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Hunted #1
Saved by the Rancher
From the moment rancher Jack Turner rescues Jenna Caldwell Merrick, he is determined to help her. Soon, he is doing more than tend her wounds; he is mending her heart. Jenna is a woman on the run—hunted down by her ex-husband, David Merrick, from the day she left him, taking part of his company with her, to the second she finds herself in the safety of Jack's ranch. More than just a haven, Jack's offering the love, family, and home she thought were out of reach.
Jack's support will give Jenna the strength she needs to reclaim her life. The hunted will become the hunter, while David gets what he deserves, when they have an explosive confrontation in the boardroom of Merrick International. But not before Jack and Jenna enter into a fight … for their lives.
Jack's support will give Jenna the strength she needs to reclaim her life. The hunted will become the hunter, while David gets what he deserves, when they have an explosive confrontation in the boardroom of Merrick International. But not before Jack and Jenna enter into a fight … for their lives.
295 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 26, 2013
267 people are currently reading
1286 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Ryan
48 books1,886 followersJennifer Ryan, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Hunted and McBrides Series, writes romantic suspense and contemporary small-town romances.
Jennifer lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and three children. When she isn’t writing a book, she’s reading one. Her obsession with both is often revealed in the state of her home, and how late dinner is to the table. When she finally leaves those fictional worlds, you’ll find her in the garden, playing in the dirt and daydreaming about people who live only in her head, until she puts them on paper.
Please visit her website at www.jennifer-ryan.com for information about upcoming releases.
Jennifer lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and three children. When she isn’t writing a book, she’s reading one. Her obsession with both is often revealed in the state of her home, and how late dinner is to the table. When she finally leaves those fictional worlds, you’ll find her in the garden, playing in the dirt and daydreaming about people who live only in her head, until she puts them on paper.
Please visit her website at www.jennifer-ryan.com for information about upcoming releases.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 240 reviews
March 18, 2013
Saved by the Rancher by Jennifer Ryan
Saved by the Rancher is the first book in Jennifer Ryan’s The Hunted series, and my first read of this author. The story starts out with a horrific scene of physical abuse, and Jenna Caldwell Merrick running for her life. This scene is definitely not pretty to read due to the viciousness of the attack, but this is Jenna's life and it's on the line.
The story:
David Merrick is one of the wealthiest men alive and is used to getting what he wants, so when Jenna gets tired of the abuse and leaves him, he takes great pleasure in hunting her, and doing whatever he has to do to get her back. Intimidation, fear, abuse... he'll stop at nothing, but when those things don’t work, he’s more than willing to kill her. David is a sick SOB and loves seeing Jenna's fear, knowing he has the physical strength and the money to make her suffer.
We’re introduced to Jenna at the lowest point in her life. She’s come close to death too many times at David’s hands, but she won’t let him scare her into going back. She’ll run until she’s free or dead, but she won’t give up. Jenna has several safety nets in place to help her avoid being found, but time after time, he somehow tracks her down. With the help of her attorney, Jenna finally finds a place to hide, a place to rest, with people who are willing to protect her.
Jack Turner gets a call from an old college friend, as it turns out, to help hide a client. Jack doesn’t know this upfront, but it quickly becomes clear that this pretty lady who’s obviously been abused needs his help. Jack hasn’t been interested in a relationship in years because the women he's dated are always more into his wallet than they are into him. But there’s something about Jenna that draws him to her, and he can’t fight the attraction, and neither can she. But can Jack really keep Jenna safe and convince her to settle down with him when all she wants to do is run? He’s not sure of the answer to that, but he’s not willing to give up without a fight.
My thoughts:
Saved by the Rancher is an entertaining story and, with a little more attention to editing, flow and pacing, could have been a 4 or 5 star read. What really kept the story from reaching that level is, considering all the abuse Jenna has endured, how long she’s run, how often she’s nearly died, I felt that her relationship development with Jack was rushed. We were told how afraid she was, how untrusting of men and unwilling to settle down, and yet, we didn't see that in the story because it was no time at all before she was having sexual feelings for Jack. It’s a full length novel so there was plenty of time to flesh it out, to allow that attraction to grow, and that would have made the story and the romance much more enjoyable.
I would probably label this a romantic suspense/thriller, given the brutality and abuse Jenna suffers at David’s hands, as well as the psychological game of cat and mouse he enjoys playing. This is an intense read, nothing light and fluffy about it because of that constant fear of Jenna being discovered in the back of your mind. The plot is exciting, fast paced, and steamy, and there times I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to find out what might happen next.
The Hunted series has the potential to be amazing, and I’m looking forward to reading more by Ms. Ryan.
2.5 stars
My thanks to Avon Books for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 29, 2013
I was going to be generous and give this one two stars but I just can't, in good conscience, do it...
So Jenna used to be married to David. He was abusive so she divorced him. She got half the shares in his company and a large sum of money in the divorce and that never set well with David. So in the true spirit of abusive book husbands, he hunts her down and attacks her when he finds her. After one particularly brutal attack, she takes off again and ends up at a ranch in Colorado. Jack is the ranch owner. She's in obviously poor shape and when he finds her unconscious, he mends her wounds and nurses her back to health. They fall in love. David finds her at the ranch and attacks her again. She then gets her revenge on David and Jenna and Jack live happily ever after.
I want to start by saying that I was enjoying this book until the 50% mark. The first half of the book, she was the normal, skittish, abused woman. She can't trust and she's very private and all that. So she shows up at the ranch 4 days after the latest attack on her and she spends a couple days in semiconsciousness. So it's been less than a week after this brutal attack. In the last two years since she's been on the run, David has found her numerous times and attacked her. Evidently he has the power to make medical records disappear and all sorts of other crazy power so she can't go to the police when she's attacked. She found a lawyer on the internet and he's been helping her stay as hidden as possible since she's been on the run. (The whole finding a lawyer online and never meeting with him in person is more than a bit suspect, especially for a woman in her situation, but whatever. She gives this lawyer complete control of her money and pretty much her entire life.) So anyway, she's known Jack a couple days and it's been less than a week since she was brutally attacked, yet she's falling hard for Jack. REALLY??? Then less than two weeks after the attack, she's still raw, literally and figuratively, yet she suddenly turns into Oprah or some shit. She takes Jack's sister and niece on a shopping spree (that they need a private jet for since they go shopping in Denver, which is a 6 hour drive from the ranch) and then she starts doling out property, houses, cars, and trust funds all around.
Shoot me now... The entire second half of the book is full of Jack and Jenna: "...I love you so much...you're my world...I can't live without you...You're safe now. He'll never touch you again...I hate that you've been through this...Am I hurting you?...I love you so much...You make me so happy...my world lit up when you came into my life...I don't know what I'd do without you..." Over. And over. And OVER again! It was CONSTANT!!! And she replayed her "Hell" with David repeatedly. The writing irritated the crap out of me because it was like the author wanted there to be angst, but it wasn't really angsty. And then it's like she was bored with a particular scene or something so she just cut it off and jumped forward a couple weeks or months.
Then, when David shows up at the ranch, she's by the house and he's in the tree line and there are security guards on the property. Instead of her running inside the house (that she's standing right next to) or calling out for help from the security guards, she crosses the yard in silence and enters the tree line to go with him. I lost my sympathy for the dumbass bitch at that point.
