage with their two dogs.

Reviews

[Nicole Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an Advanced Reader Copy and am voluntarily reviewing it. Elizabeth “Betsy” McGregor is back in her hometown, Jackson Hole, after her mother passed away. She vowed not to come back as long as her mother was there. Betsy needed a job and Ryan Harcourt needed a paralegal. Betsy having all the skills Ryan needed was immediately hired but Ryan had an additional job in mind.

Ryan has loved Adrianna Lee from afar. What better way to get close to her but to enlist the help of her best friend and his new paralegal. One little problem. Betsy was in love with Ryan and had been since high school. Maybe she can turn this around and get him to realize that she was the love of his life.

Ryan has a tendency to fall in out of love on a regular basis. After spending time with Betsy he comes to realize exactly what he wants in a woman. It is going to take some convincing that he has found “the one”, especially with his parents.

In the midst of this love story, there is a lot going on. Can Betsy get over her fear that she is worthy of love? Also, she has to protect Ryan from her reputation. Readers will love Betsy and understand her fears and worries. Cindy Kirk continues to make readers fall in love with these small towns. Jackson Hole has my heart.

[Dana Dobias · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good, but too Short

This is a good series. This book is the 7th in the series and although the editing has gotten better (Harlequin is bothering to put breaks in when a span of time passes). These books are considerably shorter than the Good Hope series from the same author. Since the Good Hope books are available on Kindle Unlimited and are a better quality story, I recommend a reader start there.

[Hemavathy DM Suppiah-Devi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great premise and characters. Great scenes too. But the telling just fell flat.

[Maria Grass · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it.
Part of the Jackson Hole series. Another brilliant book by Cindy Kirk. The heart-warming story of Betsy and Ryan. Betsy returns to Jackson Hole after her great aunt left her a property that needs renovating. She’s a paralegal but is struggling to find a suitable job in Jackson Hole until she applies for a job that has opened up in Ryan’s law practice. Ryan was her brother Keenan’s friend and Betsy has had a crush on him since she was ten years old. After starting to work for him, Ryan confides to Betsy that he is interested in dating Betsy’s best friend and asks Betsy to help him. They come to an arrangement where Ryan will help set Betsy up with his friend and vice versa which is devastating to Betsy but she agrees. The more time Betsy and Ryan spend together, Ryan starts to realise that Betsy is the only one for him. As he pursues her, she can’t believe that his feelings are true for her as he’s dated a lot of beautiful women and she holds a lot of insecurities about her worth due to the relationship that she had with her deceased alcoholic mother. Just as everything seems to be going great a major setback occurs and Ryan now has to prove that he’ll never give up on his one true love. This book is beautifully written and one that once I started reading it, I couldn’t put it down.

[JigsawGirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really felt for Betsy because of her insecurities related to her past. The sad thing was that it didn't click for her until a conversation she had with her neighbor.

I felt for Ryan after that conversation he had with his parents. I was amazed that he was as well balanced as he appeared if that was any indication of the level of support he received. I am not sure why his parents behavior came as a surprise to me.

This was not a sad story. It was more of a friends to lovers romance. Two people who had to work through some things to get to their HEA.

The one thing I didn't care for in the story is something I dislike in any book. When the couple doesn't communicate and one person is "self sacrificing" in order to save the other person or not bring trouble into his/her life. I find it irritating and it always seems selfish to me. But, that is just my opinion.

Reading about Ryan discovering his true feelings for Betsy was actually very sweet. There was also a bit of heat in this book. I was glad that Ryan didn't give up. That would have been disappointing if he had given up on Betsy.

I like the Jackson Hole vibe and how friends and family support one another. I did have a moment of confusion, but then I remembered this book was a bit out of sequence. Even if you have read later books in the series, this book can be read as a standalone with no problem.

[Danielle Merritt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Jackson Hole series of books from Cindy Kirk & this is no exception. This book tells the story of Betsy & Ryan. It is set earlier than some of the other Jackson Hole books but this I liked as it allowed you to get to know some of the other characters better for the latter books.
Betsy has returned home to Jackson Hole after the death of her mother. Being a paralegal, she left her job to return home & now needs to find another place of employment. After interviewing well, that place happens to be the law firm where Ryan, Betsy's childhood crush is her new boss.
With Betsy now having to hide her true feelings for Ryan, she helps him date her best friend Adrianna whilst he helps her date Tripp. All seems to go well until feelings develop on Ryan's behalf. Betsy already adores Ryan & wants to be with him but Ryan takes a little longer to work out that Betsy is the right girl for him.
I really enjoyed reading this book & love returning to Jackson Hole just as much as I love returning to Good Hope. If you've read other books in the Jackson Hole series, you don't want to miss Betsy & Ryan's love story!

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Following her mother's death, Paralegal Betsy McGregor has returned to Jackson Hole. Having had to leave her job she needs to find a new job now. She interviews with the law firm of her brother's friend and her crush, Ryan Harcourt. Having successfully got the job she now needs to try and hide her feelings towards Ryan, especially as he seems to think that her friend Adrianna is his soul mate. Instead she pretends that she has feelings for Tripp, who is returning to Jackson Hole too.