Then suddenly she's evidently a business genius. She was going to college for a graphic design and programming degree (I wasn't aware that was a degree option) but she didn't finish college because David made her quit going in the 6 months she was married to him. That does not qualify someone to run a business empire. AND she's 26 with absolutely no business world experience.
Then there was Jack's 3 year old niece who talked like an adult half the time, but like a child the other half of the time. Here's just PART of a really long monologue from the 3 year old: "...And I got a jeep. It's in the car. You have to put it together. Then, we had a really fancy lunch, and we came home on the jet again. See my new dress and my shiny new shoes. Aren't they pretty? Jenna bought them for me. Not only this, she bought me play clothes too and toys. I like the Jeep the best though. Will you put it together now?" SERIOUSLY??? Has this lady NEVER met a three year old??? I have two kids and they are both exceptionally intelligent and have always been well-spoken (my son's first word was 'tractor' when he was 8 months old) and they were speaking in simple, but complete sentences before the age of three. I've been around three year olds who could hardly be understood at all and others who spoke quite well. Even still, three year olds don't talk that that. And it was like that ALOT in this book and it drove me CRAZY!!!
Then there are things that just don't add up. At the beginning, Jack's sister says she's pregnant and due in five months (February 1st). That would put the timing at about September. So three months later when she's planting flowers around the house (in the Colorado mountains), I was beyond confused! Then, it says she came to the ranch in July, but even then planting flowers in October in the Colorado mountains would be ridiculous. And then there's David's new wife who he refers to as Patricia more than once and then refers to her as Meredith...
The writing drove me insane. I started skimming after 50% because the story REALLY got annoying. Jenna wasn't remotely believable as a battered woman. Jack was borderline Neanderthal. I'm not talking just alpha male. I'm talking dumb jock one minute and then former Army Ranger smart guy the next and then "I am caveman, hear me roar" the next. I think he actually said that at one point.
Sometimes I wonder if authors have ever had conversations with other people or sat and observed how other people communicate with each other, because the characters in books don't have normal conversations. So I really wonder if some of these authors just read other books and think this is really how people communicate since they don't have any interpersonal relationships of their own to know otherwise. It gets to be rather annoying.
The idea of the story was good and I was hopeful. There was just A LOT of totally awful things about the writing that ruined it for me. Considering I was so bored and over the constant reassurances to each other and Jenna's constantly worrying about whether her mysterious plan to get back at David would work, I was skimming half the story which is NEVER a good thing... I'm a book lover and I absolutely LOVE to read! Skimming does NOT make me happy...
So Jenna used to be married to David. He was abusive so she divorced him. She got half the shares in his company and a large sum of money in the divorce and that never set well with David. So in the true spirit of abusive book husbands, he hunts her down and attacks her when he finds her. After one particularly brutal attack, she takes off again and ends up at a ranch in Colorado. Jack is the ranch owner. She's in obviously poor shape and when he finds her unconscious, he mends her wounds and nurses her back to health. They fall in love. David finds her at the ranch and attacks her again. She then gets her revenge on David and Jenna and Jack live happily ever after.
I want to start by saying that I was enjoying this book until the 50% mark. The first half of the book, she was the normal, skittish, abused woman. She can't trust and she's very private and all that. So she shows up at the ranch 4 days after the latest attack on her and she spends a couple days in semiconsciousness. So it's been less than a week after this brutal attack. In the last two years since she's been on the run, David has found her numerous times and attacked her. Evidently he has the power to make medical records disappear and all sorts of other crazy power so she can't go to the police when she's attacked. She found a lawyer on the internet and he's been helping her stay as hidden as possible since she's been on the run. (The whole finding a lawyer online and never meeting with him in person is more than a bit suspect, especially for a woman in her situation, but whatever. She gives this lawyer complete control of her money and pretty much her entire life.) So anyway, she's known Jack a couple days and it's been less than a week since she was brutally attacked, yet she's falling hard for Jack. REALLY??? Then less than two weeks after the attack, she's still raw, literally and figuratively, yet she suddenly turns into Oprah or some shit. She takes Jack's sister and niece on a shopping spree (that they need a private jet for since they go shopping in Denver, which is a 6 hour drive from the ranch) and then she starts doling out property, houses, cars, and trust funds all around.
Shoot me now... The entire second half of the book is full of Jack and Jenna: "...I love you so much...you're my world...I can't live without you...You're safe now. He'll never touch you again...I hate that you've been through this...Am I hurting you?...I love you so much...You make me so happy...my world lit up when you came into my life...I don't know what I'd do without you..." Over. And over. And OVER again! It was CONSTANT!!! And she replayed her "Hell" with David repeatedly. The writing irritated the crap out of me because it was like the author wanted there to be angst, but it wasn't really angsty. And then it's like she was bored with a particular scene or something so she just cut it off and jumped forward a couple weeks or months.
Then, when David shows up at the ranch, she's by the house and he's in the tree line and there are security guards on the property. Instead of her running inside the house (that she's standing right next to) or calling out for help from the security guards, she crosses the yard in silence and enters the tree line to go with him. I lost my sympathy for the dumbass bitch at that point.
Then suddenly she's evidently a business genius. She was going to college for a graphic design and programming degree (I wasn't aware that was a degree option) but she didn't finish college because David made her quit going in the 6 months she was married to him. That does not qualify someone to run a business empire. AND she's 26 with absolutely no business world experience.
Then there was Jack's 3 year old niece who talked like an adult half the time, but like a child the other half of the time. Here's just PART of a really long monologue from the 3 year old: "...And I got a jeep. It's in the car. You have to put it together. Then, we had a really fancy lunch, and we came home on the jet again. See my new dress and my shiny new shoes. Aren't they pretty? Jenna bought them for me. Not only this, she bought me play clothes too and toys. I like the Jeep the best though. Will you put it together now?" SERIOUSLY??? Has this lady NEVER met a three year old??? I have two kids and they are both exceptionally intelligent and have always been well-spoken (my son's first word was 'tractor' when he was 8 months old) and they were speaking in simple, but complete sentences before the age of three. I've been around three year olds who could hardly be understood at all and others who spoke quite well. Even still, three year olds don't talk that that. And it was like that ALOT in this book and it drove me CRAZY!!!
Then there are things that just don't add up. At the beginning, Jack's sister says she's pregnant and due in five months (February 1st). That would put the timing at about September. So three months later when she's planting flowers around the house (in the Colorado mountains), I was beyond confused! Then, it says she came to the ranch in July, but even then planting flowers in October in the Colorado mountains would be ridiculous. And then there's David's new wife who he refers to as Patricia more than once and then refers to her as Meredith...
The writing drove me insane. I started skimming after 50% because the story REALLY got annoying. Jenna wasn't remotely believable as a battered woman. Jack was borderline Neanderthal. I'm not talking just alpha male. I'm talking dumb jock one minute and then former Army Ranger smart guy the next and then "I am caveman, hear me roar" the next. I think he actually said that at one point.
Sometimes I wonder if authors have ever had conversations with other people or sat and observed how other people communicate with each other, because the characters in books don't have normal conversations. So I really wonder if some of these authors just read other books and think this is really how people communicate since they don't have any interpersonal relationships of their own to know otherwise. It gets to be rather annoying.
The idea of the story was good and I was hopeful. There was just A LOT of totally awful things about the writing that ruined it for me. Considering I was so bored and over the constant reassurances to each other and Jenna's constantly worrying about whether her mysterious plan to get back at David would work, I was skimming half the story which is NEVER a good thing... I'm a book lover and I absolutely LOVE to read! Skimming does NOT make me happy...
October 13, 2014
I'm going to sound like I can't decide if I like this book or not. Well, that's because there were parts I liked a lot and others that had me raising my eyebrows.
First, what I liked. It's romantic suspense involving cowboys on a ranch and a heroine on the run from a truly diabolical ex-husband. Jenna's fear was well earned and one of the most chilling aspects of the book is when we experience the attacks from her point of view. It was horrific, awful and scary. When she lands at Jack's ranch, I breathed a sigh of relief on her behalf. He and his family were just good people and even though it could be sappy at times, they were a wonderful respite, embracing the battered Jenna and nursing her back to health. If you're in the mood for a sweet romance and small town friendly, this story really works...a great dog, cute 3-year old and a cranky horse all add to the "feel good."
Now, what made me roll my eyes at times. This is truly an "insta-love" that just developed too quickly and it didn't have to. There was a clear and natural path that could have been taken to more slowly evolve the romance but...for some reason it was necessary to have Jenna and Jack speed things up. It was annoying. Then, there was one instance where Jenna's ex got access to her that really stretched credulity. I just rejected the entire scene it was so far off base. Lastly, the number of errors in the book was unacceptable. It was poorly edited by a major publisher. I'm used to reading uncorrected proofs with fewer errors.
The bottom line, though, is I was completely hooked by the story because when it was good, it was very, very good. When it was bad, it wasn't terrible. I liked the story, characters, ranch setting, suspense and the set up for the next books in the series, which I will definitely be continuing. They sound even better.
First, what I liked. It's romantic suspense involving cowboys on a ranch and a heroine on the run from a truly diabolical ex-husband. Jenna's fear was well earned and one of the most chilling aspects of the book is when we experience the attacks from her point of view. It was horrific, awful and scary. When she lands at Jack's ranch, I breathed a sigh of relief on her behalf. He and his family were just good people and even though it could be sappy at times, they were a wonderful respite, embracing the battered Jenna and nursing her back to health. If you're in the mood for a sweet romance and small town friendly, this story really works...a great dog, cute 3-year old and a cranky horse all add to the "feel good."
Now, what made me roll my eyes at times. This is truly an "insta-love" that just developed too quickly and it didn't have to. There was a clear and natural path that could have been taken to more slowly evolve the romance but...for some reason it was necessary to have Jenna and Jack speed things up. It was annoying. Then, there was one instance where Jenna's ex got access to her that really stretched credulity. I just rejected the entire scene it was so far off base. Lastly, the number of errors in the book was unacceptable. It was poorly edited by a major publisher. I'm used to reading uncorrected proofs with fewer errors.
The bottom line, though, is I was completely hooked by the story because when it was good, it was very, very good. When it was bad, it wasn't terrible. I liked the story, characters, ranch setting, suspense and the set up for the next books in the series, which I will definitely be continuing. They sound even better.
May 18, 2022
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
First Impressions
I have dearly loved this author and she is one of my top favorites when it comes to contemporary westerns. She mixes a combination of heart and sexy into her stories and they always work for me and I have been wanting to get to her backlisted books, and this one is part of one of her first series. I think I have had Saved by the Rancher on my wishlist for years, almost a decade now. I picked this one up on a whim, as I saw it available in audio on my libby app and I am so happy I grabbed this one. I was instantly hooked and I was able to listen to this one in less than a day. That is not my norm for audiobooks unless I am really into it. Jennifer Ryan worked her magic here and there is such a beautiful blend of endearing characters and heart in the romance. The familial connections were great and the heroine is a badass when its needed. The hero is a protector and will do anything for his girl and the plot was on point! You definitely won’t go wrong if you enjoy reading contemporary westerns with a mix of suspense in the blend.
Summary
Jenna Caldwell Merrick, is on the run from her ex-husband. She has never been able to live in peace since she married him, but with the help of her lawyer, she manages to keep on the run but he is always able to find her and lashes out his punishment. In her latest run-in with her ex, his beating was one of the worst ones. Her Lawyer and friend Ben, find her sanctuary with Jack Turner and his family. Jack first sees Jenna at the local restaurant and immediately knows that she is in trouble and in need of help, not realizing she is the woman their mutual friend Ben, requested he give a home to. When Jenna ends up passed out from infection, Jack uses everything from his military knowledge and tends to her wounds and he is determined to protect her no matter what. With Jack’s strength and love, Jenna works her way to being healed, but with Jack and his family’s support, Jenna will fight to reclaim her freedom and life against her ex-husband but will it come at a cost to the lives of Jenna and Jack…..
What I Loved
Saved by the Rancher was such a breathtaking story and I adored every single moment. I just couldn��t put this audiobook down at all. It was such an endearing read and I just love the whole caretaking trope that is such a major element within the story. I was drawn to Jack and Jenna so fiercely. I really admired Jenna, while she has been abused and terrorized and we see the moments of the effect that can have on a person mentally, we also see such strength and playfulness in her character. Jenna hasn’t allowed her ex to break her spirit. She has such a generous spirit and can be a badass businesswoman when needed. She is smart, sassy, and sweet. Jack is a hero that is the perfect match. Jack served in the military but his days of being a medic still haunt him. He lives and breathes his quiet ranch life and hasn’t had an interest in a woman in years until he meets Jenna. She is like a breath of fresh air. The plot of the story is guaranteed to keep you on edge, I really enjoyed the way the plot developed, and seeing the way it kept me on my toes. The side characters were so endearing and I was so drawn into their lives and this story easily sweeps in and captivates your attention from the first chapter.
What I Struggled With
Nothing!
The Narration
I really had a fun time with the narration, I felt like the narrator did a superb job in captivating the various degrees of emotion and also keeping up with the level of intensity as the plot was built up.
Overall View
Saved by the Rancher is a superb read that captures the beautiful intensity that is Jennifer Ryan. It’s a romance of thrilling edges, enduring characters, and a love that will leave you breathless!
Trigger Warnings:
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
First Impressions
I have dearly loved this author and she is one of my top favorites when it comes to contemporary westerns. She mixes a combination of heart and sexy into her stories and they always work for me and I have been wanting to get to her backlisted books, and this one is part of one of her first series. I think I have had Saved by the Rancher on my wishlist for years, almost a decade now. I picked this one up on a whim, as I saw it available in audio on my libby app and I am so happy I grabbed this one. I was instantly hooked and I was able to listen to this one in less than a day. That is not my norm for audiobooks unless I am really into it. Jennifer Ryan worked her magic here and there is such a beautiful blend of endearing characters and heart in the romance. The familial connections were great and the heroine is a badass when its needed. The hero is a protector and will do anything for his girl and the plot was on point! You definitely won’t go wrong if you enjoy reading contemporary westerns with a mix of suspense in the blend.