So they agree to help each other. Betsy will help Ryan with Adrianna and Ryan will help her with Tripp. But Ryan starts to think that Adrianna may not be the woman for him and maybe his ideal woman a little closer than he thinks!

It was wonderful to revisit Jackson Hole and seeing some of the wonderful characters we have met before. A definite five star read for me.

I received an ARC from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it.

[Camiba · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’ve been following the Jackson Hole series, you too are ready to jump into hanging with the town’s upper echelon but maybe also feeling like you wouldn’t fit in. If that describes you, you can relate to Betsy. An average woman who grew up in a broken home finds solace in her brothers best friend, who happens to be a popular attorney. Betsy has fancied herself in love with Ryan since she was 10 years old but never thought she’d have a chance with the playboy. But when a game of matchmaker between friends becomes the wake up they both needed, sparks fly - until Betsy’s recent past reads its ugly head. It’s at this point in the book where I really appreciated Ryan’s character and his drive to fight for what he wanted. This book left me wanting more of Betsy and Ryan’s story, wishing the book was longer. I hope Ms. Kirk will revisit their relationship in the next addition to the Jackson Hope series.

[Anna Doll · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved finishing up the Jackson Hole series by Cindy Kirk with Betsy and Ryan’s love story. Betsy’s childhood infatuation with bull-rider turned attorney Ryan, her brother’s best friend, gets a jump start when paralegal Betsy has to leave her job due to inappropriate shenanigans from her boss, Chad. As Ryan’s paralegal, she’s in a great position to prove to herself that infatuation can turn to love. Unfortunately for Betsy, Ryan is enamored with her friend, Adrianna, so she agrees to help him with Adrianna if he’ll help her with his friend, Tripp.

So what can go wrong? As a romance reader, I know that the girl (Betsy) will get the boy (Ryan), but they have to wade through a lot of angst before that happens! I enjoyed the ride (pun intended) and I know you will, too!

[Bridgette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had an Advanced Reader copy of this book. I love the characters in the Jackson Hole series and Betsy and Ryan fit right in.

I enjoyed that this book took place a little earlier so we were able to see the other Jackson Hole characters a bit earlier in their time frame.

Betsy is a sweet person that has endured a few struggles in her life. Ryan is a guy who has been in her life for quite sometime. With their experiment they were able to see another side of each other and find their way.

Cindy Kirk does a great job and I enjoy reading her books. I usually cannot put them down.

This is a great addition to the Jackson Hole series!

[Anissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cindy Kirk continues to delight readers with another heartwarming story in the Jackson Hole series. Although part of a series, this can also be read as a stand alone story. This is a story of friends realizing that attraction and love come from what's on the inside not the outside attraction. The story that follows is a sweet, somewhat steamy story filled with a little drama and intrigue. The characters are entertaining, engaging and slightly flawed which only adds to pleasure. This is a story that you won't want to put down until you have finished it.

I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher but all thoughts and feelings are my own.

[Jill Reid (marge280975) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed being back in Jackson Hole. Betsy and Ryan had such a lovely journey together where they are. Having feelings for someone when your young and the other person just thinks that is you are is the sibling of the best friend is hard but when that light switch turns on and you see the person in a different light everything fall into place. If only Betsy can let go of her past and Ryan you never know what is round the corner.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the publisher and I am voluntarily reviewing it

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

From crush to true LOVE!

From Crush to true LOVE! This is about Betsy and Ryan. She is back in Jackson Hole and is in need of job in order to take care of her aunts house that was left to her. Luckily for her Ryan was hiring for his practice but she has always had a crush on him and didn’t know if working for him would be a great idea.
Of course that all changed when they met and then they decided to help each other find their other half when all along they were standing in front of each other. Love this story especially as Ryan never gave up!!!!

[Jenn Kendall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put this book down! Ryan has been friends with Betsy’s brother since they were children and for as long as she can remember she has always been in love with Ryan. Now Betsy needs a job and she decides to apply for the position at Ryan’s law firm. They quickly become close friends and agree to help each other date others. What Ryan didn’t expect was to feel jealous when other men ask Betsy out and flirt with her. He quickly learns that it is not Betsy’s friend who he is interested in. I highly recommend this sweet romance. I really enjoyed following along with Betsy as her dreams came true!

[Kathi Hollingsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

His Hometown Girl, the latest installment in the Jackson Hole series, is about Ryan and Betsy. Ryan has appeared in many of the other books in the series and it was great to see him get his HEA. Betsy has had a crush on Ryan since she was a young girl. And as her brother’s best friend, Ryan thought of her as a younger sister. But spending time together, her dream comes true and they fall in love. This was a sweet story of young crush turned into adult love. I enjoyed seeing the characters from the other books as well and catching up with them. I highly recommend this book.