Summary
Jenna Caldwell Merrick, is on the run from her ex-husband. She has never been able to live in peace since she married him, but with the help of her lawyer, she manages to keep on the run but he is always able to find her and lashes out his punishment. In her latest run-in with her ex, his beating was one of the worst ones. Her Lawyer and friend Ben, find her sanctuary with Jack Turner and his family. Jack first sees Jenna at the local restaurant and immediately knows that she is in trouble and in need of help, not realizing she is the woman their mutual friend Ben, requested he give a home to. When Jenna ends up passed out from infection, Jack uses everything from his military knowledge and tends to her wounds and he is determined to protect her no matter what. With Jack’s strength and love, Jenna works her way to being healed, but with Jack and his family’s support, Jenna will fight to reclaim her freedom and life against her ex-husband but will it come at a cost to the lives of Jenna and Jack…..
What I Loved
Saved by the Rancher was such a breathtaking story and I adored every single moment. I just couldn��t put this audiobook down at all. It was such an endearing read and I just love the whole caretaking trope that is such a major element within the story. I was drawn to Jack and Jenna so fiercely. I really admired Jenna, while she has been abused and terrorized and we see the moments of the effect that can have on a person mentally, we also see such strength and playfulness in her character. Jenna hasn’t allowed her ex to break her spirit. She has such a generous spirit and can be a badass businesswoman when needed. She is smart, sassy, and sweet. Jack is a hero that is the perfect match. Jack served in the military but his days of being a medic still haunt him. He lives and breathes his quiet ranch life and hasn’t had an interest in a woman in years until he meets Jenna. She is like a breath of fresh air. The plot of the story is guaranteed to keep you on edge, I really enjoyed the way the plot developed, and seeing the way it kept me on my toes. The side characters were so endearing and I was so drawn into their lives and this story easily sweeps in and captivates your attention from the first chapter.
What I Struggled With
Nothing!
The Narration
I really had a fun time with the narration, I felt like the narrator did a superb job in captivating the various degrees of emotion and also keeping up with the level of intensity as the plot was built up.
Overall View
Saved by the Rancher is a superb read that captures the beautiful intensity that is Jennifer Ryan. It’s a romance of thrilling edges, enduring characters, and a love that will leave you breathless!
Trigger Warnings:
September 19, 2015
Saved by the Rancher is my first experience with Jennifer Ryan’s romantic suspense novels. After struggling through this book for over two weeks, I’ve concluded that her writing might not be for me. I found the story hard to consume and absolutely unrealistic.
Jenna Caldwell Merrick has been hunted by her ex-husband, David Merrick, for over two years. David is accustomed to getting everything he wants, so when Jenna leaves him after a series of beatings and takes him for half of his wealth, he begins his hunt to reclaim her. Jenna is determined to escape his clutches and remains on the run. However, every time he finds her, he brings her to brink of death through brutal beatings and constant harassment.
After a horrific incident that leaves Jenna beaten and broken, she flees to Stargazer Ranch in Colorado and is tended back to health by Jack Turner who owns the ranch. Immediately, these two character forge a romantic connection, and Jenna begins unfolding her plans to bring her ex-husband’s terror to an end.
The romance between Jenna and Jack felt quite sudden and a bit over the top. I wasn’t convinced Jack fell in love with Jenna after only a few short days of contact where she was unconscious for most of that time. It would have worked better if the author had allowed more time to pass between the two, and possibly slow the romance down a bit.
I also struggled with the domestic abuse that occurred in this novel. How was Jack able to get away with it was beyond me!! Maybe I’ve watched one too many crime shows, but how about using DNA samples from scratches and defense wounds to convict Jack??? Also, there was a glaring mistake in the story that stood out to me. I thought when David remarried her name was Patricia but in the boardroom meeting he referred to her as Meredith. Did I miss something?
On a positive note, I liked the secondary characters Caleb, Summer, Lily, and I enjoyed how Jennifer Ryan worked the ranch animals into the story, including the protective nature of Sally the golden retriever and Blue the volatile stallion.
Overall, the story dragged on for over sixty chapters. I never felt any connection for the main characters, nor was I convinced with the romance between them because it came on too suddenly and overwhelmingly. Not what I hoped for.
Jenna Caldwell Merrick has been hunted by her ex-husband, David Merrick, for over two years. David is accustomed to getting everything he wants, so when Jenna leaves him after a series of beatings and takes him for half of his wealth, he begins his hunt to reclaim her. Jenna is determined to escape his clutches and remains on the run. However, every time he finds her, he brings her to brink of death through brutal beatings and constant harassment.
After a horrific incident that leaves Jenna beaten and broken, she flees to Stargazer Ranch in Colorado and is tended back to health by Jack Turner who owns the ranch. Immediately, these two character forge a romantic connection, and Jenna begins unfolding her plans to bring her ex-husband’s terror to an end.
The romance between Jenna and Jack felt quite sudden and a bit over the top. I wasn’t convinced Jack fell in love with Jenna after only a few short days of contact where she was unconscious for most of that time. It would have worked better if the author had allowed more time to pass between the two, and possibly slow the romance down a bit.
I also struggled with the domestic abuse that occurred in this novel. How was Jack able to get away with it was beyond me!! Maybe I’ve watched one too many crime shows, but how about using DNA samples from scratches and defense wounds to convict Jack??? Also, there was a glaring mistake in the story that stood out to me. I thought when David remarried her name was Patricia but in the boardroom meeting he referred to her as Meredith. Did I miss something?
On a positive note, I liked the secondary characters Caleb, Summer, Lily, and I enjoyed how Jennifer Ryan worked the ranch animals into the story, including the protective nature of Sally the golden retriever and Blue the volatile stallion.
Overall, the story dragged on for over sixty chapters. I never felt any connection for the main characters, nor was I convinced with the romance between them because it came on too suddenly and overwhelmingly. Not what I hoped for.
August 6, 2019
3.5 Stars due to the Heroine
I have to say in this book I do think the author in some ways did well in highlighting the consequences of the trauma and brutality Jenna had endured – the fact small things could trigger flashbacks for her that’s seemed all too real. That being said I wish the author had continued on showing the difficult road Jenna would have, I loved how strong she was and how she ensures her ex gets what he deserves, but I think her resilience would have be beautifully illuminated if the author had taken a little step further in showing how her experiences had shaped her present and how she overcame it all.
There were few moments were Jack had me a little piqued, but he had his protective, sweet and endearing moments – just wish the moments had made me sigh in pleasure. I really wanted to see the protective, sharp eyed and rocking Army Ranger throughout the read, but whilst that part of him emerged here and there, there were bigger moments where he was somewhat dense and had me thinking…idiot.
I have to say Jenna is the component of the book that made sure I really enjoyed the read, her resilience was fab to see, and overall, I liked her as a character.
One key thing that didn’t feel realistic and jolted me out of the story was when Jenna It just didn’t feel best within the overarching narrative. Added to that the author really needed to lay the ground for the later scenes where she positions Jenna as being some business whiz - it really comes out of the blue, especially as
Potential Triggers:
I have to say in this book I do think the author in some ways did well in highlighting the consequences of the trauma and brutality Jenna had endured – the fact small things could trigger flashbacks for her that’s seemed all too real. That being said I wish the author had continued on showing the difficult road Jenna would have, I loved how strong she was and how she ensures her ex gets what he deserves, but I think her resilience would have be beautifully illuminated if the author had taken a little step further in showing how her experiences had shaped her present and how she overcame it all.
There were few moments were Jack had me a little piqued, but he had his protective, sweet and endearing moments – just wish the moments had made me sigh in pleasure. I really wanted to see the protective, sharp eyed and rocking Army Ranger throughout the read, but whilst that part of him emerged here and there, there were bigger moments where he was somewhat dense and had me thinking…idiot.
I have to say Jenna is the component of the book that made sure I really enjoyed the read, her resilience was fab to see, and overall, I liked her as a character.
One key thing that didn’t feel realistic and jolted me out of the story was when Jenna It just didn’t feel best within the overarching narrative. Added to that the author really needed to lay the ground for the later scenes where she positions Jenna as being some business whiz - it really comes out of the blue, especially as
Potential Triggers:
February 13, 2022
Lately, I've been reading books all over again. As I've mentioned before so many of my favorite authors aren't writing anymore in the genre I read or not at all so I've been going back and reading once again the books I love.
I was reading Saved by the Rancher and couldn't stop there. I've been rereading a bunch of her books right now. What can I say, I love them.
Saved by the Rancher started my love affair with Jennifer Ryan's book. I can remember talking about this book at a book convention when someone asked me what I was loving at the moment. At the time I remember telling that that even with all that happens that's out of this world in the book you won't be able to not like it.
Jenna's life before meeting Jack is downright crazy. Having to run from her ex over and over again is just horrible. I couldn't imagine not being able to ever relax. She was so lucky to have been led to Jack. He turned out to be her safe haven.
Jack and his family are the nicest people. You'll enjoy them all. Jack doesn't plan to fall for Jenna but for some reason, he couldn't help himself. There is just something about Jenna that pulls him towards her and he can't walk away.
Jack does everything he can to protect and support Jenna. You'll enjoy them falling for each other. Because of how they meet you'll see how his feelings for her progress faster than you'd think they would. It would seem a little fast but when you read the whole story you understand it.
The story is full of ups and downs with some horrible things happening along the way. At one point you wonder how the ex's got away with this crap being rich or not. He seems to be one lucky guy. You really want to hurt him.
In the end, Jenna shows her true colors and you can't help but cheer. She is one kickass woman. You'll love how it all comes together in the end and will be happy that Jenna found a man that could stand beside her when she shows the world just how smart she is and in front of her when someone tries to hurt her. Even after reading this again, I can tell you that it's still one of my favorites of hers. Ryan writes a lot in series that yes the books could be read as standalone but are much better if read in series order.
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May 17, 2013
I really had difficult time liking Jack as a hero. I thought it was kind of creepy that although he did not really know her, except to have introduced himself and show her to a rented cabin, he then was kissing her on the face, shoulder, head while she was unconscious then when she wakes up he tells her that he doesn't want to give her her clothing back. It seemed inappropriate. Also, the relationship developed too quickly for me, due to the abuse that she had experience by her ex. I was unable to finish this story.
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July 28, 2017Did not finish. Very boring and stupid. One minute h is so afraid and in another she is lusting after the H. I'm not convinced. It's a real waste of time.
May 23, 2014
Caution: WTFery abounds. An over the top story line with unbelievable characters. Ye have been warned...
Updated: May 2014
Like everyone else, I look to a book’s cover to grab my interest and then the blurb to cinch it. Yet with this book, I felt very misled. Very misled. I thought that this would be a contemporary romance about a cowboy who helps a woman on the edge of trouble. And it was…yet it wasn’t this story. I don’t even think I would call this a contemporary romance; more like suspense or thriller fiction.
Jenna has been on the run from her abusive ex-husband for years. She gets so far before he manages to find her. Which he has done again. She barely survives this time and is in need of another place to hide. With the help of her lawyer, and ill from pain, exhaustion, and infection, she reaches the home of rancher Jack Turner. Here, she discovers an honorable man who will do all in his power to help her. Even when she can’t help herself.
I had a hard time believing the reality of this story. The author describes (clearly, if not in extreme detail) some of the horrors Jenna experienced by her ex-husband. She is a woman traumatized and abused, on the run for years, yet within a hundred pages she is beginning to trust in Jack and to develop a relationship with him. What?! This woman experienced horrifying abuse and had people around her betray her and within weeks, she forgets all that?
I don’t think so.
And Jack! Everyone is commenting on how he has grown attached to Jenna when he has only known her for a few days. During which most of the time she was unconscious! There was even a scene where he tries to calm her as she fights memories during by kissing her! He kisses a woman who is racked with nightmares of the man who abused her? How is that supposed to help? WTF.
At this point, I almost stopped reading it. I was so frustrated with the story and just knew it wouldn’t get better. And it didn’t. Jenna is emotionally stronger now; so much so that she starts a sexual relationship with Jack, gets engaged. She knows that David will eventually find–and kill her–but she is so happy for once! Of course, she’s a very rich woman and decides to leave everything to Jack (for all his help of course) to thank him for what he has done for her. She does get kidnapped and beaten (again in the same story) by David, but manages to get away. And then she discovers she is going to have twins!
*shakes head*
I am now to believe that this is the final catalyst to motivate her to fight against David and take control of her life. From this point, she is all confidence and street smarts. She starts kicking butt and taking names, grinding David and his family in the dust. Thankfully this was the end or else I would have stopped reading. It wasn’t bad writing or pacing that ruined this story for me, it was the characters. None of them acted in a way that made sense or seemed realistic.
*review copy provided by publisher for honest review
Updated: May 2014
Like everyone else, I look to a book’s cover to grab my interest and then the blurb to cinch it. Yet with this book, I felt very misled. Very misled. I thought that this would be a contemporary romance about a cowboy who helps a woman on the edge of trouble. And it was…yet it wasn’t this story. I don’t even think I would call this a contemporary romance; more like suspense or thriller fiction.
Jenna has been on the run from her abusive ex-husband for years. She gets so far before he manages to find her. Which he has done again. She barely survives this time and is in need of another place to hide. With the help of her lawyer, and ill from pain, exhaustion, and infection, she reaches the home of rancher Jack Turner. Here, she discovers an honorable man who will do all in his power to help her. Even when she can’t help herself.
I had a hard time believing the reality of this story. The author describes (clearly, if not in extreme detail) some of the horrors Jenna experienced by her ex-husband. She is a woman traumatized and abused, on the run for years, yet within a hundred pages she is beginning to trust in Jack and to develop a relationship with him. What?! This woman experienced horrifying abuse and had people around her betray her and within weeks, she forgets all that?
I don’t think so.
And Jack! Everyone is commenting on how he has grown attached to Jenna when he has only known her for a few days. During which most of the time she was unconscious! There was even a scene where he tries to calm her as she fights memories during by kissing her! He kisses a woman who is racked with nightmares of the man who abused her? How is that supposed to help? WTF.