[Candice · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I loved about this book is that it shows how often we don't see what is right there in front of us. Sometimes it takes almost losing it or a new perspective to get us to see what we didn't see before. Whether it's a relationship, job, or something going on in our lives if we learn to step back we can often find the answer we have been looking for the whole time. This is a book about hope and teaches us that there is nothing wrong with hope and never giving up on what we really want.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Mabel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Betsy has been in love with Ryan since she was a child. Returning to Jackson Hole and getting a job with Ryan was not planned but the income was necessary. Ryan, the serial dater, wants Betsy to help him date her BFF...Well you know how this works out. The outcome is epic and Ryan wins a place in my heart when he comes to realized the error of his ways.

I received an ARC from the publisher and am voluntarily providing this review.

[Bandora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet story with likable characters that come from different backgrounds and shows that it is possible to overcome the trauma of childhood and go beyond a friend's little sister. It also teaches that in relationships, open communication and decisions are important instead of making unilateral decisions to protect the other.

Trigger warning- there is mention of sexual harassment and assault which can be triggering to some survivors.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Betsy is a sweet girl with a difficult past. She has loved Ryan since she was young, but tries to put that aside when she gets a job working for him as a paralegal. Unfortunately Ryan has an unrequited crush on Betsy's best friend.

This was a sweet romance, and I especially like the strong community of friends in these books. They are pretty short, and there was one spicy scene. Cindy Kirk does a good job showing relationships that are based on friendships, and I love that.

[Julie Eichelberger-Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cindy Kirk continues to amaze and delight with another story in the Jackson Hole series. Although part of a series, this can also be read as a stand alone story. This is one of my favorite tropes, when friends play matchmaker only to realize that they are perfect for each other. Betsy is looking for a new job and applies for the legal assistant at Ryan Harcourt's practice. She has had a crush on him since she was ten but he only goes for the statuesque type like her friend, Adrianna. When he puts forth a proposal of helping him win his love, she almost reveals her crush but quickly covers and says she wants Tripp. She reluctantly agrees to help him. The more time they spend together the more Ryan realizes that he was always looking at the wrong type of woman and that Betsy is the one he has been searching for. Now he must convince her that his feelings are true. The story that follows is a sweet, somewhat steamy story filled with a little drama and intrigue. The characters are entertaining, engaging and slightly flawed which only adds to pleasure. This is a story that you won't want to put down until you have finished it.

I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher but all thoughts and feelings are my own.

[Liz Noke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of the series of Cindy’s books based in Jackson Hole. A great community of friendship, work and love.

This is the story of Betsy and Ryan. Betsy has been sacked from her awful job with a creepy boss and she’s looking for work. Ryan is a lawyer looking for a new paralegal. She applies and is soon working for Ryan, a friend of her brother’s from their childhood.

Betsy really likes Ryan but he wants someone else, so she pretends to have a crush on someone else. They agree to help each other in their quest for love but will Ryan see what’s right in front of him before it’s too late?

Another lovely read from Cindy x

[Habit_of_book_reading]

Good book

It is a good book with interesting characters and this is a nice series to read along. My only thing is its just that a good story without any major drama or plots. It is a simple joyous and happy romance.

[Cecelia Crews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book

This author does a great job with the subjects of this story and the earlier ones. These are things that really need to to talked about and hopefully it will help someone woman that is reading it. Every woman needs to read this book.

[CatherineF · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the characters in this book, it felt like I got to know them well. I also liked the setting of the book and would really like to read more from this author.

[Rosangela · Rating 3 out of 5]

MAH...

[Susan McClintock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Betsy McGregor come back home to Jackson Hole after the death of her mother. She needs a job, and her brother’s best friend Ryan needs a paralegal. Betsy still has her childhood crush on Ryan, problem is, Ryan wants to date her friend Adriana. Ryan suggest a quid pro quo, Betsy helps him get to know Adriana, and he will set her up with his friend. But as they spend time together, will the matchmaking pay off, or will they realize that who they want was in front of them all along? This was previously published by
Harlequin under the name “His Valentine Bride.” This is an enjoyable, quick read.

[brittani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cindy Kirk does it again! I thoroughly enjoyed reading Betsy and Ryan's story! Ryan is a love em and leave em ladies man. Betsy has had a crush on her brother's best friend since she was 10 years old. Now Ryan is her boss, her friend, and maybe more? Although out of order from the previous Jackson Hole stories I enjoyed the glimpse into the early days of some of my favorite characters.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was fun visiting Jackson Hole again and being a part of Betsy and Ryan's story. Witnessing the two slowly grow into love, and the sometimes crazy things love makes you do, kept me reading. I was so glad Ryan figured out what Betsy was up to and wouldn't let her give up on them. Familiar supporting characters added to the enjoyment and the happily ever after ending left me smiling.

[Wendy Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful summer read (or in the fall cuddled up in blankets). The story between Ryan and Betsy was just so sweet and I was thrilled when they got their HEA.

[Sarah Gupta · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚 ARC REVIEW 📚

🌟🌟🌟🌟

I loved going back to this couple and finding out their story.

I thought he jumped quickly from one to the other but thought was explained well how his feeling had changed.

I hated how negative she was about herself but I loved the ending and how their relationship developed.