At this point, I almost stopped reading it. I was so frustrated with the story and just knew it wouldn’t get better. And it didn’t. Jenna is emotionally stronger now; so much so that she starts a sexual relationship with Jack, gets engaged. She knows that David will eventually find–and kill her–but she is so happy for once! Of course, she’s a very rich woman and decides to leave everything to Jack (for all his help of course) to thank him for what he has done for her. She does get kidnapped and beaten (again in the same story) by David, but manages to get away. And then she discovers she is going to have twins!
*shakes head*
I am now to believe that this is the final catalyst to motivate her to fight against David and take control of her life. From this point, she is all confidence and street smarts. She starts kicking butt and taking names, grinding David and his family in the dust. Thankfully this was the end or else I would have stopped reading. It wasn’t bad writing or pacing that ruined this story for me, it was the characters. None of them acted in a way that made sense or seemed realistic.
*review copy provided by publisher for honest review
March 27, 2014
Hi y'all...so here it is!
I started reading this book on a Friday night and I was saying to myself, "Okay...good start and it seems like it cresting into a sweet harlequin type story"...then I notice the book is not quite half in....mmmm maybe we will flip the script and get some revenge soon! Well, we did get some revenge but it was not in the way that I was hoping. I am not sure if I have explained my hot buttons before: no cheating, no drugs, no abuse of children or animals, and domestic abuse had better be a long ago story left in the past. I am sure I have more, but I will move on.
Jenna's ex-husband is an Arse with a capital A! He is a misogynistic, self-centered, spoiled brat who wants what he wants when he wants it. David romanced Jenna and literally swept her off to the chapel before her feet hit the ground or his family could get a pre-nup signed. David assured them, he won't ever need a prenup...nope, he would keep Jenna till she died. Well, fast forward a couple months and his jealous craziness has ruined their marriage and their only chance at happiness. Jenna flees and successfully divorces David, taking with her a sizeable chunk of his wealth.
Enter Jack. As a last ditch effort, her lawyer, who is BFFs with Jack sends her to the ranch to recover and hide out. Of course, they fall in love. So here we are at 45% into the story and I am scratching my head. Is David coming back? Duhhh...so why aren't Jack and Jenna preparing for the inevitable? Why would Jack ever leave her alone for one second? Why would Jenna ever be unattended? Why would Jenna walk out into the woods alone? So many whys!!!
Well, when I stopped screaming at Jenna to stop being so stupid, I discover that she is smoking smart and cunning and devious. Thankfully, she applied some of this massive brain power to plot revenge and I finally got my HEA. I must say that I could have done without the excessive abuse and wound descriptions. To say that he beat the living daylights out of her would have sufficed for me. I really enjoyed the side characters and I closed the book smiling that they all can finally rest easy. Enjoy!
I started reading this book on a Friday night and I was saying to myself, "Okay...good start and it seems like it cresting into a sweet harlequin type story"...then I notice the book is not quite half in....mmmm maybe we will flip the script and get some revenge soon! Well, we did get some revenge but it was not in the way that I was hoping. I am not sure if I have explained my hot buttons before: no cheating, no drugs, no abuse of children or animals, and domestic abuse had better be a long ago story left in the past. I am sure I have more, but I will move on.
Jenna's ex-husband is an Arse with a capital A! He is a misogynistic, self-centered, spoiled brat who wants what he wants when he wants it. David romanced Jenna and literally swept her off to the chapel before her feet hit the ground or his family could get a pre-nup signed. David assured them, he won't ever need a prenup...nope, he would keep Jenna till she died. Well, fast forward a couple months and his jealous craziness has ruined their marriage and their only chance at happiness. Jenna flees and successfully divorces David, taking with her a sizeable chunk of his wealth.
Enter Jack. As a last ditch effort, her lawyer, who is BFFs with Jack sends her to the ranch to recover and hide out. Of course, they fall in love. So here we are at 45% into the story and I am scratching my head. Is David coming back? Duhhh...so why aren't Jack and Jenna preparing for the inevitable? Why would Jack ever leave her alone for one second? Why would Jenna ever be unattended? Why would Jenna walk out into the woods alone? So many whys!!!
Well, when I stopped screaming at Jenna to stop being so stupid, I discover that she is smoking smart and cunning and devious. Thankfully, she applied some of this massive brain power to plot revenge and I finally got my HEA. I must say that I could have done without the excessive abuse and wound descriptions. To say that he beat the living daylights out of her would have sufficed for me. I really enjoyed the side characters and I closed the book smiling that they all can finally rest easy. Enjoy!
February 17, 2013
Saved by the Rancher: Book One: The Hunted Series
This book has its pluses and minuses. The dialogue is a bit melodramatic, but the plot, while a somewhat over-done lately in this genre (Romance. Suspense/Thriller), is still an interesting one. It is a story of a woman needing a protector and finding one in an ex-army Ranger/cowboy. The story and relationships are at times overly sweet and sometimes a bit cloying, but that can be refreshing to some readers after so many books featuring kick-butt heroine’s and dialogue with tons of sarcasm and snark. The characters do come off at times as caricatures and that sometimes makes it a painful read..
Her vile ex-husband is hunting Jenna, and her lawyer has sent her out to his old friend Jack to recover from her horrendous wounds and to hide. Very quickly (nearly too quickly) Jack is feeling more than he should for Jenna.
Very quickly (again nearly too quickly) Jenna is having sexual feelings for Jack and is feeling, after only a couple of days, that Jack has healed her.
Since Jenna is rich beyond most of our imagining, Jenna does a lot of good for Jack and his family using her divorce settlement. It is nice for once that the female protagonist is the extremely wealthy one and bestows her largesse over everyone. However, it just seems again to be too soon and too much. I believe I would feel this way even if it were a male protagonist doing this.
With only 295 pages, it amazed me that there were 62 chapters. Moreover, even though this is a relatively short novel, it reads as if it was much longer.
Jenna can act irrationally. Take, for example, in one scene she is confronting then leaving with her ex-husband David when he makes himself known to her while he is on Jacks ranch instead of going into the house and arming herself. This might be looked at as if she were a ‘too stupid to live’ heroine.
The author does a fine job of setting up the men for her next few books.
This book has its pluses and minuses. The dialogue is a bit melodramatic, but the plot, while a somewhat over-done lately in this genre (Romance. Suspense/Thriller), is still an interesting one. It is a story of a woman needing a protector and finding one in an ex-army Ranger/cowboy. The story and relationships are at times overly sweet and sometimes a bit cloying, but that can be refreshing to some readers after so many books featuring kick-butt heroine’s and dialogue with tons of sarcasm and snark. The characters do come off at times as caricatures and that sometimes makes it a painful read..
Her vile ex-husband is hunting Jenna, and her lawyer has sent her out to his old friend Jack to recover from her horrendous wounds and to hide. Very quickly (nearly too quickly) Jack is feeling more than he should for Jenna.
Very quickly (again nearly too quickly) Jenna is having sexual feelings for Jack and is feeling, after only a couple of days, that Jack has healed her.
Since Jenna is rich beyond most of our imagining, Jenna does a lot of good for Jack and his family using her divorce settlement. It is nice for once that the female protagonist is the extremely wealthy one and bestows her largesse over everyone. However, it just seems again to be too soon and too much. I believe I would feel this way even if it were a male protagonist doing this.
With only 295 pages, it amazed me that there were 62 chapters. Moreover, even though this is a relatively short novel, it reads as if it was much longer.
Jenna can act irrationally. Take, for example, in one scene she is confronting then leaving with her ex-husband David when he makes himself known to her while he is on Jacks ranch instead of going into the house and arming herself. This might be looked at as if she were a ‘too stupid to live’ heroine.
The author does a fine job of setting up the men for her next few books.
July 2, 2016
Holy Moly! this was intense, the suspense drew me in. Jenna was such a brave girl and her heart was always in it to protect as well as spoil her soon to be family. Jenna has been attacked again and it wasn't random her ex husband is after her again. Always on the run somehow he is still able to locate her and terrorized her. Her only confidant tells her to go to a buddy of his ranch to regroup only when she soon meets Jack sparks fly and soon he will do anything to protect his women. Jack was a great guy never putting on the moves on her always trying to win her trust before she tries to run again. Jack made a personal promise to not let her run and hopefully to see that she can trust him and soon love him. This started with intense then soon you got to see her slowly gain back her power to take her ex down, I loved that she spoiled the family she saw that they put her back to health a stranger soon she repays them all insuring they are all safe. Can't wait to read Sam's story.
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March 29, 2013DNF at 50%. I just can't.
April 29, 2018
Another reviewer mentioned how predictable this story is and I gotta say, that's spot on and it's my biggest complaint. Without spoiling too much, this is exactly what happened:
Our heroine will be all alone at the ranch later today and the hero is insanely worried about her, but she's like "No, it's cool, I'm safe here." Which of course means she's not. But then somebody makes this odd comment that "So and so will by swinging by to pick something up, but they'll be in a hurry."
Me: Oh, so the bad guy will show up when everyone is away and the person that will swing by won't know that something bad has happened because they'll be in a hurry and won't wonder where the heroine is.
AND WHAT DO YOU THINK HAPPENED?
Yes. That's exactly what happened. And that's how the whole freaking story went. Nearly every bit of foreshadowing stuck out as odd. The author seemed to always take the obvious path with the plot. I will say I got a little bit of a surprise here and there, but they were fairly minor and few & far between compared to all the "I fuckin' knew its".
That being said... cute story. A little gory on the abuse. Real quick into the romance, but I'm forgiving of that with Jennifer Ryan because I know it's her thing. I really liked Jenna, the heroine. She was ridiculously strong and kind. And Jack was your general overprotective alpha character, I liked him well enough. Loved the banter between him and his brother. I don't really have any other complaints - I knew what I was getting into with this. But the predictability was pretty bad. Pretty damn bad.
Our heroine will be all alone at the ranch later today and the hero is insanely worried about her, but she's like "No, it's cool, I'm safe here." Which of course means she's not. But then somebody makes this odd comment that "So and so will by swinging by to pick something up, but they'll be in a hurry."
Me: Oh, so the bad guy will show up when everyone is away and the person that will swing by won't know that something bad has happened because they'll be in a hurry and won't wonder where the heroine is.
AND WHAT DO YOU THINK HAPPENED?
Yes. That's exactly what happened. And that's how the whole freaking story went. Nearly every bit of foreshadowing stuck out as odd. The author seemed to always take the obvious path with the plot. I will say I got a little bit of a surprise here and there, but they were fairly minor and few & far between compared to all the "I fuckin' knew its".
That being said... cute story. A little gory on the abuse. Real quick into the romance, but I'm forgiving of that with Jennifer Ryan because I know it's her thing. I really liked Jenna, the heroine. She was ridiculously strong and kind. And Jack was your general overprotective alpha character, I liked him well enough. Loved the banter between him and his brother. I don't really have any other complaints - I knew what I was getting into with this. But the predictability was pretty bad. Pretty damn bad.
April 23, 2023
The way that everyone in the book is just head-over-heels obsessed with the heroine was just too annoying for me. seems like even the horse wants to marry her lol
June 11, 2013
Well, I am not sure how to rate this book. It wasn't a bad read at all, but I didn't love it. It is very predictable, but also has some surprises.
The main character Jenna, is being hunted by her ex husband David. This man is insane. She is on the run for years hiding from him. While on the run she ends up at a ranch where she meets Jack. Jack instantly falls in love with Jenna and it goes from there.
Things happened so fast that I couldn't feel the love. It seems strange that they were so in love because there was no build up to it. I kept rolling my eyes when they would say they couldn't live without each other. I guess, if the author had built up to the love and romance the book would have been 1000 pages.
I didn't like the way Jenna was suppose to be so perfect. For goodness sake, the horse that hated everyone was in love with her. The dog fell in love with her. All men were in love with her. Give me a break, that was just unrealistic. She started giving his family things and she barely knew them. If they were so in love, why didn't Jack tell her he had a brother. Some things just didn't add up.
I think I will pass on the rest of the series. Good luck to you on this one.
The main character Jenna, is being hunted by her ex husband David. This man is insane. She is on the run for years hiding from him. While on the run she ends up at a ranch where she meets Jack. Jack instantly falls in love with Jenna and it goes from there.
Things happened so fast that I couldn't feel the love. It seems strange that they were so in love because there was no build up to it. I kept rolling my eyes when they would say they couldn't live without each other. I guess, if the author had built up to the love and romance the book would have been 1000 pages.
I didn't like the way Jenna was suppose to be so perfect. For goodness sake, the horse that hated everyone was in love with her. The dog fell in love with her. All men were in love with her. Give me a break, that was just unrealistic. She started giving his family things and she barely knew them. If they were so in love, why didn't Jack tell her he had a brother. Some things just didn't add up.
I think I will pass on the rest of the series. Good luck to you on this one.
February 20, 2013
I was in the mood for a good cowboy romance when I started reading Saved by the Rancher. Unfortunately all it did was ruin my mood.
Let’s start with the cover. I am not usually someone who goes on and on about covers but I have to comment on this one. I live out in the country and I can tell you for a fact you will never catch a rancher dressed like that. He is a total turn off with that denim vest from the 1980s along with that plaid work shirt that for some reason is missing its arms. Obviously I don’t need to say anything about the Photoshopped dog. This cover needs help.
As for the story, the whole time I was reading it I was predicting what would happen next and guess what. I was right on the money. There were no surprises at all. I felt like the author took a bunch of elements found in most romance novels and put them all here together. The romance felt rushed and cliché and did not ring true for me at all.
I wish I could find something I like about this book but I can’t. I hate to be so down about it but I just did not enjoy this at all.
Let’s start with the cover. I am not usually someone who goes on and on about covers but I have to comment on this one. I live out in the country and I can tell you for a fact you will never catch a rancher dressed like that. He is a total turn off with that denim vest from the 1980s along with that plaid work shirt that for some reason is missing its arms. Obviously I don’t need to say anything about the Photoshopped dog. This cover needs help.
As for the story, the whole time I was reading it I was predicting what would happen next and guess what. I was right on the money. There were no surprises at all. I felt like the author took a bunch of elements found in most romance novels and put them all here together. The romance felt rushed and cliché and did not ring true for me at all.
I wish I could find something I like about this book but I can’t. I hate to be so down about it but I just did not enjoy this at all.
August 3, 2018
So 2.5 stars. Maybe 3.
The writing style is weird. I liked the underlying story but the romance was weird.
I felt it was promising and then it got a bit weird. I can't put my finger on it but I think it was the instant love which I haven't read in an adult book so weird before.
Liked both characters. Villian is great I hated him which was the point. I doubt I would choose to read anymore books by the author, I think the style of writing is too weird.
The writing style is weird. I liked the underlying story but the romance was weird.
I felt it was promising and then it got a bit weird. I can't put my finger on it but I think it was the instant love which I haven't read in an adult book so weird before.
Liked both characters. Villian is great I hated him which was the point. I doubt I would choose to read anymore books by the author, I think the style of writing is too weird.
June 6, 2013
The Author of this book is a very talented writer. I know this is a fiction, and no part of the book is real. With that being said it reminded me people just like Jenna go through this in real life. So many woman are abused by their husbands. If they manage to get away and get a divorce, their ex will stalk them. At times the insane obsessive attacker will not stop until one of them dies.
Jenna had been hiding from David her abusive ex-husband. David is a wealthy man. He made hospital records vanish, and he paid for alibis. The longest Jenna was able to stay hidden was 5 months. To David this was a game. He hunted Jenna down just to taunt her. He started out by stalking her, but the longer this went on the more aggressive he became. After one of the attacks Jenna fled to Colorado to heal. Jack found her unconscious in the cabin that she rented from him. Jack didn’t know her story or why anyone would hurt another person the way someone had hurt Jenna. He knew he couldn’t turn his back. He took Jenna in, and mended her wounds. The romance was sweet in this book. Jack and Jenna were able to find love and happiness. They both knew Jenna still had a target on her back. I loved the end of this book. I was thankful Jenna was able to have the life she had always dreamed about. The ending was explosive, and kept me on the edge of my seat.
Jenna had been hiding from David her abusive ex-husband. David is a wealthy man. He made hospital records vanish, and he paid for alibis. The longest Jenna was able to stay hidden was 5 months. To David this was a game. He hunted Jenna down just to taunt her. He started out by stalking her, but the longer this went on the more aggressive he became. After one of the attacks Jenna fled to Colorado to heal. Jack found her unconscious in the cabin that she rented from him. Jack didn’t know her story or why anyone would hurt another person the way someone had hurt Jenna. He knew he couldn’t turn his back. He took Jenna in, and mended her wounds. The romance was sweet in this book. Jack and Jenna were able to find love and happiness. They both knew Jenna still had a target on her back. I loved the end of this book. I was thankful Jenna was able to have the life she had always dreamed about. The ending was explosive, and kept me on the edge of my seat.
May 16, 2021
So it's official, I am completely hooked on Jennifer Ryan's books. She's an author who's books have been on my kindle but I kept putting them on hold *kicking self*. I thoroughly enjoy her writing style, her stories and her characters. Each book seems to have a rugged alpha hero but when they fall for their women they fall fast, fall hard, and fall completely. Yeah, that always hooks me!!
In this book we have Jack Turner, ex-military cowboy (swoon), who finds himself caring for a woman who is running from an abusive ex. Jenna Merrick may not be physically as strong as her ex but she's smart, determined, and angry. She will have her ultimate revenge!
This is a fantastic book and I highly recommend it to everyone.
In this book we have Jack Turner, ex-military cowboy (swoon), who finds himself caring for a woman who is running from an abusive ex. Jenna Merrick may not be physically as strong as her ex but she's smart, determined, and angry. She will have her ultimate revenge!
This is a fantastic book and I highly recommend it to everyone.
March 19, 2023
OH, Oh my. I love that cowboy, but I think this time around I love her, Jenna, more. She was brave, strong, smart, fierce, loyal, had brains and knew how to use it all to her advantage. This series has me with this book alone. I will follow where it leads.
Jenna Caldwell Merrick comes to town with nothing more than her bruised body in tow. She needs so much and asks for nothing. Jack sees she needs help but wont push. He finds that there is something there between them. He does all he can to give Jenna what she needs. The read was perfect for me. It was impactful, sweet, light (in places), serious, painful, strong, beautiful. Good characters that were rich and well developed. A read I will not forget.
Jenna Caldwell Merrick comes to town with nothing more than her bruised body in tow. She needs so much and asks for nothing. Jack sees she needs help but wont push. He finds that there is something there between them. He does all he can to give Jenna what she needs. The read was perfect for me. It was impactful, sweet, light (in places), serious, painful, strong, beautiful. Good characters that were rich and well developed. A read I will not forget.
January 13, 2016
I have to admit that this was a very tough book for me to read. It deals, quite graphically, with the subject of spousal abuse. Having been a victim of abuse in the past I truly struggled with reading those scenes -- too close for comfort in a couple of instances. While I liked the characters and found myself caring about them, I have to say that given what Jenna had been going through for the past few years, there is just NO way she would open up and trust people so quickly. Not.Gonna.Happen. Someone in her position would not be able to allow herself to trust, let alone fall in love and start having a sexual relationship.
January 18, 2016
I ABSOLUTELY FELL IN LOVE WITH JACK AND JENNA FROM THE START OF THIS BOOK AND IT JUST GREW AA THE STORY WENT. JENNA IS RUNNING FROM AN ABUSIVE EX HUSBAND OBSESSED WITH HER AND HER LAWYER AND ONLY FRIEND LEADS HER TO JACKS RANCH WHERE HE BELIEVES SHE WILL BE SAFE AND JACK WILL PROTECT HER. HE WAS NOT WRONG BUT HE ALSO NEVER IMAGINED THEY WOULD FALL FOR EACH OTHER AND NOT SO QUICK. JENNAS EX CATCHES UP WITH HER AND NEARLY KILLS HER BUT JACK AND JENNA WILL GET THE LAST SHOT IN IN MORE THEN ONE WAY.
April 2, 2013
Where do I start with this one? The brutality of the abuse suffered at the hands of her crazy x, too over the top. I was able to finish but the end in the boardroom scenes I wanted to throw my e-reader at my dog! Who sat there and let me read this. The characters were so one-dimensional, the hero and heroine especially, lame-o. The shopping sprees, will writing, car buying .. So manic and not fun to read at all. Although the story was unbelievable it was well written.
December 5, 2014
I was a bit skeptical about getting this book. I've seen 'Saved by the Rancher' show up on my "recommend for you" last couple of times. I read the story line and immediately was intrigued, so I thought..why not. I have to say, this book had me from page 1 & I could not.put.it.down.
I didn't give Saved by the Rancher the full five stars because there were editing issues. But overall..this is a fantastic book!
I didn't give Saved by the Rancher the full five stars because there were editing issues. But overall..this is a fantastic book!
October 26, 2013
Once I started reading, didn't want to stop. Hope that Sam gets a HEA
January 27, 2014
This book wasn't worth the 99 cents I paid for it. The dialogue was trite and the characterizations completely unrealistic. I will never buy another book by this author.
May 19, 2014
This book has many plot holes.
March 19, 2015
interesting story , if you can get past the insta love, and the juvenile writing style.
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